Is a 50-gram driver shaft too light?

Shafts that weigh 50 grams are very light and are popular among golfers who have trouble swinging the club fast. They also give a nice boost to the driving distance of senior players.

I’ve always thought that, in terms of physique, a lighter shaft would translate into more club head speed, which may translate into 5 to 10 yards or more in the distance. However, I recently researched shaft weight selection more deeply and realized it all boils down to your swing speed.

So, if you’re thinking of trying a 50-gram shaft for your driver and you’re hesitant because most OEM and aftermarkets are in the 60 to 70-gram range, that is normal.

You want to be sure it’s the right driver shaft weight for your game. Read on to learn more about the 50-gram driver shaft.

Specifications of 50-gram Gram Driver Shafts

The Key Idea of Lighter Driver Shaft

A lighter driver shaft helps you hit the golf ball more accurately and farther. Lighter beams make your swing faster, so you can hit the ball straighter and more powerfully.

But there’s a downside.

Lighter shafts are less forgiving. If you don’t hit the ball perfectly, it might not go as far as it would with a heavier rod.

This makes more sense, especially when you consider the results from a test conducted by Golf WRX, which revealed that lighter shafts are best for experienced golfers who consistently hit the ball well.

But what happens when you use a golf driver shaft that is too light?

Using a golf driver’s’s’s shaft that’s too light can cause control and accuracy issues, leading to inconsistent shots and potential injury.

While it might increase swing speed, it can sacrifice distance and control.

Is 50-gram shafts too light?

It depends on your swing speed. The 50-gram driver shaft is forgiving and easy to control when hitting your shots. These shafts are not too light for beginners and older golfers.

• Beginners find them helpful because they’re easier to handle while learning the game.
• As beginners get better at golf, they can switch to heavier shafts.
• For older golfers, lightweight shafts are helpful because they might not swing the club as fast or as strongly as they used to.
• Using a lightweight shaft helps them control the club better, making their shots more consistent.

So basically, if you’re just starting golf or getting older and your swing isn’t as strong, a 50-gram driver shaft isn’t too light because it helps you control your shots better and makes the game easier to play.

But then, you must seriously consider your swing speed and how it matches the driver shaft weight you want to use.

It’s All About Your Swing Speed

Choosing a heavier driver shaft makes you use more power, which increases your swing speed. This can help you hit better shots because your clubhead moves faster.

But if you want a more accessible game and don’t need to hit the ball too hard, go for a lighter shaft.

This is why swing speed is critical to knowing whether a 50-gram driver shaft is too light for you. Here’s a table to further help you identify this area:

According to research from MyGolfSpy, golfers were tested using different shaft weights: one light at 55 grams and one heavy at 75 grams.

Here’s what they found:

• Most testers (80%) hit the ball farther with the lighter shaft.

• However, more golfers (60%) got better overall distance with the heavier rod.

• Also, 60% of players had faster ball speeds with heavier rods.
• If you struggle to get the ball up in the air, a lighter post might be better for you.

The best way to find the right weight for your driver shaft is by getting help from a pro. They’ll help you figure out what works best for you based on how you swing and play, with an emphasis on your swing speed.

How Do You Know Your Swing Speed?

The best way to know your swing speed is to use a launch monitor while hitting balls on the range. You can use the ones available at the local golf club or golf retail store if you don’t have any.

How to Know If Your Driver Shaft is Too Light

If your driver shaft feels too light, such that your wrists unhinge during your swing, it means the post is too light. This can cause issues with your swing path, like duck hooks and excessive draws.

To fix this, Golf Digest coach Liam Mucklow recommends “switching to a heavier shaft for better control.”

However, you can tell if the driver shaft is too flexible when the clubhead kicks up at impact and veers left (for right-handers).

In other words, when you start having too many unwanted hooks, it can indicate a driver shaft that is too light or flexible.

Understanding Driver Shaft Weight (Video)

For a long time, graphite shafts have been popular in golf clubs. How heavy a post should have always been confusing for many players. Can lighter ones help golfers? How do you pick the right one?

I like how golf equipment expert Michael Vrska explains all about shaft weight myths and how to choose the best equipment in this video:

I’ve always stuck with shafts that weigh at least 60 grams for my driver.

But Michael’s knowledge has me thinking about trying lighter ones this spring.

In Summary

Remember, it’s not just about looks when picking out a new driver. Pay attention to the shaft’s weight along with its flexibility and torque.

Even small changes in weight, like 10 grams, can affect your swing—how it feels, how fast the clubhead moves, and how accurate your shots are.

• It all depends on your swing speed, too. A 50-gram shaft will be too light if your swing speed is 90–105 mph.
• A 50-gram driver shaft is excellent if you struggle with distance or want more consistency in your shots, giving you a forgiving club with a medium to high trajectory.
• For more experienced players who want a lower ball flight but still some forgiveness, a 60-gram shaft is a good bet.
• But this weight works well for most golfers.

If you’re new to golf or still getting the hang of it, sticking with a 50-gram shaft can help you get better at hitting the ball where you want it to go.

It’s perfect for moderate swing speeds (76–84 mph).