Just got a driver and iron fitting done

[klaymon]

My iron fitting showed I need 1-1.5 degrees upright and I should be set. That's getting done next week.

My driver was not so cut and dried. I have a Taylormade Burner 9.5 degree with the 50 gram stiff-flex Fujikura shaft. I hit on the launch monitor and got the following averages:

Swing speed: 104 MPH
Ball speed: 147 MPH
Launch angle: 18.2 degrees
Ball spin: 3,702 RPM
Carry: 247 yards
Total: 269 yards
PTR: 141

His observations were as follows: my spin rate and launch angle are too high. He said I should be down around 13 degrees or so and my spin rate should be more around 3,000 RPM. He attributed it to the shaft in my driver. So, he gave me a Ping G10 that was 9 degrees with a supposedly mid-high kickpoint Grafalloy Pro Launch Red (this was supposed to be more for a shaft comparison). My averages there were this:

Swing speed: 105 MPH
Ball speed: 150 MPH
Launch angle: 18.5
Ball spin: 3,740
Carry: 254 yards
Total: 276 yards
PTR: 143

He was a little bit stumped. He still thinks I need a mid-high or high kickpoint shaft, but the numbers between the two shafts basically were the same. He thought my Burner was a low kickpoint and causing my high launch.

He seems to think I'm leaving a fair amount of distance on the table with these launch conditions. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Any specific shaft I should look at?

Thanks.

[iacas]

Swing speed: 104 MPH

I'm suspicious of the numbers. At 105 MPH, carrying the ball 250is about the most you can reasonably expect, maybe 260 if you flat nail one. You weren't nailing them: 18.5° and 3700 spin. Your smash factor isn't quite up there either: 1.43. Ideally you'd like that a bit closer to 1.5.

So anyway, I wouldn't look at the yardages their machines are givin' ya. I think they're bunk. However, if you can trust the other numbers - the launch angle and spin - then yeah, you definitely want to try to get to 13 or so and 3000. If the two drivers didn't work for you, I'd start to look at your technique next. It seems like you might have been hitting down on the ball a little - that'd cut your smash factor a little and add more spin. But it doesn't explain the high launch. So who knows - maybe the machine is all goofed up, and you can't trust any of the numbers. Someone with more experience at actually using fitting machines could probably help you better than I could here. Everardo?

[golf_junkie27]

Just a couple of questions. Why did he not give you a higher kickpoint shaft? Also, what balls were you using? The ones you play with?

FWIW, my fitting numbers were similar. The recommendation was made to go to a lower torque shaft, higher kickpoint and a little heavier, 75 grams. Was that the only shaft he gave you? Was there a limited availability?

[klaymon]

As far as the reliability of the numbers, those yardages are what I can hit on the course. I would definitely never claim to be part of the 300 club, but I know I can hit the 260-270 total that is being listed. I've done it on the course several times.

I was using the exact ball I play with (Titleist NXT Extreme) on the monitor. As far as shaft availability, that was the only one he had me try. I'm not sure about other shafts/clubs being available.

[iacas]

As far as the reliability of the numbers, those yardages are what I can hit on the course. I would definitely never claim to be part of the 300 club, but I know I can hit the 260-270 total that is being listed. I've done it on the course several times.

Then I'm not sure I'd trust the launch and spin numbers, or maybe the swing speed is off.

At 105 MPH, with near-perfect launch conditions, the furthest you could really expect to carry the ball consistently is 250-260. Something's suspect.

[Everardo]

Here's a chart that I use for reference often. The numbers do look a bit tweaked, I'm wondering if the calibration is just a touch off but it's also hard to know without seeing your swing. The launch is too high so I'd try another shaft with a higher kickpoint or even a heavier shaft but it still it going to rely on your swing.

Is there another shop or fitter in the area that you can double check these numbers against?

[klaymon]

I have a lesson scheduled for this week to have my driver swing looked at. I'll see what progress is made there and re-evaluate. I'm sure there are other places, but I'll have to hunt them down. The only other place that I know of for sure would be Golf Smith, but are they going to be any better?

[extremeld]

i reckon the numbers look fine, he is only claiming 247 yards Carry not 260 plus

smash factor of 1.43 or 1.44 is a lot better than most people would have you believe!

k

[andre112]

did you see where you are hitting the ball on the club face?
are they close to the top of the edge?
if they are, that might explain the angle and rpm.
i have the similar problem with my swing. a little bit over the top.
that's why i'm launching every driver 18, 19 degree with tons of rpm.

[klaymon]

I tend to hit around the middle of the face on the vertical axis. My inconsistency comes from heel to toe.