Fitting Questions

[erock9174]

I am in the market for a new set of irons. I typically get my irons shortened 1" due to my height (5'3.5" without shoes on) otherwise I am gripping down which I do not like to do. With that in mind I have 3 questions:

First Question:
I plan to buy my irons at Golf Galaxy. Since I need to hit shortened clubs how can I make a fair assessment in choosing the proper brand and style when they do not have all brands in shortened test clubs? (Will they just have me grip down?).

2nd Question:
Same question regarding lie angle. Will they just have me grip down to test my lie angle?

3rd Question:
I have reviewed various online fitment sites (like the ones on Ping and Giga Golf.com), for my height they all recommend a flattened lie angle of anywhere from 2 to 3 degrees. This is assuming the shaft is shortened 3/4". What is their rationale for coming up with that lie angle adjustment?

Thanks for all replies

[CassinoNorth]

Depends on which brand you're being fitted for.

In general Ping is the best for fitting since they have almost all their shafts and heads in demo form. Titleist is also pretty awesome with their fitting. If you choose a set of irons off the wall you're gonna have to grip down, yeah.

The rationale is that as a shorter player you're gonna have a flatter swing than someone that is 5'8" who would I doubt would have to adjust their lie angle much at all so you should have a flatter lie angle.

[delav]

What is their rationale for coming up with that lie angle adjustment?

Your hands will be closer to the ground, and therefore you'll need a flatter lie as well as a shorter shaft :)

It'll be more difficult to get a fair read on all sets as most companies don't provide demos outside of +/- 1/2" and 2 degrees. You'll be able to get a feel for things well enough though.

[Shindig]

In general Ping is the best for fitting since they have almost all their shafts and heads in demo form. Titleist is also pretty awesome with their fitting. If you choose a set of irons off the wall you're gonna have to grip down, yeah.

Mizuno and Nike's fitting carts seem to have a huge variety of shafts available, and the heads for these are plug-and-play.

[jamo]

Mizuno and Nike's fitting carts seem to have a huge variety of shafts available, and the heads for these are plug-and-play.

Plus Mizuno has the Shaft Optimizer.

[CassinoNorth]

Mizuno and Nike's fitting carts seem to have a huge variety of shafts available, and the heads for these are plug-and-play.

It's really hit or miss depending on the store unfortunately.

Mizuno is one of the best, easily. Haven't seen a Nike fitting cart...hmm. I've seen a few TaylorMade too but they always seem to be empty. Hmm.

[wrx_junki]

Golf Galaxy is having a Nike Golf Day on 12-04-10 at all their locations. This would be a good time to go in and talk to the GG and Nike staff. You can inquire about anything and even have them suggest which would best fit you without the pressure of buying.

[erock9174]

The rationale is that as a shorter player you're gonna have a flatter swing than someone that is 5'8" who would I doubt would have to adjust their lie angle much at all so you should have a flatter lie angle.

My thought process was since the shaft was shortened I thought it kept everything equal and be back to neutral. Like a taller person with a standard club. I could see needing it flattened if the club was too long and not shortened. I guess it has to do with the flatter swing.