Shaft Deflection

Shaft deflection is the bending of the shaft during the swing as it loads and unloads.

As the golfer accelerates the club, the shaft flexes backward, then kicks forward as it approaches impact. This movement affects how the clubface arrives at the ball, influencing launch, spin, timing, and face angle. Every shaft deflects to some degree. The key is matching that deflection pattern to the golfer’s tempo and release.

Fitters watch shaft deflection to make sure the shaft is working with the player, not against them. Too much deflection can cause inconsistent contact or make the face harder to control. Too little can make the club feel rigid and difficult to time.

By pairing the golfer with a shaft that loads and recovers in sync with their swing, fitters help produce a more stable impact, tighter dispersion, and a predictable ball flight.