Answers to the most common questions about SST PURE® golf shaft alignment, from how the process works and what independent testing shows to cost, adjustable drivers and where to get your shafts PUREd. New to SST PURE? Start with What Is SST PURE? Golf Shaft Alignment Explained. Shaft guides: why golf shafts are not perfectly uniform, steel vs. graphite PUREing and PUREing premium aftermarket shafts.
SST PURE® is a patented golf shaft alignment process that analyzes an individual shaft to identify its most stable orientation. The SST PURE Shaft Alignment System uses proprietary computer software and data-acquisition sensors to locate the shaft’s neutral plane so the club can be assembled to minimize off-line bending and twisting.
PURE stands for Plane of Uniform REpeatability. SST PURE uses computerized analysis to identify the dominant, stable plane on which an individual golf shaft flexes.
The SST PURE system analyzes the structure and performance of an individual shaft, identifies its most stable orientation, and marks the shaft so a club builder can install it correctly. The process is designed to reduce off-line bending and twisting as the shaft flexes during the swing and at impact.
A golf shaft can have structural variations in straightness, roundness and stiffness. Because those characteristics can vary around the shaft, its behavior can change with orientation. SST PURE is designed to identify the orientation that minimizes unwanted off-line movement.
SST PURE explains that manufacturing produces unavoidable variations in straightness, roundness and stiffness. Those variations do not automatically make a shaft defective, but they can influence how the shaft bends depending on how it is installed.
The neutral plane, also called the SST PURE plane or Neutral-Axis™, is the orientation where off-line bending and twisting are minimized when the shaft is flexed. SST PURE identifies this plane through computerized shaft analysis.
The process has four basic steps: analyze the individual shaft, identify its most stable orientation, mark that orientation for assembly, and install the shaft in the clubhead according to the SST PURE position. A Shaft Analysis Report can document the structural and performance analysis.
SST PURE is an analysis and alignment process; its purpose is to identify how the shaft should be oriented in the club. PUREing itself does not add material to the shaft or change the shaft’s manufactured flex profile. Installation work such as cutting, tipping or gripping is separate club-building work.
SST PURE addresses a measurable equipment variable: shaft orientation. In independent Golf Laboratories robot testing published by SST PURE, identical club configurations were tested with shafts in the identified PURE orientation and in a suboptimal orientation, producing measurable differences in distance and dispersion. The size of any benefit for an individual golfer can vary by shaft, club and swing.
Related: Driver robot test results | Iron robot test results
Yes. SST PURE has published independent robot testing performed by Golf Laboratories. The protocol used a repeatable swing robot and TrackMan measurements while comparing the same shaft in its identified PURE orientation and a deliberately suboptimal orientation.
Related: Driver robot test results | Iron robot test results
In SST PURE’s published Golf Laboratories driver test, shots in the optimal PURE orientation carried 5.1 yards farther on average and finished 13.2 yards closer to the center line on average than shots with shafts in the tested suboptimal orientation. These are results from a controlled robot test, not a guarantee of individual golfer results.
Related: Full driver test results
In SST PURE’s published Golf Laboratories 6-iron testing, shots in the optimal PURE orientation finished 17.9 feet closer to the center line on average and traveled 2.5 yards farther in total distance than shots in the tested suboptimal orientation. These controlled robot results should not be treated as a promise of the same gain for every golfer.
Related: Full iron test results
No equipment process can guarantee that every golfer will gain a specific amount of distance or accuracy. SST PURE is designed to reduce shaft-orientation variability. Published robot testing shows measurable differences under controlled conditions, while real-world results depend on the individual shaft, club delivery and golfer.
No. SST PURE analyzes shafts individually because structural characteristics vary from shaft to shaft. The amount of rotation and the measured difference between a random or logo-up orientation and the identified PURE orientation can therefore vary.
Consistency is the central goal of SST PURE. The process identifies a shaft orientation intended to minimize off-line bending and twisting, and SST PURE’s published robot tests reported tighter center-line results in the tested PURE orientations. Golfer results can vary.
Feel is subjective, so not every golfer will describe the change the same way. SST PURE states that PUREd clubs can feel softer or more consistent, but the more objective purpose of the process is to identify and install the shaft in its measured stable orientation.
No. SST PURE is used on professional tours, but the process can be applied to golf shafts used by players of any skill level. SST PURE states that its player testing has included golfers across skill levels.
Related: Who should get SST PURE?
SST PURE is not limited by handicap. The process addresses the golf shaft rather than a player’s handicap, and SST PURE states that its testing has shown improved impact repeatability across skill levels. A golfer’s actual on-course benefit will still depend on the individual club and swing.
Low-handicap golfers often care about eliminating small equipment variables, which is one reason shaft alignment is used on professional tours. SST PURE still analyzes the same equipment variable regardless of handicap: the shaft’s most stable orientation.
SST PURE is designed to identify a shaft’s stable orientation, not to require a minimum swing speed. SST PURE has published player testing across skill levels, but the site does not establish a universal swing-speed threshold or guaranteed gain for slower swingers.
Related: Independent swing-speed test
SST PURE’s public materials do not establish a universal rule that PUREing matters more above a particular swing speed. The process analyzes shaft orientation itself; the magnitude of a golfer’s result can vary with the shaft, club and delivery.
That depends on the golfer’s priorities and budget. SST PURE is most relevant to golfers who want to reduce equipment variables and have their shafts installed in a measured stable orientation. The best evidence to evaluate is the published testing, the cost, and the golfer’s own performance goals.
Related: Who should get SST PURE?
Yes. SST PURE states that graphite shafts can be analyzed and aligned, including stock and aftermarket graphite shafts.
Related: Which shafts and clubs can be PUREd?
Yes. SST PURE can analyze steel shafts. Its FAQ specifically notes that straightness, roundness and the welded construction of steel shafts can influence how a steel shaft behaves.
Yes. SST PURE states that stock graphite shafts can be PUREd, with limited exceptions such as some bent-neck putter shafts.
Yes. Aftermarket shafts can be analyzed just like stock shafts. SST PURE evaluates the individual shaft rather than assuming a particular brand, model or price point has one ideal logo orientation.
Yes. SST PURE states that cut or uncut shafts can be analyzed, marked and installed.
Yes, provided the shaft is suitable for reuse and installation. SST PURE’s process can analyze an individual used shaft; a qualified club builder should separately inspect the shaft for damage and installation suitability.
A shaft can be re-analyzed when needed, such as when a used shaft lacks the original orientation mark. SST PURE’s FAQ says a previously PUREd shaft without its alignment line may need to be PUREd again so it can be correctly marked for installation.
Yes. Driver shafts can be SST PUREd, and SST PURE has published independent Golf Laboratories robot testing specifically involving drivers.
Related: Which shafts and clubs can be PUREd?
Yes. Iron shafts can be SST PUREd in both steel and graphite, and SST PURE has published Golf Laboratories robot testing involving 6-irons.
Yes. Wedge shafts can be analyzed using the SST PURE process when the shaft and club configuration are compatible with standard shaft installation.
Yes. Fairway wood shafts can be analyzed and installed in their identified SST PURE orientation. Adjustable adapters require special attention because some settings rotate the shaft.
Yes. Hybrid shafts can be SST PUREd. As with adjustable woods, the final adapter setting should be considered if changing settings rotates the shaft.
Many putter shafts can be PUREd, but SST PURE’s current FAQ notes an exception for some bent-neck putter shafts. A licensee can confirm compatibility for a specific putter shaft.
Related: Which shafts and clubs can be PUREd? | Independent putter test results
PUREing every shaft in a set allows each individual shaft to be analyzed and installed in its own measured stable orientation. Whether to do the full set is a value decision for the golfer, but analyzing the whole set is the most complete way to address shaft orientation club to club.
Yes. SST PURE analyzes each shaft individually because structural characteristics vary. Two shafts of the same model and flex can therefore require different rotations to place each in its identified stable orientation.
SST PURE is a specific patented, computerized shaft-analysis process. ‘Spining’ is a broad term used for several manual methods of identifying shaft characteristics. SST PURE uses sensors, proprietary software and a standardized analysis to identify the shaft’s stable orientation.
FLO stands for Flat Line Oscillation and is a manual technique used by some club builders to observe shaft oscillation. SST PURE uses computerized measurement and proprietary analysis rather than relying only on visual observation.
No. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in golf discussions, but SST PURE refers to a specific patented process and equipment system. Spine alignment can refer to multiple manual techniques.
No. SST PURE is the name of a specific process performed with an authorized SST PURE Shaft Alignment System. A club builder may use other shaft-alignment techniques, but those methods should not be represented as SST PURE.
It depends on the adapter. Some adjustable systems change settings without changing shaft orientation, while others rotate the shaft. If a setting change rotates the shaft, SST PURE recommends having a club builder reset the shaft to the PURE position for the final adapter setting.
Related: SST PURE and adjustable drivers
It can. On adapters where changing loft rotates the shaft relative to the clubhead, the shaft may no longer be in its identified PURE orientation. The effect depends on the adapter design.
It can if the adapter’s lie adjustment rotates the shaft. The important question is whether the shaft orientation changes relative to the clubhead when the setting changes.
Use the setting you expect to play. SST PURE’s RetroPURE instructions ask golfers to specify the adapter position so the shaft can be installed in the proper PURE orientation for that final setting.
Related: SST PURE and adjustable drivers
If the new setting rotates the shaft, the club can be reset by a qualified club builder so the shaft is again installed in its PURE orientation at the new setting. SST PURE’s direct RetroPURE service states it will reset such a shaft for the cost of shipping.
The SST PURE Shaft Analysis Report documents the structural and performance analysis of an individual shaft. SST PURE explains that the top section shows structural analysis and the lower section compares shaft-tip movement in the Logo Up position with the SST PURE position.
Related: How to read your report
Start with the structural analysis at the top, then compare the lower performance graphs. SST PURE says the red graph represents the Logo Up position and the green graph represents the SST PURE position. The conclusion shows shaft rotation and the measured stability improvement.
Related: How to read your report
The Load Symmetry Index is SST PURE’s structural analysis score, shown from 1 to 100. SST PURE explains that a theoretically perfect shaft – perfectly round, straight and equally stiff around its circumference – would score 100, while real golf shafts contain structural variation.
Logo Up is the reference orientation SST PURE uses to represent a typical installation where the shaft graphics are positioned for appearance. The report compares that reference position with the measured SST PURE position.
Vertical deviation represents off-line bending and twisting as the shaft flexes. SST PURE’s stated goal is to minimize that deviation in the assembled club.
SST PURE states that the improvement percentage compares vertical deviation in the Logo Up position with vertical deviation in the SST PURE position.
No. SST PURE says the printed line is positioned at 12 o’clock for ease of assembly; the actual SST PURE plane is 90 degrees from that line.
Because the stable orientation is determined by measurement, not by graphics. SST PURE notes that the manufacturer’s Logo Up position is rarely identical to the most stable orientation, so the logo may appear in a different position after correct installation.
SST PURE provides an online report-retrieval page. Reports completed in 2019 or later can be accessed through the current SST PURE report system using the information requested on that page.
Related: Retrieve your SST PURE report
SST PURE’s current FAQ says the average cost to PURE a shaft across its licensee network is about $45, although pricing varies and may sometimes be included with a new club. Its direct mail-in RetroPURE service is currently listed at $100 per club, including shipping and a new grip. Always verify current pricing before publishing or purchasing.
Related: SST PURE cost and RetroPURE | SST PURE cost and RetroPURE
RetroPUREing requires more labor because the club must be disassembled, the shaft analyzed and aligned, and the club rebuilt. SST PURE’s direct RetroPURE service also includes return shipping and a new grip in its current listed price.
RetroPURE is SST PURE’s service for clubs that are already assembled. The club is disassembled, the shaft is analyzed and aligned, and the club is rebuilt in the identified PURE orientation.
Related: RetroPURE service
Yes. SST PURE currently offers a mail-in RetroPURE service for assembled clubs. The service page provides ordering and shipping instructions.
Related: RetroPURE service
Yes. SST PURE’s FAQ states that golfers can send shafts directly for PUREing. Check the current shop or contact SST PURE for the correct ordering and shipping process.
SST PURE’s current direct RetroPURE offer states that a new grip is included and asks the customer to specify manufacturer, model, color, size and tape preferences. Licensee policies may differ.
The answer depends on how much a golfer values reducing equipment variables. SST PURE provides a measurable shaft-alignment process, published independent robot testing, and access through professional fitters and club builders. Golfers should weigh those factors against the cost and avoid assuming a guaranteed yardage or dispersion gain.
Related: Is SST PURE worth it? | SST PURE on Tour
Yes. SST PURE maintains a long list of professional players whose shafts have been PUREd and states that the process has been available on professional tours for many years. The list shows that shaft PUREing has been used by numerous recognizable Tour players.
Related: Pro Players list
SST PURE says Tour players often use the process when testing equipment to remove shaft inconsistency as a variable. At the professional level, controlling equipment variables can make club evaluation more repeatable.
Related: SST PURE on Tour
SST PURE’s current site says the technology is available to players on-site at Tour events and describes ongoing Tour support. Because Tour operations can change by season, this statement should be reviewed regularly for freshness.
SST PURE publishes a dedicated Pro Players list naming professional golfers whose shafts have been PUREd. Because equipment use changes over time, the page should be treated as a historical/use list rather than a claim that every named player currently uses SST PURE in every club.
Related: Pro Players list
PUREing is not a judgment that a premium shaft is poor quality. It is an additional measurement step that identifies the stable orientation of the individual shaft. SST PURE says Tour players use it in part to eliminate shaft orientation as a variable when evaluating equipment.
Manufacturing a shaft and aligning that individual shaft during final club assembly are different steps. SST PURE is an additional analysis that determines the shaft’s stable orientation relative to the clubhead. Factory and OEM assembly processes vary, so the site should avoid implying that all manufacturers follow one universal alignment practice.
SST PURE is an alignment process, not a process for changing the shaft’s manufactured flex. It identifies the orientation intended to minimize off-line bending and twisting. A golfer may perceive feel differently after orientation changes, but PUREing itself does not change the shaft’s labeled flex.
No. PUREing does not change the shaft’s manufactured flex designation. It identifies the most stable orientation for installation.
SST PURE analyzes shaft behavior and orientation; it does not alter the shaft’s manufactured torque specification. The report can display performance characteristics, but the PUREing process itself is not a torque-modification treatment.
PUREing itself identifies shaft orientation and does not inherently change swingweight. RetroPUREing requires disassembly and rebuilding, so the builder should return the club to the intended specifications; SST PURE’s direct service says it rebuilds to original spec unless the customer requests a change.
The shaft-alignment analysis itself does not add meaningful material or weight to the club. Normal club-building components such as epoxy, ferrules, adapters and grips are separate from the PUREing analysis.
SST PURE does not directly alter loft, shaft model or the shaft’s manufactured flex. Changing shaft orientation can affect how the shaft behaves dynamically, and SST PURE’s testing reports performance differences, but golfers should not assume a universal launch or spin change for every shaft.
SST PURE’s public FAQ does not provide a universal warranty rule covering every shaft manufacturer. Warranty terms are controlled by the manufacturer, so golfers should verify the policy for their specific shaft if warranty coverage is a concern.
Related: SST PURE facts
Look for an SST PURE marking or documentation, and check whether a report is available. A sticker alone may not tell you the correct installation orientation if the alignment line is missing, so a licensee can help verify the club.
Related: Owning SST PUREd clubs
If the shaft still has the proper orientation mark and installation information, a qualified builder may be able to reinstall it correctly. SST PURE’s FAQ says that if a used PUREd shaft has no alignment line, it may need to be PUREd again and remarked.
Yes, but the shaft must be installed so its identified PURE orientation is correct in the new head. Adapter design and final settings matter for adjustable clubs, so this should be handled by a qualified builder.
Not necessarily. The shaft’s physical stable orientation does not simply disappear when it is removed, but the builder must know the correct orientation for reinstallation. If the mark or documentation is missing, re-analysis may be needed.
Yes. Regripping normally does not rotate the shaft in the clubhead, so it does not change the shaft’s installed PURE orientation.
Related: Owning SST PUREd clubs
SST PURE’s FAQ says cut shafts can be PUREd. If an already PUREd club is shortened, the orientation mark remains useful, but any significant rebuild should be handled by a qualified builder who can preserve the intended orientation and final club specifications.
The shaft would no longer be installed in the stable orientation identified by the SST PURE analysis. A qualified builder can reset the shaft to the correct position; this is especially relevant after adjustable-adapter changes or shaft transfers.
SST PURE operates through a network of authorized licensees and provides a Find a Fitter directory on SSTPURE.com. The directory includes U.S. locations and international fitters.
Related: Find a Fitter
Use the Find a Fitter tool on SSTPURE.com and select your location. Individual licensee pages can show contact information and the PUREing services offered.
Related: Find a Fitter
Yes. SST PURE’s official licensee directory lists Club Champion locations and describes services including retrofitting existing clubs, installing new PUREd shafts and building custom clubs with PUREd shafts. Service execution may be centralized at build facilities rather than performed inside every retail studio.
Yes. SST PURE’s current Find a Fitter page lists licensees in multiple countries, including Canada, England, Japan, South Korea, Australia and others. Check the directory for the current list.
Related: Find a Fitter
SST PURE invites interested fitters to contact the company about licensing. The current Find a Fitter page provides phone and email contact information for licensee inquiries.
Related: Find a Fitter