Question re Vector launch monitor results

[e-man]

Hey guys. So, to my surprise, I've decided to go with the Big Bertha 460. I originally thought I'd love the X line (either the X460 or Hyper X), but the Big Bertha 460 feels more forgiving and is an easier swinging club (for me).

So, the question now becomes whether I should go with regular or stiff graphite. I was on the launch monitor this afternoon, and although the regular flex "felt" better, the numbers were clearly better with the stiff. My swing speed was consistently at 95 mph (which puts me right on the cusp between regular and stiff), but the backspin numbers were, on average, about 600-800 rpms greater on the regular flex than with the stiff flex. The regular flex averaged around 3,700 rpm and the stiff averaged around 3,000. The launch angle was slightly lower with the stiff (12-13 degrees versus 14-15 degrees with the regular), but the carry and overall distance with the was about the same with both clubs (anywhere between 235-240 total distance). The dispersion pattern was tighter with the stiff as well.

So by now you're probably thinking, "Hey e-man, the answer is easy -- go with the stiff." Right, based on the numbers, I totally agree. However, the only thing stopping me from going with the stiff right now is the fact that the regular "feels" slightly better.

Anyway, I'm starting to ramble now, so I'll stop, but I'll leave you with this question. Assuming the numbers on the launch monitor are fairly accurate, would it be silly to go with something that feels better over something that performs better? I'm all ears.

P.S.: -- Slimeberry, I've been meaning to update the other thread I started last week. I liked the Hyper X, but there was something about the BB 460 that was friendlier.

e

[Everardo]

Hey guys. So, to my surprise, I've decided to go with the Big Bertha 460. I originally thought I'd love the X line (either the X460 or Hyper X), but the Big Bertha 460 feels more forgiving and is an easier swinging club (for me).

If distance is pretty close to the same then I would initially lean towards the regular flex. I also would need to look at your swing tempo, if you're border line then a smoother tempo swing will generally do better with a softer flex. Also you have to consider the ego factor, many people will tend to swing a little harder when using a launch monitor. Hopefuly this helps. Really though try having the flex measured on the demo club you used, don't always trust the label on the shaft.

[e-man]

If distance is pretty close to the same then I would initially lean towards the regular flex. I also would need to look at your swing tempo, if you're border line then a smoother tempo swing will generally do better with a softer flex. Also you have to consider the ego factor, many people will tend to swing a little harder when using a launch monitor. Hopefuly this helps. Really though try having the flex measured on the demo club you used, don't always trust the label on the shaft.

Thanks, Everardo. Here's the other thing. Regardless of launch angle or spin, I seemed to be putting the ball on the center of the clubface much more often with the stiff.

The thing that bugs me is that the regular felt better, but flush shots with the regular resulted in ball spin in the 4,500 range, which is not good for me. It's really annoying to be on the cusp.

[JSC924]

If you don't lose any distance with the stiff flex, I think you should go with it. Since you get a lower dispersion, that would result in more accurate shots and more confidence to hit the ball where you intend to. And make sure you buy the club you demo or demo the EXACT club you will purchase to ensure you get the launch numbers/condition most suitable.

[TourSpoon]

If you are swinging 95 mph, I would definitely get the stiff especially if it is the stock Callaway shaft because I have found them to be a little less stiff than average (they can check this at the shop). That being said, the numbers speak for themselves with less backspin and tighter dispersion being what would guide my buy. Being @ 100 mph myself, I have found that regular shafts feel softer because they flex more but that is a misleading feel because at your swing speed it can create some inacurracy which is indicated in your data.

[golf_junkie27]

What ball were you using? A ball that you play with or what was available? That also makes a huge difference.

[tcarter]

Why don't you do something similar to Mickelson did.

Buy both.

The stiff shaft for going against the wind as it goes lower

The regular shaft for with the wind to carry further

Or of course you could also buy the interchangable shaft drivers just coming to the market

[e-man]

Being @ 100 mph myself, I have found that regular shafts feel softer because they flex more but that is a misleading feel because at your swing speed it can create some inacurracy which is indicated in your data.

This is such a great point. I think you hit the nail on the head. It is misleading. Just because it feels better doesn't mean that it performs better.

I went back to Golfsmith yesterday to hit both again. I hit the first 10 shots with the regular and had very mediocre results (some launched way too high, some low, some too much spin, some not enough spin). I then hit one shot and only one shot with the stiff, dead center flush, 13 degree launch, 3,500 rpm backspin, 500 rpm draw spin. Needless to say, I didn't hit another shot. I decided to go with the stiff. Thanks for everyone's help. I really appreciate it. e

[e-man]

What ball were you using? A ball that you play with or what was available? That also makes a huge difference.

I just used the balls that were available in the launch monitor. I think they were Callaway practice balls. I'm sure it makes a huge difference what ball you use, but I assume it's okay as long as you use the same ball to compare one club to the other.

[TourSpoon]

This is such a great point. I think you hit the nail on the head. It is misleading. Just because it feels better doesn't mean that it performs better.

I bet that last one felt good... Good luck with your new stick.