Reshafting Driver

[OnePutt]

I have some ideas in mind to improve the performance of my new (to me) driver, please offer any input. I'm an 18 handicap, and at this point I'm okay at hitting fairways but would like to decrease the distance of my approach shot. I've hit the ball 260s or so with a borrowed ping G2, and now I have a taylormade r5 in relatively new condition.

First of all the shaft is regular size, and being 5'9 I think that I could benefit from the control of a 43.5-44" shaft. The shaft it came with is regular flex, and I know this doesn't fit my swing speed because I hit the ball straight and low with optimal ball flight 225-250 or so with a real easy swing. However, when I start swinging harder, the ball will draw/fade and even hook/slice seemingly randomly. I've had experience with other drivers (Ping G2 with aldila nv-65 stiff) where this is not the case

Here's what I'm thinking in terms of shafts: UST Proforce V2, Aldila NV or NVS 65 stiff, Grafalloy ProLaunch Red, Fujikura Vista Tour. I'll have the length taken entirely from the top since I don't want the driver to be tipped and become stiffer. Finally, Golf Pride player's sofftie grip. I'm leaning towards the prolaunch red because I've heard its the lowest launch of the bunch, but any input would be great.

[OnePutt]

I read up a little bit on the shafts and realized that my best bets are the NV65, Prolaunch red, and vista tour. Leaning towards the first two especially because I've had success with that green nv. I'd still like any input though, it will be a couple days before I decide what to do.

[ApocG10]

get fitted for a shaft if your going to spend the money. If not, its a waste because you have no idea what you actually need..

[DogbertBH]

+1

Get fitted

[Shindig]

See if you can find a place where you can experiment with the driver head you like fitted with various shafts you're considering. Try to use the ball you use, too. And see if you can control the launch monitor, or have a trusted third party do so. This way, you can find the best shaft for you (which may or may not be the best shaft for the salesman).

[OnePutt]

  Shindig said:

See if you can find a place where you can experiment with the driver head you like fitted with various shafts you're considering. Try to use the ball you use, too. And see if you can control the launch monitor, or have a trusted third party do so. This way, you can find the best shaft for you (which may or may not be the best shaft for the salesman).

Does Golf Galaxy do this? There's one pretty far away, but I could make a trip. I was always under the impression the launch monitor there was just to try out drivers that were for sale (already assembled). That's really the only facility I know of with a LM, so I may end up with the green NV since I know it is at least satisfactory -- good idea?

Pulled shafts are on ebay for like 30-50 shipped, are these inferior? I'm assuming most who pull a shaft at least know what they're doing. Thanks a lot for your input so far.

[ballhog]

i'd like to bump this thread up to see what you ended up doing for a shaft? I'm kind of in the same position, looking at the same shaft matter of fact and saw those on ebay for a good price (the pulled shafts that is) and wondering if anyone had any experience with them?

[OnePutt]

  ballhog said:

i'd like to bump this thread up to see what you ended up doing for a shaft? I'm kind of in the same position, looking at the same shaft matter of fact and saw those on ebay for a good price (the pulled shafts that is) and wondering if anyone had any experience with them?

I haven't done it yet, just didn't want to spend the money. The shaft is too whippy and I've had some inconsistency... I plan to go with a pulled nv65 though because I know it works for me. I've used my brothers driver like I mentioned earlier, and I don't have the funds to try out several so I'm picking one that will at least provide an improvement.

[imtomtomim]

my advice, buy the cheapest shaft. Those fancy ones are still sticks that connect the club to your hands. There are very small feel things and control differences and how they flex and where and such with vibrations haha. But truthfully, are you really swinging exactly the same way every time? If you want trajectory lower, get a heavier weight, I'm pretty sure aldila nv has an 85g shaft. As long as you can control it, it's the right shaft.