what is the biggest factor in a fitting, the shaft or the clubhead?

[Lungies1]

i got fitted for a titleist 910f fairway wood earlier this year but ended up not taking the club. i took note of the shaft (graphite design ys6 stiff and i am thinking of putting that shaft and putting it into a 3 wood that i already own.

i have been told that this is not a good idea but it makes sense to me. the question is - is club fitting all about the clubhead or the shaft?

[rustyredcab]

Originally Posted by Lungies1

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the question is - is club fitting all about the clubhead or the shaft?

Both working in concur -- as a team.

If your question is will your fitting with one head/shaft combo translate exactly to allow you to extrapolate that shaft fits you with a different head, I'd say no. The fitting did give you directional information but that is not the same as being fit using the new head. Launch characteristics will change between heads and that will effect the shaft choice. All that said, it is a good place to start when choosing a shaft.

[Matt Gawley]

Originally Posted by Lungies1

i got fitted for a titleist 910f fairway wood earlier this year but ended up not taking the club. i took note of the shaft (graphite design ys6 stiff and i am thinking of putting that shaft and putting it into a 3 wood that i already own.

i have been told that this is not a good idea but it makes sense to me. the question is - is club fitting all about the clubhead or the shaft?

I agree with rustyredcab, the shaft and the head work together for optimal launch angle and spin rate.  Taking the shaft a putting it into a different head can produce radically different results.  Perhaps the head weights are different; or the weighting INSIDE the head is different; the hosel depth may different.

Hopefully that answers some of your questions.

[Lungies1]

i was afraid that would be the answer. so the only way to effectively get the combination right is by trialling the different set ups? i was thinking of putting the ys6 shaft into a mizuno f5o that i have or the new  buying mizuno mp650 with that shaft in it.

would you trust the fitters in the local driving range/golf shop or go for a specialist fitter?

[WUTiger]

Rusty and Matt both have the right idea.

You need to test out a specific shaft on a specific head, and find which is best combination. For drivers and woods, the majority of clubfitters, pros and manufacturer's reps seem to favor start out with loft/head, and fine-tuning with proper shaft.

Originally Posted by Lungies1

... would you trust the fitters in the local driving range/golf shop or go for a specialist fitter?

A specialist fitter is someone with a snappy advertisement. It's all a matter of training and experience. Whether it's a "specialist" or someone at a local golf shop, ask about their training schools and experience. Skilled people from both sources go to Golfsmith, GolfWorks, and OEM schools.

Also, check references with local golfers.

[LBlack14]

Don't over think it. If you want to try that shaft in your 3w do it. A big part of fitting is trial and error.