3 Wood Fitting

[Jensen]

Following my birthday yesterday, I've decided to treat myself and put the cash towards a new 3 wood. So I've booked a fitting session with Dave Fletcher on Friday at Brancepath Golf Club. Got my eye on the Titleist 915 but I'll probably try some others too.
I'll report back later on the adventure.......

 

[Bazz]

Try as many as you can, love a good fitting.

 

[snell]

Nice one, enjoy.

That guy was the pro at our place when I first joined, 'very cheery' if I remember rightly........

 

[seochris]

Have a look at the G30..love mine!

 

[Karl102]

I prefer a cranked down 5 wood, maybe give one a whak! Either way enjoy! Can't beat buying new gear!!!

 

[Vardon11LDN]

I have the 915FD and I absolutely love it.

 

[tsped83]

I prefer a cranked down 5 wood, maybe give one a whak! Either way enjoy! Can't beat buying new gear!!!

What he said.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Hit as many as you can. Lots of good ones out there and don't necessarily go in with just one in mind

 

[Jensen]

So following a family bereavement I sadly had to cancel the original fitting, however I finally had the fitting today.
Before I went I hit 4 clubs at American Golf in Sunderland where they have a driving range. I tried Cobra F6, Titleist 915f, TaylorMade Aeroburner and Callaway XR16. From my initial test based on sight and feel the Titleist was the favourite.
So off I went to see Dave Fletcher at Brancepeth Golf Club where he has trackman. Firstly warmed up hitting a few 7 irons, although they didn't feel great due to poor swings.
I then hit my trusty antique Callaway Great Big Bertha War Bird again with a mixture of results but the best one that was middled was 200 yards with 177 carry I think. You'll have to bear with me as trackman pulled up loads of data, it was really impressive but at times it was a bit too much to take in.
Anyhow he then asked what I fancied trying so it was straight to Titleist 915f, I tried it with Diamana Blue 70 and Diamana Red 60, and for me the Red came out better with higher launch. (I was pleased this shaft came out as this was the one I tried at American Golf). I'm pleased because I like to see the actual ball flight rather than relying solely on a launch monitor.
So figures clubhead speed was 88 mph ball speed 120 but carry was 190, total distance 210. Smash factor 141. Please bear with me as I can't remember the exact figures apart from clubhead speed and carry. I left it to the fitter to guide me, as he has a good reputation.
I talked at length with regards swing path, club path, angle of attack, angle of approach, twisting of the club head etc etc.
He told me that the Titleist is hard to beat as it is very forgiving and the ball explodes of the face.
Based on my swing speed he confirmed that regular flex is more suited to my swing.
Out of curiosity I tried the TaylorMade M2 and with one swing I really middled it and although carry was up there it did not travel as far and my swing speed was slightly slower. This confirmed that the Titleist was better as I was getting better results when not middled.
Forgot to mention Dave put face stickers on my Callaway which showed I was hitting it right out the bottom, on the low side. He also put face stickers on the Titleist later to see the strike patter which was more centred and slightly higher.
This guys knowledge was seriously impressive and his enthusiasm is encouraging. Although he told me he's a Nike associate, he has all the fittings for Titleist, TaylorMade, Ping, Mizuno, Callaway, Nike he'll recommend what's best for the client, he didn't even ask me to touch a Nike. This guy was recommended to me by a +1 golfer at my place who really is into different shafts and clubs so that was enough for me.
I'm going to be buying some new irons later in the year and after I've tried some out on the range (thanks very much American Golf) I'll be straight off to see Dave Fletcher for a real professional fitting where I'll end up buying the clubs.
So if you're in the hunt for new gear and you live in the North East then visit Dave Fletcher and believe me you'll be impressed and pleased you did.

 

[Jensen]

O forgot to add he set the club to 15.75 degrees as this gave me improved height/ launch. This was possible due to adjustability

 

[Jensen]

Getting forgetful in my old age, trackman also brought up a graph showing what the desired flight should be. This was illustrated by a funnel like a rainbow flight of where the ball should be and also where my flight was in relation.
Very smart piece of kit