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4 wood / 7 wood shaft weight conundrum


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So it seems like the best fit driver shaft weight for me is right around 70 gms. Gives me the best ss, launch angle and spin rate. Following rules of thumb the 4 wood shaft ought to be right around 80 odd grams and the 7 wood shaft should be 85-90 grams. I have not been able to find any mid-high launch shafts in this weight range...wait for it, in Regular flex.

 

Any thoughts, suggestions, recommendations?

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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You are right, most Regular flex shafts are in the 60 - 70 gram weight.

Driver: image.png.6ba1c8a254ad57aa05e527b74c2e04ba.png0311 XF 10.5* w/Project X Cypher 40 gram Senior shaft or 0811 XF 12* w/Evenflo Riptide CB Senior shaft

Fairways:  image.png.80321f01fc46450b6f428c7daf7b3471.png0211 5W & 7W w/ Evenflo Riptide CB  regular shaft and Tour Edge E521 9W w/Fubuki HD50 regular shaft

Hybrid: None in bag at the moment

IronsTitleist T300 5-PW w/Fubuki MV Senior graphite shafts w/Golf Pride Tour

Wedges: Edison forged 49*, 53* and 57* wedges with KB PGI Senior shafts(80 grm).

Putter: 33” Evnroll ER6R or  ER2 or Bellum Winmore Model 707,   or Nike Method Core Drone  w/Evnroll Gravity Grip

Bag: Vice cart bag(Black/Lime). 

Ball: Snell MTB Prime X, Maxfli Tour/S/X CG, Titleist Pro V1x or Titleist TruFeel

Using Shot Scope X5 and Pinned Rangefinder

 

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What hosel size are you needing?  You might consider going in to a hybrid or graphite iron shaft to hit the weight, but might have to do some hosel reaming on the 7 wood to get the fit right.

 

Also that weight progression is more of a guideline than a rule.  You also may consider trying the same shaft as the 4 wood.  I have the same weight shaft in my 15 degree hybrid as my 25 degree hybrid and both work great.

Driver: :taylormade-small: SLDR w/ Fujikura Ventus Black

3w: :taylormade-small:'16 M2 hl w/ Diamana D+ 82

5w: :cleveland-small: Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Yellow

Hybrid: :cleveland-small: 22 deg. Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Black

Irons: :cleveland-small: 5i - gap Launcher CBX w/ Nippon Modus 3 125

Wedges: :cleveland-small: 54 CBX & 58 Zipcore w/ Nippon Modus 3 125

Putter: :odyssey-small: Red 7s

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Hosel is .335, will be going into the Callaway Optifit adaptor.

 

Had not considered hybrid shafts. Will using a hybrid shaft in a 7 wood alter the launch characteristics? Not sure about grinding the hosel, what if the shaft doesn't work or I want to change it out. Is reducing the hybrid shaft tip to .335 an option? Will it mess up the shaft?

 

Sorry, lots of questions but where else can I find so many knowledgeable enthusiasts eager to help...:)

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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Hopefully one of the fitters around here like J will chime in. 

 

A hybrid shaft would work fine in this application from what I'm told but I wouldn't suggest grinding down the shaft tip to fit into a .335

 

Your in an interesting fitting bracket haha. I also like heavy but I want low/low launch and spin. 

 

Maybe try NV 85 or matrix kujoh 85. I think UST would prolly have some offerings in this area as well. 

\

 

 

 

 

Edit: Also you may want to look for a very high launch and spinning stiff flex so you have a few more options to choose from.

Driver- Tmag 2017 M2 tour issue 8.5* actual loft 7.8* w/ HZRDS Green PVD 70TX"
Fairway Metal- Taylormade SLDR Mini Driver 12* w/ Fujikura Rombax TP95-X"

Utility- Mizuno MPH5 1 iron w/ Aldila RIP 85X (depending on course/ conditions)

Irons- Mizuno MP- FLI HI 2i w/ Aldila Proto ByYou 100X
          Mizuno MP59 4i-6I w/ PX 6.5

          Mizuno MP69 7i-PW w/ PX 6.5

Wedges- Scratch 8620 Driver/Slider set.  50*, 54* bent to 55* and 60*

Putter- Taylormade Spider Tour w/ flow neck
Ball- Bridgestone Tour B X

Bag- Sun Mountain C130 Supercharged

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.335 with an adapter is going to be tough.  I would not recommend shaving a .370 shaft down that much (other more knowledgeable will have to help if that is even possible).

 

Just doing a quick search though and it looks like that Fubuki shaft comes in a 75g regular flex.

Driver: :taylormade-small: SLDR w/ Fujikura Ventus Black

3w: :taylormade-small:'16 M2 hl w/ Diamana D+ 82

5w: :cleveland-small: Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Yellow

Hybrid: :cleveland-small: 22 deg. Launcher HB w/ HZRDUS Black

Irons: :cleveland-small: 5i - gap Launcher CBX w/ Nippon Modus 3 125

Wedges: :cleveland-small: 54 CBX & 58 Zipcore w/ Nippon Modus 3 125

Putter: :odyssey-small: Red 7s

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Tour AD DI 8 in Stiff but untrimmed.  Should play approximately one flex soft in fairway woods.  Mid Launch. Awesome shaft.  Just $$$$$

Driver - Ping G430 Max 9° | Ventus Blue TR 
Hybrid - :srixon-small: ZX 16° & 18° | GD Tour IZ S

2 Iron - :srixon-small: ZU65 17° | AeroTech SteelFiber 110icw S

Irons -  :srixon-small: ZX7 MKII  4-Pw | TTDGTI S400, std length  1° flat
Wedges - :cleveland-small: RTX 6 Tour Rack 50° 54° 58° | TTDGTI S400, std length 1° flat

Putter -  L.A.B. Golf Link.1 | LA Golf P135 shaft | Garsen Quad Tour grip
 

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Nice options being unearthed.  Not sure if I can justify the price of an AD DI shaft knowing how I play.

 

I am a big UST fan and they do have options around 70-75 gm range but not in the 80-90 gm range.

 

One option I found is the Aerotech SteelFiber ss85 which is available in regular flex.  Specs state it has a Mid bend point.  Not sure what the launch is like.  As long as it is at least a mid-launch, I could just trim it as a 3 or 5 wood, if that will make it more playable.  Does anyone have experience with this shaft?

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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Great idea Undershooter30.

 

So what are the options for a a very high launch and spinning stiff flex shaft that are not $300+?

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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A fitting session is probably your wisest option - from it you can probably isolate what shaft you need to be playing, at what weight and at what length. The flex value may or may not be quite as important. 

What is the biggest overriding factor of initial launch is the actual loft - how this compares to your actual swing may negate the need for a softer tip option, particularly if you have a faster transition and a late release. 

Without seeing a video of your swing, it's impossible to tell the best option, but if you prefer the heavier weight in the wood progression in your bag then don't dismiss the possibility of steel shafts, or something completely outlandish like the Nunchuck. 

Basically there are no rules when it comes to fitting shaft weight - only what feels comfortable to swing in both directions. So a fitting may yield a few surprises, not least of which may be the actual flex and bend profile. 

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Great idea Undershooter30.

 

So what are the options for a a very high launch and spinning stiff flex shaft that are not $300+?

Mmmmmmbuddy and jaskanski are fitters so they will prolly have the best idea. My earlier suggestions would both be cheap I believe. I would just make sure you didn't tip trim them much if at all.

Driver- Tmag 2017 M2 tour issue 8.5* actual loft 7.8* w/ HZRDS Green PVD 70TX"
Fairway Metal- Taylormade SLDR Mini Driver 12* w/ Fujikura Rombax TP95-X"

Utility- Mizuno MPH5 1 iron w/ Aldila RIP 85X (depending on course/ conditions)

Irons- Mizuno MP- FLI HI 2i w/ Aldila Proto ByYou 100X
          Mizuno MP59 4i-6I w/ PX 6.5

          Mizuno MP69 7i-PW w/ PX 6.5

Wedges- Scratch 8620 Driver/Slider set.  50*, 54* bent to 55* and 60*

Putter- Taylormade Spider Tour w/ flow neck
Ball- Bridgestone Tour B X

Bag- Sun Mountain C130 Supercharged

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jaskanski thank you for your input.

 

My search started after I was gifted a driver fitting. I was fit into an Aldila Rogue 60 R which is 67gm.  My transition was deemed to be generally moderate with a mid/mid-late release.  Though the Silver is pretty tip stiff, I got the best ball speed, and spin numbers with this shaft and my swing speed increased 5-7 mph.  Launch was 15-17 degrees and spin was in the 2500 range.  Compared to my current 57 gm shaft, I was getting 15-20 yards more carry.  The fitter thought it was the difference in feel and confidence I got with a heavier shaft.  He said I would be better off with a higher launching shaft for the woods as I don't go after them as hard when hitting off the deck and suggested going 10 gms and 15-20 gms heavier for the 4 & 7 wood.

 

This fitting was more of an exception as I have been burned bad by 2 of the so called "100 Best Fitter" award winners and wasted $500.  No point getting into the details but I won't be spending any more on fittings.

 

And so here I am.

 

I was hoping someone would share their experience about the Aerotech ss85 or Mmmmmmbuddy and jaskanski may share their thoughts.

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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I am definitely not a fitter, so I am only going by what feels good for me.  I tend to like heavier shafts too, but my swing speed is... well, not like it used to be.  lol. So I am using graphite.  I also can benefit from a higher launch.  I am partial to UST shafts, since I bought the SCOR wedges with the UST Genuis9 graphite at 98 grams; just felt the best to me.  I recently reshafted my old MacGregor VIP Tourney irons 5-8i with UST ProForce 95 Rv2 regular flex and soft-stepped.  I like the ball flight and distance.

 

As for fairway woods, I agree with jaskanski that the actual loft of the club head will be the major factor in launch.  I have a 7W with a 70 gram regular flex and it launches plenty high.  I think you could find a 70-80 gram mid to high launch stiff flex shaft, and it would work for you.  I would still see a fitter to see about what profile is best for you.

We don’t stop playing the game because we get old; we get old because we stop playing the game.”

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Not that blind faith has any place in fittings, but if I had to pick a shaft to suit your requirements, then the original Diamana Blueboard in 83g R flex would be on the top of my pick list. I've yet to hear anyone say bad things about it and although pretty scarce theses days, a little bit of searching can find this gem - and not a ridiculous price either these days.

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Thank you jaskanski.

 

Search begins for the original Blueboard. In the mean time I'm going with a UST AXIVCORE Tour Black which is 74 gms in R flex for the 4 wood and find some place to try out the Aerotech ss85 in case I don't have success finding the Blueboard.

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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Not that blind faith has any place in fittings, but if I had to pick a shaft to suit your requirements, then the original Diamana Blueboard in 83g R flex would be on the top of my pick list. I've yet to hear anyone say bad things about it and although pretty scarce theses days, a little bit of searching can find this gem - and not a ridiculous price either these days.

Still a great shaft. I have one in my 915fd and it works great for me with that head.  Only downside is that I am hitting the X2hot 3deep a heck of a lot better right now.

WITB 2024

   Qi10 LS 9* HZRDUS RDX Smoke Blue 60g 6.5

   M5 15* Evenflow Black 75g 6.5

   Sim Ti 22* HZRDUS Red 75g 6.5

   Sim2 Rescue 22* Diamana Thump 100x

   X Forged CB 5 - PW MMT 105 TX 

   Jaws Raw 50*, 54* & 58* TTDG "OG" Spinner

   Toulon Madison BGT Fire 34.75"

   Z Star Diamond

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Spent 1-2 hrs at the PGA Superstore testing various shafts.  The results confounded multiple fitters there.  Bottom line, as far as my swing characteristics are concerned, the rule of thumb for fairway woods just don't apply.  Many of the experienced forum members had mentioned it before, today I think it was confirmed with a club in hand.  I am waiting to hear back from a very helpful person at a shaft manufacturer.  Will update when I hear from him.

 

PS - today the Aldila Rogue RIP I/O 70 S was getting me 3-5 mph more ss and every fitter said that they would have never handed me this shaft even to try.  Oh well...

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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Spent 1-2 hrs at the PGA Superstore testing various shafts. The results confounded multiple fitters there. Bottom line, as far as my swing characteristics are concerned, the rule of thumb for fairway woods just don't apply. Many of the experienced forum members had mentioned it before, today I think it was confirmed with a club in hand. I am waiting to hear back from a very helpful person at a shaft manufacturer. Will update when I hear from him.

 

PS - today the Aldila Rogue RIP I/O 70 S was getting me 3-5 mph more ss and every fitter said that they would have never handed me this shaft even to try. Oh well...

I had a similar situation when I got fitted for my M1. My Ping had the Aldila Rogue Silver 60X and the M1 I hit had the 70X. My SS with the 70X was 7mph faster than the lighter shaft. Difference in the heads maybe? I have no idea. I was well warmed up before I hit both. Just thought it was interesting.

Driver -  :taylormade-small: M1 9.5* w/ Aldila Rogue Silver 70X

Fairway -   :taylormade-small: M1 5W 19* w/ Aldila Rogue Silver 70X

Hybrids -   :ping-small: G25 4H 23*

Irons -  :mizuno-small: JPX 850 Forged 4-PW w/ Nippon N.S. Pro 1150S

Wedges - :mizuno-small: S5 50*07, 54*12, 58*12 w/ Nippon N.S. Pro 1150S

Putter - Oddyssey Metal-X #7 w/ SuperStroke Pistol GT 2.0

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I had a similar situation when I got fitted for my M1. My Ping had the Aldila Rogue Silver 60X and the M1 I hit had the 70X. My SS with the 70X was 7mph faster than the lighter shaft. Difference in the heads maybe? I have no idea. I was well warmed up before I hit both. Just thought it was interesting.

I see from your signature that you went with the 60X. What were your reasons for not going with the 70X? The fitter gave me multiple shafts that I swung without even looking at them. None of them came close to the I/O 70S. Turns out I had tried 60 S & R of the Silver and the Ping Tour Spec 60. I just know that for the fairways, the driver shaft will have no bearing on which shafts perform best.

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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I see from your signature that you went with the 60X. What were your reasons for not going with the 70X? The fitter gave me multiple shafts that I swung without even looking at them. None of them came close to the I/O 70S. Turns out I had tried 60 S & R of the Silver and the Ping Tour Spec 60. I just know that for the fairways, the driver shaft will have no bearing on which shafts perform best.

I just got rid of the Ping with the 60X. Now have the M1 with the 70X. Just haven't updated my signature yet. Also got the M1 5W with the same shaft and I love it.

Driver -  :taylormade-small: M1 9.5* w/ Aldila Rogue Silver 70X

Fairway -   :taylormade-small: M1 5W 19* w/ Aldila Rogue Silver 70X

Hybrids -   :ping-small: G25 4H 23*

Irons -  :mizuno-small: JPX 850 Forged 4-PW w/ Nippon N.S. Pro 1150S

Wedges - :mizuno-small: S5 50*07, 54*12, 58*12 w/ Nippon N.S. Pro 1150S

Putter - Oddyssey Metal-X #7 w/ SuperStroke Pistol GT 2.0

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Got a response from the shaft manufacturer's rep.  He suggested using the same weight shaft in the 4 and the 7 wood if the option to go up 10 gm was not available for the 7 wood.

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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Found another option of the ~80 gm fairway woods in the R/R+ flex.  Accra Dymatch 2.0 and some other Accra (older) models may be options.  Has anyone used these in FWs?

 

No luck finding the original Blueboard as yet.

Big Bertha 2014 10.5 N, Fubuki Z 50 Regular, 45.0"
Big Bertha 2014 5 wood 18 (-1 N), Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.5"
Big Bertha 2014 7 wood 21 N, Fubuki Z 65 Fairway Regular, 42.0"
Still Searching for Hybrid
Apex 5-GW, Standard Loft/Lie, TT XP105 R300 +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 54-14 S grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Mack Daddy 2 Chrome 60-10 U grind, Standard Loft/Lie, TT DG Wedge +0.75"
Odyssey Metal-X Milled Versa #1, 3 degrees flat, 36.0"

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