A 50 inch driver shaft is something that is relatively unheard of in the golfing world. Chances are, you have not seen many people using a 50 inch driver shaft. This is for a number of reasons, which we will get into. Let’s get into all of the questions that you may have about the 50 inch driver shaft.
Does A 50 Inch Driver Shaft Make You Lose Distance?
When compared to the average driver length, which is about 45 inches, a 50 inch driver shaft will typically yield significantly more distance. In other words, you will be able to hit the ball a lot further with a 50 inch driver shaft versus an average sized driver shaft.
The main reason behind why a longer driver shaft when you’ll just is because a longer driver shaft has a longer swing arc. Because it needs to travel more distance, it has more time to gain speed, thus more distance and impact.
So, in short, you will actually gain distance using a 50 inch driver shaft compared to a driver shaft that is shorter.
Is It Easier To Hit The Center Of The Club Face With A 50 Inch Driver Shaft?
One of the biggest downsides to a 50 inch driver shaft is that it is significantly harder to hit the center of the club face. Because the shaft is significantly longer, it is much harder to square the clubface at impact.
so, because it is much more difficult to hit the center of the club face, you are more likely to hit inconsistent shots. Otherwise you are less likely to hit a straight shot if you were using a 50 inch driver shaft.
So, if you are looking to transition to a 50 inch driver shaft in hopes that it will increase your accuracy, then you may want to look elsewhere.
Will A 50 Inch Driver Shaft Help Your Slice?
As mentioned above, using a 50 inch driver shaft will decrease your accuracy. In fact, a 50 inch driver shaft will increase the likelihood that you hit a slice. Once again, a 50 inch driver shaft is much harder to square on impact, so you were likely going to be heading with either an open or a closed face more often.
In short, a 50 inch driver shaft will not help your slice, it would likely only make it worse.
Is A 50 Inch Driver Shaft Stiff?
due to the fact that a 50 inch driver shaft is significantly longer than the average driver shaft, it is much more flexible. Most 50 inch driver shafts will have senior or regular flex.
Flexible shafts are much more suitable for those who have lower swing speeds. If you are someone who has a high swing speed, you will not benefit from a flexible 50 inch shaft. In fact, with high swing speeds, a more flexible shaft will likely make your shots more inaccurate.
Is a 50 Inch Driver Shaft Too Long?
Most golfers will tell you that a 50 inch driver shaft is way too long. Unless you are incredibly tall, or just have a very long rest to floor ratio, then you do not need a 50 inch driver shaft.
As mentioned above, the average driver shaft length is 45 inches. Most golfers do not exceed a 46 inch driver shaft. This should indicate that a 50 inch driver shaft is way too long for practically anyone.
Is A 50 Inch Driver Shaft Legal?
Believe it or not, the USGA has very strict rules for their equipment. Golf shafts are no exception. If you are looking to use a 50 inch driver shaft, it’s important to make sure that it is legal to use.
I checked the equipment rules, and it turns out that a 50 inch driver shaft is actually illegal to use in any casual, high-level amateur, or professional golf outings.
So, you won’t likely be able to use a 50 inch driver shaft in any golf tournaments or outings.
For reference, the USGA is considered a governing body of the golfing world. Any piece of equipment that they deem as illegal should be considered illegal by all other groups and organizations.
If a driver shaft is more than 46 inches, then it is considered illegal to use.
Do Pros Use 50 Inch Driver Shafts?
It should not be hard to figure out that there are no professional golfers who use a 50 inch golf shot. Because of the fact that it is illegal, a 50 inch driver shaft will likely not be used in a professional golf tournament.