Newbie - question about different shafts

[tony@CIC]

For you experienced golfers please excuse this newbie question.

 

I'm looking to upgrade my driver and noticed that you have the option of getting different shafts (note not stiffness but brand and model). I'm currently hitting a G20 with a regular (stock Ping shaft) that I got fitted to at a Ping event. Since I'm a relatively new golfer (24 handicap) does shaft brand and model make a difference? Or is the real impact (no pun intended) of shaft type for low handicappers. Driver I'm looking at is a Calloway Epic comes with either MRC Diamana M+ or a Project X HZRDUS T800.

 

 

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[djahubes]

Would recommend not getting caught up in brand and model. Go get a proper fitting and they will put you in the right setup (at least that's the expectation). The callaway GBB has many more options than the 2 you mentioned above at no upcharge, so you may want to explore their website and locate a certified callaway fitter close to you. The "fittings" at the big box stores are not necessarily worth your time. I'm sure there are exceptions, but depending on where you live, you should be able to find a "good" fitter.

As an aside, I understand that there is usually a significant cost associated with a fitting, usually 100-150 for a legit experience, but if you are going to shell out 500-550 on a new driver, it's well worth it. Approach it like a lesson and learn what types of clubs, shafts fit your particular tendencies, and I can almost guarantee that you won't stay a 24 for the season.

 

 

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[jaskanski]

The brand is not really significant because each OEM will have their own portfolio of shafts to choose from and nearly all of them will have something to satisfy anyone within reason.

What is really important is to get that particular shaft fitted to that particular head. And when I mean fitted - I mean really fitted.

That means not just swapping random shafts in random heads until you see some small improvement in stats. A proper fitting means getting the shaft and head combination to match your swing and tempo to deliver the club head to the ball squarely in the centre of the face. Without going into finer details, this is almost impossible to achieve consistently for a higher index player with a 45" or longer driver shaft, which is what most OEM's use for stock shafts.

The idea is to get the weight matched to get the club balanced and more comfortable to swing, combined with the correct length to hit the ball in the centre, and finally with the correct shaft profile and flex to achieve the correct launch and spin. 

If you're not doing it this way, you're not being fitted. Period.

[PlaidJacket]

I'm curious why you're wanting to spend $500 for a new driver when you already have one that you were fitted to previously? I'm assuming you're hoping this new $500 driver will improve your game and by extension lower your handicap. It won't. (don't get too wrapped up in all the equipment talk around here either. It's all interesting & enticing. There are ton of guys here in the forum that are much better players than I'll ever be. But... they already have a solid swing and game. They tweak their equipment occasionally too as do I sometimes.)

 

I too was a 24 hcp. player when I was starting out. If I might make a friendly suggestion? Take that $500 and go find yourself a good instructor you like and can work with. Start working on your swing fundamentals and overall game this year. That will improve your game faster. Yes, it takes time. We all like nice shiny new toys and hearing our buddies ohh and ahhh over our newest equipment. I know I do. However, basic swing fundamentals first... new toys later. As the old saying goes, "you can't buy a game."

 

Best of luck with this awesome game that you'll never master.

[cnosil]

Let me ask you a question. Why do you want a new driver and what do you expect to accomplish?

 

As others have said it will not magically improve your game or swing; you really need lessons and/or practice time to do that. If you just want new equipment because it is a new toy and you understand the fact that it may not be better than your current equipment then go for it.

 

I would recommend you go to your local store get on a launch monitor and see which shaft/head combo gives you the best results and compare that to your current driver that you just tested on the same launch monitor.

 

If you have goals to become a better golfer find a good instructor it is probably a better investment to improve your game. Then fine tune your equipment to help fill gaps.

[Kenny B]

Can't add anything new to what's been said.  Good advice... from someone who tried to teach himself the game at 45 years old.  Didn't happen.  Nothing wrong with the G20 if it is relatively close to fitting you.  I'll be happy with the i20 irons for many more years.  Even if it is not perfect for you, the money for a new driver is better spent on lessons or as I did, a golf school for a week.  Think of it as a fun vacation, and you will be much further ahead than buying a new driver.  Good luck.

[tony@CIC]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I do take private lessons on a regular basis. Last spring my instructor and owner of the golf course had me try a number of different clubs during demo day. We've been working on eliminating my slice (seems like forever). He had four manufacturers there and the M1 seems the best in adjusting for the slice. However at that time I chose to buy my wife new clubs - she needed them desperately. So now new season and time to look again. I was just trying t educate myself on shafts. FYI I will be continuing lessons again this spring.

 

 

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