摘要 |
An improved composite golf club shaft (10) and method for its manufacture, and an improved club incorporating the shaft (10). The shaft includes a first elongate segment (40) for mounting the golf club head (80) and a second elongate frustoconical segment (52) for gripping. The first segment (40) is formed by wrapping sheet material around a substantially cylindrical mandrel (10), and the second elongate frustoconical segment (52) is formed therearound to produce a smoothly tapering exterior surface of the shaft (10) having an abrupt interior region of joinder (68) between the segments (40, 52). Such joinder (68) preferably is approximately one-third of the way between the gripping end and the head-mounting end of the shaft. The shaft (10) tapers such that its head-mounting end is less than approximately one-third the diameter of the gripping end. Greatly improved torque and drive distance are achievable with a club made with the shaft (10). The shaft is also lighter and capable of being used without the addition of a grip. As a result, the balance point of the club is much closer to the head of the club than before possible, further improving the performance characteristics of the club. |