What Woods Shafts are Right?

[Piece]

This is probably one for Ethan...

I've been through several fittings over the years, most of them naff. Last year I finally sorted out my irons with a visit to the Mizuno NFC at New Malden (now Burhill). I play X100s based on a Swing DNA profile of: 97, 5-3-6-4.

This year I want to get a new driver as the one I have I'm convinced isn't quite right. This was fitted for me by Silvermere. Just can't quite catch it right consistently. Ball flight is a fade, medium height; I don't think the i15's 2 deg open face helps much

From memory, my swing speed was 115 with a smash of 1.4. The shaft and loft is as defined in my signature. Looking at the UST Mamiya site, this shaft seems to be best for SS lower than 110? Do I need to look at X flex and maybe a heavy shaft as I want a lower and more controlled flight?

I'd be very interested to know what shafts I should be looking at, perhaps in the 910 D3. I intend to go for a full fitting at a specialist or manufacturer site, so I'm just looking for a heads-up.

I'd also like an opinion on the Project X 6.0 shaft I use in the Nike VR woods. This is less important at the moment as the flight is good with these, but could be a touch lower.

Cheers

 

[Ethan]

If you are down Surrey way, I would suggest Precision Golf in Egham. They fit a lot of good players, including Tour players, and can fine tune the flex to suit you.

In terms of what shafts, a driver swing sped of 115 would be consistent with 97mph in a 6 iron (usually around 85% of driver speed). Unless your tempo is very smooth indeed, you are probably in an X flex shaft. If the UST in the Ping is the standard one, it is a decent shaft, but on the face of it too soft at 115mph, so perhaps a heavier 79g version, or an X, would do the trick. Alternatively, another shaft might be worth a look. If you want something Ping WRX offers loads of shafts, and a "proper" project X 6.5 might work, or a Diamana Ahina in X, or if you fancy the same shaft as Tiger, the Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 6 or 7. But any of these need a decent custom fit to get the best choice.

The PX in the Nike is not a "real" one like the Titleist 910 version. It will play a bit softer. I use a similar one in a Callaway Diablo, 70g, 6.0 and I have 100mph driver speed and it isn't too stiff for me. The fade does not necessarily mean that the flex is OK but the open face is a problem. Although most players hook with too soft a flex, some slice a bit if they get their hands in ahead too quick and leave the club face flapping behind. A decent fitting will identify the face angle at impact, and swing path and figure out the problem.

 

[Swinger]

I have a PX 6.5 in my Nike VR Tour Driver which I find hits the ball on a good flight for me, nice slightly lower than mid traj with a nice penetrating flight. I found it one of the most consistant shafts I've used. Had a proper Diamana Blueboard in the same head (83 X) which I found fairly inconsistant and came off very low at times. Also have a Adila NV Protopype (80 X) which I find a very solid shaft that launches a shade lower than the PX.

I would have thought that with swing speeds of 110+ that X would generally be the shaft flex you would be looking for in most shafts.

Ethan, can you confirm if my version of the PX shaft would be a made for version also. It is the tour version of the Str8 fit driver (so no str8 fit hosel).

 

[Piece]

Excellent, Ethan and Swinger! Cheers :thup: The Ping shaft I have is standard off the shelf. My tempo is fairly agressive so I agree with a heavier/stiffer shaft assessment.

Interesting assessment of the Nike Project X shaft - its definitely consistent but I think I can do better...

I've looked at Precision Golf webby over recent weeks and certainly looks a good bet. Couldn't work out if I was banging into a net there or if I could see the ball flight on the range? Anyway, it's something I need to sort out.

Cheers again.

 

[Ethan]

Ethan, can you confirm if my version of the PX shaft would be a made for version also. It is the tour version of the Str8 fit driver (so no str8 fit hosel).

I believe it is a made for Nike shaft. The only retail club I can think of that uses the real deal as standard (aka the Tour Issue shaft) is the Titleist 910.

Still, made for is not necessarily a bad shaft. I use the Callaway X in my driver and like it a lot.

 

[Piece]

If you are down Surrey way, I would suggest Precision Golf in Egham. They fit a lot of good players, including Tour players, and can fine tune the flex to suit you.

I've booked myself in to Precision on Friday. Let's see what transpires!

 

[Ethan]

I've booked myself in to Precision on Friday. Let's see what transpires!

You'll have a good day. Simon and James are very helpful guys. They will be able to fit you precisely to a flex that suits you, so if you need a 6.7 flex then they can set that up for you. They will also provide good after service. If you are lucky you might bump into a Tour pro.

 

[Piece]

You'll have a good day. Simon and James are very helpful guys. They will be able to fit you precisely to a flex that suits you, so if you need a 6.7 flex then they can set that up for you. They will also provide good after service. If you are lucky you might bump into a Tour pro.

I am quietly looking forward to it as my numerous wood fits from various driving ranges have been less than impressive. I'm hoping they'll configure a shaft/head combo that works for my swing and not, as with my past fits, bring out a driver that ticks 5/10 fitting boxes because it just happens to be today's "special in the shop".

On the positive side, all these fits have given me excellent knowledge of what a proper fit entails, what the Trackman numbers mean, etc. The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that the right and not 'made for' shaft is essential.

I'll write a summary of my experience.

 

[Piece]

I'll write a summary of my experience.

Well I've been... here's my review and long story:
http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/showthread.php?35653-Precision-Golf-in-Egham&p=504250#post504250