Matthew,

You are pretty much right on the mark.  Stock shafts have no plus up charge.  With a "standard" shaft there may, or may not be an additional plus up charge (there are quite a few "standard" shafts that have a plus up charge associated with them). Exotic shafts have a plus up charge that is typically much more than the standard shaft plus up charge.  In either case the plus up charge is in addition to the basic driver cost.

Yes that is correct there will be an up charge. 

At what point does your swing speed warrant an exotic/premium shaft?  or does one's swing characteristic play a role as well?

Hi Siri, 

There is no "threshold" for determining when someone needs an exotic shaft. Choosing the right shaft really depends on which combination will give you ideal launch conditions and good feel. For example, some people like an extremely stiff tip shaft, so they may go with something like a RIP Alpha. Others may like something more soft, like a DI. It really is all player dependent. 

Hope this helps. 

Bubba

Siri,

I agree with Bubba's points plus I would add you should consider a fitting session with a Titleist Fitter (you can find using the finder on the Titleist website or calling the Concierge Desk).  They will have you hit various shafts to determine which is the best for your swing.  Many times, and I have this experience, the stock shafts work equally or better than the exotic shafts!  For instance, I was just fitted at one of the national fitting centers and in comparing two options for my game that worked the Aldila Tour Green (stock) vs. the Black Tie (exotic) I hit the ball farther and with less dispersion with the Aldila but they both were good fits for my game...the Aldila was just slightly better.  Same was true for hybrids, the Phenom (stock) vs. the Motore Speeder (exotic) both worked but the stock offering just worked better.  Wow! they basically saved me all that money of upgrades by just getting fitted!

I rarely fit into stock shafts since I am a strong player (I usually am fit for a heavy driver shaft that is a X or TX flex) so stock options are usually not set up for someone like myself.  However, at Titleist which is one of the reasons I enjoy the brand so much, they are set up to offer stock, upgrade and exotic offerings so I can find the best option for MY game!

Good Luck!

I really hate the term "exotic" shaft.  I mean who wouldn't want something that's exotic? I think most people should look at it as standard/stock shafts and upgrade/premium shafts. You're going to pay more for the upgrade because it's not produced in mass like the stock shafts.

I agree with Chris. Sometimes the "stock" shaft is the best choice for your game. There's a reason that there are stock shafts. Those fit the swings for a wide majority of players.  The great thing about Titleist is that you can easily get fit to determine if one of the stock shafts work for you.  Or, maybe not, and you can go with one of the non-stock shafts for an additional upgrade charge.

It's all about finding the right shaft for you.