Where to get fitted for custom shaft length?

I have a Cobra Amp driver, and after using a friend's driver recently that was approximately 1.5 to 2 inches shorter, I was hitting the ball just as far but with more control (easier to hit the sweet spot, better launch angle).  Then I did some research and discovered that it is not uncommon for an amateur such as myself to have a very long driver shaft (45.5 or 46 inches) and too little loft.

So, I called a prominent retailer in the area for a custom fitting, and they said they only fit for lengths of greater than 45 inches.  They said they would order a driver with a 44 or 43 inch shaft, but they would only fit me for stock length shafts.  It is my understanding that  many pros find 45.5 or 46 inches unwieldly, even though they are hitting the sweet spot much more consistently than someone such as me.

Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?  It is clear that my current driver is not lofted enough (9.5) for a 95 mph swing speed with a slightly descending strike, and is too long for me to feel in control of the club (didn't realize this until I hit a shorter driver).

Hopefully someone knows how/where I can try out modern driver heads and moderate shaft length.  I am in the Indianapolis area.

This made me think of the 48" Killer Bee option from years ago.

I like 10.5 with 44". Perhaps you can find a place that has this available for dynamic fitting for the right shaft flex, adjustments, etc.

I would also trade the slightly descending strike for one that is slightly ascending at impact.

TrueAmateur ,

Sounds like the "prominent retailer" doesn't have the best clubsmiths in town.

I would ask a friend who does a good job on repairing golf clubs. Then, call them and arrange a fitting.

The fitting might tell you that a different shaft and loft would work best for you. In that case, trade in your current driver and get a new one. (New to you, at least).

If you find one of the 2014 year driver models you can hit well, chances are you could get it for $250 or less.

If Cobra has any specials, they might give you an enhanced trade-in for the Amp.

So what shot shape are you gettjng out of the Cobra? Is it the bigger 460 style head or the smaller 440 style? Thats a trick question, because its relevant. The pro crowd is not always hitting the big head.

Shot shape is inconsistent.  Pushes and pulls mostly, though rarely a huge slice or hook.  Definitely will have some line drives each round that only carry 200 and then roll.  Distance is erratic.  Sometimes no longer than my 3 wood, but occasionally good contact and I'm hitting a short iron approach on a 400 yard par 4.  One of the guys I play with only drives about 210.  I'm usually 30 yards longer than him on average, and he beats me 4 times out of 5 because he hits the fairway every time, even though he often has to hit hybrids or even woods on approach shots on par 4s.  He is even hitting hybrids on some of the par 3s, but he hits straight.  I have much more dispersion off of the tee.

As to the head, the club is the stock 9.5 loft, 45.5" shaft.  I would assume it is the bigger head if they offer two different ones.  I'm willing to give up 5 or 10 yards of length in exchange for hitting the fairway.  Way too many shots from rough, or punching under/around trees.  If I could hit the fairway more consistently, that alone would probably get me from an 11 to a 9 index.

Best thing I ever did was cut 1/2" off my woods.  Better control and a better look at address.

Go to a demo day and get one of the fitting specialists to help you out.  Titleist has a great system but I am sure Callaway, Ping and all the others do as well.  Much better quality of fitting than the big box golf retailers.  IMHO. YMMV. Caveat emptor. etc.

From an equipment standpoint, spraying the ball may be an indication of too long a shaft. Put a face decal on your driver and see where you're making contact. If the impact pattern looks like a shotgun blast (all over the clubface) the shaft may be too long.

(This is a tip from the GolfWorks clubfitting matrix).

If the problem is too much shaft length, and you get the shaft trimmed, you may not lose that much yardage: More center hits means more efficient power transfer into the ball.

Note to ev780 : If you are referring to Golf Galaxy and Golfsmith, they are not big box stores - they are golf specialty retailers. That said, GG and Gs have well certified clubfitters at most of their stores. These guys have gone to the schools - look on the shop wall to see what certificates they have earned. (If you don't see certificates, walk back out.)

I said big box golf retailers.  Which I maintain they are.  Tomato Tomahato.  The tip on certificates is a good one.  I just seem to get the clueless newby when I shop at the big golf shops.   But standard at any big retailer, be it golf or otherwise.  Better do your own research because product training is classically poor.

The Cobra Fly-Z and Fly-Z+ drivers got some great reviews. Get fit and when you do, bring a roll of electric tape with you. They won't have custom length shafts in the stores, but they will have different shafts. A roll of electric tape costs a couple bucks. You can spend that. Wrap about 1/8" inch thick buildup on the grip about 1" down, or at 1-1/2" down, or at 2" down or at whatever length you want to test the driver shaft. Now this will make the shaft seem a little stiffer. Also the grip will seem a little smaller, too when you test. Keep that in mind. You might want to wear a glove or if you have a batting glove wear that to make up the difference.

Make some hits and see what you like. These drivers are more forgiving than the Amp Cell. The Fly-Z+ can be adjusted for weight in the center if you want to hit a lower shot with less spin and more roll, or back for a higher shot with 400 rpm more backspin. There are a few free shaft upgrades available on the Fly-Z+ that aren't available on the standard Fly-Z. There are weight kits also available from Cobra if you want to change how much weight you want to use.

I'd go to a golf shop and try them out.

I hear you! I even have trouble with this sometimes at golf expos and demo days. You would think the OEMs would send in the first team for a mass interaction opportunity, but sometimes you get clunkers.

Well then go buy some 3 1/4 tees. You dont have enogh loft and you are obviously arent closing the swing consistently, and until you address those issues, hitting up on the ball is the only thing that will help you today. Thats gonna impact swing path so hang on to your aim points until you get used to the longer path... I think the guys talking too long a shaft are on to something. That stuff is highly personal though and completely related to how high the hands are because of the length of shaft re the head -At its lie angle. Imagine a ski boat that drove such that the skier could NOT be whipped around one side or the other...you have a leverage issue which is slowing your close, but on the other side whipping around causes left right dispersion. Its a balance thing. So dont take too much in one step, such as shortening the shaft.

said it in another thread, but get fit and try the G30.  check reviews on it.  it is as forgiving as any on the market right now.

youtube Ping G30 and watch some of Crossfields reviews.  he's honest and compares all the new drivers.

as long as I put a decent swing on mine, I hit the fairway.