I've read a lot of posts lately about OB shafts, and how they are tapered, so I decided to gather some data for some of the products I carried. I took measurements at the end of the ferrule (designated "tip"), and every 3" from the tip until 18". I also took a measurement at the joint. I decided to group the data into 3 categories:
1. Single piece traditional maple shafts. Good old fashioned one piece maple shafts, except the G-core but since it is 13mm, and because of the way it is made I kept it in this category.
2. High technology shafts, 12.75mm
3. High technology shafts, 11.75mm
The expectation for categories 1 and 2 generally would be to see a "pro" taper. By the strict definition I found it interesting that most were not actually pro tapered beyond about 6", and a couple not at all. The longest pro taper belonged to the McDermott I-2 shaft at more than 12", while most others show around 2% or more widening at 9". I decided to sort the data by the percent widening at 9". Also notice that some actually narrow a bit from the tip before widening out, and actual hour glass shape (subtle as it may be). The accuracy on the measurements is about +/- .03mm.
Please keep in mind only one example of each shaft was used, and this is in no way intended to be a scientific representation, I just though it would be interesting information to some people.
-Mike
1. Single piece traditional maple shafts. Good old fashioned one piece maple shafts, except the G-core but since it is 13mm, and because of the way it is made I kept it in this category.
2. High technology shafts, 12.75mm
3. High technology shafts, 11.75mm
The expectation for categories 1 and 2 generally would be to see a "pro" taper. By the strict definition I found it interesting that most were not actually pro tapered beyond about 6", and a couple not at all. The longest pro taper belonged to the McDermott I-2 shaft at more than 12", while most others show around 2% or more widening at 9". I decided to sort the data by the percent widening at 9". Also notice that some actually narrow a bit from the tip before widening out, and actual hour glass shape (subtle as it may be). The accuracy on the measurements is about +/- .03mm.
Please keep in mind only one example of each shaft was used, and this is in no way intended to be a scientific representation, I just though it would be interesting information to some people.
-Mike
