What exactly is frequency matching? A frequency meter is nothing more that an accurate electronic beam
counter. The beam counter (Frequency Meter) displays the number of times the shaft tip breaks the electric
beam as it passed though. This number is called CPM (cycles per minute). Once we know the CPM of a shaft, we
know its flex. To find out if the shaft has a soft or firm butt, and if the tip is soft or stiff we have to
profile the shaft. This is done by measuring the shaft at different lengths. Once this is done we know which
shaft to put into what head.
What is accomplished by Frequency Matching; this is tuning the shaft flex to proper flex. A Frequency Meter
tells us what the flex is, and Frequency Analysis tells us what needs to be done. Because of the lack of
standards, we have no idea what the true shaft flex is. The fact that shafts are labeled A R S XS, or come
with a swing speed label, we still don't know the true flex. If you have smooth swing, I build to
certain frequency (CPM), if the swing is short and fast I build to another CPM frequency. This will ensure
that all the shafts will perform a particular way for each different swing.
The reasons for having the shafts frequency tested, is to overcome the manufacturing problems associated with
the process of making shafts. If the shaft's walls are thicker/thinner (asymmetrical) within the shaft, this
will change the flex characteristic. The result will be either a softer or stiffer flex. Also, the shaft needs
to become progressively stiffer as the clubs get shorter. This progression needs to follow a set CPM slop
numerically. The only way possible, is to know what CPM is needed and adjust the shaft accordingly. This is
done with a frequency meter.
Frequency Graph for Irons (click to see full sized image)
Frequency Graph for Woods (click to see full sized image)
