14 deg Regular flex vs 12 deg "A" flex?

[Hacker James]

Taking into account that higher loft equates to higher trajectory and generally speaking more flex "may" equate to more distance with slower swing speed; which of these two options would serve the player with slower swing speed. I realize that a lot would have to do with the apex, but at some point do these alternatives work to cancel each other out? 

In line with the above, which in your opinion is more important - distance or control?

[Piz]

I think the tip flex and flex point have more to do with making consistent and quality contact than the overall flex of the shaft.  There are two clubs in my driver museum that illustrate the point.  One has an X-flex, extra stiff tip, that I would swear doesn't bend at all.  The other is an S-flex, soft tip, that droops so badly thru impact I have to aim above the ball to hit it.  The solution, for my swing, turned out to be a softer flex and higher bend point.

[WUTiger]

3 hours ago, Piz said:

I think the tip flex and flex point have more to do with making consistent and quality contact than the overall flex of the shaft.

You would have to do a side-by-side to see which one works for you. Also, are these 12* and 14* heads from the same model, with the R and A-flex versions of the same shaft? Or, are these different models with different shafts?

Head weighting would also matter. In 12* and 14* range, probably low and to the rear to get the ball up and increase spin. Just make sure that the head weighting, loft, and flexible shaft aren't too much of a good thing that skies the ball for you. That's why you do a side-by-side to know which one is best. 

[Hacker James]

2 hours ago, WUTiger said:

You would have to do a side-by-side to see which one works for you. Also, are these 12* and 14* heads from the same model, with the R and A-flex versions of the same shaft? Or, are these different models with different shafts?

Head weighting would also matter. In 12* and 14* range, probably low and to the rear to get the ball up and increase spin. Just make sure that the head weighting, loft, and flexible shaft aren't too much of a good thing that skies the ball for you. That's why you do a side-by-side to know which one is best. 

One reason I posted is I ordered the Cobra Fly Z XL without paying attention and learned that it was 9.5* Stiff. (will be  returning). 

I then see a different vendor on Amazon  that has the Tour Edge club in a few different loft/flex combos but the two choices currently available are 12* Senior or 14* Regular.  I went to Dick's and got on their launch monitor to see if I could even hit a stiff. Again, as mentioned, it felt great, but the monitor indicated < 80 mph club head speed. (and maybe that is optimum for me, I don't know).

So...given the two choices I have, I posted this query. I am leaning towards the 14* Regular thinking I can also hit off the fairway. I am also concerned about skying. No way to do a side by side and its hard to find the Tour Edge in the big box stores.   Does this make sense?

(and of course, If I had the cash available, I would go to a golf fitter and get what works, but that is not an option right now). 

[Hatchman]

1 hour ago, Hacker James said:

So...given the two choices I have, I posted this query. I am leaning towards the 14* Regular thinking I can also hit off the fairway. I am also concerned about skying. No way to do a side by side and its hard to find the Tour Edge in the big box stores.   Does this make sense?

(and of course, If I had the cash available, I would go to a golf fitter and get what works, but that is not an option right now). 

I understand.  I have worked my way down a flex (or two) by the same process.  Usually staying in a little lower lofted head so can make smaller adjustments up or down.  Where adjustable.  One way adjustment hits higher and to my left and the other more straight to pull.  I like it lower.  So hitting some first if you can is helpful.  Price points also factor.

[acerimusdux]

Go to the Tour Edge site and use their dealer locator to find if there's one near you. Tour Edge is advertising that they will build a club to your specifications, and deliver it to their dealer within 48 hours, at no additional charge. For the Hot Launch line, their value line, they are advertising "We Dare You to Find a Better Custom-Fitted Value in Golf".

So unless the online retailer is giving you a big discount, I'd consider taking them up on that. You can probably get the higher loft, with the A Flex, if that's what you want, as well as specifying whatever shaft and grip sizes you decide are comfortable for you.

 

[Hacker James]

3 hours ago, acerimusdux said:

Go to the Tour Edge site and use their dealer locator to find if there's one near you. Tour Edge is advertising that they will build a club to your specifications, and deliver it to their dealer within 48 hours, at no additional charge. For the Hot Launch line, their value line, they are advertising "We Dare You to Find a Better Custom-Fitted Value in Golf".

So unless the online retailer is giving you a big discount, I'd consider taking them up on that. You can probably get the higher loft, with the A Flex, if that's what you want, as well as specifying whatever shaft and grip sizes you decide are comfortable for you.

 

Thanks, that's interesting and I should check it out.

[Hacker James]

checked tour edge site and discovered nearest retail dealer does not carry. They have mostly exotics. So, being the impatient sort, I ordered the 14 deg in regular flex. My reasoning is as follows:

The offset design will help square clubface, produce higher flight, anti-slice.

The Regular flex will help with overswinging

The High Loft "Might" permit use as fairway metal.

I am confident it will work out, if not, can always sell. Price is reasonable.

Thank you all for the replies, I assure you I took all of them into careful consideration.

[Patch]

If you are interested in a Tour Edge product, give Golf USA in Manhattan Kansas a call. Google for their number. 

Back when I wheeling and dealing my way through the Bazooka/Tour Edge stuff they were the best one's I found to deal with. Great service before, and after the sale. It's been quite a while since I did any business with them. Just have not needed anything. I would hope they are still providing good, affordable service. 

Another option is a private fitter, who deals in component pieces, and parts. Might save a few dollars there. 

[Hacker James]

14 hours ago, Patch said:

If you are interested in a Tour Edge product, give Golf USA in Manhattan Kansas a call. Google for their number. 

Back when I wheeling and dealing my way through the Bazooka/Tour Edge stuff they were the best one's I found to deal with. Great service before, and after the sale. It's been quite a while since I did any business with them. Just have not needed anything. I would hope they are still providing good, affordable service. 

Another option is a private fitter, who deals in component pieces, and parts. Might save a few dollars there. 

good suggestions, but a little moot as I already pulled the trigger. What I may do however, is that when and if I start getting my distance back on a consistent basis, I can go to a fitter and get something a little more high end realizing that the offset I am buying now, are really something to compensate for a particular flaw in my swing. I know that, but wanted to see what the offset will do and am willing to spend the $169 to find out. (That, and by using the promo terms on Amazon, I can purchase without paying interest within a six month period).

The tour edge web site lists the online retailers such as Golf USA as you mention.

Thank you.

 

[70sSanO]

You know, you can buy that Cobra Fly Z XL 11.5* Lite (Senior) flex driver off eBay.  I see some used and new.

I bought mine there and one of our sons liked the driver so much I got for him also.

John

[Lagavulin62]

To me the number one consideration is getting the right flex that works best for you and you really only know that once you have tested it in real situations. I think when someone is in between flexes they usually say take the lesser flex but I am in the minority in going with the stiffer flex or at least giving it first consideration, partly because I find more control with the stiffer end of possibilities. Not that distance isn't important. It's just I believe it's something that comes only after the swing is developed to a point where ball flight is controlled to a confident level. So I think the reg flex was a good selection and hopefully it will work out. 

After flex now you can start tweaking the loft. Which if I remember correctly is 12*? I really think that will be a good combo off the tee. 

As far as a "fairway wood" I'm going to be bold and say keep dreaming.  Lol   And I have no clue of this Driver head. From experience anyway, todays driver heads are just too large and light for any fairway consistency. 

Look forward to hearing your updates. 

 

Just scrolled up and see you have the 14 degree. Well that may be better. 

[Hacker James]

9 minutes ago, Lagavulin62 said:

To me the number one consideration is getting the right flex that works best for you and you really only know that once you have tested it in real situations. I think when someone is in between flexes they usually say take the lesser flex but I am in the minority in going with the stiffer flex or at least giving it first consideration, partly because I find more control with the stiffer end of possibilities. Not that distance isn't important. It's just I believe it's something that comes only after the swing is developed to a point where ball flight is controlled to a confident level. So I think the reg flex was a good selection and hopefully it will work out. 

After flex now you can start tweaking the loft. Which if I remember correctly is 12*? I really think that will be a good combo off the tee. 

As far as a "fairway wood" I'm going to be bold and say keep dreaming.  Lol   And I have no clue of this Driver head. From experience anyway, todays driver heads are just too large and light for any fairway consistency. 

Look forward to hearing your updates. 

 

Just scrolled up and see you have the 14 degree. Well that may be better. 

Actually, it turns out that the flex will be 13.5 since the guy at Tour Edge told me, they do not make a 14 deg. As for fairway, I also am a bit dubious and in the video on Revolution Golf states that "some" hit it off the fairway. OTOH, I can hit a wooden driver off the fairway with not too bad a result, but I do not make a habit of it. When I hit a 10.5 deg Stiff at Dicks, although the monitor recorded short, they were all solid. So, I am feeling better about my choice. It should be here on Jan 20.

[Hacker James]

12 hours ago, 70sSanO said:

You know, you can buy that Cobra Fly Z XL 11.5* Lite (Senior) flex driver off eBay.  I see some used and new.

I bought mine there and one of our sons liked the driver so much I got for him also.

John

Yes, I also saw a few. The used ones I saw were beat up a bit, but that also changes.

[shanksalot]

 Don't know what my swing speed is today, but I would guess it is at best mid 80's. From what I have seen over the years it is pretty hard to hit a driver even at 12/14* off the deck with the new drivers. I have a 13.5* driver head that I shafted at 42.5". With my slow swing speed I can't get the ball high enough to get any appreciable distance out of it unless I open my stance and aim left and hit a cut/fade. But doing this also loses distance and I can hit a 4 or 5 wood just as far and hit it more consistently. 

[Hacker James]

@shanksalot agreed. My go to fairway wood is a 4 wood Hogan speed slot, but am curious as to the "claims" in advertising. 

[Lagavulin62]

If you are really interested in this "fairway driver" concept, why not find a strong 3 wood at 13* and shaft to the driver length, or just under it?  This setup has worked for me in the past when struggling with the driver. Essentially I suppose it would be more a 2 wood. Now to do this right, more than likely you will have to buy components and have the shop put them together, unless you want to do it yourself. If you like this idea I recommend the Alpha Reaction fairway head.  You could put this together for 150 tops I'm guessing.  

[Hacker James]

At 13.5* I would already consider this closer to a 2 wood. In any event, I will let you know after I get it. I would agree however, that a 460cc head, just from the optics standpoint might present a challenge off the turf.