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2019 Official Forum Member Review-PING Long Game Gapping Testing/Review


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26 minutes ago, russtopherb said:

Loving the details so far in the fitting reviews. Were there any clubs or shafts that the fitters recommended that you nodded along with but in the back of your mind you were thinking "oh boy I really don't know about this..."?

Great question, and I can honestly say yes.  It was the 6 hybrid instead of the 6 iron.  Over the years I've had no problem giving up the 4 iron for a hybrid, then more recently the 5 iron for the hybrid.  But I don't know if I was ready to hear that in regards to the 6...ha

So when I placed my iron order on my own, I went ahead and ordered a 6 iron, one reason was when you go to trade or sell most require you to have a minimum of 5 irons in the set.  So 6-P will accomplish that.   Also I figured I could always have the 6 as a backup to the hybrid.   But  guess what, the 6 is still sitting in the "extra" bag untouched.    And the 6 hybrid was the club that I got the hole in one on.   So he knew of what he was speaking, and I'm happy I went along with the recommendation. 

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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My Fitting Review is Up.

Click Here to Read

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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On 6/25/2019 at 11:21 AM, revkev said:

2137464731_PingFitting.jpg.3ba25637bbb12998a7e717940b4094ca.jpg

 

From the second that I saw the announcement, “Ping Long Game Gapping Testing/Review”, I knew that this was not an ordinary opportunity.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed and appreciated every testing opportunity that I’ve been a part of through MGS.  But this one?  A Ping specialist sent just to fit me with properly gapped clubs between my longest iron and my Driver?  How could I lose!

 

Because of the additional step of the gapping test and the need to have it done by either a Ping area rep or certified fitter there was a lag in time between our selection and the actual fittings.  In the long run that wait will prove valuable as it allowed me to compile stats from my old set up through my shot scope system.  IMO comparing those stats, average yardage with each club as well as proximity to the hole or success rate when laying up will be the best possible comparison as to this test’s success. 

 

In the past I’ve generally used trackman sessions for such things but hitting balls into a net on trackman does not a golf score make.  Hitting a 9 wood from 172 over a trap from the left side of the fairway on an approach or threading a five wood lay up between two fairway bunkers on 17 to set up a short pitch into the green with a match on the line, that’s what we are really testing here.  It’s more than raw numbers for certain!

 

2071938122_FitterSteve.jpg.62269039c6f2958acd93f830a61f37e2.jpg

 

After some back and forth my Ping fitter, Steve Bersch, arranged to drive over from Orlando, FL and meet me at 10 AM on the Tuesday after Memorial Day at Clearwater Country Club in Clearwater, FL about half an hour from my house (nearly two hours from his).

 

895300060_dalyclearwatercc.jpg.7d02781bcfd666da299bae14dc3237ec.jpg

 

Don’t let the name fool you.  Clearwater CC is an old school family owned property originally designed in 1920 by Herbert Strong.  It is open to the public and it’s most famous “member” is John Daly who regularly plays in the Friday skins game held there each week at noon.  It was a very comfortable place to go for the fitting.  Rather than the range which was being sodded, they had Steve take me to a par 3 fairway and hit over a grove of small trees onto the range.  They also supplied us with nice clean (but slightly experienced) Pro VI’s and Pro VI x’s for test.

 

trackman.jpg.4cf8aa91d6f4b06eac567fab3fc2062a.jpg

 

Steve explained that Trackman has a feature that converts range ball flights to premium balls but he believed that the sound and feel of a similar premium ball to the one that I regularly use (Pro VIx) would yield the best possible results for accurate long game gapping.

 

430350645_currentbag.jpg.33dd672de500dbc3ff5aced3cf03738e.jpg

 

I mentioned in my Stage 1 review that I was coming off of a subpar round just two days prior to the fitting.  After stretching and hitting a few balls it was easy enough to tell that I still had that swing (it’s deserted me again at the moment BTW).  The first thing we did once I was warmed up was determine what my longest iron should be.  Steve also agreed to make recommendations on irons and Driver for me if he felt a change were in order there.  I hit 3 8 irons, 3 7 irons and 3 6 irons.  He then had me alternate between 8 and 6 for a few shots and then hit my 5 hybrid. 

 

At this point he paused and said that 6 iron was the point where I started to lose trajectory.  My distance gap was right between 7 and 6, low 140’s carry/152 total to 164 total for the 6 but my carry distance with the 6 was inconsistent and only one of the balls reached 80 feet high – the average height of my 7 and 8 irons.  My 5 hybrid was even lower still and there was very little gap between it and 6 iron, 4 hybrid was a little better but out of kilter long because of lack of spin and ball flight.  I went from 168 average total with 5 hybrid to 188 with 4 hybrid, something that I have been acutely aware of when playing.

 

Armed with that data and having already noted my shallow AoA coupled with my average swing speed, (81 MPH with 6 iron) Steve handed me a 9 wood to test as a substitute for my 5 hybrid - bang, zoom, problem solved there, 2 balls that flew 80 feet high and carried 168 yards, 175 with the run out.  7 wood quickly followed with the same result approximately 12 yards farther.  We then tried 6 hybrid to replace the 6 iron but there was not really much difference between the 2.  I ended up with the hybrid anyway but that will be a battle to see which club wins out.  I seem to hit the 6 iron pretty well on the course for real to be honest and the shot scope data bears me out.

 

The last part of the Ping gapping test was to determine what wood would be my longest club before driver.  I hit my current 3 wood very well off the tee and almost passably off the turf.  But in the test with trees to carry it was easy to see that I didn’t hit it high enough.  The trees really helped the testing process as I knew that there was an issue if I failed to carry them with a club.  We tried a Ping G410 3 wood turned up first but the best I could muster there was 184 yards of carry and a 40 foot apex – it ran out pretty well but that’s not what we were looking for.  So out came the 5 wood which I hit great.  Apex of 75 feet, carry right around 190, run out to 205 plus.

 

As long as we waited for the fitting the clubs arrived in a just a few days, exactly a week after the test in fact.  Below are comparisons between what I had and what I was fit for.

 

213027904_boxedclubs.jpg.53a673c4a08de9e48aab91d22e22f2eb.jpg

 341682536_5wood.jpg.fc0b4fef71b671373769d4ef8574ef24.jpg

The G410 5 wood with an R flex Alta CB 65 red shaft (on all three woods) set to neutral (on all three woods) - this club replaces my 3 wood.

 

942042166_7wood.jpg.d97435efec91403f0721f2383827bbca.jpg

 

The 7 wood replaces my 4 hybrid

 

1117085218_9wood.jpg.baa2b58b2ca1ee2190fef0fe956d4f8b.jpg

 

The 9 wood replaces my 5 hybrid. 

 

Please note that the lofts are extremely strong on these clubs 17.5,20.5 and 23.5 respectively.  I got to the range two days later and have been working at it with each ever since even playing three nines and a full 18 yesterday with them in the bag.  I'm now beginning to gather the data that will form the basis of my stage 2 review.  I noted the strength of those lofts to one of the pros at my club.  He was watching me hit 7 wood and couldn't believe how far I was hitting it.  I touched 200 with it a couple of times in that session.  Below is a reading from my voice caddy device for the 5 wood off the turf during a recent range session.  I have a couple of 220 yard plus positional tee shots already with that club already according to my Shot Scope app.

 

1857554061_5woodvoicecaddy.jpg.8c0dfa957c54ce09ae195ac82765e34b.jpg

 

In closing, I would like to extend special thanks again not only to Ping and MGS for picking me but to my fitter Steve for taking time out of his week to drive over and fit me as well as Clearwater Country Club for allowing us to use their facility.  I should note that Steve recommended that I keep my irons and current wedges.  He did however claim that he could get me some yardage with a radical driver set up.  I ordered the driver from Clearwater as a thank you for their hospitality – it was a full ten yards longer than mine and far straighter.  I've tag along with the Ping G410 driver group to make comments on that club so head there if you want to read about that set up, it's as wild as the 9 wood!  The questions have been great so far.  Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any others about the fitting, the gapping or the clubs.  We will have great data to share from Shot Scope once its time for the Stage 2’s to hit.  Until then its fairways and greens to all of you!

 

 

 

Love this Rev!   Adding in the fact of having to hit over trees to truly know if the ball flight was high enough had to be an unplanned but welcomed addition to the fitting.    

That is incredible support and effort on the part of Steve and PING to make that drive for a complimentary fitting.   Great Stuff!

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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2 hours ago, russtopherb said:

Loving the details so far in the fitting reviews. Were there any clubs or shafts that the fitters recommended that you nodded along with but in the back of your mind you were thinking "oh boy I really don't know about this..."?

Not with these - but with the driver, yes!  Remember I was a SuperSpeed tester - my driver SS has gone from 84.5 when I was fitted as a part of the G400 testing over a year ago to 95 now.  When I was fitted for the G400 I had too much spin so we went LST and heavier shaft.  I've always preferred a bit heavier shaft in driver than my swing speed might indicate.

As it turned out I wasn't launching driver high enough (it looked high enough to me) and I was not getting enough spin on it.  He handed me a driver shaft combo and said, "Don't look at it, just hit it."  First swing I thought I popped the thing straight up - it was dead straight and as long as my longest driver out of the four I hit with the G400 LST.  I then peeled off 4 more, high, just the slightest hint of draw.  Average launch was 14.5, spin rate around 2800, carry over 220, average distance around 235.  It was a 12 degree G410 max, turned down 1 degree with a 45 gram senior shaft in it. 

 

Dead opposite of what I expected.

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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39 minutes ago, revkev said:

Not with these - but with the driver, yes!  Remember I was a SuperSpeed tester - my driver SS has gone from 84.5 when I was fitted as a part of the G400 testing over a year ago to 95 now.  When I was fitted for the G400 I had too much spin so we went LST and heavier shaft.  I've always preferred a bit heavier shaft in driver than my swing speed might indicate.

As it turned out I wasn't launching driver high enough (it looked high enough to me) and I was not getting enough spin on it.  He handed me a driver shaft combo and said, "Don't look at it, just hit it."  First swing I thought I popped the thing straight up - it was dead straight and as long as my longest driver out of the four I hit with the G400 LST.  I then peeled off 4 more, high, just the slightest hint of draw.  Average launch was 14.5, spin rate around 2800, carry over 220, average distance around 235.  It was a 12 degree G410 max, turned down 1 degree with a 45 gram senior shaft in it. 

 

Dead opposite of what I expected.

That part I bolded red above, I have already had something to say about it in another thread, and will be saying more.  But it's something that I think a lot of golfers of our age and swing speed should look at.  They might be surprised. 

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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Did anyone catch that Nate Lashley’s bag included a G410 7 wood?




Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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1 hour ago, revkev said:

 It was a 12 degree G410 max, turned down 1 degree with a 45 gram senior shaft in it. 

 

Dead opposite of what I expected.

Did you say 410 Max? 

WITB:

Driver:   :taylormade-small: SIM2 Max 12° - Accra TZ6 M4

FW Wood:     th.jpg.d6e2abdaeb04f007fd259c979f389de6.jpg Gen5 0311 7w  Fujikura Motore X F3

Irons:   :srixon-small: ZX7 PW-7i, ZX5 6i-5i

Wedges: :cleveland-small:  Zipcore 50°, 58°

Putter:   :taylormade-small: MySpider X

Cart: image.png.5aa5e9b8c0d6e08a2b12be76a06a07ca.pngOnewheel XR+

Ball: :srixon-small: Z-Star Diamond/ Z-Star XV

  1

 

 

 

 

 

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14 minutes ago, revkev said:

Did anyone catch that Nate Lashley’s bag included a G410 7 wood?




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I did see that.  Pretty cool huh!! 

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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Just now, Thin2win said:

Did you say 410 Max? 

He did.  But it was just a typo on the good Reverends part.  Don’t get excited ✋

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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37 minutes ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

He did.  But it was just a typo on the good Reverends part.  Don’t get excited ✋

I was very excited. Like, wondering who was holding out on me and why I was unaware of its existence. 

WITB:

Driver:   :taylormade-small: SIM2 Max 12° - Accra TZ6 M4

FW Wood:     th.jpg.d6e2abdaeb04f007fd259c979f389de6.jpg Gen5 0311 7w  Fujikura Motore X F3

Irons:   :srixon-small: ZX7 PW-7i, ZX5 6i-5i

Wedges: :cleveland-small:  Zipcore 50°, 58°

Putter:   :taylormade-small: MySpider X

Cart: image.png.5aa5e9b8c0d6e08a2b12be76a06a07ca.pngOnewheel XR+

Ball: :srixon-small: Z-Star Diamond/ Z-Star XV

  1

 

 

 

 

 

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1 hour ago, Thin2win said:

I was very excited. Like, wondering who was holding out on me and why I was unaware of its existence. 

I'm sure you weren't the only one.   That said he did have a private one on one with the the rep.  Maybe he let something slip.  Ha. Just kidding. 

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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I was very excited. Like, wondering who was holding out on me and why I was unaware of its existence. 

 

I’m so sorry I meant 410 plus. The accidental Max may have been alcohol induced - two beers during the round followed by a couple of scotches at home afterwards - 36’s excite me at this stage of my life.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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48 minutes ago, revkev said:

 

I’m so sorry I meant 410 plus. The accidental Max may have been alcohol induced - two beers during the round followed by a couple of scotches at home afterwards - 36’s excite me at this stage of my life.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Understandable. But my emotions took quite the roller coaster of jealousy. My heart rate has returned to normal and I'm back to being only 87% jealous after reading all the stg 1s/fittings. 

WITB:

Driver:   :taylormade-small: SIM2 Max 12° - Accra TZ6 M4

FW Wood:     th.jpg.d6e2abdaeb04f007fd259c979f389de6.jpg Gen5 0311 7w  Fujikura Motore X F3

Irons:   :srixon-small: ZX7 PW-7i, ZX5 6i-5i

Wedges: :cleveland-small:  Zipcore 50°, 58°

Putter:   :taylormade-small: MySpider X

Cart: image.png.5aa5e9b8c0d6e08a2b12be76a06a07ca.pngOnewheel XR+

Ball: :srixon-small: Z-Star Diamond/ Z-Star XV

  1

 

 

 

 

 

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Loving the details so far in the fitting reviews. Were there any clubs or shafts that the fitters recommended that you nodded along with but in the back of your mind you were thinking "oh boy I really don't know about this..."?


The G410 5W was the only one that I was pressing ‘I believe’ for, but he ended up thinking the 2H was a better fit so that’s what we ultimately settled on. For shafts, once he started seeing the spin range he liked it narrowed down the options quickly. I was happy with the process as it was straight forward and Joey was super helpful. I’m comfortable with the clubs and have been enjoying the performance I’m seeing on the course!

:cobra-small: LTDx Black 10.5º | UST LIN-Q M40X TSPX Blue 6F4
:cobra-small: LTDx 3W 15º | UST LIN-Q M40X TSPX Blue 7F4
:ping-small: G425 3H 19º | UST Recoil Proto Hybrid 85F4
:srixon-small: Z785 4-PW | UST Recoil 125 Proto F4
:cleveland-small: RTX ZipCore Tour Rack 50
º Mid, 54º Mid, 60º Mid | UST Recoil Wedge Proto F4
:EVNROLL: ER5BV | BGT Stability Tour

:bridgestone-small: Tour B X

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@Rob, just reread your fitting, I’m curious why the 3 wood turned up to 17 over the 5 wood at neutral?

Did you guys try that one? If so what were the differences that made him go 3 wood?


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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On 6/30/2019 at 11:11 AM, PING Apologist #9 said:

My latest addition to my bag is a G410 SFT 7w with a stock Alta (s) shaft. It is really amazing and fit right into an awful gap I had between 5i & 3w. For some reason, I had troubles with my 4i and confidence with it was always low. Knowing that I hit FW's pretty well and consistently, it blended right in with them and solved that gap issue and has had an immediate positive impact on my game.

I've read al the posted stage-1's so far and nice work everybody! Really dig this review and am looking forward to watching you all progress.

The SFT fairway woods are legit! I have the 3 wood and absolutely love it!

Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: 4.5LS

Driver: :taylormade-small: Stealth 9* w/ Aldila Red 60

Fairway: :taylormade-small: SIM 15* w/ Diamana 70

Fairway: :callaway-small: GBB Heavenwood 19* w/ Fujikura Pro 72

Irons: :taylormade-small: p790 4-PW w/ C-Taper Lite 110s

Wedge: :taylormade-small: MG3 50 & 54

Wedge: :taylormade-small: Hi-Toe 60*

Putter: :taylormade-small: Spider X

Ball: :taylormade-small: TP5 PIX

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1 hour ago, revkev said:

@Rob, just reread your fitting, I’m curious why the 3 wood turned up to 17 over the 5 wood at neutral?

Did you guys try that one? If so what were the differences that made him go 3 wood?


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@revkev Well as we can all attest to we were overloaded with info during these fittings, and relying on our brains to recall everything without double checking is dangerous.  As you did with the 410 Max vs Plus, I am guilty of a typo.  I got the the 3 SFT in the standard loft of 16 degrees, not turned up to 17.    It was chosen over the 5 as I was hitting it solid enough, he liked the flight from it and the few extra yards I'd get from it.  

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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45 minutes ago, PAgolfer2017 said:

The SFT fairway woods are legit! I have the 3 wood and absolutely love it!

This is so true, I hope most don't get turned off by the SFT designation, thinking it's only a club for high handicappers who fight a horrible slice.  It's not just that. 

 While there is some internal weighting to help promote a right to left flight.   It has a higher MOI than the standard 410 FW's so it's more forgiving and has a higher launch, for those that may not have enough spin or swing speed to get the height out of their FW's that they would like.

 

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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[mention=16651]revkev[/mention] Well as we can all attest to we were overloaded with info during these fittings, and relying on our brains to recall everything without double checking is dangerous.  As you did with the 410 Max vs Plus, I am guilty of a typo.  I got the the 3 SFT in the standard loft of 16 degrees, not turned up to 17.    It was chosen over the 5 as I was hitting it solid enough, he liked the flight from it and the few extra yards I'd get from it.  


Totally understand - even during the fittings themselves there were things that I wished I had asked but didn’t. Also once the fitter found the launch, apex and spin rate that he wanted he wasn’t going to suggest trying something else unless I asked for it. Why would he?


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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55 minutes ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

This is so true, I hope most don't get turned off by the SFT designation, thinking it's only a club for high handicappers who fight a horrible slice.  It's not just that. 

 While there is some internal weighting to help promote a right to left flight.   It has a higher MOI than the standard 410 FW's so it's more forgiving and has a higher launch, for those that may not have enough spin or swing speed to get the height out of their FW's that they would like.

 

Honestly I was one who got turned off by the SFT designation, but hard to argue with the results! Really tempted to see what the driver head would do...haha

Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: 4.5LS

Driver: :taylormade-small: Stealth 9* w/ Aldila Red 60

Fairway: :taylormade-small: SIM 15* w/ Diamana 70

Fairway: :callaway-small: GBB Heavenwood 19* w/ Fujikura Pro 72

Irons: :taylormade-small: p790 4-PW w/ C-Taper Lite 110s

Wedge: :taylormade-small: MG3 50 & 54

Wedge: :taylormade-small: Hi-Toe 60*

Putter: :taylormade-small: Spider X

Ball: :taylormade-small: TP5 PIX

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2 minutes ago, PAgolfer2017 said:

Honestly I was one who got turned off by the SFT designation, but hard to argue with the results! Really tempted to see what the driver head would do...haha

I know a guy who might have one laying around 🤪

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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Just now, Golfspy_CG2 said:

I know a guy who might have one laying around 🤪

Ooh...we may need to talk haha. 

At this stage, I could open a museum display of "Ping driver heads: A journey through the years..." haha.

Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: 4.5LS

Driver: :taylormade-small: Stealth 9* w/ Aldila Red 60

Fairway: :taylormade-small: SIM 15* w/ Diamana 70

Fairway: :callaway-small: GBB Heavenwood 19* w/ Fujikura Pro 72

Irons: :taylormade-small: p790 4-PW w/ C-Taper Lite 110s

Wedge: :taylormade-small: MG3 50 & 54

Wedge: :taylormade-small: Hi-Toe 60*

Putter: :taylormade-small: Spider X

Ball: :taylormade-small: TP5 PIX

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19 hours ago, revkev said:

I then peeled off 4 more, high, just the slightest hint of draw.  Average launch was 14.5, spin rate around 2800, carry over 220, average distance around 235.  It was a 12 degree G410 max, turned down 1 degree with a 45 gram senior shaft in it. 

Rev thx for posting that add'l detail. Last year I was fitted for a driver shaft that I could just not get comfortable with .. so I've decided to test out a much lighter shaft (47g vs 76g) that's also a bit lighter flex-wise (even though they're both nominally "Regular") .. results TBD.

Anyway, back on topic, it's also really interesting to me that a few of you have been fitted into higher lofted FWs (eg. 9W) and are liking them .. making me consider doing a similar top-end gap fitting for myself..!

WITB of an "aspiring"  😉 play-ah ...
Driver...Callaway Paradym (Aldila Ascent PL Blue 40/A)
5W...Callaway Great Big Bertha (MCA Kai'Li Red 50/R)
7W...Tour Edge Exotics EXS (Tensei CK Blue 50/R)

4H...Callaway Epic Super Hybrid (Recoil ZT9 F3)
5H...Callaway Big Bertha ('19) (Recoil 460 ESX F3)
6i-GW...Sub 70 699 V2 (Recoil 660 F3) 
54°, 60°...Cleveland CBX2, CBX 60 (Rotex graphite)
Putter...Ev
nRoll ER5 or MLA Tour XDream (P2 Reflex grip on both)
...all in a Datrek bag on an MGI Zip Navigator electric cart. Ball often, not always, MaxFli Tour.

Forum Member tester for the Paradym X driver (2023)
Forum Member tester for the ExPutt Putting Simulator (2020)

followthrough.jpg

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Fitting question for you all; Given your experience and your hindsight, what would you change about going into a fitting next time? Did you all use your "gamer" ball at the fitting? If not, have the numbers that you saw there carried forward as expected?

WITB:

Driver:   :taylormade-small: SIM2 Max 12° - Accra TZ6 M4

FW Wood:     th.jpg.d6e2abdaeb04f007fd259c979f389de6.jpg Gen5 0311 7w  Fujikura Motore X F3

Irons:   :srixon-small: ZX7 PW-7i, ZX5 6i-5i

Wedges: :cleveland-small:  Zipcore 50°, 58°

Putter:   :taylormade-small: MySpider X

Cart: image.png.5aa5e9b8c0d6e08a2b12be76a06a07ca.pngOnewheel XR+

Ball: :srixon-small: Z-Star Diamond/ Z-Star XV

  1

 

 

 

 

 

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2 minutes ago, Thin2win said:

Fitting question for you all; Given your experience and your hindsight, what would you change about going into a fitting next time? Did you all use your "gamer" ball at the fitting? If not, have the numbers that you saw there carried forward as expected?

Yeah the ball would've been the only thing I would've changed. I was stuck using limited flight Srixon range balls and was hitting them dead into the wind. Even with that, the performance on the course is speaking loud and clear!

:cobra-small: LTDx Black 10.5º | UST LIN-Q M40X TSPX Blue 6F4
:cobra-small: LTDx 3W 15º | UST LIN-Q M40X TSPX Blue 7F4
:ping-small: G425 3H 19º | UST Recoil Proto Hybrid 85F4
:srixon-small: Z785 4-PW | UST Recoil 125 Proto F4
:cleveland-small: RTX ZipCore Tour Rack 50
º Mid, 54º Mid, 60º Mid | UST Recoil Wedge Proto F4
:EVNROLL: ER5BV | BGT Stability Tour

:bridgestone-small: Tour B X

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Fitting question for you all; Given your experience and your hindsight, what would you change about going into a fitting next time? Did you all use your "gamer" ball at the fitting? If not, have the numbers that you saw there carried forward as expected?



Track man has a function that supposedly extrapolates for ball type - even if you hit range balls it can be set to translate the number for those into a number for a Pro VI.

I will say that my fitter measured some irons with range balls while warming up and then while hitting Pro VI and Ixs with the same club - very little difference so I guess the track man function works. At least if the fitter knows his stuff.

Something my fitter did that I truly appreciated was have me change clubs frequently - that way I could adjust my swing to what I was seeing. I know we have had numerous discussions about the virtue of being fit outside on grass. The risk for a better player is that he will change his swing to make the ball flight look like what he’s accustomed to. I here had a chance to do that.

So there’s very little that I would have changed. I’ve been fit enough times prior to know what to expect. I’ve only been burned at a fitting once and have learned how to avoid that experience again.

Mine was an outstanding fitting.

I’m seeing almost identical on range and on course performances to what I saw that day. If anything I’m a bit longer with everything than when we tested.

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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2 hours ago, Thin2win said:

Fitting question for you all; Given your experience and your hindsight, what would you change about going into a fitting next time? Did you all use your "gamer" ball at the fitting? If not, have the numbers that you saw there carried forward as expected?

I would say the ball as well. Like Hicksta, I was using range balls, and since I was hitting on a GC2, there's no setting to change for whatever ball you are using so my shots were registering significantly shorter than my normal average, but being outdoors, I was still able to see ball flight and dispersion which helped. The numbers that I thought it would be is what I'm seeing on the course as well, so it's transitioned fine, but that's really the only thing I would've changed. Everything else was great.

Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: 4.5LS

Driver: :taylormade-small: Stealth 9* w/ Aldila Red 60

Fairway: :taylormade-small: SIM 15* w/ Diamana 70

Fairway: :callaway-small: GBB Heavenwood 19* w/ Fujikura Pro 72

Irons: :taylormade-small: p790 4-PW w/ C-Taper Lite 110s

Wedge: :taylormade-small: MG3 50 & 54

Wedge: :taylormade-small: Hi-Toe 60*

Putter: :taylormade-small: Spider X

Ball: :taylormade-small: TP5 PIX

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2 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

Rev thx for posting that add'l detail. Last year I was fitted for a driver shaft that I could just not get comfortable with .. so I've decided to test out a much lighter shaft (47g vs 76g) that's also a bit lighter flex-wise (even though they're both nominally "Regular") .. results TBD.

Anyway, back on topic, it's also really interesting to me that a few of you have been fitted into higher lofted FWs (eg. 9W) and are liking them .. making me consider doing a similar top-end gap fitting for myself..!

High lofted FW could be the "new hybrids" they are just so easy to hit and has been talked about they elevate higher and quicker than a hybrid would.  As we mentioned a several posts back, Nate Lashely had a G410 7w in his bag this week.  These are just for your grandfather anymore 😉

2 hours ago, Thin2win said:

Fitting question for you all; Given your experience and your hindsight, what would you change about going into a fitting next time? Did you all use your "gamer" ball at the fitting? If not, have the numbers that you saw there carried forward as expected?

I can't think of a thing.  I was fortunate to be fit where I was and by whom.   They had ProV's on the range and even though I use X, I think it was close enough for me.  

The only thing I would change if If could have was, I was very nervous.   I've been fit before and by OEM reps, but there was something about standing where the PGA guys stand and knowing these fitters have worked with the best in the world that made me nervous.  And it definitely showed in the early stages of my fitting,. 

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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Fitting Review is up!

Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: 4.5LS

Driver: :taylormade-small: Stealth 9* w/ Aldila Red 60

Fairway: :taylormade-small: SIM 15* w/ Diamana 70

Fairway: :callaway-small: GBB Heavenwood 19* w/ Fujikura Pro 72

Irons: :taylormade-small: p790 4-PW w/ C-Taper Lite 110s

Wedge: :taylormade-small: MG3 50 & 54

Wedge: :taylormade-small: Hi-Toe 60*

Putter: :taylormade-small: Spider X

Ball: :taylormade-small: TP5 PIX

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On 6/25/2019 at 11:29 AM, PAgolfer2017 said:

Ping Long Game Gap Testing - Fitting Review

The fitting aspect of this review was one of the things that both excited and scared me the most about this testing opportunity. As I mentioned before, I’m a self-proclaimed golf junkie who has a tendency to change clubs more than I change clothes. I’m also one that frequents buy-sell-trade sections on forums on a regular basis. While not as bad as CG2….I do have a bit of a golf club buying/hoarding problem. 😀

1783502594_FullBag.jpg.70caa78d3b8d0f7abdc0b8ed347d4ec4.jpg

My current bag makeup prior to the fitting that I listed in stage 1 were clubs that I was not fit for, however through a lot of trial and tinkering, I found what works. I did go to an iron fitting recently, and found that my CF16 iron set with KBS Tour V110 stiff shafts fit me like a glove. Against all current iron sets (919F, p790, hot metal pro), everything was within a yard for distance and dispersion.

One reason why I never liked getting fit in the past was because I felt like they were all numbers oriented, without a lot of input from me, with the exception of maybe 1 experience. Part of that may have been my fault for not speaking up, but I always felt like I was told what I should play. I swing on the slower side with my driver (90-95) and I have been told multiple times, “You should play a lighter weighted, regular shaft because you swing slow.” In the past I’ve followed that reasoning and played clubs I couldn’t keep in the fairway. After tinkering, I found I get along better with heavier, stiffer shafts. My current driver shaft is a HZRDUS Yellow 6.0 76g shaft, and my irons have always floated between 110-120g.

Once I got my fitter information I was excited because I knew the fitter, Rick Kline, from a prior experience. Remembering my experience with him last time, and knowing his personality and how well we got along, I went in with an open mind, but also with the mindset of starting dialogue and discussion about not just numbers, but feel as well.

My fitting was not with a Ping Rep, but was at a Ping Top 100 clubfitter, so I reached out to him, scheduled a time, and when the day arrived I set off. With the fitting focusing on the gap between your driver and longest iron, I was curious about two questions.

Was I playing the right iron setup?

Would I be fit into hybrids or fairway woods?

1833697102_Stitler.jpg.849c655bfb2caa94794583dcb7d13b4e.jpg

I arrived at Stitler Golf Center and immediately got taken into an outdoor bay to warm up and hit some golf balls. Rick popped over after finishing another fitting and we talked for a little bit. He remembered me from last time I was up and we chatted about the opportunity and testing, and I shared with him the two questions that I was curious about that I listed above.  Before even getting out his GC2, he asked me to take a few swings with my longest iron (4 iron). Took a few, none of which went straight. His first response was, “Yea..that club might get replaced.” I then grabbed my 5 iron and hit a few, all of which I hit pretty well. I then took a few swings with the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer, he grabbed a bunch of clubs and we were off! The only downside was we were using range balls on the GC2, so my 5 iron registered at 158 on the CG2, but generally that is my 175 club, but for the purpose of the fitting it still gave us a good idea on gapping.

Started out first with a 4 hybrid with the stock Alta CB 70 Red shaft. I took a few swings and didn’t like the feel. It felt whippy to me. Overall numbers weren’t bad. CG2 was showing between 165-170 but the ball was going all over the place. Had the conversation with him about always preferring a heavier shaft despite not having a high swing speed and he brought out the Tensei Blue 80 and the Tour 85 shaft, both in stiff.

Tensei blue gave me my longest shots of the day (CG2 registered 175) but the Tour 85 gave me the most consistency, with shots in the 165-170 range (again mind you this was using range balls) but a much tighter dispersion compared to the Alta. Decided that the 4 hybrid would replace my 4-iron

581411380_4hybrid.thumb.JPG.09673a06dfea58fa3d97d30ca68fd3f4.JPG

Next he pulled out a 3 hybrid and that was a pretty simple process. Tried the Tensei Blue and Tour 85 stiff shafts, and once again the Tour 85 shaft came out on top, fitting the gap perfectly with shots in the 170-180 range with the same tighter dispersion. We decided that the 3 hybrid would replace my trusty Heavenwood, and hybrids were done!

853627888_3hybrid.jpg.44af405c2973fac90ee5a3e7654369fc.jpg

I was really curious how the spot after my driver would go. Once we got through the hybrids, he handed me the g410 SFT 3-wood. For whatever reason I’ve always been against the SFT line, especially when it comes to drivers. If you asked me if I had a good reason I’d tell you no. Just never decided to game one, but after a few swings with the 3-wood my perception changed. It does look a little different at address, but after a few swings and seeing the results, it no longer bothers me. Super straight and so easy to hit. So much so that I’m now contemplating finding the SFT driver head. The Alta didn’t feel as whippy as it did in the hybrid, but we then threw in the Tour 75 shaft. Once again we saw the consistency with distance and the dispersion, dropped it down agree and we were done!

1903299302_3wood.jpg.ccdeb9fa8beddb0b9dd348587b34545a.jpg

So after everything, I added:

SFT 3 wood - 15 deg - Tour 75 stiff shaft

3 hybrid - 19 deg - Tour 85 stiff shaft

4 hybrid - 22 deg - Tour 85 stiff shaft

I replaced:

TS2 3 wood - 15 deg - Evenflow White 6.0 76g

GBB Heavenwood - 19 deg - Fujikura Pro 72g stiff

CF16 4 iron - Tour v110s 

Fitting.jpg.53832f4fc53cfd0fdf0085d26f49c021.jpg

 

2002003138_ClubCards.jpg.581fd8f6a6c63b63ce7033505c455e1d.jpg

Probably the best fitting experience I’ve had to date, and I believe it has to do with how you approach it with your fitter. The dialogue was huge, as well as what my thoughts and feelings were. Despite a shaft giving me better numbers,  I pointed out I was looking more for consistency, as well as a shaft/head combo that would continue to work for me as I improved my swing. I think we accomplished both of those during the fitting, and I’m excited to get these out on the course for more rounds.

#FittingMatters

Good stuff Josh!

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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