What's a good driver spin "target" for slower swing speeds?

[Bobbers]

I'm a senior golfer.  Heck, I'm probably, at almost 72, a super senior golfer.  Like a lot of guys my age I hit the ball pretty straight but a lack of distance, particularly off the tee, is a problem.

I love my PXG 0211 driver.  It's 10.5 so I can go from 9-12 degrees which should be enough to find the proper loft.

With all that as background we turn to the idea of spin rate off the tee when using the driver.

I've assembled a stable of shafts, all in A flex as befitting a swing speed with the driver that's in the 80 mph range.

My question is, when I take the collected multitude to the launch monitor, what sort of spin rate should I be looking for to optimize distance?  2300 rpm?  2700 rpm?

Any guidance based on experience that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I figured it made more sense to try and establish a goal before testing than to generate a bunch of data and ask for assistance making sense of it.

[03trdblack]

“Average” swing speed (84-96 mph)

• Launch: 13-16 degrees
• Spin: 2400-2700 rpm
• Peak height: 70-86 feet
• Angle of descent: 32-36 degrees

“Slow” swing speed (72-83 mph)

• Launch: 14-19 degrees
• Spin: 2600-2900 rpm
• Peak height: 58-70 feet
• Angle of descent: 31-35 degrees

“Ladies” (less than 72 mph)

• Launch: 14-19 degrees
• Spin: 2600-2900 rpm
• Peak height: 45-58 feet
• Angle of descent: 27-31 degrees

[Bobbers]

8 minutes ago, 03trdblack said:

“Average” swing speed (84-96 mph)

• Launch: 13-16 degrees
• Spin: 2400-2700 rpm
• Peak height: 70-86 feet
• Angle of descent: 32-36 degrees

“Slow” swing speed (72-83 mph)

• Launch: 14-19 degrees
• Spin: 2600-2900 rpm
• Peak height: 58-70 feet
• Angle of descent: 31-35 degrees

“Ladies” (less than 72 mph)

• Launch: 14-19 degrees
• Spin: 2600-2900 rpm
• Peak height: 45-58 feet
• Angle of descent: 27-31 degrees

Thank you, sir!  Just what I needed, let the evaluation begin.  Which, given we got two inches of snow yesterday that's still sticking around, will help assuage, somewhat, the frustration of not getting out on the course.

[Kenny B]

2 hours ago, Bobbers said:

I'm a senior golfer.  Heck, I'm probably, at almost 72, a super senior golfer.  Like a lot of guys my age I hit the ball pretty straight but a lack of distance, particularly off the tee, is a problem.

I love my PXG 0211 driver.  It's 10.5 so I can go from 9-12 degrees which should be enough to find the proper loft.

With all that as background we turn to the idea of spin rate off the tee when using the driver.

I've assembled a stable of shafts, all in A flex as befitting a swing speed with the driver that's in the 80 mph range.

My question is, when I take the collected multitude to the launch monitor, what sort of spin rate should I be looking for to optimize distance?  2300 rpm?  2700 rpm?

Any guidance based on experience that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I figured it made more sense to try and establish a goal before testing than to generate a bunch of data and ask for assistance making sense of it.

Interesting test.  Please let this soon-to-be 75-year old what you find out.  I don't have a launch monitor, but I should try to locate one.

[pakman92]

Often, at slower swing speed, many will find that you can hit 3 wood on the tee further than the driver because on not being able to launch the driver high enough.  Unless you have a decent upward angle of attack 3+, you should loft up.

I have just about 100-103 mhp and I play 10.5 turned up to 12.5.  I have about 5 degree upward AoA.  Launching the ball around 16.  I spin on average 2200 using Epic Max LS and carry about 250 yards.  

In short, I think lofting will help.  It will increase spin however.    Lower spin will get you distance, but curvature will be magnified.

[BMart519]

6 hours ago, Bobbers said:

I'm a senior golfer.  Heck, I'm probably, at almost 72, a super senior golfer.  Like a lot of guys my age I hit the ball pretty straight but a lack of distance, particularly off the tee, is a problem.

I love my PXG 0211 driver.  It's 10.5 so I can go from 9-12 degrees which should be enough to find the proper loft.

With all that as background we turn to the idea of spin rate off the tee when using the driver.

I've assembled a stable of shafts, all in A flex as befitting a swing speed with the driver that's in the 80 mph range.

My question is, when I take the collected multitude to the launch monitor, what sort of spin rate should I be looking for to optimize distance?  2300 rpm?  2700 rpm?

Any guidance based on experience that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I figured it made more sense to try and establish a goal before testing than to generate a bunch of data and ask for assistance making sense of it.

At 80 MPH your ball speed will be in the 110's to 120's depending on strike. Use the PING chart below to compare your launch angle to the closest value and get a spin number. Ideally, the launch monitor will also provide your angle of attack to fully optimize for distance. In general, 2300-2700 should be a good range unless you are hitting severely up or down on the ball. 

[RickyBobby_PR]

6 hours ago, Bobbers said:

I'm a senior golfer.  Heck, I'm probably, at almost 72, a super senior golfer.  Like a lot of guys my age I hit the ball pretty straight but a lack of distance, particularly off the tee, is a problem.

I love my PXG 0211 driver.  It's 10.5 so I can go from 9-12 degrees which should be enough to find the proper loft.

With all that as background we turn to the idea of spin rate off the tee when using the driver.

I've assembled a stable of shafts, all in A flex as befitting a swing speed with the driver that's in the 80 mph range.

My question is, when I take the collected multitude to the launch monitor, what sort of spin rate should I be looking for to optimize distance?  2300 rpm?  2700 rpm?

Any guidance based on experience that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I figured it made more sense to try and establish a goal before testing than to generate a bunch of data and ask for assistance making sense of it.

As bmart points out in Ping chart it’s a lot more than just spin rate. You need to be looking at angle of attack, launch and spin. And to some extent land/descent angle and apex/peak height.

Wish you luck in your endeavor but on a side note flex has no standard in the industry and all what’s A flex in one can be senior or even L in another, also swing speed is one of the lower variable that should be used for determine shaft choices and swing speed doesn’t always equate to certain flex. For a blind buy and test scenario it’s an ok starting point.

[chisag]

6 hours ago, Bobbers said:

Any guidance based on experience that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I figured it made more sense to try and establish a goal before testing than to generate a bunch of data and ask for assistance making sense of it.

 

... Just keep in mind where you live and play also makes a big difference. Most midwest courses are soft and carry is king. Phoenix is very firm and I see seniors hit low trajectories off the tee that roll up to 100 yds, especially level or uphill. I find it really interesting when someone basically tops a tee shot and hits it farther than their normal "fade" because it rolls 200 yds when back in Chicago the ole "didn't make it to the front tee" penalty applies. 

[revkev]

Bobbers, where in Southeast Wisconsin?  I lived in Sheboygan for 6 years.  I instantly lost 10 yards in 2006 - I moved from Wisconsin where the ground was reasonably firm to Florida where it is not.  Conditions do matter - 

 

A general rule though would be more loft and spin in he mid 2,000's should do the trick.  

 

Good luck

[Rickp]

8 hours ago, Bobbers said:

Thank you, sir!  Just what I needed, let the evaluation begin.  Which, given we got two inches of snow yesterday that's still sticking around, will help assuage, somewhat, the frustration of not getting out on the course.

I’m 75 and curious what setup you end up with.

[HDTVMAN]

Low to mid-2000's. But don't worry about spin...that's a waste of time. Buy which ever shaft gives you the best distance and direction. Are you in the fairway? Happy with the distance? Buy it!

[funkyjudge]

9 hours ago, Bobbers said:

I'm a senior golfer.  Heck, I'm probably, at almost 72, a super senior golfer.  Like a lot of guys my age I hit the ball pretty straight but a lack of distance, particularly off the tee, is a problem.

I love my PXG 0211 driver.  It's 10.5 so I can go from 9-12 degrees which should be enough to find the proper loft.

With all that as background we turn to the idea of spin rate off the tee when using the driver.

I've assembled a stable of shafts, all in A flex as befitting a swing speed with the driver that's in the 80 mph range.

My question is, when I take the collected multitude to the launch monitor, what sort of spin rate should I be looking for to optimize distance?  2300 rpm?  2700 rpm?

Any guidance based on experience that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I figured it made more sense to try and establish a goal before testing than to generate a bunch of data and ask for assistance making sense of it.

I don’t mind seeing spin numbers in the low 3,000s for golfers with a driver clubhead speed below 80 MPH. For female and senior golfers who struggle to get that speed above the low 70s (my wife is a perfect example), 3,500 RPM is not all that bad.

[Bobbers]

3 hours ago, chisag said:

 

... Just keep in mind where you live and play also makes a big difference. Most midwest courses are soft and carry is king. Phoenix is very firm and I see seniors hit low trajectories off the tee that roll up to 100 yds, especially level or uphill. I find it really interesting when someone basically tops a tee shot and hits it farther than their normal "fade" because it rolls 200 yds when back in Chicago the ole "didn't make it to the front tee" penalty applies. 

I'm well aware of the "didn't hit past the front tee" scenario.  Heck, it's one of the reasons I moved up a tee a few years ago...heh heh.

[Bobbers]

1 hour ago, Rickp said:

I’m 75 and curious what setup you end up with.

I'll  keep notes and keep you posted in this thread.

[Bobbers]

2 hours ago, revkev said:

Bobbers, where in Southeast Wisconsin?  I lived in Sheboygan for 6 years.  I instantly lost 10 yards in 2006 - I moved from Wisconsin where the ground was reasonably firm to Florida where it is not.  Conditions do matter - 

 

A general rule though would be more loft and spin in he mid 2,000's should do the trick.  

 

Good luck

In the Milwaukee area, revkev.  I play frequently at Ives Grove in northern Racine and another 10-12 courses spread around the southeastern Wisconsin area.

[azstu324]

3 hours ago, chisag said:

didn't make it to the front tee" penalty applies.

The ol drop trou special? I hate that!

 

[IONEPUTT]

I really hope you get on a good Launch Monitor and hit enough balls with a few shafts to SEE what works best for YOU in terms of spin. Remember this. MORE spin almost always means a Straighter ball flight, which is a good thing. MORE spin also means more LIFT from that spin and that means the ball will STAY in the air longer for more carry distance, also a good thing. Higher launch angle is also a GOOD thing especially with your 80's swing speed.  I would NOT worry about the spin numbers, rather look at the distance you get and let the spin be what it is. 3000-4000 spin with your 80's MPH swing would NOT be a problem. Bottom line is get on a launch monitor and see what works best for YOU. Nothing else matter to YOU. As someone else has mentioned, you really should TRY a driver with more loft, I'd recommend 12* and UP for you. 

[70445]

All very interesting info, us seniors  are sometimes overlooked!  More about the big hitters.  Anyway I’m 76, and have played for 5 or 6 decades!  Been losing distance for a few years, so my current equipment isn’t getting the job done.  It couldn’t be me.  I currently hit a Ping G400 10.5 driver, Reg Alta shaft.  Not getting much distance 170 carry.  I demoed a Cally Rouge ST draw sr shaft, numbers were better 12° loft.!  But $600 is way too much.  Just wondering what others are looking at or using.  Really don’t have access to a launch monitor, so I’m kind stuck on junk luck in finding the correct combo. 

[ChuckZ]

When on Trackman, my numbers:  93mph, 2200 spin, ball speed 132, launch 14*.  Hitting a TSI3 10.75 driver with Fujikura Speeder shafts S.  Carry 235 yards roll out 255-260..... my age....will be 76 soon.....better than normal.....

[Madboy76]

11 hours ago, Bobbers said:

I'm a senior golfer.  Heck, I'm probably, at almost 72, a super senior golfer.  Like a lot of guys my age I hit the ball pretty straight but a lack of distance, particularly off the tee, is a problem.

I love my PXG 0211 driver.  It's 10.5 so I can go from 9-12 degrees which should be enough to find the proper loft.

With all that as background we turn to the idea of spin rate off the tee when using the driver.

I've assembled a stable of shafts, all in A flex as befitting a swing speed with the driver that's in the 80 mph range.

My question is, when I take the collected multitude to the launch monitor, what sort of spin rate should I be looking for to optimize distance?  2300 rpm?  2700 rpm?

Any guidance based on experience that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I figured it made more sense to try and establish a goal before testing than to generate a bunch of data and ask for assistance making sense of it.

Your shafts won't affect spin very much at all.  There have been numerous tests done, you can watch them on youtube.  With a proper data set, you'll probably only see a few 100 revolutions change from a extra stiff to a senior flex. 

Focus on dialing in the loft of the driver and the weighting if it's adjustable. the only shaft variable I would worry about is launch angle or " kick point". That has a lot more to do with your tempo than your swing speed. I wouldn't be too afraid to hit 3,000rpm or so. It may actually help you keep the ball in the air longer and results in more consistent drives. 

My suggestion would be to take the shaft that feels best to you, then set your driver to the highest loft setting and hit five consistent shots.  Then work down the adjustments of the driver head , five consistent shots each, until you see a drop off in performance.  Stop when the ball's not staying in the air and the shots are no longer straight.  Go back and look at which loft gave you the most consistent spin numbers and carry numbers.  That's your setting.  You don't want to base your conclusion off of an outlier, but off of an average performance. 

[Rickp]

36 minutes ago, 70445 said:

All very interesting info, us seniors  are sometimes overlooked!  More about the big hitters.  Anyway I’m 76, and have played for 5 or 6 decades!  Been losing distance for a few years, so my current equipment isn’t getting the job done.  It couldn’t be me.  I currently hit a Ping G400 10.5 driver, Reg Alta shaft.  Not getting much distance 170 carry.  I demoed a Cally Rouge ST draw sr shaft, numbers were better 12° loft.!  But $600 is way too much.  Just wondering what others are looking at or using.  Really don’t have access to a launch monitor, so I’m kind stuck on junk luck in finding the correct combo. 

Had same driver for a while Titleist TSI2, Kuro Kage Senior 50g.  
Backup G410, Alta A shaft.  
lm not sure what loft, probably 11.5-12*

[Kenny B]

2 hours ago, Bobbers said:

I'll  keep notes and keep you posted in this thread.

Use the same ball.

[Rickp]

15 minutes ago, Kenny B said:

Use the same ball.

Definitely!!

[Jmmjr.]

12 hours ago, chisag said:

 

... Just keep in mind where you live and play also makes a big difference. Most midwest courses are soft and carry is king. Phoenix is very firm and I see seniors hit low trajectories off the tee that roll up to 100 yds, especially level or uphill. I find it really interesting when someone basically tops a tee shot and hits it farther than their normal "fade" because it rolls 200 yds when back in Chicago the ole "didn't make it to the front tee" penalty applies. 

I'm THAT Chicago Guy! I feel like I'm, in real life, the dude in the commercial where the guy in the starters house is yelling at the dude on the Ladies Tee and finally screams " I'M ON MY FRIGGIN THIRD SHOT!!! OK"?

[Thin2win]

20 hours ago, Kenny B said:

Interesting test.  Please let this soon-to-be 75-year old what you find out.  I don't have a launch monitor, but I should try to locate one.

I found one! 

[Thin2win]

For everyone here looking for that little extra launch height and swing speed, if you are looking at a new driver... I highly recommend the Cobra Jr edition. 

It's lighter then the regular version, and comes in higher loft options (12 & 14). It has the same adapter, and the same adjustability options. It's also $100 less then the regular version. 

It looks exactly like the regular version. It does come with a JR length (40") shaft in a low weight, which might be prefect for some. But when you register it, cobra gives you a free 1 time shaft upgrade to any shaft in their no up charge line up. Is being as a JR player gets bigger and faster they can get a stiffer or longer shaft. 

My wife is 5'1" and low 80's SS. No driver out comes close to matching it for distance. 

[Bobbers]

10 hours ago, Kenny B said:

Use the same ball.

I intend to.  Got some of the Maxfli Tour balls to use for the evaluation AND the upcoming season.

[RickyBobby_PR]

14 hours ago, funkyjudge said:

I don’t mind seeing spin numbers in the low 3,000s for golfers with a driver clubhead speed below 80 MPH. For female and senior golfers who struggle to get that speed above the low 70s (my wife is a perfect example), 3,500 RPM is not all that bad.

Exactly. Spin can be a golfers friend, but there is a point where too much or too little that will negatively effect the ball flight, distance and dispersion.

Spin has to be taken into account with launch, peak height and land angle.

As you mention slower swing speeds are going to benefit from more spin to help get and keep the ball in the air

[Gregf]

I’m 73 and playing the best golf of my life since I started at 51; thanks to retirement and more golf time. I went to a Callaway demo day a few years ago and was fitted into a Epic Flash 10.5 45g Green Even Flow regular flex. Shortly after this I read the Mygolfspy article on drivers showing the favorite to be the Epic Flash Sub Zero. The fitter never tried this head probably based on my 90 mph swing. I did see slower swingers we’re also doing well with this head so I traded my driver for the Sub Zero. I’m finding slightly longer drives I’m assuming from less spin but also straighter drives. 
i play year round in Naples and Columbus and find trajectory needs to change based on the changing course conditions. Now that the fairways are drying out a lower drive is a longer drive. 

[tony@CIC]

On 4/1/2022 at 7:51 AM, Bobbers said:

I'm a senior golfer.  Heck, I'm probably, at almost 72, a super senior golfer.  Like a lot of guys my age I hit the ball pretty straight but a lack of distance, particularly off the tee, is a problem.

I love my PXG 0211 driver.  It's 10.5 so I can go from 9-12 degrees which should be enough to find the proper loft.

With all that as background we turn to the idea of spin rate off the tee when using the driver.

I've assembled a stable of shafts, all in A flex as befitting a swing speed with the driver that's in the 80 mph range.

My question is, when I take the collected multitude to the launch monitor, what sort of spin rate should I be looking for to optimize distance?  2300 rpm?  2700 rpm?

Any guidance based on experience that you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  I figured it made more sense to try and establish a goal before testing than to generate a bunch of data and ask for assistance making sense of it.

I'm 75 and was overly concerned about spin since at my last trackman fitting 2 years ago I was in the high 3000's and occasionally broaching 4000. I started out with a 410 (10.5) and the Alta SR shaft (Official 2020 Ping 410 tester). The SR shaft was based on the Ping online 'fitting'. The fitter told me to switch to a regular flex shaft (and I bought the ALTA since it was the most affordable). Note at that fitting, I had a very steep AOA.  Since then I had a few lessons given the steep angle and have greatly improved my swing. Note, the instructor told me to dial down the driver which I had at the highest setting (11.5*),  I have over time dialed it down (continuous process) and it now is set at 9.5*. I'm getting the distance and straight ball flight, however, I can't tell you what the spin #'s at this point. I will be going for another driver fitting the end of April and will be curios to see what the impact of getting down to the 9.5 yields for spin. Stay tuned.