Custom Fitting

[chunter85]

Currently trying to weigh up if it's worth paying to get custom fit or go to American Golf and get fitted there.

I'm a 28 handicapper and looking to replace my irons and I'm wondering how much of a difference getting custom fit would make vs getting fitted at AG.

Have people had experience of both? What's everyone's recommendation?

 

[SteveW86]

Id say it depends where your game is at. How long ave you been playing? Do you really need the new irons or would it be better to invest in lessons? I changed my irons at the start of this year from game improvement irons to probably a set of irons which aren't forgiving enough for me, but I was told by a pro that I should be using stiff shafts as my swing speed was too quick for the regulars in the irons I had. So I bought these irons with the knowledge that my swing was probably going to change quite a lot as I tried to develop my game.

 

[ColchesterFC]

As an 18 handicapper I think the benefits of a "full" or "proper" custom fit at our level is limited. In my opinion as long as the shafts are correct for your swing speed then that is the limit of the benefits. For a good golfer (handicap in single figures) then there would probably be more point in getting a proper custom fit but at our level of golf when any swing of the club is very unlikely to be the same as the previous or next swing then I would say it's of limited benefit.

Many club professionals will charge for the fitting but then deduct the cost of a custom fit from the cost of the clubs if you buy from them - to stop you getting fitted with them and then trying to find the clubs cheaper elsewhere. If you do go down the Ag fitting route then be aware that they may well be on higher commission for certain clubs so could try to steer you towards the ones that will make them the most money regardless of which are actually best for you.

 

[chunter85]

I've had my irons for 5 years, about the length of time I've been playing.

I'm essentially looking for something that is a bit more forgiving for when you don't get it out the sweet spot.

Being new to golf at the time, I didn't do any real sort of fitting with these irons I'm playing with now, not even at AG. I had a look online and picked something that was in a budget and that I liked the look off.

Now I'm not fussed on brand, have more cash in the bank to spend and would definitely be looking to try a range of irons before buying.

I have been swaying towards the, my swing isn't consistent enough and is still evolving through the regular lessons (every 6-8 weeks) I'm getting to justify the full custom fit experience.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Your dilemma is not unusual. It's a balancing act between getting a stable and repetitive swing, usually through lessons or getting clubs fitted now that may or may not suit as the game progresses. I see the merits of all sides and have been both fitted and bought off the shelf and used those clubs to equal degrees (not always to great success, with fleeting moments of brilliance).

I have had several bad AG experiences at different stores, so my view on their fitting service is perhaps jaundiced but it wouldn't be my first port of call and I'd be looking at a range or club with a decent monitor (GC2 etc).

Of course on the flip side, nothing beats the fun of trying lots of different clubs and shaft options and I do really love the fitting process. When funds allow it's something I'm probably going to do again.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy it. Work hard in the winter and get that handicap down next year.

 

[Deleted member 21784]

I had this dilemma couple of weeks ago. However took advise off my 11 handicapper friend who said AG do a fine enough job. Like someone else said we aren't at the level to really see the benefits. Plus higher handicappers swings aren't always consistent so fitting seems a bit pointless.

i went down ag for their fit. They measured my height and wrist to floor measurement. I saw the chart they read from I'm regular height so no need for major adjustments.

then came the fun part. Swung a club with a speed thing on. This told him what shafts would suit.. he said would I be open to trying graphite which I was. So we tried different club heads from ping and titliest on a graphite and then a steel shaft. At the end we agreed the steel suited me better. I then compared the results of the new clubs I was trying against my old clubs to see any changes.

went for the titliest 716 ap1 (one of the most forgiving clubs on the market)

I'd say anyone over 10 maybe even lower would be fine with this level of fitting

anyone hoovering around 5/4 a custom fit by a club fitter sounds more benfiticial

 

[chunter85]

Thanks for the replies.

Looking at AG stores now, I have seen big improvements in their custom fit experience of late, probably driven by more and more players looking for that sort of experience when forking out large sums of money for equipment.

They don't quite seem to be standardised as yet though and some AG stores in my area seem better equipped that others at getting that custom fit experience. Some have a much better range of stock than others given the size of the store too.

I had a really disappointing season this year and have already upped the amount of practice I have been doing.

I'm hoping a combination of better equipment, continued lessons and some hard work will see my game move in the direction I want it too.

 

[Hickory_Hacker]

Currently trying to weigh up if it's worth paying to get custom fit or go to American Golf and get fitted there.

I'm a 28 handicapper and looking to replace my irons and I'm wondering how much of a difference getting custom fit would make vs getting fitted at AG.

Have people had experience of both? What's everyone's recommendation?

Just go to the American Golf shop and pick what clubs look nice, that'll get you started :thup:

 

[Canmore]

Perhapswait until one of the manufacturers comes into AG for a fitting day

custom fitting is a benefit to all - in my mind it may even be beneficial when you are a novice, beyond the initial beginner phase

handicaps are misleading - I was fit at Callaway and Mizuno and they didn't ask my handicap until the end. They were more interested in my ball striking

 

[Dando]

i have decided to treat myself to a fitting session as i was invited to a Yonex fitting yesterday at Slivermere and while graphite shafts aren't for me in my irons, i learnt the following;

- i need heavier shafts in my wood with a higher kick point.
- the lofts and lies of my irons are all over the place.
- i need 1/2 inch longer than standard shafts in my irons.
- my 7 iron is actually 1/2 shorter than standard

i have bought all my stuff from ebay and just developed a swing that suits what i have so i am a bit sceptical about changing what i have and learning to use properly fitted gear!