We Tested a 30-Year-Old Shaft Against Modern Technology
Modern Golf Shaft vs 30-Year-Old Shaft: Has Shaft Technology Really Improved?
Golfers are constantly told that modern shaft technology is one of the biggest reasons today's equipment performs better than ever.
But is that actually true?
To find out, we put a classic graphite shaft from the mid-1990s head-to-head against a brand-new premium 2026 model using GCQuad launch monitor data.
The goal was simple:
Has 30 years of shaft development delivered meaningful performance gains, or is modern shaft technology mostly marketing?
The results were not what we expected.
The Shafts Tested
For this comparison, we tested:
True Temper EI-70 Graphite Shaft (circa 1996)
KBS TG Black Wood Shaft (2026)
The True Temper EI-70 was one of the most popular graphite wood shafts of its era and was fitted in countless drivers throughout the 1990s.
The KBS TG Black represents modern shaft engineering, benefiting from decades of advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, consistency and design.
Using the same driver head and matching the builds as closely as possible, we compared how each shaft performed under identical testing conditions.
What We Measured
Using Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor technology, we analysed:
Ball Speed
Swing Speed
Carry Distance
Total Distance
Launch Conditions
Spin Rate
Dispersion
Consistency
This allowed us to evaluate whether modern shaft technology genuinely creates measurable performance advantages or whether the differences are smaller than many golfers believe.
Is Shaft Technology Where the Biggest Gains Have Been Made?
For years, golfers and club fitters have argued that the shaft is the most important component in the golf club.
You'll often hear phrases like:
"It's all in the shaft."
"The shaft is the engine of the golf club."
"Modern shafts are where the biggest technology gains have happened."
With driver faces now operating close to the limits imposed by the governing bodies, many golfers assume that modern shaft technology is responsible for most of today's performance improvements.
But when you compare a 30-year-old graphite shaft directly against a premium modern alternative, does the data support that theory?
What Has Changed in 30 Years?
Modern golf shafts benefit from advances in:
Carbon fibre materials
Manufacturing precision
Weight distribution
Torque control
Stability profiles
Consistency between shafts
Manufacturers claim these developments help golfers achieve:
Faster ball speeds
Improved launch conditions
Better energy transfer
Reduced dispersion
More consistent strikes
This test allowed us to examine whether those claimed benefits translate into meaningful real-world performance.
The Results Were Surprising
Going into this test, we expected to see clear advantages for the modern shaft.
What we discovered instead raised some interesting questions about how much shaft technology has actually evolved and where golfers may be overestimating its influence on performance.
Some areas showed noticeable differences.
Others were far closer than expected.
The GCQuad data revealed a fascinating story that every golfer considering an expensive aftermarket shaft should see.
Watch the Full Shaft Comparison
In the full video, you'll see:
Complete GCQuad launch monitor data
Ball speed comparisons
Swing speed analysis
Carry and total distance results
Launch and spin comparisons
Dispersion patterns
Consistency testing
Real-world performance insights
Whether you're interested in shaft technology, custom fitting, premium aftermarket shafts or simply want to know whether modern golf shafts are worth the investment, this test provides valuable data and perspective.
Are Premium Golf Shafts Worth It?
The answer depends entirely on the golfer.
A shaft that delivers exceptional performance for one player may perform poorly for another.
Factors including:
Swing speed
Tempo
Transition
Release pattern
Strike location
Desired ball flight
all influence which shaft will perform best.
This is why professional shaft fitting remains one of the most effective ways to optimise driver performance.
At EP Golf Studios, we use Foresight Sports GCQuad technology to identify the shaft and clubhead combination that delivers the best results for each individual golfer.
Book a SHAFT Custom Fitting
If you're considering a new driver shaft and want to see how different models perform for your swing, book a custom fitting at EP Golf Studios and discover whether modern shaft technology can genuinely improve your performance.
