Re: ShopTalk: Taper or parallel

[Macbyrd]

Most mainstream OEM companies use the taper tip.

Most component/aftermarket head manufacturers use the parallel tip.

With taper tip there is usually one specific shaft for one specific club, i.e., the shafts are specific different lengths in the uncut state so you have one length for an 8 iron and another length for a 5 iron and so on.

The parallel tip comes in a one length uncut shaft and the clubmaker trims the tips differently for each individual iron (or may choose not to tip trim but only butt trim).

Parallel tips are less costly to keep in stock since "one size fits all."

The high priced taper tip shafts all weigh the same, which is important for some folks but not for others. That is the blank pitching wedge shaft weighs the same as the blank 3 iron shaft.

The parallel tip shafts get lighter as the club length gets shorter. I don't know that this has ever caused anyone any major heartburn except for Ben Hogan, but, Lord knows, Ben had his reasons. Ben wanted the shafts to weigh the same.

To my knowledge no one has ever documented the feel and/or ball flight difference between the two.

Did I pass?

Rich "Mac" McHattie
Mac's Golf