In general, the golfer with the quicker tempo and faster swing speed will benefit from a lower torque shaft if he can release his hands properly. The stronger his delayed release the faster the shaft recovery he needs to optimize the performance of his club. A higher torque shaft won't get the clubhead square quickly enough for his swing.
Golfers with moderate swing speeds or smooth tempos don't generate as much force as their faster counterparts. For these golfers a low torque shaft will tend to lead forward at impact and may not let the clubhead rotate enough to provide the kick they need to get extra distance. For slower golfers or golfers who cannot release their hands quickly a low torque shaft is likely to cost them distance or reduce the playability of a club.
“Is torque important?”
There are four criteria for evaluating a shaft: 1) Weight 2) Flex 3) Torque 4) Kick point. Torque ranks third in importance. A lower torque shaft that resists bending and twisting will prevent the clubhead from rotating and that should result in more consistent ball dispersion.
We know that torque measures are somewhat arbitrary. This factor reduces torque”s importance as a reliable indicator of shaft value. Nonetheless, the more expensive shafts have torque measures less than 5 degrees, irrespective of weight and flex. If you are willing to spend $50 (or more) for a replacement shaft, or $30 (or more) upcharge for a non-stock shaft then torque is probably important.
What shaft torque is right for me?
As clubheads have gotten bigger the tendency for the clubhead to rotate has also increased. Yet, getting a shaft with the lowest torque--”a shaft with the least amount of twisting”--may not be the answer to getting longer, straighter drives.
In general, a good rule of thumb about shaft selection is as follows:
Low clubhead speed + consistently square ball strike
=>medium torque, light to medium weight, light to regular flex
Low clubhead speed + inconsistent ball strike
=>Med/high torque, light to medium weight, light to regular flex
Moderate head speed + consistently square ball strike
=>medium torque, medium weight, regular flex
Moderate head speed + inconsistent ball strike
=> med/high torque, medium weight, regular flex
High clubhead speed + consistent ball strike
=>low torque, heavy weight, stiff flex
High clubhead speed + inconsistent ball strike
=>medium low torque, medium heavy weight, stiff flex
Low torque values are less than 3.0 degrees. In general, shafts with torque values under 2.5 degrees are too difficult for most golfers to use.
Medium torque values are between 3.0 and 5.0 degrees. These are the most common torque values available in high quality shafts.
High torque values are over 5.0 degrees, and are common in inexpensive shafts.
The better golfer you are, regardless of swing speed, the more you will notice differences in torque
