Well what a difference a new driver makes

[cutchemist42]

Started to realise from my bad slice that maybe playing a 10.5 R7 with a stiff shaft did not match my swing speed. Read a few mentions about going with a 13 degree driver so found an FT-5 at those degrees. Didnt even take it out to the driving range, first round using it and it fits me amazingly.  Last round so many balls to bad slicing. This round though was much better.

What might worry me is I can already see a tighter distribution for the shots, but I only realised later that the shaft is called an R2. Im not too upset with the seller who thought it meant regular, but supposedly it means a senior shaft. As a healthy 30 year old, I think I swing fast enough for an R shaft so I might switch this up later but right now, I love that my slice is gone with a tighter distribution of yardages.  How much would a shaft change anyway?

Edited July 12, 2016 by cutchemist42

[70sSanO]

Congrats on the new driver.  I always love stories where someone just picks up a club and it works instead of the endless analysis that usually happens prior to getting what someone thinks is the right stick.  There could be a honeymoon period, but you are able to hit it well, so that should be your focus going forward.  From what I have read an R2 is not a Senior or Lite flex.  Also shaft specs vary so much from one mfg to another it may just be moot.

John

Edited July 12, 2016 by 70sSanO

[RandallT]

Very nice. From what I see, you shot 14 strokes better in your last round, 12 of which were determined to be off the tee by Game Golf. I'd say that's hefty improvement in your driver- even with the margin of error that these stats tend to have!

My experience so far with GG strokes gained has been to use the magnitude of the numbers as an overall guide.  But certainly when comparing differences (as you have done), the magnitude doesn't matter, and it's the change in each number that should reflect accurately how you did relatively in that area. Stands to reason, anyway. Hope that makes sense- it's a bit of mumbo jumbo now that I re-read it.

Anyway, congrats! I don't know about the shaft question you ask. 

[DrvFrShow]

I have a 95 mph SS. According to "the book" I should us a S shaft. I play an A shaft or an R2 shaft. I've hit a S shaft. I have tendinitis so I prefer the softer feel. But the main difference is in the numbers. It's only 100 rpm spin between the A shaft and the S. It's just that the S, although 100 rpm lower spin, feels like a board.

I really wouldn't worry about shaft right now. They don't make that much difference until you get to be really good. Yeah, some people may think that "oh you should be playing an R shaft or an S shaft." Should is relative. 

Remember back in Nicklaus' day that golf shafts were flimsier than they are now and it didn't hurt his game. He was a bomber with those persimmons and whippy steel shafts.

[Jeremie Boop]

7 minutes ago, DrvFrShow said:

I have a 95 mph SS. According to "the book" I should us a S shaft. I play an A shaft or an R2 shaft. I've hit a S shaft. I have tendinitis so I prefer the softer feel. But the main difference is in the numbers. It's only 100 rpm spin between the A shaft and the S. It's just that the S, although 100 rpm lower spin, feels like a board.

I really wouldn't worry about shaft right now. They don't make that much difference until you get to be really good. Yeah, some people may think that "oh you should be playing an R shaft or an S shaft." Should is relative. 

Remember back in Nicklaus' day that golf shafts were flimsier than they are now and it didn't hurt his game. He was a bomber with those persimmons and whippy steel shafts.

Also, I would add to this, swing speed isn't the only thing that makes a difference when it comes to shaft. Tempo and transition will also make a difference in which flex/brand works best. A lot of it is feel though, a shaft that feels like it's too soft will make most people compensate their swing even though if they swung the same it would probably produce pretty much the same overall numbers as a shaft that doesn't feel as soft. Kick points and such also matter to some degree. However, all that said, if you are playing well with the current shaft I wouldn't bother with changing it. If it breaks or something, then maybe take the time to see if someone can help you get fitted into the correct shaft.

Edited July 13, 2016 by Jeremie Boop

[DrvFrShow]

Your right @Jeremie Boop I have a smooth transition and that may be a reason I can get away with a flexy shaft.

[No Mulligans]

Per Hank Haney... As a generalization; if the shaft is too stiff you'll lose some distance, if the shaft is too soft you'll lose accuracy.

 

[cutchemist42]

3 hours ago, DrvFrShow said:

I have a 95 mph SS. According to "the book" I should us a S shaft. I play an A shaft or an R2 shaft. I've hit a S shaft. I have tendinitis so I prefer the softer feel. But the main difference is in the numbers. It's only 100 rpm spin between the A shaft and the S. It's just that the S, although 100 rpm lower spin, feels like a board.

I really wouldn't worry about shaft right now. They don't make that much difference until you get to be really good. Yeah, some people may think that "oh you should be playing an R shaft or an S shaft." Should is relative. 

Remember back in Nicklaus' day that golf shafts were flimsier than they are now and it didn't hurt his game. He was a bomber with those persimmons and whippy steel shafts.

Good post. Wondering what you meant by "the book" though?

[DrvFrShow]

The Book = general information from golf store salespeople that 80-90 mph = R; 90 to 100 = S; and over 100 mph = X. First it depends upon the shaft maker. Second it depends upon what gets the job done. My A shaft is an Aldila which is for 75-90 mph. 95 mph isn't that much higher. Plus around 16 to 18th holes I'm not hitting my furthest drives anyway. I'm getting tired. So.... And it's a 75g shaft not a < 60g shaft. It's low torque for it's flex. It fits me.

The point is if you're going for an upgrade to get fit. The pro at the driving range happened to have the Aldila Trinity 75 g in the A flex laying around for the Callaway. Someone ordered it for a 3W. It had been sitting there for 6 months. They never picked it up or paid for it. He gave it to me since the 2015 stuff had come in. It was 43.5" so I added an inch and it felt good and I get good numbers and ball flight. It's straight.