Simple loft question?

[cape cod beachfront golfer]

Okay, it probably is not really that simple.

I know I have a steep backswing and it costs me distance...

that's why my 3Wood often beats my driver distance...

Here is my question...

I plan on buying a used Adams Speedline 9064 this winter.

Which combination will 'correct' my steep tendency and give me best distance?

Loft of 9.5? 10.5? 11.5?

My mind says the 9.5 may be too difficult to hit with my steep swing?

Would the 10.5 or even the 11.5 actually give better contact?

The steepness of my swing approach likely takes a degree or 2 off the loft right????

Basically the steep swing and low loft would not allow much forgiveness???

I spent some time at a launch meter (Dick's) and that was my conclusion.

Finally would regular shaft be better than stiff to prevent the 'de-loft' of the club?

My swing speed on meter was 90-92   Ball speed upper 120s if that helps.

thanks.

[drglew]

Pretty hard to generalize...the stock answer from most here would be to get fitted...and to get lessons obviously.

I'm guessing by your description that your 3W outperforms the Driver because you hit the driver too low?  In that case, the more loft the better for you.  If your swing speed is 90-92, you're probably not going to want a stiff shaft, and probably want a regular, or else you're a lot more likely to hit low slices. By your description it sounds like you currently play a stiff--and that could definitely be the reason you're not getting proper distance.

Now if your Driver on good hits outperforms the 3W but you don't hit it well that often, and thus overall the 3W is better, it could be simply because the driver's longer shaft makes it harder to control...getting a shorter shaft might be another consideration.

Either way, the loft of the driver should have nothing to do with the quality of the contact (unless subconsciously you adjust your swing and scoop knowing you're hitting a 9.5!), even though the end-result could be pretty different.

[cape cod beachfront golfer]

Dr Glew

Here was part of my simple logic...

I put a golf ball on kitchen counter...

Holding my hand at an angle to mimic 9.5* loft...

I move my hand to striking position behind ball at my steep angle...

I then do the same but with my hand adjusted to mimic 10.5* angle...

Same steep approach appears to give better chance of solid strike...

I agree 'shorter' shaft does give me more confidence over the 3wood.

I've considering shorter shaft -1" on driver but was afraid it would mess up the swingweight...

Drivers have gotten so very light... actual & in feel.

I prefer the heavy head feel to groove a swing if that makes any sense...

May go back to Dick's & mess with the launch monitor again...

Thank you.