proper shaft

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased a new 2007 Taylormade Burner off ebay and it comes with a stock 50g stiff shaft. I'm considering replacing the shaft with something heavier, but I'm not sure what weight. I'm 20 years old, roughly 5'8" and 150 lbs. I'm not 100% on swing speed, but would guess 90-100 range. My previous driver is a Nike NDS with a regular shaft and I feel like it's getting too "whippy". Any suggestions you have would be great. Thanks.

ANSWER: There is alot more to shaft selection than just weight. The shaft in the current club is at 50 gram due to the added length of the driver so as to maintain a particular swing weight.

Personally, because you are younger I would recommend a 65g shaft and make it to 44 or 44.5 inches. That way you maintain the feel and gain consistency with the shorter length.

Your swing speed is on the edge for a stiff shaft. In replacing the current shaft I would the clubmaker to tip a regular shaft about an inch, then cut to length.

If money is not object then the Mitsubishi Diamana blue is a favorite or the new ATTAS from UST.

If you are on a budget then UST V2 or Aldila NVS are great selections,

When selecting a clubmaker make sure he is certified or tested to ensure your get the best


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks. I was looking into the Aldila DVS as an option on ebay, but haven't checked out the NVS or the other choices. Do you have any suggestions as to where I could search for different shafts? Unfortunately if I go the ebay route, I don't know where I would go to have the shaft shortened.

ANSWER: Each of the manufacturers have the information you are looking for, Ball flight weight ETC.

Certain Clubmakers have a personal set of information about each shaft to help you but usually that comes when you complete a fitting.

Try www.clubmakersguild.com for a clubmaker to help you out for a fitting or just to change the shaft

Thanks
Jim
International clubmaker of the year
McGolf

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey, it's been a few days since I first contacted you about replacing the shaft in my 2007 Taylormade Burner, but I think I've found the shaft I want; a Fujikura Motore F1 designed for Taylormade. According to the seller, it is stiff shaft, 43 inches long, 65 grams, and has a .335 tip. Do you know if the .335 tip is the correct size for the 2007 Burner, and would 43 inches be ok for length since you recommended 44 or 44.5 for my height?

Answer
If the taylormade is a tour model it is more than likely to be a .335. Taylormade is notorious for different hosel diameters. So truly without looking I could not tell you. However the .335 is the better choice because you can shim the shaft to fit the larger hosel diameters.

43" is a good length as when placed in the head it will come out to 44.5 or longer.

Be warned that most shafts that state they are made for a particular OEM are NOT the original aftermarket shaft and should not being big dollars.