shaft weight and swing weight

Question
QUESTION: I am considering buying new clubs. My 'expert' says I will get better lag by having heavier shafts. For example, he says that a child's plastic club with very little weight is very difficult to lag.

I would have thought that swing weight was more important than shaft weight. To have more weight in the shaft nearer my hands will have much less effect on lag.

Am I right?

Thanks for your help.

Colin (Age 73, handicap 12 coming down).

ANSWER: Hi Colin:

It depends on the kick point in the shaft.  My question to you though, why are you so worried about "lag"?  Shaft weight is crucial to overall swing speed, a heavier shaft is harder to swing faster and get anything out of the shaft.  A shaft that is light enough that also has a kick point high enough is what you're after. I don't think a heavier shaft will help you Colin.  You need a lighter shaft with a kick point a little higher so you can swing it as fast as you can and not have the shaft uncontrollable.  If you have more weight in the shaft towards your hands, I agree it would have less effect on lag.  I would be more concerned with speed and launch angle rather than worrying about lag and a heavier shaft.  At age 73, even though you are a good player at a 12, you need some help to gain some speed.  

Eddie Kilthau, PGA Member

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

QUESTION: Could you give optimum factors for my situation (age 73, handicap 12 reducing) for, say, a 6 iron and a driver, for:
shaft weight
swing weight
shaft length
launch angle
clubhead speed
+ any other factors, any other clubs!
Thanks very much for your help.
Colin

Answer
Colin:

I'd be happy to, but don't take my word for it.  Go to a respected club repair place or a professional clubfitter and go get fit personally.  There is no substitute for that, only guesses on my part.  Here is what I think is close.

Shaft weight:  no more than 55 grams
Swing weight:  C9-D0
Shaft length:  standard mens
Launch angle:  standard loft
Clubhead Speed:  80-90 mph

I would think you would want the most forgiving club available, yet still looks like a players club.  All manufacturers make them.  I would consider graphite shafts for all clubs including irons, you can get more speed because graphite is lighter than steel.  

GET PROFESSIONALLY FIT.  There is no substitute for that.  Good luck Colin.  Being 73 and a 12 and going down is fantastic.  If you are going to work at your game to improve, please make sure your equipment fits you and can help you.  The worst thing you can do is to guess and not know for sure.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member