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Flex
Sub-flex
Combination flex
Bend/kick point
Torque
Balance point
Swingweight
Parallel tip
Taper tip
Discrete length
Step up
Step down
Unitized shafts



Flex - the resistance of a shaft to bending as force is applied in the downswing. Generally, shaft flexes are denoted by the following letter codes: L (softest), A, R, S, and X (stiffest). Products in the True Temper “Gold” series are sub-flexed (ex. S200, S300, and S400) within each flex category for greater precision in the fitting process.

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Sub-flex – True Temper’s proprietary method of determining precise flexes within each individual flex category. This is accomplished by closely monitoring shaft weight, diameter, and wall thickness in design and manufacturing. As an example, Dynamic Gold S300 weighs 1/32 of an ounce less in overall weight than Dynamic Gold S400. This results in a shaft that plays slightly more flexible while remaining in the “S” flex range.

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Combination flex – this refers to a unitized, parallel tip shaft that can be trimmed to achieve one or more flexes. Most combination flex shafts are available in A/L, R/S, or Men’s / Ladies versions.

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Bend/kick point – these terms represent the point along the shaft at which the maximum bending occurs in the downswing. As a general rule, shafts with higher bend points produce a lower, flatter trajectory while shafts with lower bend points produce a higher ball flight.

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Torque - expressed in degrees, this measurement explains the shafts resistance to twisting when a force is applied. The lower the torque rating, the more resistant the shaft is to twisting. Steel golf shafts have such low torque values (high resistance to twisting) that True Temper does not publish steel torque ratings. However, all graphite / composite shafts will have established torque values.

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Balance point – the point along the length of the shaft at which it will balance itself when placed on a fulcrum.

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Swingweight – the method by which the balance point of a finished golf club is expressed. It represents the relationship of weight distribution between the head and the grip of the golf club. It does not represent overall weight. Two clubs with identical overall weights could have substantially different swingweights leading to varying performance.

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Parallel shafts – shafts that have the same diameter for a specific length up from the tip. Generally, wood shafts will have either a .335” or .350” parallel section and parallel irons will have a .370” diameter.

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Taper tip shafts – shafts that have larger diameters out from the tip end. Today, taper tip shafts are solely for irons and have a .355” diameter at the tip. The benefit to taper tip shafts is that each shaft throughout the set is specifically designed for a corresponding head (i.e., 5-iron, 6-iron, etc.) resulting in unmatched consistency and performance.

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Discrete length – shafts that are manufactured specifically for each respective iron head. Discrete length shafts generally are taper tipped and found in lengths from 41” (1-iron) to 37” (9 iron & wedges). True Temper does offer a parallel tip, discrete length product in Tri-Gold®.

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Step up – this process can only be done with tapered tip product and will weaken the overall flex of the shaft by a sub-flex. It is accomplished by taking the 2 iron shaft and placing it in the 3 iron head and continuing this trend throughout the set. By doing this, you will increase the length to 1st step measurement by 1/2".

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Step down – this process can only be done with tapered tip product and will strengthen the overall flex of the shaft by a sub-flex. It is accomplished by taking the 3 iron shaft and placing it in the 2 iron head and continuing this trend throughout the set. By doing this, you will decrease the length to 1st step measurement by 1/2".

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Unitized shafts – shafts that are manufactured to a single, raw length (always parallel tip) and then tip and butt trimmed in increments to achieve proper step pattern and flex properties.

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