Professional Fitters - Need Help In Making A Final Decision After Fitting Before Purchase

[TAZBOM]

I was fitted into TaylorMade R11 irons with Dynamic Gold S300 shafts. The Trackman Launch Monitor stats for that setup 6 iron (28 degrees, 37.25 inches, 61.5 degrees lie, 5.6 frequency, D3-D4 swingweight, Golf Pride VDR or Tour Velvet grip) done on a 75 degree day with no wind is as follows...

Club Speed 81.2
Attack Angle -1.7
Club Path -4.8
Vert. Swing Plane 57.7
Horiz. Swing Plane -5.8
Dynamic Loft 26.4
Face Angle -.9
Ball Speed 104.5
Smash factor 1.29
Vert. Angle 21.0
Horiz. Angle -1.7
Spin Rate 5604
Spin Axis 3.7
Max Height 27.1
Carry 148.7
Side 1.2
Flight Time 5.46
Landing Angle 43.2
Total Length 159.8
Total Side 1.7

I am 51 years old, 5' 9" and 155 pounds, an 11 handicap, will have these for at least 5-7 years, my swing speed isn't getting any faster, I have a flattish swing, a smooth release, a typically high ball flight, have little wind in the area in which I play, and this is a very expensive and important purchase to me . Does this setup look good to you? I am getting this shaft as I really like its feel and typically play well with Dynamic Golds, but I am worried that it is too stiff. Are there any adjustments that can be done to the S300 or club setup that would make my ball flight, distance, and accuracy better for the long term? Are the launch and descent angles good? Do you think the DG S300 is appropriate based on the information given or would softstepping the S300 be better for me long term? How does the entire setup look to you? Any help any of the professional clubfitters on this forum can give me is incredibly appreciated!!!

[R11driver]

If you trust the people that did the fitting and trust the results, then don't get too hung up on shaft flex. If it was a good fitting, the S300 shaft is what's working best for you. Barring any future health issues, you shouldn't have much to worry about a declining swing speed. My swing speed has remained the same for quite a few years. If it ever does get to the point that a regular shaft would be better for you, you can just have them reshafted rather than buying new clubs.

[TAZBOM]

Thanks for the reply!!

[Dirtsquirrel]

If you are not 100 percent confident it may be worthwhile to hit the same club with an R300 shaft and compare the launch monitor results. It looks like you may be missing a bit of distance with the S300.

[TAZBOM]

Thanks.  I would love to wake up in the morning and have a lot more opinions from you wonderful clubfitters!

[leo3]

I'm not a professional fitter, but I'll add my 2 cents. I would seriously consider trying those clubs with an R flex shaft. I'm a few years older than you, in the same boat for SS not getting any faster, and plated S flex until 3 weeks ago. The fitter told me I "fit" into either R or S. After much thought, and taking a realistic look at the facts, I'm not getting any younger, I chose to buy G15s with regular flex. After 2 rounds, it was a good decision. I can load these shafts properly, and I don't feel that I need to go after them so hard to get a solid shot. The numbers are important, but to me, it's all about what feels right.

[TAZBOM]

Thanks for the reply.

Another question for you great fitters.  The R11 9 iron is 40 degrees and pw is 45 degrees.  I would like to add 3 wedges to that which do no exceed 58 degrees.  Would it be a good idea to bend the pw to 44.5 and go at 4.5 degree increments to 58 degrees?  Will that be my best distance gapping?  I have also thought about just going 49-53-57 and no bending of the pw or 50-54-58.  I will use the gap wedge (49/50) for full shots and most of my chipping, the next wedge for sand shots and some full shots, and the highest lofted wedge when I need the high ball.  For what I am looking to do with the clubs, what do you think would be best?  Would bending the pw and having even increments be best?  Tom Wishon says very few people can bend a club to 1/2 degree increments accurately.  What do you think???  Thanks!!!

[Mr. Desmond]

  TAZBOM said:

Originally Posted by TAZBOM

Thanks for the reply.

Another question for you great fitters.  The R11 9 iron is 40 degrees and pw is 45 degrees.  I would like to add 3 wedges to that which do no exceed 58 degrees.  Would it be a good idea to bend the pw to 44.5 and go at 4.5 degree increments to 58 degrees?  Will that be my best distance gapping?  I have also thought about just going 49-53-57 and no bending of the pw or 50-54-58.  I will use the gap wedge (49/50) for full shots and most of my chipping, the next wedge for sand shots and some full shots, and the highest lofted wedge when I need the high ball.  For what I am looking to do with the clubs, what do you think would be best?  Would bending the pw and having even increments be best?  Tom Wishon says very few people can bend a club to 1/2 degree increments accurately.  What do you think???  Thanks!!!

Just a guy here who has bought a lot of clubs over the years.

Wedge lofts - leave your 45 deg alone (just have your fitter check the spec to make sure it is 45). If you're going blades in the wedges, I'd suggest 49, 54, 58. I like going down 1/4 inch in length as I go up in loft from the PW.

Just got fitted, had major surgery in May, am 56 yrs old, and lost muscle and speed during my recovery - was fitted 2 months ago where my 6i SS is about 78 and I am in senior flex in Aerotech i80 shafts.

Dynamic Golds are fairly heavy shafts (120+g) with a high bend point and you've got a heavy swing weight and stiff flex - you must be in great shape. I don't know how well you know your club fitter - I've trusted some of them to my detriment - I'd get a second opinion from a reputable fitter in your area and if you do so -- don't tell the guy what specs for which you were previously fit.