Kick Point (Shaft Bend Point)
Also known as: kick point, shaft kick point, bend point, flex point of a shaft, low kick point, high kick point, mid kick point
Kick point, or bend point, is the area of a golf shaft that bends the most during the swing. A low kick point near the clubhead tends to launch the ball a little higher. A high kick point near the grip tends to launch it lower.
Every shaft bends as you swing and then unbends into impact. Where it bends most depends on how stiffness is spread along its length. Makers usually label shafts low, mid or high kick point. Low means the softest section sits toward the clubhead. High means it sits toward the grip, and mid sits between the two.
A low kick point lets the tip section add a little loft at impact. That tends to raise launch and often spin. Golfers who struggle to get the ball airborne often like it. A high kick point feels firmer near the head and tends to launch the ball lower with less spin. Faster swingers who hit it too high often prefer it. A mid kick point is the middle ground and suits a wide range of players.
Kick point is a fine-tuning factor. Loft, flex, shaft weight and the way you deliver the club change launch more. Brands also measure and label kick point in their own ways. One maker's mid can play like another's low. Treat the label as a rough guide and judge the shaft by ball flight on a launch monitor during a fitting.
Tips by skill level
If your shots fly too low, ask a fitter about loft first. A lower kick point is a smaller adjustment after that.
Test two shafts of the same weight and flex on a launch monitor. Changing one factor at a time shows what the kick point really does for you.
Example
A golfer who hits his 7-iron low and short tries a shaft with a lower kick point during a fitting. His launch angle climbs and the ball lands more softly on the green.
Why it matters
Kick point is one of the levers a fitter uses when launch is too high or too low. Knowing what it does keeps you from expecting it to fix a swing problem.
Common mistakes
- Expecting a new kick point to fix a slice
- Choosing a shaft from the label without testing ball flight
- Ignoring flex and weight, the bigger launch factors
- Assuming every brand's mid kick point plays the same
Frequently asked questions
What is kick point on a golf shaft?
It is the area where the shaft bends the most during the swing. Low kick points sit near the head and high kick points near the grip. Mid kick points sit between them.
Does a low kick point make the ball go higher?
Usually a little. A low kick point tends to add launch and spin, and a high kick point tends to lower them. Loft and flex still have a bigger effect.
Should I get a high or low kick point shaft?
If you struggle to get the ball up, a low or mid kick point may help. If you launch it too high with too much spin, a high kick point may suit you. Test both during a fitting.
Sources
Related terms
- Shaft FlexShaft flex describes how much a shaft bends during the swing. Ratings run from L (Ladies) through A (Senior), R (Regular), S (Stiff), to X (Extra Stiff) — matched to swing speed for optimal launch.
- Shaft WeightShaft weight is measured in grams. Lighter shafts generally allow faster swings, while heavier shafts often give faster swingers steadier tempo and control.
- Club FittingClub fitting uses a launch monitor to match shaft, length, lie angle, loft, and head design to a golfer's swing. Stock clubs are built for an average golfer.
- Launch AngleLaunch angle is the vertical angle, in degrees above horizontal, at which the ball leaves the face. Together with spin it determines how high and far the ball flies.
- Graphite vs Steel ShaftsGraphite shafts are lighter and soak up more vibration. They often suit slower swingers and golfers with sore hands or joints. Steel shafts are heavier, usually cost less and give a firmer feel that many faster swingers prefer in their irons.
- Spin RateSpin rate is how fast the ball spins after impact, in revolutions per minute. It controls how the ball climbs, holds the air, and stops on landing.
Related guides & benchmarks
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