| 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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