Driver shaft, loft advice

[Crab Daddy]

Just got done on a PING launch monitor. I've been been happy with my accuracy off the tee (8-9 fairways, only 1-2 'WTF' shots/round), but have had a nagging feeling that I could optimize my equipment for a few more yards.

Currently playing a Burner ('08) 10.5*, REAX 50 Stiff. Avg drive 220-230. Medium ball flight.

When I have a problem, it is over the top - slice or pull. Off center hits are on the toe.

Numbers with the Burner:

SS: 95-100

BS:  140-145

Smash: 1.47

RPM: 2100-2400

Launch angle: 8-9

Carry: 200-215

Ttl Dist: 210-230

Tried a G15 12*, Serrano 60 Reg and launch angle improved (11-12), carry improved, but descending angle increased and less roll = same total distance (according to launch monitor).  The regular shaft felt smoother, as well.

The 8-9 degree launch angle didn't match the on-course perception of my ball flight, and the backspin seemed kinda low.  Do these numbers match anyone else's experience?

If I was to get a new driver, 1. what shaft would be good for a borderline R/S swing speed?  2. How much does flex point affect launch angle? (In other words, could I stick with a 10.5* driver and get a shaft with a lower flexpoint to help increase launch angle?)

I appreciate any insight that might come my way.

[Crab Daddy]

Seriously?! I posted this two days ago, and nobody has an opinion or knowledge to share?  There's a thread in Golf Talk about how to clean your golf ball with 26 replies!

I showered this morning, so I know it's not me.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by Crab Daddy

Seriously?! I posted this two days ago, and nobody has an opinion or knowledge to share?  There's a thread in Golf Talk about how to clean your golf ball with 26 replies!

I showered this morning, so I know it's not me.

Why?

You have five posts. People get kind of tired of people asking the same old questions... particularly from people new to the site. I admit, it's not the greatest of welcomes, and I apologize for that, but it just gets old.

Here's the answer: get fitted by a professional. None of us can really offer much advice that's relevant because we've not seen your swing and we're not there, in person, with you doing a fitting.

[Crab Daddy]

Why?

You have five posts. People get kind of tired of people asking the same old questions... particularly from people new to the site. I admit, it's not the greatest of welcomes, and I apologize for that, but it just gets old.

Here's the answer: get fitted by a professional. None of us can really offer much advice that's relevant because we've not seen your swing and we're not there, in person, with you doing a fitting.

I get that this question, or some variant, gets asked over and over. A search for 'flex launch angle loft' returns umpteen bazillions responses. I was hoping my question was specific enough that it wasn't a duplicate of every other shaft question. Yes, I intend to get fitted, but out of the universe of shafts, where do you start? The 'best shaft' question invariably draws a, "Get fitted". I think what most people want is someone with similar experience or insight to give them a few ideas BTW - thanks for the response. I figured I'd get something if I kicked the hornet's nest:-D

[Harmonious]

Your launch angle is too low, you know that.  A lower shaft flex point MAY help you hit it higher. Go to some shaft websites and see what they may say about their various characteristics.  Go to demo days or ranges that allow you to hit a number of shafts.  Then make a decision on what works best for you, not based on some random joe on a golf forum website.  Basic knowledge, really.

[akabilk]

I'd hire a pro for a few lessons and take their advice. Most pro. teachers constantly repeat this mantra "most players overestimate themselves and are playing a too stiff a shaft".

[tweaky]

Hey Crabby!

i just ran a bunch of numbers thru my trajectory software based on JUST the info you gave.  it's true that there's not much difference in OVERALL distance with many combinations of head/shaft for you.  the fact that you said the R flex FELT smoother speaks VOLUMES.  golf is a FEEL sport/game.  go with your FEEL on this one.  if a regular flex shaft helps you feel good in a driver then go with it.  generally speaking, since most fairways in the summer season are harder (and thereby offer more ROLLing surface) then a lower landing angle would be preferred.  and in the fall/winter when the ground is softer then CARRY is preferred.  wind, humidity, temperature, altitude all play a part also (in physics EVERYTHING matters, to a point).  don't lose sleep over whether you can gain an extra 5 yards out of another driveer.  the driver is NOT a scoring club.

welcome to the addiction!