Assuming all the shafts were measured on the same frequency machine, the numbers do give you a point of comparison. Frequency is a relative measure of a shafts stiffness, but it does not tell you the flex profile of shafts. It only tells you how fast a shaft oscillates when clamped under a certain pressure, with a particular clamping dimension and a particular weight on the end (clubhead or a shaft tip weight if measuring raw shafts). Also the type of grip can affect the number you get. the firmer or larger the grip that is clamped, the higher the number. That is why we prefer to measure frequency without the grips on. The faster the oscillation, the stiffer the shaft can be. In short, if comparing same length clubs with the same head weight, a higher number would indicate a stiffer shaft. As you extend shafts or shorten them, the frequency number can change but that does not mean the flex does. You have to look at the number on a frequency chart to know how the number at the different length compares. Flex is indicated based on the length of the club on one axis and the frequency number on the other. Our GFLMC chart is here: https://www.golfworks.com/pad-of-frequency-charts/p/glfmc/.
We now know much more now about flex profile and how a shafts flex is distributed from the butt end to the tip end. You can have two or more shafts that have the same frequency when clamped in a frequency machine, but do not play or feel the same. This can be because they have different profiles, meaning one is stiffer in the middle, or the tip, or visa versa. Still, frequency can be a basic indicator of the relative flex of one shaft to another when you are looking at how they oscillate.
Britt Lindsey
I’ve thought I won’t say anything but, most of this information is too technical for me. Anyway I did something my friend who understands all this told me not to do, I tipped the Harrison shaft 1.25 inches and added same to the butt and only because I think it’s worked before and Bugger me it’s worked again, …
What I take from you guys reply is the higher the cpm the stiffer the shaft is, I don’t know where in the shaft but I’ve learnt that a stiff Tip works for me. So I’d like a driver shaft with a stiff Tip, I need to look into what the butt and middle should be. Guys huge appreciation for your patience and reply, I will keep reading over and over again your advice, thanks…