When you buy a new driver or set of irons off the rack, it usually comes with a stock or “OEM” shaft , the one chosen by the manufacturer to appeal to the widest possible audience. These shafts work for plenty of golfers, but they’re not the same as the aftermarket versions used by tour professionals or sold separately by shaft makers.
If you’ve ever wondered why some players upgrade to a $350 driver shaft or why club fitters rave about Fujikura, Mitsubishi or BGT, this guide breaks down the real difference between OEM and aftermarket shafts, and helps you decide whether the upgrade is worth it.
What Exactly Are OEM Shafts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are the shafts that come installed in new clubs from brands like TaylorMade, Titleist, Ping, Mizuno, and Cobra. They’re built to a price point, and designed to cover as many golfers as possible.
Many OEM shafts carry the same branding as premium aftermarket models. You’ll often see names like Fujikura Ventus, Mitsubishi Tensei, or Project X HZRDUS listed on the spec sheet of a stock driver. But the shaft you’re getting is not the same one you’d buy individually through a custom fitter.
The key differences usually come down to:
-
Materials: OEM shafts may use lower-grade graphite or less exotic carbon fiber to reduce costs.
-
Consistency: Weight tolerances and flex profiles are looser, which means two “identical” OEM shafts may not perform the same.
-
Performance: OEM versions are often made softer and higher launching to fit the “average” golfer, rather than optimized for precision.
That doesn’t make OEM shafts bad, for beginners and casual players, they’re perfectly functional. But they’re not engineered to squeeze out the last 10% of performance.
What Are Aftermarket Shafts?
Aftermarket shafts are the premium versions built and sold directly by shaft manufacturers. These are the shafts tour pros use, and they’re designed for precision and performance, not cost savings.
Aftermarket shafts typically:
-
Use the highest-grade materials like premium carbon fiber or pitch fiber.
-
Deliver tight tolerances so every shaft of the same model plays identically.
-
Offer multiple profiles and weights to fit different swings.
-
Provide tour-level consistency in launch, spin, and feel.
If you’ve ever hit the same driver head with a stock shaft and then with an aftermarket shaft, you know the difference can be night and day. Straighter dispersion, better ball speed, and more predictable flight are common results.
Why the Difference Matters
The shaft is often called the engine of the golf club and for good reason. It controls how the clubhead returns to the ball, influences launch angle, and determines spin rates. A mismatch between your swing and your shaft leads to inconsistency.
For example, a stock OEM “Ventus” shaft might launch too high and spin too much for a strong player, leading to ballooning drives. The aftermarket Ventus with VeloCore technology, on the other hand, stabilizes the tip and keeps the ball down with tighter dispersion.
For golfers who play frequently or want to lower scores, the difference is measurable and worth it.
The Cost Factor: Are Aftermarket Shafts Worth It?
OEM shafts are included in the price of the club, so they feel free. Aftermarket shafts range anywhere from $200–$400 for a driver/fairway shaft, and $40+ per iron shaft (adding up to $400–$600 for a full set).
That’s not pocket change. But consider:
-
A $600 driver with the wrong shaft is wasted potential.
-
A $300 aftermarket shaft can tighten dispersion, add 10–15 yards, or save strokes.
-
Aftermarket shafts hold resale value better if you upgrade clubs later.
If you play once a month, OEM shafts are fine. But if you’re serious about improving, aftermarket shafts are one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
Common OEM vs Aftermarket Examples
To see how this plays out in real life, here are a few familiar cases:
-
Fujikura Ventus Blue (OEM stock version) – softer tip, higher spin, designed for broad playability.
-
Fujikura Ventus Blue with VeloCore (Aftermarket) – built with premium materials, lower spin, tighter dispersion, stable even for high swing speeds.
-
Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw (OEM) – lighter construction, higher launch, mid-spin.
-
Mitsubishi Tensei Pro (Aftermarket) – advanced carbon layers, better feel, tuned for aggressive players.
-
Project X HZRDUS Smoke (OEM) – marketed with the same name but often lighter and more forgiving.
-
Project X HZRDUS Small Batch (Aftermarket) – hand-rolled, ultra-consistent, designed for competitive play.
The naming overlap creates confusion, many golfers think they’re getting the “tour” version, but unless it specifies technologies like VeloCore, TX flex, or “Small Batch,” it’s usually the OEM variant.
Fitting Considerations
Before you spend $350 on a shaft, it’s worth getting fit. Launch monitors can show whether your stock shaft is causing excess spin, poor dispersion, or inconsistent launch.
The most common fitting upgrades for golfers moving from OEM to aftermarket are:
-
Fujikura Ventus (Blue, Black, Red, TR) – stability across driver and fairways.
-
Mitsubishi Diamana & Kai’li – smooth feel with tour consistency.
-
Nippon Modus³ Iron Shafts – buttery forged feel with stability.
-
BGT Stability & ZNE Shafts – for putters and wedges, improving roll and spin.
A proper fitting ensures you’re buying performance, not just a label.
👉 Upgrade your setup today: TourSpinGolf Aftermarket Shafts
FAQs – OEM vs Aftermarket Shafts
Do pros ever use OEM shafts?
Not usually. Pros usually only play aftermarket shafts built to exact specs.
Are OEM shafts fake?
No, they’re real, but they’re not built to the same standard as the aftermarket versions and cost a fraction of the price.
Should beginners stick with OEM shafts?
Not necessarily. For slower swing speeds and casual play, OEM shafts are forgiving and cost-effective.
When should I upgrade?
If you’re playing regularly and notice inconsistency in ball flight or want more distance/control, aftermarket is worth it.
The Final Word
OEM shafts aren’t bad, they’re simply designed for mass-market appeal. Aftermarket shafts, on the other hand, are engineered for precision and performance. They cost more, but for golfers serious about improvement, the investment pays off in tighter dispersion, longer drives, and more confidence.
Whether you’re looking at a Fujikura Ventus, a Mitsubishi Tensei Pro, or a BGT Stability putter shaft, buying authentic aftermarket options is the fastest way to unlock the full potential of your clubs.