Getting fit..

[KyGolfer1988]

Looking into getting some AP1's. Recently went on a little trip and stopped in a golf store and checked out many different clubs at different specs and the AP1's were the choice after careful deliberation. The guy could only give me the specs on the clubs, he didn't do the club modification hisself. I looked on www.tgw.com and put in my info. Just wondering how reliable that option is? I live in a pretty small town and to travel to get fit would be a "Plan B" if possible I'd like to do this over the net since I already have my specs. If anyone has any input on this, thanks in advance..

Oh, and how come the fitted clubs are cheaper than the shelf clubs? Just out of curiosity..

[tws1098]

I don't typically see fitted clubs being cheaper than shelf clubs, but my guess would be that it skips a middle man. Anyway, if you have your specs you will have no problem. When you receive the clubs throughly inspect them, and if something seems off take them to a local pro and have them checked out. If they are not right the company they were purchased from should in most cases take them back as long as they were not used or damaged. Good luck.

[CPT]

First of all, congrats on new clubs. AP1 is a very nice, players' clubs set. I did hit about a bucket of ball with them.

For your question, it is perfectly okay using your swing information to do the club-fitting---- that is, if you already have them on hands.

Basically, good club maker(s) will do some (or even all) of these, depending on your preference (with some extra costs, of course).

A. Change or modify shafts (while maintain the same balance) to match your swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate.
B. Custom fitting clubs with precise measurement to your posture. They will then lengthen or trim down shafts to suit your swing/needs.
C. Modify lofts as well as lie angles to suit your swing, or your preference.
D. Adjust golf clubs' spine alignment, swing weight, total weight to your liking.
E. Fairly suggest/recommend you choices of shafts, grips, other accessories.

the list goes on....

This is why club-fitting requires a little bit of your time. The information needed to tune your clubs can be many things, since there are many systems available for club-fitting. I was bored rotten, too, when I found out that I had to spend time hitting some balls in the fitting room with total strangers. Turned out, I learned a lot and had a lot of fun as well.

For my club-fitting, I measured my swing with the Vector Pro Launch System. This system focuses on the backspin and launch angle. I hit some balls and once the machine was done processing, it gave out some raw information on my backspin, my launch angle, attack angle, face angle, smash factor, etc.... These numbers would later determine the most optimum shaft flex for my swing, and which flexes I should stay clear of.

One important thing, the club-fitting process relies a lot on the club fitter's knowledge and experience. The output from the Vector System would only measure the swing/ball speed and such, but it is the fitter --- who has to analyze those data and recommend you the most optimum equipments.

All in all, it's pretty much like tailoring a suit. It will fit you a lot better if you personally measure everything. The suit won't be as good if you handed your measurements to the tailor and left. Therefore, my suggestion is for you to find some time and fit your clubs personally with good club-fitters.

[KyGolfer1988]

Good info! Thanks guys, I'll definately put it to use