Off the shelf clubs.

[Oddsocks]

With so much talk about of custom fit, surely there must be a basic spec of which off the shelf clubs are designed to suit.

Im reading alot of threads here about " im only 5.10" so im 1* flat " or "im 6.4 so i have 1* upright +0.75" obvioulsy all this is understandable, but surely the manufactures must make clubs to fit the window of a certain spec, for example.

5.10 - 6.2

 

[USER1999]

I think they probably do. However, some shorties stand tall, and some talls slump over the ball. This makes it more difficult. I guess if we all had perfect posture it would make it easier. At the moment, I expect they sell a best guess for the average golfer. It works fine for most people.

 

[benhobden]

The problem with off the shelf is, as far as I'm concerned, the thought that a custom fit would shave a shot or two off. I am speaking from experience as I'm not sure whether to ditch my off the shelf Callaways in favour of a new custom fit set.

 

[Oddsocks]

I suppose with a golf swing the mechanics produce so many variables, so basically off the shelf clubs are really for people who cant be A**ed wth a a custom fit, alot a " that will do " attitude.

 

[surefire]

Remember there is no standard in golf clubs either.

So one manufacturers 7 iron may have a completely different loft, lie and length from another, or even a different model from the same manufacturer.
Add in the differences between shafts as well and really there is no standard "off the shelf" fit at all.

 

[Toby_LeRhone]

The human body is also somewhat adaptable. Where an accomplished player can adapt his swing to suit variances in lie and circumstantial conditions, to an extent he can do the same with variances in club manufacture.

Historical and practical evidence appears to point towards an increase in which manufacturers and retailers have lent upon scientific evidence of insignificent potential performance gain to market bespoke fitting as a key determinate of purchase.

It seems to me that in terms of relative potential for performance gain the able-bodied handicap player who fits the centile that his existing clubs were designed for would benefit more through practice than through buying expensive bespoke-fitted clubs.

 

[Smiffy]

I've had custom fitted clubs.
I'm currently playing with "off the shelf" clubs.
There is no benefit in having them custom fitted.
I play crap with both

 

[Bratty]

I've had custom fitted clubs.
I'm currently playing with "off the shelf" clubs.
There is no benefit in having them custom fitted.
I play crap with both

That's true...
He has.
He is.
And he does!

 

[viscount17]

I think they probably do. However, some shorties stand tall, and some talls slump over the ball. This makes it more difficult. I guess if we all had perfect posture it would make it easier. At the moment, I expect they sell a best guess for the average golfer. It works fine for most people.

and if you add girth to the equation, half the shaft length is taken up getting it 'around'

 

[Oddsocks]

I've had custom fitted clubs.
I'm currently playing with "off the shelf" clubs.
There is no benefit in having them custom fitted.
I play crap with both

That's true...
He has.
He is.
And he does!

i do remember him saying that

 

[clivea]

Manufacturers do vary.

I was custom fitted for some Mizuno irons and they were calculated at 4deg flat. Later I was custom fitted for some Pings, these came back at 2.75 deg flat. However when you compare the clubs side-by-side then they are the same.

Recently I had a putter fitting and Odyssey say that their putters have 3deg of loft - so an off the shelf putter was measured and it had nearly 6deg of loft.

 

[Imurg]

Figures lifted straight from Ping and Mizuno websites:-

S56 6 iron standard spec

Length 37.25"
Loft 30.5 deg
Lie 61,5 deg

MP63 6 iron standard spec

Length 37.25"
Loft 30 deg
Lie 61 deg

Apart from the lofts, these figures are very similar throughout sets from many manufacturers.

So if Mizuno fitted you 4 deg flat and Ping only 2.75 then either one of them is wrong or you were swinging differently - probably the reason. I was fitted 2.25 upright by Ping but 1 flat by Mizuno - the difference in lie between the standard clubs is 1/2 degree. Go figure.

I think this shows you need a fairly repeatable swing to benefit fully from C/F.

On the subject of loft - most drivers you buy are a few degrees out when it comes to loft.

 

[viscount17]

I had my set (forged btb) tweaked 2 deg Up a year or so ago and I know what the lofts should have been when new.
Should I bother getting lofts and lies checked or is it not worth it as this (and bobs) thread seems to imply.

 

[TaylormadePhil]

I went through 3 or 4 sets of clubs before deciding on a custom fitting. The grips were enlarged, the length was increased by 1/2" and the loft changed by 1/2 degree..

I now know that these clubs are to my specifications and if I don't hit the ball well, its my fault and I cannot blame my clubs.

The custom fitting cost £35, but this was taken off the price of the irons.

 

[JustOne]

... and the loft changed by 1/2 degree..

Thank goodness, they'd have been useless otherwise

 

[Robobum]

... and the loft changed by 1/2 degree..

Thank goodness, they'd have been useless otherwise

Not sure I'd be able to take the club back until I knew for sure whether the loft was going to hit it 140 or 142 yds??

 

[brendy]

If you listen to CF'ers standard clubs are no good for anyone!
To me its like getting a seat adjuster in a car. It wont make you go any faster, brake any better nor look any better, but if it makes you feel more secure then someone will be along shortly to take a few quid of you.

 

[JustOne]

I've got a special 10p in my pocket that helps you with your balance and swing, yours for only £1 + postage (to the first 5,000 people who want it)



If I'm not mistaken, if you have the LIES changed on your clubs it would actually affect the LOFT, so they would need to be 'changed back' to what they were... if you've had the lies adjusted and not the loft then technically your clubs are now WRONG