Swing weights - how important for newer players?

[glock35ipsc]

After shortening the shaft on my driver, in an effort to keep the swing weight in check I installed a lighter grip than the OEM grip.  I just bought a swing weight scale, so last night I checked all my clubs to note what they are.  Didn't get around to measuring overall club weight yet, but will do that tonight.  I came up with:

Callaway Diablo Edge Driver - Stock is D4, now D6 (after shortening 1.5", new grip is 30g lighter than the original)

Bobby Jones 4W - D1.5 (stock)

Bobby Jones 3H - D.75 (stock)

Callaway FT(2008) 4H - Stock is D0, now D6 (WinnLite midsize grip installed when I bought it, 26g lighter than the original)

X-22 5i - Stock is D2, now D8.5 (lengthened 1", WinnLite Excel grip, 9g lighter than the original)

X-22 6i - Stock is D2, now D8 (lengthened 1", WinnLite Excel grip, 9g lighter than the original)

X-22 7i - Stock is D2, now D8 (lengthened 1", WinnLite Excel grip, 9g lighter than the original)

X-22 8i - Stock is D2, now D8.5 (lengthened 1", WinnLite Excel grip, 9g lighter than the original)

X-22 9i - Stock is D2, now D8 (lengthened 1", WinnLite Excel grip, 9g lighter than the original)

X-22 PW - Stock is D2, now D8.5 (lengthened 1", WinnLite Excel grip, 9g lighter than the original)

X-22 AW - Stock is D2, now D5.5 (lengthened .5", WinnLite Excel midsize grip, 8g lighter the original)

Bobby Jones SW - D3 (stock)

Bobby Jones LW - D4 (stock)

I like the feel of my irons, but I honestly haven't hit them enough yet to draw a firm conclusion.  The two clubs that I can't hit for snot are the 4W and the 3H.  Interestingly enough, those two have the lowest swing weight of all of them.

I realize the current swing weights are not in line with what I usually see as "standard" (heavier for wedges than the irons, etc.).  Should I try to adjust the two clubs that I cannot seem to hit well to be in line with the rest of my bag?  I was thinking about installing lighter grips on those two just to see if it made a difference.  It does seem as though I prefer a heaver swing weight.

[basscat348]

For me a heavier shaft is best.I use a nunchuk in my driver and I believe thats the heaviest shaft made,it is awesome.Lighter is not necessarily better.

[WUTiger]

Quote:

I like the feel of my irons, but I honestly haven't hit them enough yet to draw a firm conclusion. ...

I realize the current swing weights are not in line with what I usually see as "standard" (heavier for wedges than the irons, etc.).   Should I try to adjust the two clubs that I cannot seem to hit well to be in line with the rest of my bag? ...

Consider going to Ralph Maltby's site and posting a question in his Forum area. Ask about what the heavier D8 will mean for your game. (Might want to summarize the before-after comments for your irons). He's a veteran club designer, and gives quick and very good answers to posters.

http://www.ralphmaltby.com/