While it’s probably overstating things by more than a little to say that advanced technology putter shafts—like the new PXG M16 putter shaft—are all the rage. Offerings are growing in number and perhaps even popularity.
Fujikura, LA Golf, BGT (Stability Shaft)and Mitsubishi, and Odyssey all offer some form of graphite putter shaft. And while once rarities, you can find a few in play on the PGA TOUR.
The emergence of new putter shaft offerings wasn’t lost on PXG. The company looked at bringing something into the lineup but none of the existing stuff matched with the company’s proprietary fitting hosels.
So, true to company form, PXG figured it would just design a better one.
About the PXG M16 Putter Shaft
The PXG M16 isn’t entirely unique. There’s a case to be made that the company leverages a good bit of what’s around, and that’s reasonable. There’s no pressing need to completely reinvent the putter shaft.
As with the BGT and Odyssey Stroke Lab offerings, the PXG M16 putter shaft pairs a steel lower section with a graphite handle.
Notable are the specifics of the material. PXG is using a stiff, 60-ton graphite material. For context, many premium wood shafts use 40-ton material. PXG is using a significant amount of carbon fiber.
The goal is to boost the weight of the shaft so that it nets out roughly the same as steel.
The graphite section has 22 steel wires running down the shaft. The continuing objective is to increase stiffness, though the steel plays a role in feel as well.
In an approach similar to what Fujikura does with its putter shafts, a layer of rubber is placed between the steel fibers and carbon fiber. PXG says the material has a significant impact on feel.
Relative to other offerings, PXG says its M16 putter shafts feature a longer parallel section with a more gradual taper. Stop me if you’ve heard this before: the design helps stiffen the shaft.
There is some logic to the approach. While not a ton of force is applied during a putt, there is still some twisting and deflection that occurs so it sounds reasonable to keep the putter head from twisting to the extent possible.
How stiff is stiff?
By way of comparison, PXG says the CPM of the butt section of its putter shaft is 386. Typical chrome runs about 307 (we can probably round down to 305). Breakthrough Golf Technologies (BGG) offerings run about 352, LA Golf is 322, Stroke Lab 338 and the Mitsubishi MMT around 350.
Allowing for differences between measuring tools, we think the Fujikura X-Firm is probably still the firmest on the market but the point is the PXG is, at worst, still stiffer than most.
PXG M16 Putter Shaft Performance
What does all that stiffness get you? The headline is improved consistency across the face.
Using a putting robot and Quintic Putting Analysis System, the PXG putter shaft produced more consistent speed and a reduction in side spin (yes, there is a small amount of side spin with a putter).
That corresponded with a reduction in face rotation, a faster time to forward roll and a reduction in the time to zero skid (true roll).
All that along with a solid, responsive feel.
That last bit is subjective.
PXG M16 Putter Shaft – Pricing and Availability
In the market for a new putter shaft or willing to do just about anything to improve putting? The PXG M16 putter shaft could be a compelling offering.
The bad news is that it’s designed by PXG for PXG and there are currently no plans to make it available in the aftermarket.
The PXG putter shaft is available as an upgrade with any PXG putter. The upcharge is $89.
For more information on PXG putter shaft, visit PXG.com.
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