[nicsherman]

RookieBlue7, on 11 May 2011 - 06:58 AM, said:

I'm not Nic, but I'm willing to bet he's going to want more than just swingspeed. Things like backspin RPM, launch angle, sidespin RPM, etc. It's more of a science than just going off of swingspeed. Sure, that gives you a baseline from where to begin at lofts, as there are baseline lofts for swingspeeds, but there are factors that go into if it'll actually work, such as angle of attack, etc. Your static loft, really, means nothing, it's what the loft is at impact, which can be arrived at from swingspeed and launch angle, and a few other factors, that is critical. If you have a -4 degree angle of attack (meaning the club is descending at impact) and hit balls with a set loft then change that angle of attack to +4 (meaning the club is ascending at impact), that set loft with the -4 angle of attack is going to launch vastly different than the same club with a +4 angle of attack, even at the same swingspeed. Sure, people can sit and say that a set loft is optimal for a set swingspeed, but it's a disservice to the person purchasing the club to just give them that information without knowing all of their numbers, angle of attack, etc.

What he said....

[ninetails]

RookieBlue7, on 10 May 2011 - 07:39 PM, said:

If it were me, I'd go up in loft some, to a 10.5 or an 11 even. Then bring it back down to optimal with a lower launching, lower spinning shaft. I've never liked the Motore, it feels whippy to me at impact. That said, you like the feel so that's all that matters. If you like that shaft but need more LA, use that shaft and go up in loft with the same head.
The Blueboard has similar characteristics, but it's more stable for me. It's a great shaft, IMO. Have one in a 9.5 SasQuatch Tour still and love it. Great combo.

I have a major descending angle of attack for drivers, thus I already use a 12 degree driver. I didn't realize my local range has ping, titlist, and TM fitting carts. I tried quite a bit of shafts with even higher lofted g15 head today (13.5). Tried AD DI 6, axivcore red 69, oban devotion 6, attas 6 and blueboard 63 all in stiff. I thought 12 was high enough but apparently not? I think I hit as well or better with the 13.5 head except with the DI 6. Two best results came with the axivcore and devotion. I was very happy with the axivcore. When I go after one, it usually results in low hooks. With the axivcore, it became straight or soft draws. I'm going to try these two combos again just to see if this was just a one day occurrence. I plan on verifying this soon also. I have a free 30 minute fitting session at this range later this month.

I also agree with you regarding the blueboard. More stable than the F3. I need to try out even more shafts.

RookieBlue7 said:

Having your numbers from the recent fitting, though, would really help.

Because of the bad hooks with my current driver, I slowed down my swing quite a bit about a month before the fitting. Given the result I got today with the axivcore and oban, I don't think I have to go with that "safer" swing. The one that I brought to the fitting was about 3-5MPH lower than usual with opposite flight path so it won't be too useful I think.

I expressed my disappointment to the fitter and he wants to discuss this when I pick up a re-shaft of an older driver to lady flex (how embarrassing that I might be using a higher lofted driver than my Mom soon...doh!). Since he couldn't find me any driver/shaft options, I'm going to ask for a set of new driver LM numbers with my usual swing and see what he says.

RookieBlue7 said:

As for finding a fitter, listen to golfers in your area and see who has the most buzz. Never, IMO, go to a guy that is affiliated with a certain component company. Hell, I'm a certified Wishon distributor too, but I don't push their stuff. I can get it at cost, but unless it's a golfer that wants cheap, quality clubs, I rarely recommend them. Why wouldn't I if I'm a certified distributor? Because there are more readily available options and I'm not buying demos for the Wishons, as good as they are.

Yeah, I think I learned this the hard way. His website does state he is an authorized dealer for UST and Aldila. Unfortunately, he is replacing his UST and Aldila line with SK fiber. He thinks SK fiber is as good or better especially for the price...oh well. It seems like I'm doing a better job finding a right driver than an actual fitter...sigh.

[Phana24JG]

Nic,

What is your preference for a launch monitor. I absolutely love Trackman and the Flightscope X-2. However, I have to drive at least 2 hours to get on the damn Trackman and they demand $100/hr for full info. I blew a couple of large a few years ago with a Wishon fitter that had a Zelocity, so I learned my lesson with discount monitors. We have a couple of Opti-Shot systems in the area, but I question their accuracy.

[nicsherman]

Phana24JG, on 24 June 2011 - 07:55 AM, said:

Nic,

What is your preference for a launch monitor. I absolutely love Trackman and the Flightscope X-2. However, I have to drive at least 2 hours to get on the damn Trackman and they demand $100/hr for full info. I blew a couple of large a few years ago with a Wishon fitter that had a Zelocity, so I learned my lesson with discount monitors. We have a couple of Opti-Shot systems in the area, but I question their accuracy.

We use the Flightscope in our shop, and so far, the numbers are good. In the past we have used Zelocity, and Vector. Flightscope is the better of the 3. In a perfect world, We would have several Trackman monitors, but since we never charge for fitting, we can't afford $30000 a whack.

[RookieBlue7]

Trackman>Flightscope>everything else, to be honest. There are others that are viable, but not as accurate, IMO, and you'd better take your own clubs before getting fit to establish a baseline with.

[Phana24JG]

nicsherman, on 24 June 2011 - 12:27 PM, said:

We use the Flightscope in our shop, and so far, the numbers are good. In the past we have used Zelocity, and Vector. Flightscope is the better of the 3. In a perfect world, We would have several Trackman monitors, but since we never charge for fitting, we can't afford $30000 a whack.

The Flightscope X-2 is virtually the equal of the Trackman for about a third the price (11K). I have been on Mike Jacob's unit down on Long Island, and it is almost indistinguishable from the Trackman, and does not have the heavy monthly support requirements.

IMHO not charging for a fitting is not good business. I EXPECT to be charged for a useful service, and I think it cheapens the concept in the eyes of a customer. You can always waive fitting fees for those who buy clubs.

[nicsherman]

Phana24JG, on 27 June 2011 - 07:59 AM, said:

IMHO not charging for a fitting is not good business. I EXPECT to be charged for a useful service, and I think it cheapens the concept in the eyes of a customer. You can always waive fitting fees for those who buy clubs.

This has been the policy at our store for 35+ years. We didn't charge for fitting before launch monitors, and we don't charge now. (although we have discussed the positive and negatives of both sides.) I won't come out and give my opinions on the issue, but I do have strong feelings about it.

[forgiven2008]

Alright well I'm bringing this thread back because I am curious about fittings.

First question I have is I have my driver, that is 8.5 degree, with a V2 High Launch X-Flex shaft. My swing speed is 115-125 but pretty smooth. Working to smooth it out a little more but I always feel comfortable with my swing. I just hate how the club feels. I was at the PGA Superstore this past week and they said my launch angle was something like 18 and spin was insanely high.

My irons, I just found out the flex today and they were bought off the rack, are uniflex. My iron swing is slower and very smooth but I feel like I can never control my shots. I don't feel confidant hitting my irons.

What are some early opinions you see. I'm going to D'Lance Golf here in Englewood, CO to be fitted soon hopefully.

Thanks for your response if you see the thread come back.

[Phana24JG]

forgiven2008, on 29 April 2012 - 11:50 PM, said:

Alright well I'm bringing this thread back because I am curious about fittings.

First question I have is I have my driver, that is 8.5 degree, with a V2 High Launch X-Flex shaft. My swing speed is 115-125 but pretty smooth. Working to smooth it out a little more but I always feel comfortable with my swing. I just hate how the club feels. I was at the PGA Superstore this past week and they said my launch angle was something like 18 and spin was insanely high.

My irons, I just found out the flex today and they were bought off the rack, are uniflex. My iron swing is slower and very smooth but I feel like I can never control my shots. I don't feel confidant hitting my irons.

What are some early opinions you see. I'm going to D'Lance Golf here in Englewood, CO to be fitted soon hopefully.

Thanks for your response if you see the thread come back.

You are right, your arrows do not fit the Indian. With that kind of SS, your launch angle should be way below 18, probably in the 10-12 range. I thouhgt a couple of claims on their website were a little bogus, just about everything they said about the fitting process and what they are trying to achieve is spot on. You appear to be in good hands.

A couple of thoughts for you to consider. Since you can generate all the distance you want, consider a shorter than off-the-rack lenght for your driver. Tour average is about 44.5 inches. Also, see if they have a driver with a Harrison Shotmaker or a Balanced-Certified Accurizer. I am sure the fitter will know what you are talking about.

I suspect your swing is not one compatible with the uniflex concept. I hit some and while the short irons were fine, the dispersion for 6 and lower got a little wide. Again, if the budget is not an issue, the Aeroflex Steel Fiber is worth investigating if you can find the right combination. If the budget is an issue, focus on the driver and wedges, and accept good quality steel shafts for your irons.

Finally, I saw that the fitter you referenced is sponsoring a Trackman day. I strongly urge you to do whatever you have to do (i.e. buy the significant other some jewelry, tell your boss you have a bad case of ebola, if someone dies skip the funeral) and get on that Trackman. What it will tell you about your swing is worth it's weight in gold. You will need to google Trackman and follow some discussion boards about the various numbers to really comprehend what you are seeing, bit it is time well spent.

[forgiven2008]

Thanks a lot man. Ya I saw the Trackman day is coming up and I'm going to try as hard as possible to be there. I really need all the help I can get.

Getting fitted of a driver shaft could possible have me buy a new driver head which isn't a bad thing since I'm still using a Nike 460 Tour.

[nicsherman]

forgiven2008, on 29 April 2012 - 07:50 PM, said:

Alright well I'm bringing this thread back because I am curious about fittings.

First question I have is I have my driver, that is 8.5 degree, with a V2 High Launch X-Flex shaft. My swing speed is 115-125 but pretty smooth. Working to smooth it out a little more but I always feel comfortable with my swing. I just hate how the club feels. I was at the PGA Superstore this past week and they said my launch angle was something like 18 and spin was insanely high.

My irons, I just found out the flex today and they were bought off the rack, are uniflex. My iron swing is slower and very smooth but I feel like I can never control my shots. I don't feel confidant hitting my irons.

What are some early opinions you see. I'm going to D'Lance Golf here in Englewood, CO to be fitted soon hopefully.

Thanks for your response if you see the thread come back.

Hitting an 8.5* at 18* LA with really high spin usually means steep descending angle of attack. This is a great thing in irons, death in drivers. Without seeing you hit a few shots, I would have a difficult time coming to a recommendation for a proper shaft.. It seems to me that if the launch numbers that you gave us are right, you could be looking at some pretty extreme possibilities. It will be interesting to see how your fit ends up...
good luck
N.

[forgiven2008]

I need to film my swing next time I'm at the range so I can show you guys. I am more than willing to change it up to make it smoother and more than welcome to slow it down.

[nicsherman]

I'm not advocating a major swing overhaul... I'm just pointing out that your launch condition is substantially out of the norm, and fixing it with equipment "can" be done.. it just might be a little weird.

[forgiven2008]

ya I get that. and the swing change wouldn't be major either. just some adjustments to make it more on plane.

[McGolf]

Take a look at the "HIGH LAUNCH" x flex. even if the flex is mega stiff the profile of shaft can certainly change the way the ball comes off the club. v2 HL is a tip flexible shaft that adds well launch and spin. I'm guessing when you put a tighter shaft say an AXIV black or VTS tourspx xflex black too stay in the UST company would be a great choice