Crab Daddy

A new shaft can make some difference in ball flight, but loft will make the biggest difference. In your situation, it depends on what the characteristics are of your current shaft. Shaft manufacturers will often make a cheaper version to be used as a driver's stock shaft, as opposed to an after market shaft. If yours is a high launch/high spin shaft, look for something that will reduce trajectory and spin. A few examples are Diamana Whiteboard, Matrix Ozik HD, Aldila NV, but there are lots out there. If you can demo a 9.5 driver with a low launch shaft, see if it produces the results you're looking for. A club fitter can help guide you through the process.

They're selling a Ping G20 for $190?! Run away!!!

"Too good to be true?" is often a question that answers itself. I'm far from a manufacturing expert, but my understanding of Chinese club making goes something like this: When a manufacturer gets a contract from a U.S. company, they get the specs to make a certain club or clubs. The manufacturer runs two 8 hour shifts making the clubs. Then there's the 'third shift', where they make another run of the same product, which goes on the black market. Same stuff? Not exactly. They can change materials, tolerances, etc... to lower manufacturing costs and make a lower quality product that appears identical to the real McCoy. This is a big problem in many industries. I first read about it going on with shoes. If anybody has more insight or finds something I got wrong, please chime in and correct me.

That's a good idea to spell it out for a lot of golfers. At one course I played at, there was a clock at every 3rd or 4th hole. The clocks were all set to reflect your start time. If the time on the clock was later than your start time, you were falling behind a 4 hour pace.

You haven't given us enough data. Without knowing the standard deviation of the scores, the difference between the two groups cannot be determined to be statistically significant. Sorry, I couldn't resist... :-\. ... it's what I do. Oh, and next time, don't alternate, randomize - much more robust estimate.

+1 on accelerating through the ball I also find that after thinking about my stance, ball position, where to land the ball, etc, etc..., I'm very tense. The last thing I try do before swinging is relax, specifically, my hands. Always better results when I remember that.

I get that this question, or some variant, gets asked over and over. A search for 'flex launch angle loft' returns umpteen bazillions responses. I was hoping my question was specific enough that it wasn't a duplicate of every other shaft question. Yes, I intend to get fitted, but out of the universe of shafts, where do you start? The 'best shaft' question invariably draws a, "Get fitted". I think what most people want is someone with similar experience or insight to give them a few ideas BTW - thanks for the response. I figured I'd get something if I kicked the hornet's nest:-D

Seriously?! I posted this two days ago, and nobody has an opinion or knowledge to share? There's a thread in Golf Talk about how to clean your golf ball with 26 replies! I showered this morning, so I know it's not me.

Just got done on a PING launch monitor. I've been been happy with my accuracy off the tee (8-9 fairways, only 1-2 'WTF' shots/round), but have had a nagging feeling that I could optimize my equipment for a few more yards. Currently playing a Burner ('08) 10.5*, REAX 50 Stiff. Avg drive 220-230. Medium ball flight. When I have a problem, it is over the top - slice or pull. Off center hits are on the toe. Numbers with the Burner: SS: 95-100 BS: 140-145 Smash: 1.47 RPM: 2100-2400 Launch angle: 8-9 Carry: 200-215 Ttl Dist: 210-230 Tried a G15 12*, Serrano 60 Reg and launch angle improved (11-12), carry improved, but descending angle increased and less roll = same total distance (according to launch monitor). The regular shaft felt smoother, as well. The 8-9 degree launch angle didn't match the on-course perception of my ball flight, and the backspin seemed kinda low. Do these numbers match anyone else's experience? If I was to get a new driver, 1. what shaft would be good for a borderline R/S swing speed? 2. How much does flex point affect launch angle? (In other words, could I stick with a 10.5* driver and get a shaft with a lower flexpoint to help increase launch angle?) I appreciate any insight that might come my way.

A lot of good ideas out there. My two cents would be to put 18 numbers in a hat and draw 4 (2, 5, 8 ???) hole numbers, which would be 'no handicap' holes. Totally random each time around.

Similar situation where my wife and I wanted to play together - just the two of us. I booked a tee time for four at a course where they needed a credit card for reservations.. When "the other couple" stood us up, the course wanted to charge me for four players. We got matched up with a twosome anyway. Moral: be careful and know the course's policy on cancellations. I also play as a single often. Don't mind the company, but very few friends play and, it 's nice to be done in 3 hours. Obviously, playing at off- peak hours.

My money is on the Teron White Ice. The alignment, weighting, and insert feel all suit my stroke. I also have a 2 ball White Hot XG (??, metal face in white insert), but have never liked the alignment. The face seems too hot for me.