Fitting

[brettbrettr]

[about me: I played golf regularly (1-2/wk) about 12 years ago, then played 2x summer until this year when I've really gotten back into it (played about 30 round this season). I'm a 16 hdcp.]

So, I did things backwards and bought clubs mid-season, went for a fitting this am. I was a bit concerned that this would be more sales pitch than fitting, seeing as how this joint is a "Callaway Performance Center." But now I'm only mildly concerned.

Overall, I was told that the clubs I have (PingG10, standard lie) are good for me, save that I would do well to have them adjusted 1 degree flatter. I was also told that Ping will do this for free. He did also recommend the X20 irons, saying that the center of gravity in those was slightly higher than my clubs, and that I'd probably outgrow/play my irons within a year. I tend to hit the ball high, and he said my Pings are high ball clubs. But during the fitting he gave me a grip and set-up tip which lowered my ball flight to just above the normal range, and added about 20 yards anyways. So, I gotta go work on that...

The other thing he mentioned is that my swing speed (78-82, 7iron) puts me right on the edge of a stiff or reg flex shaft. I have reg flex steel now, but he mentioned that the X20 come with a Uniflex R/S shaft which is right in between. Again, he said what I have is fine, but I could consider stiff flex shafts too. How would I decide here?

He approved of my woods loft and flex, which is relieving (Callaway Xseries, stiff flex shafts).

Anyways, I DID NOT get all the data and take it home with me. I should have written it down, as I'm sure that would be much more helpful. Just wanted to throw this up there to get your guys' opinion as I'm not really sure at this point what to do.

Thanks,
brett

[Shindig]

So, I did things backwards and bought clubs mid-season, went for a fitting this am. I was a bit concerned that this would be more sales pitch than fitting, seeing as how this joint is a "Callaway Performance Center." But now I'm only mildly concerned.

It's not entirely backwards. If you were only playing twice a year, it's hard to know whether to buy clubs or rent them - you might have bought clubs and then gone back to rarely playing. Although we're glad you decided to stick with regular golf.

Overall, I was told that the clubs I have (PingG10, standard lie) are good for me, save that I would do well to have them adjusted 1 degree flatter. I was also told that Ping will do this for free.

This doesn't surprise me. I don't know you, so I can't comment on whether the lie is good, but that Ping would do this for free doesn't surprise me. My suggestion is to contact Ping and get this done, assuming they concur.

He did also recommend the X20 irons, saying that the center of gravity in those was slightly higher than my clubs, and that I'd probably outgrow/play my irons within a year. I tend to hit the ball high, and he said my Pings are high ball clubs. But during the fitting he gave me a grip and set-up tip which lowered my ball flight to just above the normal range, and added about 20 yards anyways. So, I gotta go work on that...

This seems to happen. I will have had my irons for about two years when I get to the point that I think I will have outgrown them.

I'm not surprised that he was able to find the best Callaway clubs for you. When you decide to get new irons, though, I suggest hitting various manufacturers' clubs, asking each which of their line would be best for you, and giving them a try. The X20s might well be great for you at the time. Or maybe you'll like a similar club from Ping, assuming you like your existing ones.

The other thing he mentioned is that my swing speed (78-82, 7iron) puts me right on the edge of a stiff or reg flex shaft. I have reg flex steel now, but he mentioned that the X20 come with a Uniflex R/S shaft which is right in between. Again, he said what I have is fine, but I could consider stiff flex shafts too. How would I decide here?

This is a matter of why you're swinging at that speed. I swing slowly because I'm a small guy, and swinging at the speeds for stiff shafts would kill whatever passes for accuracy. If your natural speed is in the stiff shaft range, then it's probably right for you. I doubt uniflex would be a bad thing when you're on the edge. There is at least one clubfitter on this board, and I suspect he'll be able to tell you about every quality of the shafts.

He approved of my woods loft and flex, which is relieving (Callaway Xseries, stiff flex shafts).

Any chance they still have the data? Maybe call them and see if they can fax or email it to you?