Shaft Gurus Inside… Aldila RIP Questions…

Originally Posted by SVTGolfer

Yes, Ive seen that chart several times. Been on Aldila's site many many times myself. Its just not all that clear to me. Which is why I have the questions I have. But to answer your questions above… No. & no. Hahaha Im young, but Im out of shape. And my tempo is smooth, unless im frustrated, then I get "quick."

My swing speed is 95 consistently, & when I go after it its closer to 100. Like I said I could technically play either a regular or a stiff. I play regular steel shaft irons because I have a smooth tempo swing on the course and stiff just doesnt feel right for me. Plus I like my higher ball flight with the regular shafts compared to the lower ball flight with the stiff shafts. My hybrids, fairway woods & driver are different for some reason. I have the typically problems as most amateurs, where I try to kill my graphite shafted clubs for some mental reason. When its a good day Im smooth and relaxed with both my irons and woods, but I still have a tendancy to swing too hard with my woods & driver. I play a stiff shaft in all my woods and hybrids. And ive not had a problem playing the stif shafts either, but now that Im changing my clubs a little bit, I just want to make an educated decision. I WAS playing the UST Mamiya Axivcore "tour red" stiffs in my old 3 & 5 wood. But ive since sold them.

And I like this chart:

SWING SPEED CONVERSION CHART

When a swing speed device is not available, this chart may be used to approximate swing speed based on driver carry distance or the club used to approach the green from 150 yards. (Based on average club lengths and lofts.)

Shaft Flex

Driver

Swing Speed (mph)

Driver

Carry Distance (yards)

Club from 150 yards

Extra-Stiff

105 +

260 +

8 or 9-iron

Stiff

90-105

240-260

6 or 7-iron

Regular

80-95

210-240

5 or 6-iron

Flexible (A-Flex)

70-85

180-210

4-iron

Ladies

Less than 70

Less than 180

3-iron/lofted wood

Originally Posted by inthecup

I don't find your chart to be something I would use to buy a club/shaft.  Go to a good fitter.  It is not just about the stiffness.  I had both my irons and driver professionally fit the the results are worth it.

You are buying marketing BS instead of results.  I picked up lots of yardage when I was fit for a driver and the shaft is less stiff.  The big key between the two drivers was a decrease in spin with an increase in ball speed.  Changed my game.

Originally Posted by Beachcomber

1.) If you're young - and hitting 95 to 100mph - I would go with the stiff shaft.  Especially since you said you're out of shape.  Adding exercises to your daily routine could significantly help your golf game (and improve your overall health).  For me, just doing pushes, flexibility drills - and resistance bands - I've noticed some nice distance gains in the last month.  It's really not a lot of work to get stronger/quicker.  And I don't feel like I'm swinging harder - just have more control of my swing which has helped increase my club speed.

2.) Why are you looking at the Beta and Gamma if they have higher launch and spin?  I believe you started this thread because you're in the market for a new 3W - and thinking of putting a new shaft into the 3W.  But before you make a decision - I'd recommend you have someone that knows a thing or two about fittings to look at your spin/ball speed and launch angles.  They should be able to make a solid recommendation based o on your monitor results with the 3W you're targeting to buy.

Originally Posted by Laws of Woo

For a quick reference:

Alpha = Low Spin, Low Launch

Beta = Mid Spin, Mid Launch

Gamma = Mid Spin, High Launch

I've hit all 3 in Fairway woods, and the Beta was my favorite of them. Alpha if we're talking drivers. I hated the Gamma, launched far too high for me.

But as for which flex, you really need to get fitted/try them out. You should be fine with stiff (or maybe regular tipped), but for best results you have to hit them first.

Originally Posted by SVTGolfer

Would you please enlighten me as to why the chart I found is somehow not accurate enough? I find it pretty spot on personally. I fall in the middle of those numbers, just as the chart suggests, which is why Im having a hard time with choosing the correct shaft flex. And ive been fitted before, but my swing has evolved and I consider myself a much more eductaed player now compared to then. And I dont buy into ANY marketting BS, so you're talking to the wrong guy about that. Hahaha

2) Im Considering the RIP beta because I do not think the alpha is what I need in a fairway wood. Worried it wont be enough launch, and that it may be too stiff. I just dont want to feel like Im swinging a 2x4… I hit a stiff beta shafted club today at the store, and oddly enough it was an RBZ "tour spoon" 3 wood (whatever that means) and although I didn't like the RBZ (still) I did like the beta shaft. It pretty much solidified my decision for what ill be putting in my new 3 wood, no matter what I decide to get.

What did you not like about the alpha when you hit it in a wood? What was better about the beta? I love my alpha in my drivers, but Im just afraid its going to be too stiff, too low, and have a bad launch angle for what I need in a fairway wood.

Originally Posted by inthecup

I would not go by a chart because your swing may not go well with a particular shaft even if it is for the right swing speed..  Selecting one from a chart is a mistake.  I would want a launch monitor and lots of shafts to try.

Originally Posted by SVTGolfer

What did you not like about the alpha when you hit it in a wood? What was better about the beta? I love my alpha in my drivers, but Im just afraid its going to be too stiff, too low, and have a bad launch angle for what I need in a fairway wood.

Originally Posted by Laws of Woo

Both the Alpha and Beta felt good and had good dispersion. I just liked the slightly higher launch of the Beta. I was looking for less roll and a softer landing and that is what the Beta gave me.