Adjustability

[Funkyfedora 1]

Is adjustability really all that great for an average golfer? When the iMix was introduced, I was a little skeptical but I liked the idea as far as finding the right shaft. It was taking the fitting process and placing it into the players hands. But when the OEMs started the changeable hosel, I thought it was a horrible Idea. I helped an old rich guy with his R9 on the range. He used to be a scratch golfer but has had a few surgeries. I played a few tricks. I made it to a fade bias and told him it was a draw bias. What did he hit? A draw. I did the opposite with the similar result. He hit a fade when it was set up for a draw.

 

So, is the movable weight technology and the hosels and the shafts just a placebo for our game? I think so. I think the adjustability is hurting todays weekend warriors. They don't need all of this technology at their fingertips. Paralysis by analysis. They are over thinking golf and their brain is making golf harder than what it is supposed to be.

 

-Willie

[GolfSpy Dave 1,562]

I think that as a fitting tool for amateurs is is great. Customize and leave it. Good players can tell the difference I believe. I am not a good player so I don't know for sure.

I do know that it is still possible to slice a draw driver or a driver set to draw. That skill I do have.

[Funkyfedora 1]

I think it should be sent to proshops for a fitting tool and then have them order that combo... I know I wouldn't change my driver for different courses...

[GolfSpy Dave 1,562]

I think it should be sent to proshops for a fitting tool and then have them order that combo... I know I wouldn't change my driver for different courses...

But that is the beauty of the free market Willie, some people want that adjustability and they can buy it. A clubmaker who can meet a want sells clubs. I did not say need on purpose. It is a new hot thing, like the square heads. Maybe it too will fade in he future.

[Funkyfedora 1]

I understand the supply and demand on the issue. But my opinion is that it is a bad idea overall.

[GolfSpy Dave 1,562]

I understand the supply and demand on the issue. But my opinion is that it is a bad idea overall.

I think that it meets a need in the market and that is not bad. I specifically think of the Nike ads with the colored flight lines. Slight adjustments to match trends in course design is the intended use. No club can ever fix a swing and someone who expects it to will be disappointed. Maybe the adjustment is largely psychological, but that is part of the game too.

[JohnBarry 119]

That would be me, and the first draw driver I bought. My friends would always laugh as I sliced it and say "John, I don't know how you do it, but you defeated the technology!"

[Moecat 15]

Better to have the easy-to-use adjustability factor and do it yourself than to spend the bucks on a club builder who may break something ... and then you're out those bucks (depending on the club builder's payment/return policies) plus whatever you paid for the club.

[bp4455 5]

Is adjustability really all that great for an average golfer? When the iMix was introduced, I was a little skeptical but I liked the idea as far as finding the right shaft. It was taking the fitting process and placing it into the players hands. But when the OEMs started the changeable hosel, I thought it was a horrible Idea. I helped an old rich guy with his R9 on the range. He used to be a scratch golfer but has had a few surgeries. I played a few tricks. I made it to a fade bias and told him it was a draw bias. What did he hit? A draw. I did the opposite with the similar result. He hit a fade when it was set up for a draw.

 

So, is the movable weight technology and the hosels and the shafts just a placebo for our game? I think so. I think the adjustability is hurting todays weekend warriors. They don't need all of this technology at their fingertips. Paralysis by analysis. They are over thinking golf and their brain is making golf harder than what it is supposed to be.

 

-Willie

Excellent post, Willie. We had a TM demo day at our club last year and I bought the R9 TP driver. After monkeying around with the weights and open and closed settings guess where I wound up? Pure neutral. The only benefit is the ability to change shafts easily and i'm not so sure this is a benefit. I went from one expensive shaft to another with no appreciable benefits. I've got six bills into this driver so I'll be using it for a long, long, time.

 

I don't know what your experience has been with this club (R9TP) but it is a good 20 yards shorter than my Stulz with the tri-edge shaft and everybody i know says the same thing. A local golf superstore sold a bunch of them when they first came out and 90% were returned for something else.

[roadkill 0]

Having an adjustable club that allows you to determine what or how the weight/bias should be set is a good thing. I would think club fitters could use an adjustable club as a fitting tool. Most if not all players will not adjust anything of the club once they have determine optimal settings. I'm trying to get to the point with my game where I have a consistent miss so I can play the percentages.

[Funkyfedora 1]

I think most people are trying to buy these adjustable clubs to fix swings. And I have read that the shafts are like crack. Always wanting to get more to try and find a combo... I think people should just get fit and go out and practice. And if you don't want to practice than buy a cheap driver and just use it...

[jamo 16]

I like adjustability. I have a Superquad with the weight ports and although I never change them it is nice to know that I could.

[GolfSpy Dave 1,562]

I think most people are trying to buy these adjustable clubs to fix swings. And I have read that the shafts are like crack. Always wanting to get more to try and find a combo... I think people should just get fit and go out and practice. And if you don't want to practice than buy a cheap driver and just use it...

This would be silly. you may be able to modify ball flight, but nothing is fixed. I would spend large money to swing like crap and hit great shots.

 

I like the iMix idea, just because I like new toys. I love the fubuki shaft I have and now i can just buy the FT9 head to have a whole new toy.

[jamo 16]

I think most people are trying to buy these adjustable clubs to fix swings. And I have read that the shafts are like crack. Always wanting to get more to try and find a combo... I think people should just get fit and go out and practice. And if you don't want to practice than buy a cheap driver and just use it...

 

That's the drawback, people are using the clubs to fix their swing for them. If it were me I would get a neutral driver and make sure I could hit it straight, but for the weekend/ 5 times a year player, it could help them.

[GolfSpy Dave 1,562]

That's the drawback, people are using the clubs to fix their swing for them. If it were me I would get a neutral driver and make sure I could hit it straight, but for the weekend/ 5 times a year player, it could help them.

But what if you spend the big money and after the return period is over, you realize that you prefer the face slightly open for workability?

[jamo 16]

But what if you spend the big money and after the return period is over, you realize that you prefer the face slightly open for workability?

 

Do you mean for me or for the weekend/ 5 times a year hacker?

 

If it were me I would have researched it enough to prevent that but if I did make that mistake I would either live with it or sell it at a loss.

[GolfSpy Dave 1,562]

Do you mean for me or for the weekend/ 5 times a year hacker?

 

If it were me I would have researched it enough to prevent that but if I did make that mistake I would either live with it or sell it at a loss.

I was thinking more of your consistent swing. It just made me think that the adjustability would be a bit like an airbag for many. Nice to know it is there, but you may never need to use it.

[Matt Saternus 31]

Personally, I love adjustability in all clubs. I've had MWT in my R7 and I now have FCT in my R9. I like the fact that I can adjust the club to fit what I want and not be concerned about combing the racks for a driver that is actually square/open/closed. I also like it because it makes tinkering with shafts that much easier. I think the idea of using it to "buy a swing" is silly, but at the same time, isn't that what fitting is, do a degree? I think with the driver, a good fitter should recommend that a player use and open/closed/square club face.

 

I also don't believe for a second that adjustability is a placebo. Yes, you can hit a fade with a "draw" club and vice versa, but you can't tell me that a closed club face/a heel weighted club doesn't promote a right to left ball flight (for righties).

[Dave 24]

Personally, I love adjustability in all clubs. I've had MWT in my R7 and I now have FCT in my R9. I like the fact that I can adjust the club to fit what I want and not be concerned about combing the racks for a driver that is actually square/open/closed. I also like it because it makes tinkering with shafts that much easier. I think the idea of using it to "buy a swing" is silly, but at the same time, isn't that what fitting is, do a degree? I think with the driver, a good fitter should recommend that a player use and open/closed/square club face.

 

I also don't believe for a second that adjustability is a placebo. Yes, you can hit a fade with a "draw" club and vice versa, but you can't tell me that a closed club face/a heel weighted club doesn't promote a right to left ball flight (for righties).

 

Very good point. I've never owned an adjustable driver. I'm fussy with my driver, brand not much, it has to sound a certain way, and had a certain shape. Now of the adjustable have done it for me yet. Apart from the SQuad, but I never bought one.

 

I just have never really seen the point. I-Mix maybe, it doesn't really adjust the club. If you can't change the loft of the head, the shaft is only going to do so much. I'm yet to play with someone, that turns up on the first tee, and says " I think i need my driver 1 degree flat today" Fitting tool yes, everyday use. Not that I can see

[Funkyfedora 1]

Very good point. I've never owned an adjustable driver. I'm fussy with my driver, brand not much, it has to sound a certain way, and had a certain shape. Now of the adjustable have done it for me yet. Apart from the SQuad, but I never bought one.

 

I just have never really seen the point. I-Mix maybe, it doesn't really adjust the club. If you can't change the loft of the head, the shaft is only going to do so much. I'm yet to play with someone, that turns up on the first tee, and says " I think i need my driver 1 degree flat today" Fitting tool yes, everyday use. Not that I can see

 

 

I completely agree. I personally have never stepped on the tee thinking... I need my driver to hit a draw instead of me...