Surprising Results after Using Launch Monitor

[prouse]

Our club pro was able to get the Titleist Launch Monitor system for 10 days of use. This is basically a computer system that is hooked to a sophisticated camera. The device measures launch angel, ball speed, spin rate, etc. 50+ players (myself included) were tested by the system. I have a +1 handicap and would be considered a long hitter. I thought that my equipment (Titleist 905T 9.5 w/ Grafaloy Blue Stiff; 690CB’s w/ Rifle 6.5; Pro V1X) was well suited to my game. The results of the Launch Monitor: 11.5 Degree 905T with a much softer stiff / reg shaft, change to the Pro V1 in order to obtain higher spin rate, and weaker shafts in the irons. The change in the driver resulted in 20 additional yards of carry and additional 5mph ball speed. Not to mention that the 11.5 degree driver feels incredibly easy to hit down the middle. 49 of the 50 players were fitted with a higher lofted driver. Approximately 10 players were fitted with a 14 degree Ping Driver. If you don’t let you ego get in the way, I bet the majority of you guys would drastically benefit form a little (or a lot) more lot and a softer shaft. If you have the opportunity to use a launch monitor – DO IT.

[Everardo]

The majority of golfers could benefit from more loft in their driver and woods. This is why many manufacturers are actually bumping the real loft of their woods but still stamping 9, 9.5, etc as the loft, the ego can be a terrible thing.

As you also found out getting fit is key, with so many driver, shaft, loft and ball combinations it can boggle the mind. Glad to hear you have found a boost!

[shortgame85]

Coincidentally, I attended a Titleist/Cobra Demo day, recently. Without a launch monitor ( although I wish one were there ), I tried a 12 degree driver for the first time. It was a Cobra F Speed, Aldila 55NV Reg shaft. What I noticed most was the consistency of my drives. Since the demo day was held at my home course, I requested the opportunity to try the driver on a couple of holes on course. When well struck, my drives were straighter and a bit longer than my then current driver. I bought a driver with the above listed specs. Taking the new driver on a round, I noticed how easy it was to keep the ball in play and, again, when well struck, the fact that a small increase in distance was evident. I have taken some ribbing about the higher loft of my driver. A lot of the guys at my home course use drivers of 8.5 and 9.5 degrees. Admittedly, I have a slower swing speed than most guys on this site, and I am not long off the tee, averaging about 210 yds. But it sure is sweet being in the short grass most of the time. At least for me, I am sold on a higher lofted driver.