When most golfers think about upgrading their driver, they focus on the clubhead. But here’s the truth: the shaft is just as important—sometimes more. The right driver shaft can completely change the way you launch the ball, control your dispersion, and maximize distance. At Next Round Golf, we carry a wide variety of used driver shafts from top brands, so you can find a premium upgrade without paying full retail.
If you’ve ever asked yourself:
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What driver shaft is right for me?
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What’s the difference between stiff, regular, and senior flex?
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Does shaft weight really matter?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why the Shaft Matters
The shaft is the engine of the driver. It controls how energy transfers from your swing to the clubhead, which directly impacts:
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Launch angle – Higher or lower ball flight.
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Spin rate – Too much spin balloons the ball; too little can hurt carry distance.
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Shot shape – Shafts can help promote a draw, fade, or neutral flight.
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Consistency – A shaft that matches your swing helps you find the fairway more often.
That’s why tour pros spend hours testing shafts. The good news? You don’t need a tour truck to find a great fit—you can shop used driver shafts at Next Round Golf for a fraction of the cost.
Shaft Flex: Matching Speed to Control
Flex refers to how much the shaft bends during your swing. Picking the right flex is key to balancing power and accuracy.
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Extra Stiff (X-Flex): Designed for swing speeds over 105 mph. Helps strong players control ball flight.
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Stiff (S-Flex): Ideal for swing speeds between 95–105 mph. Common choice for competitive golfers.
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Regular (R-Flex): Works for swing speeds around 85–95 mph. A balance of distance and forgiveness.
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Senior (A-Flex): Great for slower swing speeds (75–85 mph). Helps get the ball airborne more easily.
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Ladies (L-Flex): Lightweight, flexible shafts built to maximize launch and carry at lower swing speeds.
If your driver feels like it’s spraying in every direction, there’s a good chance your shaft flex doesn’t match your swing.
Shaft Weight: Finding Your Comfort Zone
Shafts typically range from 40 grams to 80 grams. Here’s a breakdown:
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40–50g (Lightweight): Easier to swing, generates higher launch and more distance. Best for players who want help generating speed.
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60–70g (Midweight): A balance of control and speed. Works for most average golfers.
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70–80g (Heavy): Preferred by stronger, faster players who want maximum control and stability.
Lighter doesn’t always mean better—sometimes adding a bit of weight gives you more rhythm and accuracy.
Shaft Material: Graphite Is King
Unlike irons, where you can choose between steel and graphite, driver shafts are almost always graphite. Graphite reduces weight, increases speed, and allows for different bend profiles. The innovation in modern graphite shafts means golfers can fine-tune feel and performance more than ever.
Popular Driver Shaft Models You’ll See at Next Round
At Next Round Golf, we carry many of the most sought-after shafts on the market. Some of the most popular include:
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Project X HZRDUS Smoke: Low spin, penetrating ball flight. Great for aggressive swingers.
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Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw: A Tour favorite with balanced feel and control.
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Fujikura Ventus: Known for its stability and dispersion control.
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Aldila Rogue Silver: Classic low-spin option with smooth feel.
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UST Mamiya Helium: Lightweight shaft that helps players increase launch and distance.
These shafts have been trusted on Tour and are now available to everyday golfers looking for performance upgrades.
Signs You’re Using the Wrong Driver Shaft
Not sure if your current shaft fits you? Look for these warning signs:
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Ballooning ball flight with little roll → Too soft of a shaft.
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Low, slicing ball flight → Too stiff of a shaft.
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Inconsistent contact and dispersion → Shaft weight or flex mismatch.
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Feeling like you have to “swing harder” to get results → Wrong flex or weight profile.
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time for a change.
Buying Used Driver Shafts: A Smart Move
Brand-new aftermarket driver shafts can cost anywhere from $200–$400. But at Next Round Golf, you can shop used driver shafts in excellent condition for a fraction of the price. Each one is inspected for quality, so you can buy with confidence.
Why buy used?
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Save money while still getting premium performance.
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Experiment affordably with different weights and profiles.
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Pair multiple shafts with your driver head for different course conditions.
Which Driver Shaft Is Best for Me?
The answer depends on your swing. But here are some quick recommendations:
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Slower swingers (under 85 mph): Go lighter and more flexible for max distance.
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Mid-speed swingers (85–100 mph): Stick with regular or stiff flex in the 55–65g range.
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Fast swingers (100+ mph): Consider stiff or extra stiff shafts in the 65–75g range for control.
And remember—you don’t need to buy new. At Next Round, you can try a premium shaft at a used price.
Upgrade Your Driver with Next Round Golf
Whether you’re chasing more distance, tighter fairways, or just a better feel, the right shaft can transform your game. With hundreds of used driver shafts available, Next Round Golf makes it easy to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Shop used driver shafts today at Next Round Golf and find the perfect fit for your swing.