6 Best Driver Shafts: 2023

You’ll no doubt know that golf enthusiasts are huge talkers when it comes to their golf clubs and how they improve their accuracy and driving distance. You’ll often hear how a new driver has gained a boastful player 10 yards or how a certain lofted wedge produces better backspin.

One thing you won’t hear as often in the 19th hole is how the shaft on a driver has made a positive impact on a player’s game. But trust us – you should never underestimate the importance of your golf shaft. Those of you who’ve been for a golf club fitting will know that the right driver shaft can make a huge difference to your swing.

Every shaft is different, and choosing the wrong one can hamper your ability to hit shots further or more accurately. That’s why we’ve examined the best driver shafts on offer in 2023. But, not only this, we also got a few tips on selecting the right driver shaft, and why this can make a difference to your long game.

Don’t say we’re not good to you! So, let’s get started!

Which are the Best Driver Shafts in 2023?

Let’s dive straight in and see which are the best driver shafts on the market right now. We’ll be mentioning the specifications, what makes them good buys, and any potential strengths and weak points. Let’s tee off with the best overall driver shaft on our list:

1. Best overall: Mitsubishi TENSEI™ CK Pro Series Shaft

Mitsubishi is a popular choice among professional tour golfers. The Mitsubishi TENSEI™ CK Pro Series, its most recent golf shaft, may end up being the most popular yet. Constructed from several materials, the shaft brings incredible performance and feel to a golf game – its versatility makes it popular among golfers of many skill levels.

The TENSEI™ CK Pro shaft is highly responsive and extremely strong due to the one-of-a-kind XLING duel-phase tech resin, which enhances reliability and power. A high-quality driver shaft generally comes at quite a price, but, the good news is, these ones are actually very affordable.

The versatility of the Mitsubishi TENSEI™ CK Pro Series makes it perfect for average to high-swing speed golfers. Its mid-kick point means you’ll achieve excellent forgiveness and enhanced distances.

If you’re looking for a shaft to specifically increase club head speed, try the Mitsubishi TENSEI™ CK Pro Series Orange. Whichever of the series you opt for, you’ll get one of the best driver shafts available in 2023.

Specifications

• Length: 46 inches
• Flex: L, R, S, and TX
• Weight: 60 to 86 grams

Pros

• Excellent for moderate to high swing speeds.
• Phenomenal mid-kick point.
• The lightweight design increases club head speed.
• The Carbon Fiber and Kevlar construction enhance the feel and durability.
• A high level of stability affords pro-level control.

Cons

• Some premium options may cost more than others.

Price

• Tensei CK Pro shafts start at the $165 level, but prices can vary greatly.

2. Best on a budget: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Shaft

With its low-spin design, the Project X HZRDUS Smoke driver shaft is a top contender for the best value-for-money shaft of 2023. This high-performing shaft enhances both accuracy and distance off the tee and is gaining popularity daily.

Not only is it super functional, but it is surprisingly durable and offers an incredible feel, making it an economical and valuable addition to the driver in your bag.

The Project X HZRDUS Smoke is set apart by its tip section, which boosts your launch angle to improve your golf ball flight. If you’re one of those golfers who struggle to maintain a decent ball trajectory, this feature is designed for you.

On top of this, the HZRDUS Smoke is one of the lightest shafts available, so it’ll improve swing speeds. All-in-all, the Project X HZRDUS Smoke driver shaft’s quality, and performance make it exceptional value for money. Those on a budget could do a lot worse than choosing this well-performing driver to up their game.

Specifications

• Length: 46 inches
• Flex: R, S, and TX
• Weight: 58 to 69 grams

Pros

• The low spin design allows for much-improved driving distances.
• It’s an extremely lightweight shaft.
• The energy transfer capability is very good.
• An all-around combination of feel, power, and stability is evident.
• It’s highly durable with plenty of available options for a low-spin shaft or others.

Cons

• Online availability in certain colors may be problematic.

Price

• There are some inexpensive deals available, starting from about $90, for Project X HZRDUS Smoke shafts.

3. Best for faster swing speeds: Mitsubishi Diamana TB Series Shaft

Mitsubishi Diamana graphite shafts are popular with golfers the world over due to their durable quality and reliable performance. Diamana TB Series shafts don’t disappoint with their combination of balance, weight, and flexibility. No wonder they are one of the go-to shafts for many golfers.

The Diamana TB shaft stands out with its stiff and strong flex. So, if you have a fast swing speed, this could be the shaft for you. It also is designed with a mid-to-high kick point, meaning an improved trajectory on drives.

As Diamana golf shafts are close to being the heaviest driver shafts available, they do come at an elevated cost. You’ll need to budget carefully if you want to add this shaft to your bag.

The high-quality Mitsubishi Diamana TB Series driver shaft has the capacity to enrich your golfing experience. It is arguably the best driver shaft on the market for faster swing speeds.

Specifications

• Length: 46 inches
• Flex: R, R2, S, SR, X, and TX
• Weight: 49 to 87 grams

Pros

• Boron mixed with DIALEAD™ Pitch Fiber in manufacture maximizes energy transfer and load to relocate the weight well.
• A stiff flex and low-kick point optimize spin and launch trajectory to achieve more distance on a drive.
• This is a heavy-weight driver shaft – perfect for faster swing speeds.
• The butt section of the shaft is softer, improving the feel through a golf swing.
• It is compatible with Callaway drivers, which many other shafts aren’t.

Cons

• It may be difficult to find certain colors online.

Price

• The Mitsubishi Diamana TB Series shaft is on the expensive side at a price of $370, even with its elite status among shafts on the market.

4. Best for stability: Fujikura Ventus TR Shaft

A Fujikura Ventus TR shaft is engineered especially to improve speed and accuracy in golf drives, even if you don’t strike the ball perfectly. (And, hey, we aren’t judging: we’ve all been there!). Inspired by the PGA Tour, it’s the first to include Fujikura’s VeloCore Technology in an extra stiff shaft and is a popular choice on the PGA Tour

The club head is boosted by a maximum transfer of energy from the tip region, making for higher ball speed and closer dispersion. In addition, the straight taper setup improves loading and affords a truly phenomenal feel.

The Ventus TR shaft is sleek, with a polished base featuring silver graphics. It offers you the stable and solid feel of a low-launching, low-spin shaft. The VeloCore Technology boosts your swing speed while stabilizing it through transition and into impact.

The Fujikura Ventus TR shaft is viewed by many golfers as one of the best driver shafts on today’s market. Its high-class stability, visionary technology, and exceptional performance will leave you seriously considering it as the best option to improve your golf game.

Specifications

• Length: 46 inches
• Flex: R, R2, S, X, and TX
• Weight: 56 to 90 grams

Pros

• Its feel is not too harsh despite it being exceptionally stable.
• It affords high-grade accuracy and distance due to the shaft stability.
• The VeloCore technology means greater forgiveness no matter which driver is used.

Cons

• The extra stiff tip profile might not be suitable for slower swing speeds, or golfers wanting a softer feel.

Price

• At an average of $325 to $350, the Fujikura Ventus TR is not one of the cheaper driver shaft options on the market, but the stability it offers makes it a worthwhile option.

5. Best for different swing speeds: Callaway Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-6 Shaft

The AD IZ-6 are stiff shafts to reduce spin and promote higher launch angles. The ball trajectory makes for longer distances and greater accuracy. Besides the stiffer option for a high swing speed, golfers with slower swing speeds will benefit from the regular flex options.

These softer shaft flex options mean hitting the sweet spot will be easier, leading to more positive results on the course. The shaft length of the AD IZ-6 can be adjusted depending on your individual swing speed and other preferences.

The AD IZ-6 driver shaft is manufactured using TORAYCA T1100G Carbon Fiber and reinforced by NANOALLOY technology. This strengthens the shaft’s mid-to-tip area, giving you a great feel when swinging your driver.

Specifications

• Length: 46 inches
• Flex: SR, S, and X
• Weight: 60 grams

Pros

• There are options that cater to every swing speed.
• The aerospace-like material quality enhances performance levels, for a spectacular feel and maximum performance.
• The versatile design and mid-kick point caters to all skill levels, from novice to professional.

Cons

• The firm-plus tip profile may be too stiff for the feel and swing speed of some golfers.

Price

• At around $350, the Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-6 driver shaft option may make quite a dent in your golfing budget.

6. Best for low spin: ACCRA Tour TZ6 Shaft

ACCRA golf shafts deliver higher launch angles and lower spin using extra distance drivers like an Adams XTD or a TaylorMade SLDR driver. The ACCRA Tour TZ6 driver shaft is the perfect selection if you want to increase your launch without adding any spin.

This shaft has low torque, allowing for bold swinging without risking ballooning or increasing the spin of the golf ball. The tip section of the shaft is responsive, meaning greater consistency, increased swing speed, and more draw bias. The shaft’s higher kick point near the grip means a more constant strike pattern, no matter your swing speed.

The Tour TZ6 shaft is designed and manufactured to have a strong mid-to-tip section, which means it delivers a low spin and high ball speed. If you’re looking for a low spin rate and high launch angle, the ACCRA Tour TZ6 shaft is likely the best driver shaft for you on the 2023 market.

Specifications

• Length: 46 inches
• Flex: M3, M4, and M5
• Weight: 45 to 75 grams

Pros

• The lightweight shaft generates more clubhead speed and distance.
• Includes a Tour Velvet 360 grip.
• It has a solid, yet smooth and responsive feel providing first-class control and feedback.
• It’s presented in stylish black, gold, and silver shades.
• The design has a high stability level, helping to reduce clubhead twisting.

Cons

• This shaft may not be readily available from all club fitters and golf retailers.

Price

• The ACCRA Tour TZ6 driver golf shaft is on the shelves for around $300.

Identifying the Best Driver Shaft for Your Game

Driver shafts are crucial to your golf game. You may be using steel shafts for your irons, but graphite for your driver shafts is likely more important. Why is this, you may ask?

Having the right graphite shaft fitted for your driver can immediately improve your game. You can work for ages on improving your golf swing without seeing any drastic results on the golf course. By using the right graphite shaft and shaft flex for your driver, you can improve your ball striking straight away.

And who doesn’t want a little bit more of that in their game?

With the correct golf driver shaft flex, you’ll experience an incredible upturn in your game in a short space of time. If you use the wrong driver shaft, you’ll likely experience the opposite effect, making the already-challenging game that is golf even more frustrating.

Think about it, you already pull your hair out on the golf course often enough, don’t you? Wouldn’t it make sense to improve matters by going for a fitting with a certified pro to identify the best golf driver shaft for you?

If you’re incorrectly playing with a stiff shaft, you may battle to impact the ball with a square club face. You’ll also notice your golf ball’s flight will often be lower than your playing partners’, which can affect your distance badly.

When using lighter shafts in error, the opposite can occur and your ball could gain too much elevation. This would also detract from traveling distance.

Too much flex on a shaft can hamper your accuracy too, meaning a broader shot dispersion and less consistent good scoring.

Golf Driver Shafts: What More to Think About

What else should you think about before buying a new shaft? Consider the following and compare available driver shafts before investing:

Steel shafts or graphite shafts?

Don’t be fooled. If you’re thinking about putting an offer in on a driver with a steel shaft, reconsider, and then think again. Steel shafts were more acceptable a few decades back, but these days almost every golfer who takes the game seriously uses a graphite shaft for their driver. It’s all about the driver weight when using a steel shaft compared to a graphite shaft.

Graphite shafts are typically lighter than steel ones, which is why they’re the best shafts on the market. Why is the weight of a driver important? A lighter shaft means your swing speed will be faster without you having to put in additional effort. When you’ve got 18 holes to play, this can also make a world of difference to your stamina levels.

Many golfers also prefer graphite shafts for their fairway woods as well, but steel shafts are still often seen for golf irons and wedges. Off the fairway or in the rough, many golfers prefer a heavier golf shaft, although lighter graphite shafts are becoming more popular.

The length of a driver shaft

If you shorten your driver shaft from the standard 46 inches, you’ll end up with a stiffer shaft. The result? You could be finding the short grass more and tightening your shot dispersion from the tee. In that respect, it’s often a good thing depending on where you’re looking to improve your golf game.

Finding a balance between accuracy and distance separates many amateur golfers from the pros. Make sure to choose the best driver shaft for you – one that’s going to simplify your game off the tee and give you more time to focus on your short game.

Kick point and how it affects ball flight

The kick point is the most pliable part of a golf driver shaft during a swing. With a low-kick point, your driver shaft bends closer to the head. A mid-kick point bends in the center of the shaft and a high-kick point bends closest to the club grip. The kick points on driver shafts affect the trajectory of a ball’s launch and also how the club feels.

With slower swing speeds, golfers are better off investing in shafts with a low-kick point. A fast swing speed means you should own a driver with a high-kick point, which will give your golf ball a lower launch trajectory. A mid-kick point is the easiest way of playing it safe if you believe your golf swing is pretty natural, and neither fast nor slow.

Cost

It makes sense to consider the price when buying a driver shaft, as it can be one of your more pricy components. If you’re considering buying the same make of shaft for all your hybrids and woods, it’s best to get your calculator out first. It could end up being a costly exercise.

FAQs

What qualities in golf shafts can improve a driver’s swing speed?

A driver shaft that is lightweight, flexible, and well-balanced will improve your swing speed. A higher torque rating, and utilizing high-performance materials also assist to increase your distance off the tee through an increased swing speed.

What part does the shaft length play in a golf driver?

The length of a driver’s shaft can have a huge impact on a golfer’s game. It’s crucial to find the right balance between comfort, distance, and accuracy on the golf course. Work with a professional club fitter to find the best shaft length for your playing style and swing characteristics before you invest in a new one for your driver.

What is the ideal golf shaft flex for a driver?

The ideal flex for a driver shaft depends on your swing speed. If you have a slower swing speed, you should consider a more flexible shaft, but golfers with faster swing speeds will likely seek stiffer shafts. So there’s no ideal flex for a shaft in general, but there will be an ideal flex for you personally.

How does the weight of a driver shaft affect performance?

The weight of a shaft can impact performance in numerous ways. A lighter shaft can help you to generate more distance and clubhead speed and a heavier shaft provides better accuracy and control. The perfect weight for you will depend on your style of playing and your specific swing attributes.

Can I change the shaft on my driver?

You most certainly can. All shafts are suitable for any driver head but make sure you have the correct adaptor on the shaft otherwise it won’t fit. Adaptors vary by manufacturer, and can be changed by club specialists if you want to upgrade your shaft.