Can a simulator project slice/hook? And also etiquette question.

[BSpel55]

So I just got into trying clubs out mainly because of the harsh Cleveland winter but also because of my jones to upgrade as all my clubs were 3+ years old heading into this year, irons leading the way at 6 seasons played (set prior to the r7s). I've been hitting straight as I did at last season's end. But I'm afraid of one thing. In flight my ball used to slice a TON before I corrected it, would the simulator notice if I'd picked that slice back up or is it too late in the flight path to catch?

I'm gonna look for a new driver today... Would the store have a problem with me bringing in my current Driver & 3 wood to test against what I have? I don't know what the etiquette is on that and didn't get an answer in a topic I posted earlier. Thanks!

[DuffMan]

When I was working in a golf store I wouldn't mind if customers brought in their old clubs to compare, as long as I didn't get the feeling they were just messing around. The simulator will pickup a slice if that's what you hit but it usually makes it out to be worse than it actually is.

[Kcas77]

When I was working in a golf store I wouldn't mind if customers brought in their old clubs to compare, as long as I didn't get the feeling they were just messing around. The simulator will pickup a slice if that's what you hit but it usually makes it out to be worse than it actually is.

It wont actually pick up a slice it just judges where the ball hits on the screen. But I do agree with you that the simulator makes slices or hooks way worse than they really are.

[jamo]

It wont actually pick up a slice it just judges where the ball hits on the screen. But I do agree with you that the simulator makes slices or hooks way worse than they really are.

I don't know if the simulators at, say, Dick's Sporting Goods will do this, but I've seen many simulators that pick up on spin.

As for the OP's question, spin is spin. There is no way that a ball has no sidespin at the beginning, then slices at the end. You probably have a weak slice that kicks in when the ball speed is down at the end of the flight, or you hit a pull slice, so it only goes right at the end. I just wonder how the simulator calculates ball flight. If they use the old or new rules. That would really make a difference.

[chris0228]

At the local golf stores here in Dallas, the computerized hitting bays actually do a pretty darn good job of estimating ball flight and spin. The balls have several marks on them and the cameras can then take multiple pics of the balls and then compute spin rate. That based off swing path and whether the club face was open or closed will estimate the ball flight and distance. And yes, I have taken many a club into the store to compare. That's the best way to see how much better or worse another club would be when compared to yours. The store should have no problem with that at all. They will mark your club as yours and send you on your way. Good luck!!

[WUTiger]

On etiquette:
* If you are going to comparison test four different 5 irons, for example, you need to look around at how many people are wanting to use the bay. If the bays are active, you may have to hit the R7 and the MP58, take notes, and then let someone else jump in. After they go, you could hit the I15 and the X22. If you are willing to share, the staff likes this.
* If it's a slow day, and all three bays are empty, one of the player's reps may actually encourage you to hit some balls. That way, other golfers coming in will hear the smash, and possibly be moved to test clubs also, and buy them.
* If you find a golf shop that treats you right, be sure to tell your friends about it. If someone new comes in every couple of weeks and says "BSpel sent me," this makes you very popular with the staff.

And, make sure you buy stuff at the shop. If you hit for free and never buy anything, you wear out your welcome.

[OJsakila]

There is NO substitute for true ball flight. Do NOT buy a club because of only what you saw on a screen. Do not. You have been forewarned.

As for bringing a club in to compare... ...DO IT. That's the first smart thing you've said.

[zrlaegel]

the simulators @ dicks and golfers warehouse will pick up on a hook or slice because it measures the spin rate, launch angle, etc. to predict flight path. But, Ive found that it tend to underestimate how much it will do so.

most places encourage you to bring in your old driver. it helps them and you determine which new club will fit best. Check out the new R9 supertri its a nasty club. the new superfast is also a nice pick if the r9 is a lil too much for the pocket