There is too much confusion about clubs and shafts. The main thing all golfers should do is take lessons, get comfortable with your swing and get fitted before you purchase any clubs.

But even before you do that you should learn a little about shafts so you have some understanding of what the fitting process does.

Most golfers buy their clubs right off the shelf. Most are never fitted by a pro. That's not recommended for the average golfer even though none of us are threatening to turn professional any time soon.

But to get the most out of your swing and game, getting fitted for the right kind of club is a must. Part of the fitting process includes measurment for the optimum club shaft, both in length, stiffness, tip, kick, weight, material, etc.

Most maunfacturers work with major shaft companies to produce and make available clubs that perform with their specific club model. Invariably the end-user has a choice of club/shaft - particularly with drivers and fairway woods, though irons and hybrids can be purchased with specific shafts too.

Major makers also carry club lines with their stock shaft - and thats the one most average golfers purchase. It may be a regular flex graphite shaft or a basic metal shaft. Whatever it is, it's off the shelf and the one we always "test" while in the store. While there are numerous problems with just buying a club after hitting a few shots in the store, the main one is you typically are hindered in trying different shafts on the same club.

Demo days with major manufacturers is the best way to try out clubs. Nearly every conceivable combination of specific clubs/shafts/lie is available. And comparisons between brands can be conducted while hitting full shots and seeing the true trajectory of the ball.

Get Fitted

Getting fitted is a must. Two players with identical swing speeds might need completely different shafts - shorter swings need a stiffer tip while longer swings typically require a stiffer butt and soft tip.

Weight too, makes a difference. Today's 460cc driver heads can impact the total weight of the club. Less weight means faster swing speeds - and swings that maintain their plane. Afterall, the ultimate goal of every golfer is to: maintain speed, plane and have a square face at impact. The club shaft figures into all of that.

Cost isn't necessarily a factor in the best shaft for you. There are shaft models that demand as much as $1,200! But is that one right for you? Probably not - after all Tiger Woods uses a Diamana shaft that is available to every golfer.

Ultimately, it's performance and feel that should indicate to the golfer which shaft is best. So before you purchase your next set of clubs, get professionally fitted. That way you'll play the shaft that fits your swing instead of just getting the shaft. Get it?