Torque is a great comparison stat for shafts.

Torque is rating of how the club twists.  For example, grabbing a steel pipe and rotating it would be a good example of super low torque:  the whole pipe moves.   Grabbing a jump rope and rotating it would be a good example of high torque: only the handle moves...the other side of the jump rope doesn't seem to move. 

So, if you put the exact same swing on driver, all things are equal, the lower torque may feel stiffer compared to a higher torque.  Also, assuming everything is exactly equal, the higher torque shaft should launch .8 degrees right of the lower torque shaft...if you are right handed. 

What do you think?

Ryan Crysler
Head Instructor
My Golf Performance Center
512.850.5721
mygolfperformance.com

Keith,

Great question and Ryan thanks for a great answer.  I have always kind of wondered myself. 

Steve

While I agree with Ryan's comments above, it's important to keep in mind that there is no industry standard for measuring shaft torque...one shaft vendor may measure torque 3" up the tip and another may measure it 4" up the tip (using a completely different method), so the numbers can sometimes be misleading. I feel like the torque ratings are a great starting point, but you should ultimately try both options (which is sounds like you did) and make your decision based on the ball flight and feel of each model.

Indeed.  I would say it's "more" standard than measuring shaft flex...shaft flex almost means nothing from vendor to vendor. 

Ryan Crysler
Head Instructor
My Golf Performance Center
512.850.5721
mygolfperformance.com

Thanks Ryan-  I think I am understanding.... now a secondary question as i was hitting both drivers the D3 2.9 torque was consistently 5 yards left of center fairway.... and the D2 3.7 Torque was center FWY or 5 yards right of center target line.  Hit 20 balls with each and had a really tight dispersion with each... sorry getting to my quest.. you said the higher torque would result in .8 degrees to right.. is that small change the reason i may have seen those results?

Yes sir, I believe the small change is torque. 

Ryan Crysler
Head Instructor
My Golf Performance Center
512.850.5721
mygolfperformance.com

Hi Ryan-  can you tell me what sort of performance differences I might see between these two shafts Aldila NV 65 vs Aldila RIP 60 .  Swing speed between 88-95. I would be looking at a S flex in both.  I am looking at a D3, i have hit the S Flex RIP and had great consistency, (it beat my R flex other brand in consistency)..  and i have NV in my Titleist Hybrids... just curious what sort of differences i might feel or see with one over the other.  As i mentioned before the RIP  was consistenlty center FWY or 5 yards left of that center line around 265 yrds.  I have not had the opportuity to hit the NV 65 and curious about it and how it compares or what differences it has.  Also can you approximate what the upcharge is for the NV shaft?  I now the RIP I  standard.  Thanks for the time and I appreciate the insight offered.

Keith

I can't really speculate as to performances differences.  But I do think you will be more likely to hit the RIP left, draw it easier, and miss less right assuming all things are equal. 

Think the NV shaft is a about a $25 extra shaft.  It's not part of the new fitting matrix of shafts for the 910, but some fitters may have it available for testing.

RC

again thank you for the information.  I look forward to getting back with the fitter and determining which is the right one for me.