The Best Driver Shafts for Extra Distance

You probably know the brand of your driver and how far you can hit it when you catch it on the sweet spot, but do you know which company makes the best driver shafts for distance? To start with you must know the flex of your shaft – what about the weight, length, of flex point?

A common mistake made by golfers when buying a new driver is not paying attention to the shaft. The biggest advantage if you spend the money on being “fit” for your clubs, is getting the perfect shaft for your swing.

The correct shaft will give you a much better chance of hitting long and straight tee shots and the wrong shaft can seriously impact your scorecard.

Make sure the technology in your club is working with you, not against you.

What is the best driver shaft for extra distance? The answer won’t be the same for every player. The key is matching the shaft to the player – find a love connection.

What Shaft Should I Use for My Driver?

This depends on several factors, but the first thing you need to determine is the appropriate flex. Should you be using a senior, firm, regular, stiff or extra stiff?

The key to this decision is your swing speed.

For example, if your swing speed is between 80 and 95 mph, you probably want a regular shaft. If you are up over 105 mph, you may need an extra stiff shaft.

Do you know your swing speed? If not, how can you measure it? Assuming you don’t own a device (they can be purchased), there are a couple of easy ways to get your swing speed tested.

Almost all golf retail chains now have simulators to help you try out clubs in the store. If you visit one to try out some drivers, the clerk will be able to tell you your swing speed.

Or look for a “demo day” at a course near you. Golf manufacturers will use these to try to sell you new clubs, but they will have a trackman setup and can tell you your swing speed.

Other key features on a shaft include weight, flex point, and length. The standard length for a driver is 45 inches and this will work for most players. More length on a driver shaft will add distance but will be harder to hit straight.

Pay attention to flex point – if you hit the ball too high, the correct shaft can help you lower your ball flight.

The Top Rated Driver Shafts Reviewed for 2021

To summarize, there is a lot of technology in your shaft, so don’t take the decision lightly. If you are looking to add some yardage off the tee, below are 5 great products to consider.

Project X New HZRDUS Yellow 65 Driver/Fairway Shaft

The Project X HZRDUS Yellow shaft is designed for a player with a moderate tempo who wants help hitting the ball lower.

It has also been built to reduce the amount of backspin on your ball when struck by your driver or fairway wood. Lower spin and lower ball flight will help this player gain distance off the tee.

This shaft is offered with three different flexes (Regular (5.5), Stiff (6.0), and Extra Stiff (6.5)) and weighs 63 grams. The shaft is sold at 46” long, but the engineers recommend you install it at the standard length of 45”.

Pros:

• Feels great – tapered midsection of the shaft provides great feedback to the player.
• Does your drive float? If you lose distance due to high, soft ball flight, this shaft can instantly add yards.
• Lightweight – at only 63 grams, this shaft is very light.
• Regular flex option (5.5) means this shaft can be used by more players – not only for golfers with tremendous club head speed.

Cons:

• Although still moderately priced, shaft is slightly more expensive than other options on our list.

Accuflex Pro Long Drive 50″

You said you wanted more distance, right? The Accuflex Pro LD 50” was designed with only one thing in mind – long drives! This shaft has been used in long drive contests throughout the world and is the winningest shaft in long drive history.

It is very light for a 50” shaft, weighing only 72 grams. This shaft has 5 different flex options (Stiff, X-stiff, 2X, 3X, 4x) and all have mid-high or high kick points.

Is this shaft designed to be used on the course? Not really – 50” is above the legal limit for tournament golf but can be a lot of fun during a casual round or at the range.

Pros:

• Distance – learn to hit this club and you will add yardage.
• Proven Winner – has won more long drive contests than any other shaft on the market.
• Light Weight – for 50”, amazingly light.
• Economically priced, compared to other long drive shafts.

Cons:

• This shaft is designed for long drive contests – 50” is above legal limit for tournament play and no flexes offered weaker than stiff.

Aldila NVS 65 Graphite Driver Shaft

The Aldila NVS 65 is the heaviest shaft in the NVS Orange series. The NVS Orange features ALDILA® ‘s NexGen Micro Laminate Technology (MLT).

This design feature helps to eliminate inconsistent shots due to flaws in shaft construction and improves the feel for the player.

This shaft is offered in two different flexes; regular or stiff. The regular weighs 67 grams and the stiff version weighs 68 grams. Both flexes are designed with a mid kick point. The driver is sold at a length of 46” and the recommended install length is 45”.

For reference, if your swing speed is between 81-90, choose the regular and if you swing from 91-105 go with stiff. This driver is engineered for high launch and high spin.

Pros:

• Great feel – shaft is constructed to provide the player with feedback and offer playability.
• Additional options – NVS line of shafts also include a pink version for ladies’ swing speed.
• Do you struggle to get the ball in the air and you want to carry the ball further? This shaft provides higher launch and higher spin.

Cons:

• Not for long hitters – not the best option if you are looking for extra stiff.

AccuFLEX Tantrum World Long Drive LDA REMAX 48″ Shaft

If you are serious about getting the best driver shafts for distance on your clubs by adding length, but you want a long driveshaft you can legally use on the course, the Tantrum is an interesting option.

AccuFLEX designed this shaft to be high launch and low spin using their new NanoTech Engineering. The bottom of the shaft contains proprietary Nano Composite which allows them to create a shaft that improves playability (feel) without increasing spin.

This shaft is designed for faster club head speed and it is offered in 5 flex options (Stiff, X-stiff, 2X, 3X, 4X). The shaft weighs 75 grams.

Pros:

• Proven long drive contest shaft that is legal for tournament play.
• Produces low spin and low-ball flight, for longer drives.
• With flex options all the way to quadruple extra stiff, this shaft can work for even the fastest swings.
• Economically priced.

Cons

• This shaft is not for every golfer – weakest flex is stiff, so truly only for the young and strong! Also, trying to play a driver longer than 45” on the course can be challenging.

Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Driver Shaft

The Silver duel-core Tini series is a Mitsubishi design innovation that features a carbon fiber, elastic titanium nickel wire (TiNi) blend in the tip-section. The goal is to deliver more stability, power and control.

The other cool feature is the Variable Torque system. Players of different skill level will benefit from different torque and flex combinations, based on swing speed.

You pick the weight and flex – the engineers have picked the correct torque.

This line of shafts is offered for all swing speeds from 80 – 106, with flexes including regular, stiff, and extra-stiff.

You can find this shaft in several different weights including 57g, 59g, 60g, 65g, 67g, 69g, 76g, 77g, 86g, and 97g whilst the length is 46”, with a recommended install length of 45”.

Pros:

• Variety – plenty of options for flex and weight.
• Variable torque system – provides the player with the correct torque based on their swing.
• A cheap option.

Cons:

• Less brand recognition than other options.

FAQs

Question: I understand my swing speed is important when choosing a shaft, but what if I don’t know it?
Answer: Recommend finding a way to test your swing speed. There are a few options.
1) You can purchase a device that measures it.
2) visit a local golf retailer that has a simulator or
3) attend a “demo day” at your club – the manufacturer will have a swing speed measuring device. Always a good idea to know your swing speed before selecting a shaft.

Question: Who sets legal limits on clubs and shafts?
Answer: The rules of golf, including limits on shafts, are set by the USGA (United States Golf Association) and the R&A (Royal & Ancient).

These two organizations partner to set the requirements for the sport of golf. Almost all professional and amateur tournaments play by these rules.

Question: If I buy just a shaft, how can I get it properly installed?
Answer: Your local club/pro shop most likely does this type of club maintenance, or you can leverage a golf retail store.

Typically, this type of golf club maintenance is relatively cheap, if you provide all of the equipment (head, shaft, etc.). It is possible you will have to buy an adapter if you don’t have one.

Question: Can I cut down a shaft to any length?
Answer: Most shaft manufacturers provided a recommended length for their shaft and this is based on the overall design.

If you adjust your shaft length to a non-recommended length, you may undermine the technology and design.

Question: If I buy just a shaft, will I need an adapter to connect it to my head?
Answer: In most cases, Yes. When you purchase just the shaft, you will need an adaptor. Some shafts are sold with one, so make sure you read the fine print or confirm with the seller of the shaft.

Question: I am 65 years old and a high handicapper. I just noticed I have an extra stiff shaft in my driver – does this hurt my distance off the tee?
Answer: 99% sure the answer is yes. We Would recommend you try a senior or regular shaft. The flex in the shaft will actually increase your speed, leading to longer, higher tee shots.

Shafts: Adjustments Can Make All the Difference

If you are looking for more distance off the tee, picking the correct shaft is critical, but it can also be overwhelming. Length, Flex, Weight and Torque – why is this so hard?

All you wanted to know was the best shaft to add yardage and hit fairways.

If you want maximum performance from your driver shaft, the best thing you can do is get fit by a professional. They will have you hit a bunch of drives, review your stats with you, and give you recommendations for the best option.

You will be amazed at how much your speed and accuracy change just by hitting different shafts. It is a good way to invest in your game.

Or course, being fitted isn’t cheap and if you want more distance, but don’t want to pay for a professional fitting, make sure you consider a couple of things before selecting your shaft.

First, learn your swing speed and make sure you pick a shaft that has the flex that matches your speed. You don’t want to be swinging 85 mph with an extra-stiff shaft, just like you don’t want to be swinging 110 mph with a regular shaft. Both will cause a loss of distance and accuracy.

Second, do you struggle to get the ball in the air, or do you hit high floaters? Read about the shaft options and pick once designed to help with your miss.

If you make your choice based on these two factors, you will be happy with your selection. You will get the best driver shafts for distance off the tee and you will hit more fairways. More distance plus more fairways equal lower scores and more fun!