Universal Cue Stiffness Scale?

[CrownCityCorey]

Anybody ever heard of a Universal Cue/Shaft Stiffness Scale or come up with one themselves?

We always hear, "this or that cue is really stiff, this or that shaft is really stiff" and all the while that party is talking about a Meucci or could be a Southwest. Who really knows what "this cue hits stiff" means.

 

[JoeyInCali]

They vary by time zones too.

 

[DaveK]

Golf shaft stiffness is measured using it's natural oscillation frequency. They clamp one end of a raw shaft (3.5" - 5", 4" is pretty common) in a vice, add a weight to the other end (a buddy uses a drill chuck, works great), give it a 'twang' and measure the speed of oscillation. A stiff shaft might be around 330 cps, a ladies shaft perhaps 220 cps, but don't quote me on these numbers as I cannot recall the real numbers (I just build the instruments, I don't use them). I've been meaning to build an adaptor so I can screw a shaft to the clamp and test a pool shaft, but that's yet another project. One issue might be the range of the meter. I think the one I built measures from 200 cps to 400 cps, which covers most golf shafts, but I have no idea if that range is consistent with what a pool shaft test might require.

Here is a typical commercial golf unit :

http://www.mitchellgolf.com/viewItem.asp?idProduct=1173

Dave

 

[CrownCityCorey]

Golf shaft stiffness is measured using it's natural oscillation frequency. They clamp one end of a raw shaft (3.5" - 5", 4" is pretty common) in a vice, add a weight to the other end (a buddy uses a drill chuck, works great), give it a 'twang' and measure the speed of oscillation. A stiff shaft might be around 330 cps, a ladies shaft perhaps 220 cps, but don't quote me on these numbers as I cannot recall the real numbers (I just build the instruments, I don't use them). I've been meaning to build an adaptor so I can screw a shaft to the clamp and test a pool shaft, but that's yet another project. One issue might be the range of the meter. I think the one I built measures from 200 cps to 400 cps, which covers most golf shafts, but I have no idea if that range is consistent with what a pool shaft test might require.

Here is a typical commercial golf unit :

http://www.mitchellgolf.com/viewItem.asp?idProduct=1173

Dave

That's awesome! Pool cues/shaft need this!

 

[n10spool]

Nike has System out for golf with interchangable grips, shafts and heads this way you try it out in every combination then order it. Make a protype interchangable quick disconnect type options on it try it out then build it..

 

[DaveK]

Nike has System out for golf with interchangable grips, shafts and heads this way you try it out in every combination then order it. Make a protype interchangable quick disconnect type options on it try it out then build it..

An interesting concept in fitting golf clubs. I think that a now defunct outfit called ZEVO pioneered the idea with their Fly-TI product many years ago, very cool. As a side note, the rules of golf have recently been changed to allow adjustable clubs in competition (not to be changed during the round mind you, but at least they won't toss you out of the clubhouse for having them in the bag).

Yes, pool cues need to have their dynamics measured, imo.

Dave

 

[masonh]

i am sure the scale for Maple sahfts would have to measure much lower frequencies.i am surprised that that method is 100% accurate.it might not work for wood universally.lost of wood is different in the same species.

very cool idea though.

 

[jazznpool]

A popular South Florida cuemaker has a similar device to test all shafts that are near finish size for relative stiffness. It involves measuring the flex of a shaft with a constant weight. Its a good idea and a starting point and I am convinced it is helpful for him to build a cue with the kind of hit his customer might prefer. The device does not, however, take into account the stiffness or looseness of the forearm-joint assembly. IMO, a weak forearm cannot be completely compensated for, no matter how good the shaft. I also think some taper types play more firm than others, given wood of the same inherent flexibility. If there was an instrument developed to measure cue flex when striking a ball, the entire cue would need to be taken into account. JMO ICBW.

Martin

i am sure the scale for Maple sahfts would have to measure much lower frequencies.i am surprised that that method is 100% accurate.it might not work for wood universally.lost of wood is different in the same species.

very cool idea though.

 

[Eric Wynne]

I used to work at a golf shop building custom fitted sets of clubs for the public ... The machine for measuring the frequency of shafts was first made by Brunswick , called a CPM machine ... I can tell that the golf industry may say they have a standard but from experience I know they do not, one brand says stiff and equals another brands regular, graphite is the worst for trying to frequency match ... Steel is the most consistant and reliable ... That's why you rarely if ever see a pro with graphite in their irons ... I'm not going into club making , but cue shafts share the same inconsistantsy ... Every piece of wood is different and from my cue making experience slower growth hard maple is hard to beat and really hard to find ... But I made shafts with low ring count that play and feel just as good ... One man's trash is another man's treasure ... Americans like softer hitting cues while Euro's , Asian , and South American's like stiffer harder hitting cues ... Generally if the ball goes in the hole you 'll like it ...