Tips on getting fit for a driver

[chrisronline]

Hey guys,

I'm still rocking a TM Superfast with a regular flex stock shaft. I've been taking lessons for the past few months and my swing speed has been increasing (in the 106mph region now). Over the past few weeks, I've been hitting my driver really inconsistently and my instructor mentioned it might be because the shaft isn't stiff enough so we hit a few of his old drivers on Trackman and turns out that I'm able to get more distance (carry + roll) with a stiffer shaft. 

Anyways, I want to demo the driver market and find a new option with the right shaft. I have a Golf Galaxy and Dicks nearby, but also a couple locally owned shops that offer fittings. My only concern about just walking in is I don't know if I'll buy whatever I find there or not - and I'd definitely not buy anything over $300 (I'm afraid if I walk into Golf Galaxy this weekend, they will only want me to try the M1).

So how do I approach this? I don't want some guy to have to do a fitting with me for 30 minutes and then I don't buy anything - is that a dick move?

Thanks for any suggestions

(P.S. My first choice would be to demo clubs at my instructors course's pro shop but they don't have any ATM)

[saevel25]

My only concern about just walking in is I don't know if I'll buy whatever I find there or not - and I'd definitely not buy anything over $300 (I'm afraid if I walk into Golf Galaxy this weekend, they will only want me to try the M1).

Then you will be hard pressed to find anything on the shelf for under $300. Most drivers in the last 3 years are pretty much very similar. In the end you could just get fitted for a current driver and use that to go find last years or two year old driver with similar specs. Trying to match the shaft might be difficult though. 

Golfsmith typically has a very good selection of used clubs. You can hit those on the launch monitors as well. If you want to find something that fits yourself then I would look for something that lets you get in the low to mid 2000's backspin range with 14-15 degrees of launch. I would first take your current club over there and get some numbers as a baseline. 

So how do I approach this? I don't want some guy to have to do a fitting with me for 30 minutes and then I don't buy anything - is that a dick move?

Not really because you will end up paying for the fitting. Usually if you buy the club that day they waive the fitting costs. 

 

 

[chrisronline]

Cool. Thanks for the information. I have some baseline from using my current driver on trackman with my instructor so I have an idea of what I'm looking for but I'll definitely bring it anyways.

I didn't realize you pay for the fitting separately so that makes me feel better!

[saevel25]

Cool. Thanks for the information. I have some baseline from using my current driver on trackman with my instructor so I have an idea of what I'm looking for but I'll definitely bring it anyways.

I didn't realize you pay for the fitting separately so that makes me feel better!

Depends on the fitter. Some will charge it in addition to the club. Some will refund the price if you buy the club that day. 

[vangator]

I just stopped by a golf outlet that had last year's Callaway Alpha for $149.  That's a great deal.  I just think the club is ugly.

They had a Titleist D913 with an upgraded shaft for $249.  I'm thinking real hard.

[Osnola]

The only thing I will say about getting fit for golf clubs is to make sure that whoever is fitting you know what they are doing..Don't be afraid to take your fitting data and go to an independent club builder and let him build you a club....personally, that is who I would go to for a fitting and clubs...

 

[chrisronline]

Went this past weekend and ended up buying the R15. The fitting itself cost $50 but they took $25 off for buying something. Overall, a decent experience but I probably would try another place for a fitting next time.

[WUTiger]

The only thing I will say about getting fit for golf clubs is to make sure that whoever is fitting you know what they are doing..Don't be afraid to take your fitting data and go to an independent club builder and let him build you a club....personally, that is who I would go to for a fitting and clubs...

Finding a good fitter can be a challenge. Some golf chain stores have good fitters, some don't. Some independent club fitters do good work, some don't. And within a given store or shop, some fitters do a better job than others.

One thing that might help: Walk around the shop and take a look at what you see hanging on the walls, either up front or in the club repair area. It you see professional clubfitting school certificates from GolfWorks, Golfsmith, or one of the OEMs - especially if a couple of people have multiple certificates - you are more likely to find good fitters than if the walls are bare. Another thing: ask around. If several fellow golfers say that Bob or Mary knows their stuff, go visit Bob or Mary.