ZackS

Look who showed up!  Bill and Zack are in the house!


 

Inside the fitting studio.  Lots of equipment to measure, adjust and work on clubs.
This is where the magic happens!

After an 8 day golf whirlwind in Mesquite NV I can say that the Callaway Chrome Tour X is the best Callaway ball I have ever used. It is in line with the Titleist Pro V1 X. In fact, I couldn't tell the difference in the two. I played them both as well as the Chrome Tour and the Chrome Soft versions. The only ball I liked better was the Pro V1 X left dash. I was not overly blown away with the Chrome Tour and lesser so with the Chrome Soft versions. As you all may already know through my comments on other posts, I have added the Chrome Tour X to my bag. I really like the performance of it and feels like it fits my game. I still feel that the Chrome Tour spins more (FOR ME) than the Chrome Tour X. I have seen in in the sim testing and on the course, it just spins less for me. Hope this helps anyone out there looking for a ball change. Happy Birdy Hunting.

Quick update on air install method with the Zen Lite grips. I have felt both the 7 iron and driver grips start moving after a few SIM practice sessions. Since I know this is just a matter of not enough friction with the foam material that is on the inside of the grips. I pulled off a layer of masking tape and added athletic tape. Since it is a cloth tape I am thinking the texture will provide more friction to the foam. Initial attempts to twist after when fine but I will update after some use. 

Introduction:
Let me start by saying how much I appreciate this opportunity and big thanks to MSG and TPT. Also to John Sinclair for his time in for the fitting. My name is Zack, I was born and raised the Dallas TX area and lived here most my life other then a few years in California for college. I worked in the golf industry throughout most of my 20’s primarily in a teaching role where I was a lead instructor for a city course teaching both adults and kids then an indoor facility with Edwin Watts. I have moved into IT engineering for my career and I am a single dad. My son is starting to have some interest in the game so I get to do some practice with him but the majority of my golf is sneaking out after work when my son is at his mom’s.

 
My Game:
A little on the history on my game. I started playing 24 years ago in high school. I picked up the game pretty quickly and was constantly shooting in the 80s by end on freshman year. My last few years of high school was was consistently in the high 70s. My game was at its best in college where I got down to scratch. Throughout my time in the industry I didn’t keep a handicap but my average score was mid to low 70s with a bad day being high 70s. After years of averaging about 1 round per year I played a handful of time last year and have got the bug again. I still don’t keep a handicap but currently averaging about 8 over par when I play. For a few reasons, I still don’t get play as much as I would like so I practice more than I play currently but with my analytical, perfectionist mindset, I enjoy practicing.
 
Manufacturer claims and My Thoughts:
TPT has a proprietary manufacturing process that allows for ……..You know what they explain it better then me. So give it a watch, I’ll wait 😆
This has me very excited as if this it true I should see a noticeable difference in dispersion and hopefully from this distance due to the added confidence and ability to play a softer/ligher shaft.
 
How I plan to test:
Going to start by comparing the shafts in the SIM bay against my current for launch, spin, ball speed, distance and dispersion.
Current shafts:
Titleist TSR3 Driver - Graphite Design AD DI 6X and Accra TZ6 55 M5
Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond 5 Wood - Graphite Design AD TP 7S
PXG 0317 Gen2 22 degree Hybrid - Aldila NV Blue 90S
And obviously I will have to put them to the test on the course and what performance benefits it can provide. For these to stay in my bag the primary thing would be dispersion as that has always been the weakest part of my game. But of course some added distance along with that will be welcome.
 
Final Review 5/4/2024
 
Initial Impressions: (10 out of 10)
Since Jon our fitter had the shafts sent to him so he could build them I was able to just pick them up so there was no unboxing. But Jon also let me know how much head weight needed to be added or subtracted from each club while there. Since I knew the weights I had in the driver and 5 wood I knew I had what I needed already at home and Jon gave me what I needed for my driver. I will need to find some wights for my PXG Gen2 hybrid but for now I have just removed a few of them to get the correct weight. Overall my initial impressions are very high. I love the looks, I am sucker for good matte finish which these have just a few layers of clear coat so you can see the graphite which has a unique look I am assuming it due to their patented manufacturing process. Add to that the matte yellow that really pops and makes them standout.

The feel and performance during the fitting and the first range session are great and confidence inspiring. Here are quick highlights from the range.
Lastly even though getting fit from Jon Sinclair is not something everyone looking at these shaft will get to do but I was lucky enough too and it was a great experience. You can see more detail on that here
Aesthetics: 19 out of 20
With shaping and other things like that not really being a thing with shafts there is not a lot to discuss on aesthetics. That said I love the looks, I am sucker for good matte finish which these have just a few layers of a matte clear coat so you can see the graphite. The graphite has a unique look I am assuming it due to their patented manufacturing process where they sand the graphite down to create the flex profile.

Also the matte yellow that really pops and makes them standout. The only thing I would change is make it orange instead of yellow because I like orange.

I am sure some won’t like the look but I though the QR code they have on the shaft that take you to a page to be able to register your shafts and a few other things including this document which give some more info on shaft profile. https://linktr.ee/tptgolf_QRCode
 
The Numbers: (17 out of 20)
I will start by saying that I am grading on a scale where a full 20 out of 20 would be that it was better is every single way. That said my current shafts where pretty good for me already and in terms of sheer numbers (launch, spin, ball speed, distance, etc) thing were similar as you will see from examples below. I did a multiple sessions to make sure it was not just a good day with one shaft or another for some reason. Also this allowed me to get a decent sample size and not having to make a bunch of swings all at one were I would inevitably end up being tired and a shaft would get the short end of the stick in the comparison.
Driver: 
One note from the first session is I hit double the amount with the TPT shaft, half being me trying to swing faster and the dispersion is still better.


5 wood:
You will notice in the 2nd session I was all over with my swing with this club so number are down and dispersion is wider but the TPT was still more consistent


Hybrid: 


Where the TPT shafts did standout was dispersion. In every session weather swinging good or bad dispersion was better with the TPT shafts. Also the consistency numbers especially in spin where better in almost all cases.
 
On Course: (16 out of 20)
I will again preface this score by saying that on my scale a 20 out of 20 would be the shafts were completely game changing. Since we already established that base numbers are very similar so so can’t classify it as game changing on that front. While I would say I am seeing the same improved dispersion on course that I have seen in the SIM comparisons. I can’t say the shafts completely eliminate big misses or have gotten rid of my left miss with my 5 wood “my issue not the shafts” and unfortunately shafts can’t fix my brain, haha. Though I will say my confidence is growing with that have the shafts especially the driver. One example of this is in one of my rounds on a whole that is a hard dog leg left around the river and the tees. Where up a box from normal and I decided to. Be aggressive and took a driver over the river and trees and put it 40 yards short of the green.

Which if that trend continues could be become game changing as they has always been a weak point of my game. And while I didn’t get to play as much as planned due to weather and schedule not matching up well in some cases. But it can’t be ignored that over the 46 holes I was able to play doing the testing period I was a total of 4 over par. This did have a good amount to do with good putting and short game but what good rounds don’t. But since I started getting back into golf over the last about 2 years I have mainly been in the 6 to 12 over par per round range. This has been my best stretch of golf in a long time. The rounds during the testing include a even par 72, a 9 hole 4 over 40, a 9 hole even par 36 from the very back tees to test my tee game and a 10 hole even par day. If you would like to see some details on these see the links below.
 
 
The Good, the Bad and in-between: (8 out of 10)
Overall my experience with the TPT shafts has been all good. I love the looks and the feel on of the shafts. On the feel side I don’t notice a difference whether I try and smooth one or really go after it which is confidence inspiring. They just load and unload very nice and consistent. The in-between for me is base numbers (launch, spin, distance) are very similar to my current shafts. The only thing I would classify as bad is they are pricy and not a widely available as some other shafts. The availability is not really their fault and I do understand with the propriety process, super tight tolerances and high end material is not cheap still at the end of the day $400 for the Power range and $650 for the Nitro is not something everyone can afford and you don’t get the benefit of it being offered as a up charge option from a manufacture where it can be a little less expensive.
 
Play it or Trade it? (20 out of 20)
This one is pretty easy for me as despite not seeing a big jump in distance I have seen a difference in consistency and dispersion which is the main thing I needed. So from what I saw during this testing there is absolutely no reason I see to take these shafts out of the bag and as mentioned in other sections my confidence is growing especially with the driver so I am thinking they could get even better for me.
 
Conclusion:
TPT claims that through their proprietary manufacturing process that is completely automated that creates a shaft with no spine and zero off-axing when bent. What is allows for is greater consistency in strike and dispersion allowing you to play a softer shaft and gain distance. During my testing I have found the claims of consistency to be true. As far as distance goes my numbers for launch, spin, ball speed and distance as very similar across. On that front when it comes to hybrid and 5 wood I don’t need more distance I need them to go a certain distance for gaping. On the driver I think this could be that I really didn’t go softer in flex. We did try one softer I didn’t get a little faster ball speed but had a little worse dispersion as well. Though I still think I could see improved distance as my confidence to swing harder with the TPT shaft in the driver is growing. The other claim from TPT is 3 shafts one feel with the Power Range of driver, fairway and hybrid shafts. I ended up with the Nitro shaft in the driver but still found this claim to be true with the like profile but I could feel a slight difference in between the Hi and Lo shafts. But to be honest I don’t think I would without hitting them back to back. Bottom line is these are very good shaft that I feel for the most part live up to the claims. There is the consideration of price as all this technology comes a price that while not out of the realm of other premium shafts are right there with most premium shaft in the Power Range and on the higher end of the spectrum in the Nitro Range. That is a decision that each person has to make and with my normal budget I can’t guarantee you I would purchase these on my own. That said if you are in the market for premium shaft and doing a fitting you should certainly have the TPT shafts on your list and I would argue it should be at the very top of that list.   
 
Final Score: (90 out of 100)

Thanks for sharing your experiences and photos with the JMX grips! I'm also glad you're having a positive experience. There's something to the tech in these grips and so far I'm chalking it up to requiring less grip pressure. DEFINITELY let us know how they work on your irons. I'm hitting my irons pretty well with midsized grips, so I'm not planning on switching anytime soon, but I might if there's benefits.
Do you find yourself liking the JMX ZenLite or the JMX UltraLite grips better?
Can you explain the arccos mounting situation a little more? They make grips specific for the arccos devices or special tips? It is a little unfortunate that they protrude out of the end of the grip so much.  

Good topic/ thread, @jbern!
I started trying out Jumbomax grips after hearing about them on Peter Finch's YT channel and his Rough Cut Podcast. I've experimented with a few different sizes and currently have the following combination:
JMX Zen Lite, Medium- driver and 3W
JMX Ultralite, Small- 7W and 3H
The Arccos grips are a bit obtrusive, but not something that bothers me when swinging the club. In the future, when convinced this is the way forward for me, maybe I'll invest in the STR8 Tour grips and buy a full set of the associated smaller Arccos sensors to embed in the end of those grips. That looks to be a much more visually satisfying solution.


JMX Pistol Pro putter grip. Really liking this. Sufficiently narrow to help with touch/feel and not feel too isolated from the head and ball contact, but thicker than an old school skinny grip. Nice amount of surface softness and grip level. As above, the Arccos sensor doesn't fit that neatly on the putter grip, but it's more of a visual issue than use. In use I don't notice it.

I have a Standard Jumbo (SJ) Zen Lite waiting to be fitted to an iron to try out.
My irons and wedges currently have Golf Pride Tour Velvet Mid Size Plus4 grips, but I'd like to go a bit bigger. I think Tour Velvet jumbo might be the right size. I have that on a 2UDI and like the feel and size. The Zen Lite grip in jumbo might be the way forward, so I'll give one a try. Can't see me wanting to go beyond XS for irons.
On the Jumbomax website fitting tool, it gave me 'large' but having played medium I don't think I want to go bigger.
In use:
I have found the JMX grips to really help quieten my lead hand/wrist when swinging the driver in particular. My slice miss is less frequent and I'm squaring the face at impact more consistently. With the fairway woods and hybrid I'm a lot straighter, on average. The 3H (Stealth Plus) has always been a weapon, but recent rounds I've barely missed a fairway when using on the tee and I've been getting very good distances with it (longest ~240yds, which is more my 3W distance). I've only used the 3 wood a couple of times on-course recently but both tee shot and from rough were well struck and straight as an arrow. Very happy with the change for these clubs and that success is leading me to trying JMX grips on an iron (before I commit to a full set).

Good Monday morning Spies!
Hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. Leisure activities were not on tap around here due to rain all day Saturday and soggy, wet conditions yesterday. going to be a cooler week and wet week but fortunately not the snow and freezing temps of our Northern brothers.
Happy Birthday @Girldad18!
Will be heading over to meet two fellow testers, @Hoyoymacand @ZackS this morning at Jon Sinclair's' Training Center.
Everyone have a great start to the week and hit 'em straight if you get the opportunity! 

I am super eager for the fitting and to meet Jon as well. I am nerdy about this stuff and he seems to be very high level on this. I am just going to try and have to hold back and not annoy him and let him do his thing, haha. I have been rewatching some of his videos again. This is probably the first ever Saturday night that I am wishing tomorrow was Monday! 
I look forward to meeting you both. @William P want to make sure you know our fittings are Monday. I am have to work in the morning but going to try and sneak away early and see the last bit of @Hoyoymac fitting if I can. 

Finally fitting day

Good luck today @ZackS and @Hoyoymac! Looking forward to reading about your fittings!

Nothing going on here.  Move along.
Just professional golfers getting fit for the highest quality golf shafts ever made.

Finally fitting day

Landed in Dallas.
Some light reading on the plane:

and a libation:

Okay, and I want to putt with the LINK1 with the TPT shaft again. I just sold some clubs and have been lusting in my heart after that putter. You guys distract him …….  perhaps not. 

@ZackS. @Hoyoymac @William P  I will be in Dallas tomorrow so will try to stop by and meet everyone. 

Safe travels Jordy. Look forward to meeting you tomorrow.

Waiting at the Savannah, GA airport for my flight to Dallas.  Golf clubs are checked.
 
St. Patrick’s Day is a big celebration here with the 2nd biggest parade in the country I believe.
The fountain in front of the airport had it’s water dyed green.

I am super eager for the fitting and to meet Jon as well. I am nerdy about this stuff and he seems to be very high level on this. I am just going to try and have to hold back and not annoy him and let him do his thing, haha. I have been rewatching some of his videos again. This is probably the first ever Saturday night that I am wishing tomorrow was Monday! 
I look forward to meeting you both. @William P want to make sure you know our fittings are Monday. I am have to work in the morning but going to try and sneak away early and see the last bit of @Hoyoymac fitting if I can. 

So I installed the grips last night with 2 wraps of tape and tried the hair spray method. This did make it easier to slide on but unfortunately this morning I am able to still twist them a little.  Mainly the lower half, the top seems to stay pretty good. I might give one last ditch effort at throwing an extra wrap on the bottom half today. As for the grips I am loving the feel and tackiness of them. Can’t wait to see how they feel when hitting some balls. The other thing I really like about the Zen Lite is there is no noticeable seem. Not that it was a dealbreaker for me on the other grips but a prefer not having that. 

I found the Qi10 MAX (10.5* loft) to launch the ball very high and to promote too much of a righ-to-left ball flight, which is my nemesis off of the tee. I can counter this a bit by turning down the loft and flattening the lie angle, but since the standard Qi10 driver has no draw bias built-in, and the standard lie is already slightly flatter on the regular Qi10 than on the Qi10 MAX, the regular model is the better choice for me.
Not just with TaylorMade drivers, virtually ALL “MAX” driver models have closed face angles and/or more upright lie angles, and this is a problematic combination for me. In my research and testing experience, I have found that the Callaway Paradym X and Paradym AI Smoke MAX drivers feature a more square face angle and a standard lie angle that is not quite as upright as others. This is why the last few generations of Callaway drivers are a better fit for my swing. It is also why most of the LS or Triple Diamond models work better for me, even though this is counter-intuitive, considering that I am old (75 next week), and my clubhead speed continues to drop every year (I have lost a few more MPH with the driver again this year, to where my average is now down to 92-95 MPH, where it was 94-97 MPH last year).

I built up the new shafts to try with the Qi10.  
First is the ACCRA TZ RPG LBP in M4 (stiff) flex, and Iomic grip with 5 wraps.

Next is the ACCRA iSeries 152 in M2 (Senior) flex.  This is an Otto-Phlex shaft I am trying a little longer as an experiment.

And hey @jbern notice anything?

Very eager to try these out!

I feel just as lucky to be testing these. However, I had the opposite problem the last year or so with spin. I couldn’t get enough to hold any greens reliably with my irons and wedges from out side 80is yards. Hoping the TP5 increases spin helps me until I figure that nonsense out lol

I am lucky to be a tester and I have the same issue. I have always played Prov1 to help knock down my spin and launch. I do miss some greenside spin however. I have been playing a box of chrome tours and like them a lot. They are the closest direct comp I've found to the Prov1 ever.
I'm very excited to get my TP5s and see how they slot in! I haven't disliked previous iterations of the tp5 and they were probably my 2nd choice to Prov1s in the past.  So if they've made improvements this could be the year they overtake them for my game.  Hopefully my findings in this test will help inform your decisions!

Update to the A&M 9000 testing and some interesting results. 
First I need to put the definition of Force in here:
Physicists use the newton, a unit of the International System (SI), for measuring force. A newton is the force needed to accelerate a body weighing one kilogram by one metre per second per second.
I did some time stamped video work to find what a rough estimation of the acceleration of the ball after being struck and found the force applied by my putter head and shaft is 9.24 Newtons or 2.0773 lbf (pounds of force applied). This number is close but not actual. But, it does tell us that if I had put the 9000 on a frozen glass smooth pond the ball would travel around 71 yards per second.
I am not going to get into the math as most readers would find the math dull to say the least.
But, here is what 9.24 Newtons of force looks like!
As a side note, and this is kind of scary. You can see in the video below my markers which I use to center the ball. A difference of 1/16th of an inch either forward (away from the putter head) or back can change the roll distance by as much as a foot when stroked with a constant force and angle!
 

putterstrike_02.mp4 What I can tell you that over several days and different greens and conditions the balls come to final rest normally in an area that is 10 inches wide and 3 inches deep. This is true for the longest and mid range putter setting. The shortest setting I can place all of the ball markers (a piece of blue painters tape) under a 3X5 note card. This is true for uphill and downhill putts. 
Here is the really interesting part that will not be part of the final report. Yesterday while getting some of the slow motion contact and data collection videos a lady came up and asked "What are you doing?" I explained the MSG testing process, showed her our balls, and stroked one with the 9000. 
She held up the three balls she was practice putting with - two Callaway SuperSoft and one Titleist TrueFeel. The supersofts were brand new, the titleist had been played 1 round. She asked me to test her practice balls. It was a nice sunny day, the green was dry and running true so I said "Okay sure." The supersofts ran true but not as far as the Maxfli. They stopped within 2 inches of each other. The Truefeel on the other hand veered off to the left as it slowed to a stop. It traveled almost a foot. We reset the ball and tried again. This time it rolled to the right not quite a foot. The third time back to the left just short of a foot. 
Empirical testing told us that essentially brand new ball was internally lopsided right out of the box. And if she continued to use this ball and putted to die the ball into the hole she would rarely if ever make a first putt.