Driver fitting (demo day v HQ)

[Tiger]

Morning all,

Currently the swing is getting better (big test to come this weekend, but I am thinking/hoping that I will be ready for a big dog at the start of next season. As a result I was thinking of investing in and around December/January giving myself a few months on the range to get familiar with the big stick.

I've got a G15 3 wood and a G15 2I hybrid (en route) and am thinking of sticking with Ping for my driver (most likely a G15 ). My original plan was to go to a demo day but it seems that Ping have an aversion to Suffolk as there are never any in the county which means I have to travel.

Given that fact, I was thinking if I have to travel I might as well go to Lincolnshire for the weekend and get fitted at Gainsborough. My question is, is it a better/more worthwhile 'experience' if you go to the HQ as opposed to a demo day, or does it make no difference?

 

[USER1999]

I would think you'll get more time at HQ, and a more personnal experience. Demo days are more about a taster than a full c/f.

Be a bit careful though, as you need to ensure the driver you end up with has good dispersion, not just length. It is very easy for the fitter to max out the distance, but leave you with a club you can't hit on a bad day.

 

[bobmac]

If you can get to Gainsborough, do it.
Demo days are often free for alls with people just bashing balls with little order and if you do get fitted, it's often just a 10 minute job and "next please"
Gainsborough is the opposite.
45 mins to an hour of one to one attention with all the latest shafts and heads to choose from and the latest swing technology. (Trackman if I remember correctly)
Set indoors hitting out onto a big range so weather not a problem.
All in all, a great experience and free!!!
The one thing you can't do is book it yourself.
You have to book it through your local pro.
I'm sure James or Smiffy will be along shortly as they went for a fitting recently (and Jammydodger I believe)

Go for it and have a game on the Lakes while you're there

 

[DCB]

IMO a demo day is just that, the manufacturer wants to demo his clubs to as many people as possible, this often means shorter allocated times/slots.

If you really want a C/F then go for a proper C/F session where you will have more time to try the kit and find the right spec for you.

 

[Tiger]

Be a bit careful though, as you need to ensure the driver you end up with has good dispersion, not just length. It is very easy for the fitter to max out the distance, but leave you with a club you can't hit on a bad day.

Hey murph, it's all about the dispersion for me. I'm quite fortunate that I can hit the ball a pretty long way so my number one criteria is control

45 mins to an hour of one to one attention with all the latest shafts and heads to choose from and the latest swing technology. (Trackman if I remember correctly) Set indoors hitting out onto a big range so weather not a problem. All in all, a great experience and free!!!

Kind of what I was thinking. I'd really value spending the time to make sure I was making the best decision.

Go for it and have a game on the Lakes while you're there

Just looked at the course layout. Bob. You do realise that golf balls have magnetic properties and are primarily attracted to large expanses of water

 

[bobmac]

Just looked at the course layout. Bob. You do realise that golf balls have magnetic properties and are primarily attracted to large expanses of water

In which case I suggest you visit this site

 

[CrapHacker]

I would think you'll get more time at HQ, and a more personnal experience. Demo days are more about a taster than a full c/f.

Be a bit careful though, as you need to ensure the driver you end up with has good dispersion, not just length. It is very easy for the fitter to max out the distance, but leave you with a club you can't hit on a bad day.

I agree and disagree wholeheartedly with this post.

I agree : Get yourself to HQ for a fitting. I didn't get there myself, but everyone who did, had a great time. I however went to a Demo Day. I was brilliantly looked after by the Ping Guy, but the local pro, understandably, wanted to get through as many of his members as possible, so I felt a little time pressure.

I disagree : The bit about being careful about dispersion. I was more comfortable hitting the I15, and the computer was umming and ahhing about whether I should take that or the K15. But Morgan ( Ping demo dood ) watched my swing, and whilst he's no pro,he understood the numbers enough to suggest I went with the K15 over the I15, because he knew I'd keep more drives in play with the K15.

I say trust their fitter, talk through what you want, and what you expect, and they will look after you brilliantly.

Either way, you'll get a great club at the end of it.

 

[Tiger]

Hey CH I've met Morgan and he is excellent, gave me some really sound advice. That said I think I will treat myself by going to Gainsborough.

Bob I was going to ask you if you fancied a round at the lakes but after your latest wetsuit link I'm having second thoughts

 

[bobmac]

Hey CH I've met Morgan and he is excellent, gave me some really sound advice. That said I think I will treat myself by going to Gainsborough.

Bob I was going to ask you if you fancied a round at the lakes but after your latest wetsuit link I'm having second thoughts

Would be delighted.
One thing though... there is always a waiting list so be prepared to wait a couple of months to get in.

 

[Tiger]

Would be delighted.
One thing though... there is always a waiting list so be prepared to wait a couple of months to get in.

Great stuff. As for the waiting list I thought there might be especially with the new K15 range. Probably booking later this month/early October