Shaft Life Span

I have asked this question on 3 other golf forums I frequent, and I thought I would ask it here.

How long should a graphite, or metal shaft last under normal wear, and tear? Let's say you have a regular flex a shaft on your driver, fairway woods, and irons. Over a period of months. or years of 6, to 8 rounds a month, plus practice, will the regular flex shaft retain the same flex it had when new? If not, will the shaft become more flexible, or might it become stiffer due to what might be considered excessive use?

Thanks in advance for any opinions. GJS

There is no question that the graphite deteriorates and weakens over time and use –ditto that with the sweet spot of your driver.
http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.aspx?page=15100&dv=3872269&select=21912
I searched Google and I wasn’t able to find specifics on the graphite shafts; however, I have looked at this question before. I bought two used Big Bertha drivers, hit balls relentlessly at the range – and broke both shafts clean off. I later realized that these drivers were relatively old – back in the day the graphite could be four layers thick, and weaken considerably. With improved manufacturing techniques I had read that the graphite is considerably more than 4 years thick and much more resilient, and I have not broken any shafts on my equipment which is about 5 years old.

James

The original discussion started out as a shaft over a period months, or years of service would change to a flex that would effect golfer's ball flight trejectory. Example, if you started out with a "R" flex and due to continued use over a long period of time, the shaft might changed to an "S" or, maybe an "A" flex depend on how the shaft reacts to useage over the months, and/or years.

Myself, I have pretty much gone through the whole list. I started out with a stiff flex, moved to a regular flex, and I am now using senior mens spec's ("A") flex. Not so much because of the flex maybe changing due to a couple hundred rounds a year, (+ practice sessions) but because of my getting older, and loss of swing speed. I am now going on my 4th year with my current clubs, which are all graphite, and I have noticed some subtle changes in my ball flights.

So far the opinions generated on the three websites are running about 50/50, with good arguements on both sides of the yes/no fence.

Thank you for your reply. GJS

Mr. Thomas graced another forum with a Q & A session, and pretty much set us all straight on graphite/steel shafts and their aging process. With all the new technology, graphite/steel shaft flexes are not effected by excessive use, or age. He is the proverbial expert on such subjects, so I have no reason to disagree. GJS

lowpost is another expert/veteran golfsmith, i am sure he would know