The 8 Best Driver Shafts: Pros, Cons, Reviews

Having the best golf driver shaft can make a massive difference in the direction, consistency, and distance of your drives. To help you decide, we’ll look at the best driver shafts to maximize your potential.

The right shaft is exactly the one that fits your swing speed and tempo, regardless of which shaft your favorite professional or golf buddies use.

Fortunately, the shaft should last for the club’s lifetime unless you get frustrated and break the shaft, which we’re sure you would never do. However, you might want to replace yours as your game progresses, so getting fit with one of the best golf driver shafts is crucial.

Top 3 Best Golf Shafts For Drivers

  1. Mitsubishi Diamana – Best Overall Driver Shaft
  2. Accra FX 2.0 200 Series 260 Driver Shaft – Premium Choice
  3. Project X HZRDUS Smoke – Most Options for Driver Shafts

Best Driver Shaft Reviews

1. Mitsubishi Diamana – Best Overall Driver Shaft ?

Key Features:

  • Compatible with Callaway drivers
  • Mid launch
  • Low torque
  • Durable
  • Standard length

[Check Price & See User Reviews]

Mitsubishi is a well-known brand internationally for producing motor vehicles, electronics, and sporting equipment. Some of the best golf driver shafts are included in their armory of golfing products, with the Mitsubishi Diamana D+ series having a long history of success.

Diamana D+ Plus Limited Edition is a low-launch and spin shaft designed with Dialead Pitch Fiber in the butt section for maximum stability. This includes the Multi-Dimensional Interlay and the company’s Tough-Qure Resin System for high speeds and a penetrating ball flight.

It is one of the most frequently used shafts on professional golf tours by top professional golfers, as is the DF model. The DF shaft is a low-to-mid launch and low spin shaft designed with a stiff tip section.

Diamana 2nd Generation S+

Diamana 2nd Generation S+ is designed using innovative materials featuring pitch fibers strategically positioned in the shaft for enhanced stability and performance without sacrificing feel.

It is available in various flex and shaft weights, ideally aimed at golfers requiring workability. The mid-kick point promotes medium launch and spin and maximizes distance for golfers struggling with shot dispersion and getting the ball into the air off the tee.

Diamana is graphite shafts weighing 62 – 77 grams available in R, S & X flex options.

2. Accra FX 2.0 200 Series 260 Driver Shaft – Premium Choice ?

Key Features:

  • Customizable shaft specifications available
  • Pure graphite construction
  • Tour velvet 360 grip
  • Compatible with major manufacturers (choice of adapters)
  • 3 available flexes

[Check Prices & See User Reviews]

Accra is one of the lesser-known shaft manufacturers in the amateur game but has been supplying shafts to professional golfers for decades.

The Accra FX 2.0 200 Series shaft is counterbalanced, offering one of the best driver shafts for low spin. It comes with an adapter for easy plug-and-play, making it a good driver shaft for mid to high-handicap golfers.

Lightweight shafts are explicitly engineered to provide low spin for exceptional distance and stability.

Low spin generates consistent ball flight and shot shape on each shot.

A sleek black and silver finish adds visual appeal combined with a high-quality grip installed before delivery.

3. Project X HZRDUS Smoke – Most Options for Driver Shafts ?

Key Features:

  • Stable low flex feel
  • Budget-friendly
  • 60g weighting
  • Reliable launch
  • 4 different styles to suit every golfer’s swing

[Check Prices & See User Reviews]

Project X HZRDUS Smoke

A lightweight graphite shaft ideal for golfers with slower swing speeds and is considered one of the best driver shafts for distance. It could be the best driver shaft for an 85 mph swing speed.

Project X New HZRDUS Yellow

Project X New HZRDUS Yellow is ideal for high swing speeds and is available in various adapters for maximum versatility. It offers amazing strength throughout the swing with low flex for shaft stability and dependable distance. It comes standard with a quality Golf Pride grip at delivery.

Project X Hzrdus T800 Green

This is one of the most sought-after mid-weight shafts on the market, offering an incredibly solid feel and mid-level spin, promoting extraordinary distance over control. The grip is a quality Golf Pride as standard on all HZRDUS shafts.

Project X HZRDUS Black

This is one of TrueTemper’s best stiff driver shafts currently available. It was designed for high-tempo golfers offering an extra stiff midsection for increased power in the swing. Fast-tempo golfers will produce low trajectories without sacrificing accuracy and control.

HZRDUS shafts between 62 and 75 grams, R, S & X flex options, and a high kick point are available.

True Temper offers a variety of high-quality Project X steel iron shafts as well as graphite driver shafts. It has proven to be the most versatile shaft for low-handicap golfers.

Read more: Stiff versus Regular Flex – which golf shafts should you choose?

4. Project X Even Flow – Good for High Swing Speeds ?

Key Features:

  • Huge tee-off distance
  • 46″ mold (customizable length)
  • Satisfying point of impact
  • Easy to install with many leading driver heads
  • Swing speed improvement design

[Check Prices & See User Reviews]

Another shaft True Temper makes is the Even Flow range designed for efficiently transferring load for the highest energy release at impact.

It offers a mid-launch ball flight and mid-spin, making it ideal for both drivers and fairway woods.

Project X Even Flow Blue Shaft is aimed at golfers with high swing speeds that require an outstanding feel.

The standard length of 46 inches allows room for modification should it be required.

Project X Even Flow Riptide is a mid-spin and mid-launching shaft, including the company’s Torsional Stability Optimization for stability and a smooth feel. The bend and shaft profiles of the Even Flow shaft optimizes energy release during impact.

5. Fujikura 2021 Vista Pro 60 – Best Graphite Driver Shafts for Mid-Handicappers ?

Key Features:

  • Perfect for TaylorMade clubs
  • Standard length
  • Consistent swing speed
  • Ideal launch angle for mid handicappers

[Check Prices & See User Reviews]

Fujikura is a celebrated company that has built a standing for delivering quality shafts for all driver and swing types. It’s one of the best graphite shafts on the market today.

The Fujikura Vista Pro 60 shaft is specifically to upgrade your TaylorMade driver that has lost its snap.

The company’s patented rigid “cage” structure is the basis of this graphite shaft. The thin walls offer a heavier feel without a load of extra shaft weights while promoting a consistent launch angle.

It comes in the standard 45-inch length.

The shaft also is well adept at providing a trustworthy response for more confidence, encouraging you to reach deeper for more strength and ball speed off the tee.

6. Graphite Design Tour

Key Features:

  • 5 different choices of kick point
  • Huge distance
  • Highly accurate
  • PGA approved
  • Advanced nanomaterial tech

[Check Price & See User Reviews]

AD-DI

AD-DI (Deep Impact) is designed with Graphite Design’s Nanoalloy technology in the tip section for enhanced stability, high launch, and low spin from the soft mid-section.

AD-BB

AD-BB (Blue Bullet) is a low-to-mid launch and low-spinning shaft with a stiff tip and midsections that is similar to the AD-DI, designed with the company’s Nanoalloy technology in the tip section.

AD DI

AD DI driver shafts are available in a variety of 5 different kick points (HD-4, 5, 6, 7 & 8) manufactured from high-quality carbon for enhanced rigidity and stability throughout the shaft. This results in stable spin amounts that deliver exceptional accuracy.

Graphite Design driver shafts are the shafts of choice for many golfers internationally and are available in various models for outstanding performance and feel.

Flex options available are Senior, Regular, Stiff, and Xtra-stiff. Regular flex driver shafts are good for most golfers – It’s often thought of as the best driver shaft for golfers with a 95 mph swing speed.

All graphite models come in various weight options ranging between 49 and 88 grams.

7. Mitsubishi Tensei Ck – Best Driver Shafts for Control ?

Key Features:

  • Different options impact ball flight
  • Kevlar and carbon fiber construction
  • Highly stable
  • Pro-level control

[Check Prices & See User Reviews]

Tensei is a Japanese word that translates into transformation in English. The multi-material Kevlar and carbon fiber construction offer smooth Tour-proven shaft profiles while improving feel making it extremely versatile and suitable to most levels of golfers.

It is available in a variety of models. The most popular of which are the CK Blue and CK White; take a look at them below to figure out which is best for you.

Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue

Tensei CK Blue shaft features a Carbon Fiber/DuPont Kevlar weave for a mid-launch and mid-spin ball flight.

It’s slightly higher launching and spinning than the CK White version listed below.

Mitsubishi Tensei CK White

Tensei CK Pro White shaft is a low-launching and mid-to-low spinning shaft with a stiff tip section. It’s designed to produce a more penetrating ball flight than the Blue version listed above.

8. Aldila RIPX

  • Varying weight options are available
  • Added distance off the tee
  • TaylorMade compatibility
  • Available in 4 different flexions

[Check Prices & See User Reviews]

Aldila is a universally recognized brand used by golfers around the world.

Its trademark Reverse Inter-Laminar Placement (R.I.P) technology marks the return of one of its most iconic shafts offering incomparable stability.

RIPX features Aldila’s Micro Mamba technology moving the weight from the midsection for increased stability and feel.

Graphite shafts are available in various weight options varying between 52 – 97 grams, high kick point, and in various flexes.

Why You Should Trust Us

Golfspan is independent and not pressured by manufacturers to recommend products. We were not paid for the reviews in this article. Our team has over 100 years of golf experience, has spent thousands of hours reviewing golf equipment, and has hand-picked these driver shafts. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase something through our retail links.

How To Buy The Best Driver Shaft For You

Golfers tend to look at the golf shaft flex as an indication of how strong they are and how fast their swing speed is.

There are several factors to consider when selecting the best shafts for drivers. Top driver shafts are manufactured from various materials, weights, flex, length, torque, and kick points. To get the combination correct, you must understand each component’s function.

To learn even more about shafts, you can check out our detailed golf shafts guide.

Shaft Material

Club weight is one of the most important factors in the golf swing. This makes the selection of the best golf shaft material crucial.

Although most golf drivers and woods come standard with a graphite shaft, alternative options are available. I will briefly explain the various materials and their impact on the driver shaft.

Steel

Steel is the most frequently used material in iron shafts. The progress in quality and strength of graphite shafts are making major inroads into the steel shafts’ stronghold in the market.

Although steel is heavier than graphite, the benefit is that it adds accuracy to your drives. If you however prioritize distance, the lighter graphite shaft will enable you to swing slightly faster, thus adding distance.

Carbon steel, and sometimes stainless steel, are used in the manufacturing process of steel shafts.

Steel results in stronger, more durable, and less expensive shafts that produce less torque and lateral twisting than graphite shafts.

The predominant steel shafts are:

Stepped Steel Shaft

The shaft reduces in diameter from top to bottom via some steps at intervals. One strip of steel is used in the process with a wider diameter at the grip end than the club head end. It is rolled and mechanically drawn to the required length while steps are generated.

These shafts suit many swing types and are most frequently used in irons.

Rifle Steel Shafts

Rifle steel shafts are manufactured using a similar process to stepped shafts but without a reduction in diameter or any steps. This allows for a smooth look and the electronic calibration of flex throughout a set of clubs.

Graphite Shafts

Graphite is lighter than steel, allowing manufacturers to produce lighter shafts, allowing you to add speed to your swing. Higher ball speed results in more distance while sacrificing some accuracy.

Graphite shafts are made from carbon fiber strands for weight reduction. Carbon fiber is more expensive, thus making it more expensive.

Since the material is available in a variety of colors, the major brands can add a variety of descriptions and branding onto the graphite shaft. However, this results in a loss in durability as the shafts can chafe against the sides of the bag, resulting in scratches and paint loss.

Graphite shafts weigh between 50-85 grams compared to 120 grams of their steel counterparts.

Graphite shafts offer greater distances from today’s oversized titanium drivers, allowing shafts to be longer.

NanoFuse Shafts

Nanocrystalline alloy with a carbon fiber composite polymer sublayer is used to manufacture NanoFuse shafts.

The material’s inconceivably tiny and rigid grain structure offers the consistency of steel and the distance and feel benefits of graphite.

Shaft Weight

As mentioned earlier, the weight of your best driver golf shaft plays a significant role in the speed you can generate in the swing. The shaft weight is calculated before the shaft is cut to the required length.

More weight is required for left to right (draw) trajectory and lower spin, while a lighter shaft will produce the opposite.

Graphite driver shafts are between 0.12 to 0.13 pounds for men and 0.09 to 0.11 pounds for women.

Heavy shafts offer more control, lower torque, and stability in the clubface, leading to lower launch angles and more accuracy and consistency. In contrast, lighter shafts offer more speed and distance with a high launch angle.

The disadvantages of heavier shafts are less speed and lower spin, while light shafts contribute to inconsistent contact on the clubface and high ball flight.

Shaft Length

Golf clubs are built around the industry standard for male golfers measuring 5 feet 9 inches and women golfers for 5 feet 7 inches.

Shafts measure 45 inches, with the maximum allowed by the governing bodies at 48 inches.

A longer shaft will increase your swing speed while decreasing the control you can exercise on the path. To achieve the optimum balance of speed and control it is extremely important to have the shaft cut down to the correct size keeping the impact of reducing the length on the shaft characteristics.

This video will give you some insights into the ideal driver shaft length.

Shaft Speed

The longer the shaft, the bigger the arc you can create and the faster the swing speed you can generate.

Why are all drivers not fitted with the maximum length shaft?

Although a longer shaft generates more speed, it will substantially impact your clubface’s feel and strike point.

Shafts that are too long will cause inconsistent face contact and promote heel-side impact, while shorter shafts generate a consistent strike pattern with impact on the toe.

Every ½ inch off-center contact results in a 7% loss of carrying distance.

The correct length shaft will result in solid contact repeatedly.

Heavier, stiffer shafts are ideal for better golfers for gains in distance and accuracy.

Shaft Flex

Shaft flex is more than a letter on the shaft that allows you to compete with your playing partners.

Flex is the EI profile of the shaft that defines the stiffness of a shaft from the tip stiffness through the butt stiffness, which is measured at different points in the shaft.

Static flex is the amount the shaft bends when the butt end is clamped and weight is applied to the butt end. The softer the flex is, the more the shaft will bend.

Frequency is the amount of sway in the shaft when the butt end is clamped and pulled to one side before release. The shaft weight can affect the sway, with light shafts having the highest frequency.

Tip flex or retroflex refers to the average stiffness at the club head side of the shaft. This is measured by clamping the tip end and applying weight to the butt end of the shaft. The tip flex affects the launch angle, with a softer tip producing a higher launch angle and spin rate.

Available flex

  • Extra Stiff (X) for golfers with a swing speed of more than 110 mph.
  • Stiff (S) for golfers with a swing speed between 100 and 110 mph.
  • Regular (R) swing speed between 90 and 100 mph.
  • Senior (S) / Amateur (A) for young golfers, senior golfers, and beginners with slower swing speeds between 80 to 90 mph.
  • Ladies (L) for golfers with slower swing speeds below 80 mph.

Shaft Torque

Torque is the amount of shaft twist experienced during the golf swing measured in degrees and shown as a rating. More twist equals a higher rating. A higher rating produces a softer than a low rating.

A low ball flight is produced by low torques, and it increases as the torque increases.

Finding the best driver shaft for high swing speed requires less torque shafts, whilst slower swingers and slicers require more torque.

Kick Point

This is the point where the shaft bows most during the downswing and impacts the ball’s trajectory. A low kick point will bow near the clubhead, thus producing a higher trajectory. While a high kick point driver shaft will generate a low ball flight.

Best Driver Shafts 2022 FAQ

What Shaft Is Best for My Driver?

There is no blanket answer to which is the best shaft for your driver. It depends on your swing and what you want out of your driver. Extra distance, more accuracy, a high kick point, etc. Most club fitters can get shafts with adaptors to fit the popular drivers on the market.

What Is the Most Popular Driver Shaft on Tour?

The highest concentration of a single shaft brand on the PGA tour is Fujikura driver shafts.

What Shaft Is Best for My Swing Speed?

If you already have a fast swing speed and want to get the most distance out of it then an extra stiff shaft is best for you. If you need to improve the swing speed itself, a more flexible shaft is more appropriate.

What Shaft Is Best for a Slow Swing Speed?

Any shaft that is available in a seniors flex is ideal for low swing speed. The Mitsubishi Tensei is a good example of such a shaft.

How Do I Know What Shaft Flex Is Right for Me?

Get yourself to a pro shop or a virtual golf course and measure your swing speed. You can use the following table to decide on the right flex for you.

What Happens if Driver Shaft Is Too Stiff?

You could start to see faults with your accuracy, especially if your swing speed to too slow for a stiff shaft. If you find yourself slicing or drawing a lot of shots, your shaft may be too stiff.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right driver shaft is a rather complicated process, with various components playing a significant role.

Custom fitting can be achieved through a standard 4-step process, which is the most reliable way to improve your golf.

This article about the best driver shafts aims to provide you with a better understanding of what to consider in your assessment and some of the best shafts available.

In our assessment, the Diamana range from Mitsubishi stood out as the top driver haft for golfers of all levels, with a suitable option for anyone. All weight options and flex options are included in the range.

Related Articles

+ posts

Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni.

He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.

  • Best score: 68
  • Favorite club: Odyssey White Hot Two-Ball Center-Shafted Putter
  • Favorite ball: Titleist Pro V1x
  • Favorite food at the turn: Hot dog

You might also like these