Shaft recomendations

[mcanadiens]

So after spraying balls all over the place with emergency replacement drivers for three weeks, I'm finally getting serious about replacing the shaft on my Covert driver. My initial thought was to simply get the exact same, Kura Kage shaft. Looking at it yesterday it is marked 50 S.  I'm a short hitter, so I presume that my swing speed is pretty damn slow.

So the questions are: 1) Is there a better alternative from a performance standpoint, and 2) How much should I expect to pay for the shaft?

 

[Club Rat]

1 hour ago, mcanadiens said:

So the questions are: 1) Is there a better alternative from a performance standpoint, and 2) How much should I expect to pay for the shaft?

1. It's "Trackman Time" head out to your local golf store who has a Trackman and spend an hour in their testing area.

They should or may have new or used Covent drivers on hand to demo. Speak with the sales guy and inform him you have a slower swing speed and like the Covent driver. He most likely will recommend a 10.5 loft with either a R - flex or the senior version which is generally a lighter gram shaft. Both products should produce a higher launch and greater control, but you may sacrifice a few yards in distance capabilities. If your typical ball flight is very high, you could try a 9.5 loft and play with tee height and ball position to accomplish a desired flight with either loft club.

2. EBay is a good place to shop for pricing, but a local golf shop sometimes may be a better deal if they include re-shafting.  

[mcanadiens]

2 minutes ago, Club Rat said:

1. It's "Trackman Time" head out to your local golf store who has a Trackman and spend an hour in their testing area.

They should or may have new or used Covent drivers on hand to demo. Speak with the sales guy and inform him you have a slower swing speed and like the Covent driver. He most likely will recommend a 10.5 loft with either a R - flex or the senior version which is generally a lighter gram shaft. Both products should produce a higher launch and greater control, but you may sacrifice a few yards in distance capabilities. If your typical ball flight is very high, you could try a 9.5 loft and play with tee height and ball position to accomplish a desired flight with either loft club.

2. EBay is a good place to shop for pricing, but a local golf shop sometimes may be a better deal if they include re-shafting.  

Thanks,

Maybe it would be worthwhile to see what the computers have to say. I used one about a year ago and it confirmed a glacial 93-95 mph swing speed. Maybe it's a bit better now. I've sort of assumed a regular flex would be most proper for me. The Covert is adjustable and I've had it at 10.5.

I've got $90 in credit at my course's pro shop, so that's where I figure to get this done. I'm just trying to sort out what specific shafts might cost me and if there are some particular ones the kind folks here can recommend. 

[Club Rat]

2 minutes ago, mcanadiens said:

if there are some particular ones

Driver shafts are the key ingredient to performance and control, but what may work best for you will differ to others, even though they may have similarities. It's a fine line dialing in the proper fit as there are so many variables which to tinker with. I usually start with one which has a good feel and control as a starting point. From there, then play with launch and spin rates to achieve a desired ball flight.

Distance comes with ball striking and swing mechanics and ball fitting as a general rule of thumb.

It really gets mind boggling when you throw multiple driver heads, like Nike versus TM or other manufactures into making a selection. 

Good luck ... Driver testing is always fun.

[WUTiger]

10 hours ago, mcanadiens said:

Maybe it would be worthwhile to see what the computers have to say. I used one about a year ago and it confirmed a glacial 93-95 mph swing speed.

93 MPH is hardly glacial; you're better than average for everyday golfers.

As @Club Rat said, get on Trackman and see which shafts work best. And there's other things to consider besides clubhead speed, such as tempo (do you have a quick, medium or slow transition from top?).

[mcanadiens]

11 hours ago, WUTiger said:

As @Club Rat said, get on Trackman and see which shafts work best. And there's other things to consider besides clubhead speed, such as tempo (do you have a quick, medium or slow transition from top?).

It's a bit hard for me to quantify my tempo. Guessing, perhaps medium to quick.

[CarlSpackler]

I'm guessing a senior shaft is probably the ticket, but you want to confirm on the gadget. The guys at Golfsmith in Beavercreek are pretty helpful. 

[mcanadiens]

5 minutes ago, CarlSpackler said:

I'm guessing a senior shaft is probably the ticket, but you want to confirm on the gadget. The guys at Golfsmith in Beavercreek are pretty helpful. 

Senior shaft? I know I'm not real long, but I'm still carrying 210-230 on solid hits.

So those guys at Golfsmith don't get the hump when you tie up their stuff and then not buy anything? Also, do I remember correctly that Kittyhawk is supposed to have a Trackman or similar device. Again I want to make use of my Club Championship credit.

[CarlSpackler]

Just now, mcanadiens said:

Senior shaft? I know I'm not real long, but I'm still carrying 210-230 on solid hits.

So those guys at Golfsmith don't get the hump when you tie up their stuff and then not buy anything? Also, do I remember correctly that Kittyhawk is supposed to have a Trackman or similar device. Again I want to make use of my Club Championship credit.

The gadget at Kittyhawk is a cheapo. I've spent many hours at Golfsmith checking out different things. I ended up buying my Biocell, but it was after several trips and trying different drivers. 

BTW - I have a senior shaft because it produced the best numbers. 

[mcanadiens]

Just now, CarlSpackler said:

The gadget at Kittyhawk is a cheapo. I've spent many hours at Golfsmith checking out different things. I ended up buying my Biocell, but it was after several trips and trying different drivers. 

BTW - I have a senior shaft because it produced the best numbers. 

Sure. It's just the stuff that I've read that would suggest a regular shaft would probably produce the best results. .... I take the point. Test em out.

[CarlSpackler]

14 minutes ago, mcanadiens said:

Sure. It's just the stuff that I've read that would suggest a regular shaft would probably produce the best results. .... I take the point. Test em out.

Yep. The gadget doesn't lie. 

[pganapathy]

Shaft stiffness is not only speed dependent.  How smooth your swing is can also affect it.  Slow but jerky and violent swing can require a stiff shaft even.

The shaft is dependent on stiffness, kick point, torque and weight.  You have to go to a Trackman

[70sSanO]

My swing speed is a little less than yours and I opted for a senior flex.  In fact one of our sons liked my driver so much I picked up one for him.  He's in his 20's but has a more relaxed swing.  His twin brother has to have stiff.

I agree with CarlSpackler... the numbers won't lie.

John