Billy-Bo-Jim-Bob 7 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 Anyone out there shorten the driver length to gain more control and tighter dispersion? (or maybe even gained a few yards?) Just seems like when I set up my grip about an inch down the shaft I can give it a free swing rip and results are more consistent. My driver length is std at 45.5. Longest driver I ever owned. Quote Driver - Titleist TS3 9.5 Hzrdus Smoke 6.5 3 wood - TaylorMade SIM MAX Irons - 3-PW Titleist DCI 990 Wedges - Titleist Vokey SM4 50 degree and SM4 56 degree Putter - Odyssey WH RX VLine Link to post Share on other sites
cnosil 14,553 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 Anyone out there shorten the driver length to gain more control and tighter dispersion? (or maybe even gained a few yards?) Just seems like when I set up my grip about an inch down the shaft I can give it a free swing rip and results are more consistent. My driver length is std at 45.5. Longest driver I ever owned.Do a search; other threads on this topichttps://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/36560-driver-length/?tab=comments#comment-597741https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/25772-whos-using-a-shorter-driver-shaft-length/page/2/?tab=comments#comment-553418 3 Quote Driver: G400 Max 9* w/ KBS Tour Driven Fairway: TS3 15* set to 16.5* w/Project X Hzardous Smoke Hybrids: 816H1 19* set at 18* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype 915H 21* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype 915H 24* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype Irons: TR20V 6-11 w/Vizard TR20-85 Graphite Wedge: 588 54-14, 58-12 Putter: Ten S Backups: 6330, ER2.2, Member: MGS Hitsquad since 2017 Link to post Share on other sites
jlukes 12,694 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 Average driver length on the PGA tour is under 45 inches. So yes, shortening driver length can definitely provide some benefits. Just remeber that as you shorten the driver, the swingweight will become lighter, so you may need to compensate by adding headweight depending on how the shorter club feels to you 6 Quote In my BR-D4 Stand Bag G410 LST 9* VA Nemesys 65X G410 LST 14.5* Tour AD DI 7X 818 H2 20* Tour AD DI 85X MP20 HMB 4 Tour AD 95X JPX 919 Tour 5-PW Oban CT 115 X(-) Vokey SM7 49F - 54S - 59D ER2 Tour B X Link to post Share on other sites
dlow206 5,071 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 I always end up regretting shortening my driver. I don't know what it is, I hit the driver fine when choking up, and then I cut it down and it's not the same. 4 Quote Follow my golf journey to break into the 80s Current tester for the Titleist TSi Driver Spring 2020 MGS Tester for the Fujikura Motore X Shaft Updated 12/27/2020 Driver: TSi 2 - Graphite Design AD-XC 6S Hybrids: SIM Max 3H, 4H - Matrix Ozik 85S Irons: ZX5 5 - PW - Nippon Modus 120 S Wedges: CBX 2 54, CBX Full Face 58 - KBS Hi-Rev S Putter: ER2 Link to post Share on other sites
therod 69 Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 I'm not the tallest person at around 5' 6", but I've never gamed a driver over 44". I tried 45" in a Geek driver several years ago, but couldn't hit it worth a lick. So I cut it back to 44" and went back to hitting it pretty well. I've debated on trying it again this spring with a newer driver and adding some weight to the sole since you can easily adjust head weights with weight kits available for some drivers. But for now, I play a 44" driver, and have for years. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dlow206 5,071 Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 42 minutes ago, therod said: I'm not the tallest person at around 5' 6", but I've never gamed a driver over 44". I tried 45" in a Geek driver several years ago, but couldn't hit it worth a lick. So I cut it back to 44" and went back to hitting it pretty well. I've debated on trying it again this spring with a newer driver and adding some weight to the sole since you can easily adjust head weights with weight kits available for some drivers. But for now, I play a 44" driver, and have for years. I’m 5’5” and tried to play a driver cut down to 44” and it didn’t work as well as choking down on a longer driver. 1 Quote Follow my golf journey to break into the 80s Current tester for the Titleist TSi Driver Spring 2020 MGS Tester for the Fujikura Motore X Shaft Updated 12/27/2020 Driver: TSi 2 - Graphite Design AD-XC 6S Hybrids: SIM Max 3H, 4H - Matrix Ozik 85S Irons: ZX5 5 - PW - Nippon Modus 120 S Wedges: CBX 2 54, CBX Full Face 58 - KBS Hi-Rev S Putter: ER2 Link to post Share on other sites
therod 69 Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 Might be a weight issue. I'm playing a Cobra F7+ at 44", but I bought a weight kit for it and changed the weights out in the sole, adding 6 grams. Doesn't sound like much, but you can definitely feel it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hoganman1 123 Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 Yes, I just bought a Taylormade M6 with a 45.75" Atmos shaft.After several rounds and some work on the range. I replaced the Atmos with an old 45" Aldila NVS. Since doing so my driving has been more consistent and I've gained a few yards due to better contact. 1 Quote Drive for Show; Putt for Dough Link to post Share on other sites
Smellis745 519 Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 This topic is one that is discussed quite often and the best advice remains the same, it's trial and error to find what works for you. Some players will benefit from a shorter driver while others won't. Some players will lose distance, while others find more. I believe that each swing has a sweet spot length and that's why it's important to try things out. I've got two drivers that I'll rotate round to round. One is a 44.5" M3 with a Tour Green 85 TX and the other is a 45.25" M5 with a Synergy Black. The M5 combo is a bit longer, but the M3 combo is a bit straighter. The difference between the two is so little though, it's really a wash...for me. 3 Quote TaylorMade M5 9.0 - Graphite Design Tour AD-XC 6X OR PX HZRDUS Green 60 6.5 TX TaylorMade M6 15 - PX HZRDUS Green 80 6.5 TX Adams Red 18 - Matrix Altus Tour X Callaway X Forged UT 19 - Aldila Rogue Black 105 TX Srixon Z965 4-P - PX 6.0 LS (hs 1x) --------------- FORUM TESTING /// Sub 70 Golf 699 Pro 4-P - KBS Tour X Cleveland RTX 4 52/58 Mid - DG TI S400 Scotty Cameron X7 Phantom 34” Bridgestone B XS Link to post Share on other sites
Hoganman1 123 Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 I forgot to add that I didn't change the head weight on my M6 when I put in the new shorter shaft. I know making it 3/4" shorter changed the swing weight from D3, but it didn't feel different to me. I know one can buy heavier head weights. Maybe I should do so. I've been told I would need to add 10 more grams to the 3.5 weight that comes in the head. That seems like a lot to me. Is that correct? 1 Quote Drive for Show; Putt for Dough Link to post Share on other sites
Smellis745 519 Posted February 25, 2020 Share Posted February 25, 2020 51 minutes ago, Hoganman1 said: I forgot to add that I didn't change the head weight on my M6 when I put in the new shorter shaft. I know making it 3/4" shorter changed the swing weight from D3, but it didn't feel different to me. I know one can buy heavier head weights. Maybe I should do so. I've been told I would need to add 10 more grams to the 3.5 weight that comes in the head. That seems like a lot to me. Is that correct? Typically you lose 3 swing weight points per half inch. May not be exact, but it's in the ball park. To add one swing weight back, you need to add 2 gr of weight to the head. Best thing I always recommend is lead tape. Play around til you find what you like. At that point, you can either buy a heavier weight or take it to someone who can hot melt the weight for you, or just leave the lead tape in place. Some people are more sensitive to these changes than others. ETA: YMMV since you didn't cut the original shaft and simply replaced it with another one that was shorter. Depending on shaft weights, balance point, etc...this could all make your swing weight different. If the new shaft is heavier, it can make the SW reduction not as severe. 1 Quote TaylorMade M5 9.0 - Graphite Design Tour AD-XC 6X OR PX HZRDUS Green 60 6.5 TX TaylorMade M6 15 - PX HZRDUS Green 80 6.5 TX Adams Red 18 - Matrix Altus Tour X Callaway X Forged UT 19 - Aldila Rogue Black 105 TX Srixon Z965 4-P - PX 6.0 LS (hs 1x) --------------- FORUM TESTING /// Sub 70 Golf 699 Pro 4-P - KBS Tour X Cleveland RTX 4 52/58 Mid - DG TI S400 Scotty Cameron X7 Phantom 34” Bridgestone B XS Link to post Share on other sites
Hoganman1 123 Posted February 26, 2020 Share Posted February 26, 2020 20 hours ago, Smellis745 said: ETA: YMMV since you didn't cut the original shaft and simply replaced it with another one that was shorter. Depending on shaft weights, balance point, etc...this could all make your swing weight different. If the new shaft is heavier, it can make the SW reduction not as severe. This is a good point. My guess is the NVS is heavier. Also, it has a 350 tip. Most shafts now are 335. Anyway unless I have problems in the future I'm not going to worry about it. What's the old saying "if it ain't broke; don't fix it". Quote Drive for Show; Putt for Dough Link to post Share on other sites
revkev 22,005 Posted February 26, 2020 Share Posted February 26, 2020 On 2/24/2020 at 5:04 PM, dlow206 said: I always end up regretting shortening my driver. I don't know what it is, I hit the driver fine when choking up, and then I cut it down and it's not the same. We've pretty much beaten this topic to death but this is a question that doesn't often come up. I knew this anyway but had it confirmed while listening to the fitting room the other day. Drivers are built for the stock shaft that they come with - that length as well - granted they are a one size fits all proposition but that shaft/head combo will fit a number of people quite well. You mess with a club's integrity when you do something like cutting down the shaft after purchase. Most OEM's will make adjustments so that swing weight and lie angle are proper if you are fit for a shorter shaft prior to purchase so you should just get fit up front if this is something that you want to consider. A shorter shaft will work great for some, perhaps even many, it will stink for others, it could even depend upon the type of driver so that a player might do well with a shorter shaft in one driver but a longer shaft in another. Move away from what arrives from the factory without the help of a professional and you've introduced a variable. I wouldn't do it - I've already ruined a really good driver trying a number of years back. Good luck 4 Quote Ping G410 - set at 12 degrees, fade setting - Fujikura Motore X R flex Ping G410 5-9 wood G30 6-PW - Aerotech FT 500 shafts SCOR 48,52,56,60 EVNRoll ER 5 Titleist Pro VIx optic yellow with revkev stamped on them Link to post Share on other sites
RetiredBoomer 98 Posted February 26, 2020 Share Posted February 26, 2020 On 2/24/2020 at 5:04 PM, dlow206 said: I always end up regretting shortening my driver. I don't know what it is, I hit the driver fine when choking up, and then I cut it down and it's not the same. Mine, which is still quite new, came standard at 43.75" with a 275cc head. When I ordered it with a slightly heavier shaft that matches my fairways, I requested 43.5" I hate the huge drivers, but that's just me. They seem to work fine for most players. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hoganman1 123 Posted March 1, 2020 Share Posted March 1, 2020 (edited) On 2/26/2020 at 11:02 AM, Hoganman1 said: On 2/25/2020 at 2:24 PM, Smellis745 said: ETA: YMMV since you didn't cut the original shaft and simply replaced it with another one that was shorter. Depending on shaft weights, balance point, etc...this could all make your swing weight different. If the new shaft is heavier, it can make the SW reduction not as severe. Well, I just learned that my NVS shaft weighs 56 grams and the Atmos that came with the club weighs 53 grams. So my guess is the swing weight only dropped a couple of points if any. Just in case I run into problems later, I bought an 8 gram M6 head weight I can use to compensate. Like I said before the club is performing well. I sometimes get way too anal about this kind of stuff. I just need to practice and play rather than tinker. Edited March 23, 2020 by Hoganman1 Quote Drive for Show; Putt for Dough Link to post Share on other sites
TR1PTIK 2,594 Posted March 1, 2020 Share Posted March 1, 2020 I've played about seven different drivers over the past decade (most of which were older Titleist models). All came in at various lengths and I've never had an issue with it. Most recently I went from a Nike Vapor Pro driver with a stock length of 45.5" to a Ping G25 with a stock length of 45.75", and now to a Mizuno ST190 with a stock length of 45". The Nike was the first driver I ever used that could consistently find fairway, but I gave up some distance (ball speeds off the face weren't ideal). I picked up about 10 yards with the Ping while maintaining my ability to find fairway, and preliminary results with the Mizuno suggest another 10 yard gain (minimum) while remaining fairly accurate. The biggest reason I see for the changes in distance all boil down to head design and have very little to do with shaft length. I still find the center of the face at a similar rate and also maintain the same miss - low heel. Quote Driver: Mizuno ST190 9.5* Aldila RIP Alpha 60 S Fairway Wood: Mizuno ST190 15* Fujikura Atmos Blue 6S Hyrbrid: Mizuno CLK 19* Fujikura Speeder EVO HB Irons: Bridgestone J40 CB (4-PW) Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Wedges: Bridgestone Tour B XW-1 50*, 54*, & 58* Nippon Modus 3 105 Putter: Scotty Cameron Futura Phantom Mallet 2 35" Ball: Bridgestone Tour B XS Bag: 2017 Titleist Players 5 Stand Bag Link to post Share on other sites
jnewstro 0 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 On 2/24/2020 at 10:58 AM, jlukes said: Average driver length on the PGA tour is under 45 inches. So yes, shortening driver length can definitely provide some benefits. Just remeber that as you shorten the driver, the swingweight will become lighter, so you may need to compensate by adding headweight depending on how the shorter club feels to you This! About 3 years ago I went to a 43.5 driver and added lead tape to get my SW back. I'm actually hitting it longer on average because of better contact. The only downside is trying out a new driver... they're all standard length shafts at the big stores so I never feel quite comfortable. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobotDoctor 204 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 On 2/24/2020 at 3:04 PM, dlow206 said: I always end up regretting shortening my driver. I don't know what it is, I hit the driver fine when choking up, and then I cut it down and it's not the same. The overall swingweight of a club is affected. Cutting even 1/2" off will lower the swingweight a couple of points and affect the overall feel of the wood. It is best to just choke down 1/2 inch and leave the length alone if you have a decent driver. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
KKD-31 2 Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Been reading /watching videos on this subject, ended up tossing 3w shaft in (Cobra F7s) driver with 3w loft sleeve.......not looking good for testing as we still have over a foot of snow on the ground here. No idea if sims are still open.......spring cant come soon enough!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hoganman1 123 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Well I finally was able to get my driver weighed. I bought an 8 gram weight from GolfWorks and replaced the stock weight in my M6. The swing weight is D3.8 with the 45" NVS shaft. I've only been able to play twice since I made the change, but I think it's going to work just fine. Once the weather gets warmer and drier, I fully expect to gain maybe ten yards off the tee. 1 Quote Drive for Show; Putt for Dough Link to post Share on other sites
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