True Spec Golf Fitting Review - Aug. 2017 (NYC)

[Benzenbe]

In Short: I cannot imagine having a more enjoyable club fitting experience anywhere else and look forward to a putter fitting with True Spec in the near future.


I haven't seen too many threads providing fitting experiences/reviews, especially with True Spec Golf (https://www.truespecgolf.com/).  For those of you not familiar with True Spec, here are highlights:

• Founded in 2014
• 15 Locations in 6 Countries:
  • North America: Bronx (NY), Chicago (IL), Columbus (OH), Jupiter (FL), Miami (FL), Naples (FL), New York City (NY), Orlando (FL), and Nassau (Bahamas)
  • Europe: Geneva (Switzerland), Sotogrande (Spain), and Turnberry (Scotland)
  • Asia: Hanoi (Vietnam) and Tokyo (Japan)
• Partner Brands
  • Club Manufacturers: Bettinardi, Callaway, Cleveland, Cobra, Epon, ENVROLL, Fourteen, Gimar, Miura, Mizuno, Odyssey, Ping, PXG, SeeMore, Srixon, TaylorMade, and Titleist
  • Shaft Manufacturers: Accra, Aerotech, Fujikura, Graphite Design, KBS, Matrix, Mitsubishi Rayon, Nippon, Oban, True Temper, UST Mamiya, and Veylix

Now onto my experience.  In December 2016, True Spec was running a holiday special discount: $100 off a full bag fitting (except for putter).  Fortunately, my girlfriend is kind enough to support my addition and was kind enough to gift me my first custom fitting.  But before I decided to get fit, I wanted to play a decent amount of the 2017 season to provide a quality “baseline” comparison between my current off-the-shelf clubs and properly fit clubs.

Old Clubs and “Normal” Distance (based on data from 14 rounds with Arccos):

• TaylorMade R11S 9* (Stiff Flex) – 275 Yds
• TaylorMade Burner Fairway 3 Wood 15* (Regular Flex) – 235 Yds
• TaylorMade Burner Superfast 2.0 3 Hybrid 18* (Regular Flex) – 185 Yds
• Callaway X-22 Irons (4 to AW) – 170 Yds (6 Iron)
• Bombtech 56* – 90 Yds
• Cleveland 60* – 70 Yds
• Scotty Futura X5

In mid-July, I called True Spec up and scheduled my full bag fitting over two mornings from 9 AM to 11 AM; Day 1 for Irons and Wedges, Day 2 for Woods.  After taking the subway from downtown NYC to Penn Station, I walked over and quickly knew I was in the right place.

True Spec's NYC location is housed inside Golf & Body NYC.  While an entire post can be made about Golf & Body, it's easier to just say that it's essentially an “indoor country club” equipped with Trackman simulators, a huge putting green, and a full-blown gym.

On Day 1, I worked with True Spec fitter Tyler.  We started the fitting by having me warm up while Tyler took some fundamental data on my irons and wedges (e.g., loft, lie angle, shaft flex).  Once I was warm, Tyler explained that True Spec collects data using the Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor and the iron fitting will be based off 6 iron data.  In addition, he wanted to see if I had any questions, club preferences, or goals in mind before we collected our first data point.  I explained that I never been fit, currently am a 12 handicap, and would prefer a forged, players iron (presuming my ball striking and club speed would allow).  Tyler reassured me he'd do everything he can to put the best club in my hands, and that we could now start taking some baseline data with my 6 iron. After a couple shots, we eliminated the mishits and averaged:

• 121 MPH Ball Speed
• ~19* Launch Angle
• ~6300 RPMs
• 170 Yds (Carry)
• 180 Yds (Total)
• 107 Ft. Peak Heigh

To keep it short, Tyler and I spent the next 2 hours trying 10 different irons with nearly as many different shafts.  Between the data and personal preference, we narrowed it down to the following top performers (with their average data):

• Srixon Z 565s with KBS C-Taper Parallel Tip Shafts (Stiff); 125 MPH Ball Speed, ~18* Launch Angle, ~5600 RPMs, 180 Yds (Carry), 190 Yds (Total)
• TaylorMade P770 with Project X LZ 6.0; 123 MPH Ball Speed, ~20* Launch Angle, ~5700 RPMs, 176 Yds (Carry), 185 Yds (Total)
• Titleist AP2s with KBS C-Taper Parallel Tip Shafts (Stiff); 121 MPH Ball Speed, ~18* Launch Angle, ~6300 RPMs, 175 Yds (Carry), 185 Yds (Total)

Fortunately, I didn't have to make any decisions on the spot, so we then started the wedge fitting.  Unfortunately, I don't have any baseline data, but after about an hour we decided that the combination I got the best feel and performance from was Vokey SM6s in 56* (with 14* bounce) and 60* (with 10* bounce), paired with the KBS 610 Wedge Shaft (Stiff).

In addition to being really pleased with how the entire experience was going, Tyler was kind enough to email me with all the GC Quad data we collected throughout the fitting about an hour after we finished.

On Day 2, I was teamed up with Doug and, as many great things I could say about Tyler, he was incredible.  After receiving my Day 1 results, I naturally I hopped on the forums and started to read reviews.  As a result, I had lots of questions for Doug before we even started.  Doug was very patient and answered every question I had and, after addressing my anxiety, asked if there were any clubs I wanted to hit that I might have missed out on.  As eager as I was to try a few more irons, we agreed that it was best to start hitting some woods while I was fresh.  Similar to Day 1, Doug asked me to start warming up with my driver so we could get some baseline data:

• 148 MPH Ball Speed
• 110 MPH Club Speed
• ~12* Launch Angle
• ~3300 RPMs
• 250 Yds (Carry)
• 270 Yds (Total)
• ~39* Descent Angle

From there, we quickly jumped into hitting some top-notch heads (Taylormade M1 and M2, Callaway Epic and Epic Sub Zero, Ping G400, and Titleist 917 D3) and shafts (Fujikura Pro XLR8, Mitsubishi C6 Blue and TENSEI CK, Aldila Tour Blue and Rogue Black, etc.).  It was immediately apparent that we needed to find a combination that would help get my spin down.  After about an hour of mixing and matching, the Callaway Epic Sub Zero 9.0* with UST Mamiya Elements Platinum shaft stood head and shoulders above everything (152 MPH Ball Speed, ~10* Launch Angle, ~2600 RPMs, 265 Yds Carry, 288 Total).

We then turned to 3 Woods.  Baseline data with my TM Burner:

• 143 MPH Ball Speed
• 106 MPH Club Speed
• ~11* Launch Angle
• ~3900 RPMs
• 220 Yds (Carry)
• 235 Yds (Total)
• ~26* Descent Angle

Ironically, we ultimately ended up with the first combination Doug put in my hands, but only after we verified it with a similar sampling of head and shaft combinations.  TaylorMade M2 3 Wood 16.5* (High Launch) with Graphite Design Tour AD (152 MPH Ball Speed, 107 MPH Club Speed, ~11* Launch Angle, ~3300 RPMs, 236 Yds Carry, 255 Total).

Finally, replacing my Hybrid.  Full disclosure, I hate my Hybrid.  99% of the shots end with a cursing, thoughts of club throwing, and a frustrating pull hook.  I came into my fitting with the hopes that if my club speed was high enough, that I could be fitted for a Driving Iron or carry a 3 Iron.  Unfortunately, Doug informed me that True Spec currently does not fit for Dis, but Doug was able to convince me that I should some 5 Woods and properly fit Hybrids a chance before dismissing them altogether.  After spending an hour trying a few Hybrid and 5 Wood combinations, I (ironically) found out that TaylorMade M2 5 Wood 18* also with Graphite Design Tour AD (144 MPH Ball Speed, 105 MPH Club Speed, ~12* Launch Angle, ~4100 RPMs, 219 Yds Carry, 234 Total) would outperform a 3 iron.

NOW after spending the past three and half hours dialing in my new woods, Doug reminded me that the offer to hit some extra irons stood as long as I had the energy.  I was all for it and while taking a brief water break, Doug asked if I had any specific concerns about how yesterday went.  I explained that as much as I loved how the Srixon Z 565s performed, I really wanted a forged iron that would demand me to play better golf while simultaneously not leading me to quit golfing.  I then asked Doug if I could hit the Miura CB 1008s, the Titleist AP2s (again), Mizuno JPX Tours, and the Srixon Z 765s.  Also, just to check my ego, I asked to hit the Miura Tournament Blades MB001s.  As much as I wished I could play the MBs, I knew that I currently don't have the skill to enjoy them.  Fortunately, the extra time was not wasted.  In fact, Doug and I were able to determine that I could hit the Z 765, and that it was up to me to either: (1) go with a quality combination set (Srixon Z 565s for 4 through 6 irons and Srixon Z 765s for 7 through Gap Wedge); or (2) go with a full bag of Z 565s or 765s.  Once again, there was no pressure to make a decision on the spot and after a couple of days, I decided to go with a full bag of the Z 765s.


But before ending Day 2, Doug took the time to walk me through all the custom accessories and options.  After trying and talking about every possibility, I decided on customizing the Callaway Epic SZ with White Rails, Crown and Sole, along with White NO1 50 Series grips on all my woods.  The Srixons would just get Black NO1 50 Pro Series grips.  And as for my Vokey SM6 wedges, I opted for the Raw Black Finish also with Black NO1 50 Pro Series grips, finished off with some custom Wedge Stamping and White Paintfill.

To wrap things up, True Spec delivered on everything I expected and could've wanted from a custom fitting.  I genuinely appreciate the time Tyler and Doug spent with me to ensure that I will be ordering a set of clubs that will perform and I look forward to playing with.

Furthermore, True Spec is available to golfers all across the world.  As a result, I would highly recommend that anyone who is looking to be fit for clubs to, at a minimum, consider True Spec Golf.  I know that before I decided to get fit, I decided to meet with two reputable NYC-private fitters and two competing national club fitters.  Despite the time I spent speaking with and building a rapport with these other fitters, True Spec stood out and exceeded all expectations.

[Kanoito]

Thanks for sharing!

 

Just a question, you said you wanted to bring down spin with the driver, but the Epic SZ still gave you 3400. Was that a typo?

[revkev]

Thanks for sharing! It sounds like a fun day. Good luck with your new sticks.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[deejaid]

How can you be a club ho if you are now fitted for and own the perfect clubs for your game?

 

In all seriousness, that sounds like an incredible fitting experience. Are you going to get a putter fitting as well at some point?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[DaNNsN]

Great write up and sounds like it was a lot of fun and you're walking away confident you got the right clubs. I'm jealous, I wish I had an experience like that and pretty cool that your girlfriend got that for you.

[Benzenbe]

Thanks for sharing!

 

Just a question, you said you wanted to bring down spin with the driver, but the Epic SZ still gave you 3400. Was that a typo?

 

That is a bad typo. The Epic SZ and Elements shaft an average of 2600 RPMs.

 

How can you be a club ho if you are now fitted for and own the perfect clubs for your game?

 

In all seriousness, that sounds like an incredible fitting experience. Are you going to get a putter fitting as well at some point?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

100%.  I actually spoke with the fitter about it and explained that I'm toying around with grips.  He said wait until I settle and get comfortable with a particular putting style, and then get fit. 

[Benzenbe]

Just an update.  I placed my order for the clubs on September 8 and Doug (my fitter) said that I should expect a 3-week build time.  Well, True Spec Customer Service emailed me today and said the clubs are getting shipped out tomorrow!  Over a week in advance, so hopefully I'll have them by the end of the month for some fall golf

[Golfspy_CG2]

What a great experience. I follow them on IG and some of the stuff they post is pure golf porn.

 

Thanks for taking the time to write up and share your experience.

[TBT]

Thanks for sharing I'm getting ready to do a full bag fitting too bad they don't have locations in Houston

[PMookie]

Very cool. Nothing like knowing the clubs you will be playing are maxed-out and fitted to YOU!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Reesedw]

Very nice job.. Good luck with the new clubs. 

[Benzenbe]

So the clubs arrived late Thursday night and I had the opportunity to play a round with them on Saturday.  Obviously will take a few more rounds to adjust to the new distances, but WOW -- the 765s cut right through any rough and the forged feeling is incredible.  Not soft and mushy, but it feels effortless when you square it up and compress the ball.  The Vokeys also feel great; definitely getting plenty of spin with a couple one hop & stop pitch shots.

 

 

[808nation]

What an awesome fitting experience you must've had, great write up. I see that you got the 5 wood, but did you keep your old hybrid or go 5 wood to 4 iron?

 

I have a 3 wood then 3 hybrid and am contemplating a 5 wood or 2 hybrid.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[Berg Ryman]

Top Wedge stampings.

[Benzenbe]

What an awesome fitting experience you must've had, great write up. I see that you got the 5 wood, but did you keep your old hybrid or go 5 wood to 4 iron?

 

I have a 3 wood then 3 hybrid and am contemplating a 5 wood or 2 hybrid.

 

Sent from my SM-G955U using MyGolfSpy mobile app

 

The top of the big is the Epic Sub Zero (9*), TM 3 Wood High Launch (16.5*), TM 5 Wood (18*) and Srixon Z 765 4 Iron (21*).