Fitting Results - not what I expected

[03trdblack]

You said 

On 6/29/2021 at 2:21 PM, ChristopherMcDonald said:

Fitter said this combo gave me the best results; also hit one about 255 on the fly with this setup, but it was not included in the data. 

 

What was the swing speed of the one you hit 255 in the air? 

[ChristopherMcDonald]

2 minutes ago, 03trdblack said:

You said 

 

What was the swing speed of the one you hit 255 in the air? 

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 if I recall correctly, absolutely the outlier of the bunch. I'm not concerned about the one I really moved; more about the result of the fitting based on the data in the image in the first post

[liveagua]

22 minutes ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

Looks like you maybe misunderstood me, or perhaps are responding to someone else. The distance given in the graphic is total. 

 

Editing this for clarity: I had one, VERY GOOD drive, that flew 255 on the fly. Complete outlier that should/could basically be ignored. 

No you didn't. I fit people all day, every day and know what it takes to hit something 255, you aren't even in the same galaxy. 

 

I only ask because these numbers aren't optimized at all. I am not even sure of the accuracy of the numbers. I bet I could find a few other options that would give you both accuracy and distance. 

The more I learn about this "fitting" the more I question. 

[TheDominator273]

4 hours ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

Did not get to hit them outside unfortunately, indoor facility only. Had a gift certificate otherwise I would have chose an outdoor fitter. The numbers we focused on were dispersion and carry. This Sim2 Max was not the longest raw distance driver of the bunch, that award went to the Ping G425 but dispersion was worse. 

 

I picked up the shaft for $110 so if it really is a horrid fit I can toss back in the UST Elements and play that until I find an outdoor fitter to tackle this process again

Just go into your experiment with the shaft knowing that it's the shaft head combination that you were ultimately fit into and the shaft will almost definitely result in different numbers in a different head.

[me05501]

Go for it, if you trust it. 

 

Hanging onto that trust will be important too. Don't let one bad driving day convince you that the shaft is wrong for you. 

[Jeff58]

On 6/29/2021 at 11:21 AM, ChristopherMcDonald said:

The shaft we settled on:

HZRDUS Smoke RDX 70g 6.5

 

 

 

This indicates that the selected club is 55.3 yards longer than your other options. In other words, you were hitting 175 yard drives with them. It’s often the case that moderately skilled players with little experience using simulators will hit very poor shots without understanding how bad they really are, since you can’t see the flight.

If that’s the case, the fitter should at least point that out, rather than recommending something that just happened to provide semi-normal results.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

1 hour ago, liveagua said:

No you didn't. I fit people all day, every day and know what it takes to hit something 255, you aren't even in the same galaxy. 

 

I only ask because these numbers aren't optimized at all. I am not even sure of the accuracy of the numbers. I bet I could find a few other options that would give you both accuracy and distance. 

The more I learn about this "fitting" the more I question. 

I'm simply going based off what the guy was telling me, could have been blowing smoke to make the sale on my final swing of the day, but those figures in the image are what they are. Sorry if you don't trust it

Edited June 30, 2021 by ChristopherMcDonald

[ChristopherMcDonald]

29 minutes ago, TheDominator273 said:

Just go into your experiment with the shaft knowing that it's the shaft head combination that you were ultimately fit into and the shaft will almost definitely result in different numbers in a different head.

This is most definitely understood. Hoping it just yields better results than what I'm currently playing. 

[ChristopherMcDonald]

6 minutes ago, Jeff58 said:

This indicates that the selected club is 55.3 yards longer than your other options. In other words, you were hitting 175 yard drives with them. It’s often the case that moderately skilled players with little experience using simulators will hit very poor shots without understanding how bad they really are, since you can’t see the flight.

If that’s the case, the fitter should at least point that out, rather than recommending something that just happened to provide semi-normal results.

Yeah that's the one thing that kind of irked me is that we never hit my gamer again toward the end of the fitting when I was actually warmed up. I didn't think about it until after but the baseline numbers we got were the first 5-6 cold swings and nothing more. 

[Nevek]

Just as a follow up, the numbers you have shown us is not an average but just the data of a single shot??

[ChristopherMcDonald]

1 minute ago, Nevek said:

Just as a follow up, the numbers you have shown us is not an average but just the data of a single shot??

These numbers are the average of 3-4 shots

[Strategery]

6 hours ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

LOL appreciate that! I hope that as the back improves, so will the hip turn and I'll get back to around 265-270

 

270 with 85-90 SS? Hmm.

[Nevek]

2 minutes ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

These numbers are the average of 3-4 shots

 

At the end of the day, you know your golf much better than anyone of us, so if you happy with the equipment just go with it and enjoy it.

 

That being said, working with the limited you have provided us (arg. smash/Swing speed of these shots, AoT, shot shape, or Loft of the head), I do believe that the shaft is too stiff for you. 

For you speed you should aim for spin numbers closer to 3k as a start

[ChristopherMcDonald]

1 minute ago, Strategery said:

 

270 with 85-90 SS? Hmm.

Oh no, I think you're not understanding. I'm aware I'll never hit it that far unless I get the swing speed up. Back needs a lot of work before that happens.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Just now, Nevek said:

 

At the end of the day, you know your golf much better than anyone of us, so if you happy with the equipment just go with it and enjoy it.

 

That being said, working with the limited you have provided us (arg. smash/Swing speed of these shots, AoT, shot shape, or Loft of the head), I do believe that the shaft is too stiff for you. 

For you speed you should aim for spin numbers closer to 3k as a start

Thanks for the info man. Given everyone's response, I am going to likely check out another fitter, maybe a private fitter or someone not necessarily associated with a big store. 

[PorkChopExpress]

See if you can take it to the course to demo

 

Fitting numbers are one thing but the actual course is the true indication 

[ChristopherMcDonald]

1 minute ago, desaille said:

See if you can take it to the course to demo

 

Fitting numbers are one thing but the actual course is the true indication 

Unfortunately that was not an option but I am going to put the shaft into play Saturday in my current driver to see what kind of results I see. If they're abysmal, up to the BST it goes and I'll book another fitting

[dmeeksDC]

7 hours ago, NRJyzr said:

When did 70 grams become a "heavy shaft?"

 

Exactly. And it is a big myth that a lighter shaft always adds speed.
 

OP, I would go with the fit and see how you do. It may be just what you need. I had a fitting a week ago because really, I was a little lost. I had tried so many different shafts and weights I didn’t know what to think. I seem to hit them all well, but not all of them straight. Fitter started with what I brought (60g driver shaft, 90-100g iron shafts) and I was really inconsistent. Tried other brand shafts at similar weights, same thing. 
 

Fitter started moving me up in weight. Not only did accuracy improve, my swingspeed and ballspeed went up, as in 8 mph faster swingspeed (98 to 106). I was not swinging my arms any faster, but was getting a later release. The heavier weight slightly slowed my tempo and my lower body weight shift was on time instead of hanging back and flipping with an all arms swing that topped out at 98. We watched it on video. It was a dramatic difference in speed and accuracy. Much better compression. I left there fitted to 70-75g driver shafts, 80g fairways and KBS $ Taper 120g iron shafts. I was a club longer with the 120g iron shaft vs 100g. 

Edited June 30, 2021 by dmeeksDC

[Strategery]

3 minutes ago, dmeeksDC said:

And it is a big myth that a lighter shaft always adds speed.

We don't use the word "always" here.

 

Lighter shaft adds speed, up to a certain point.

However, speed is not everything. There can be a loss of control, and players occasionally report an inability to get all their parts working together when there is not enough heft.

[bomberman]

Some fitters are good some are not. I don't think a heavier shaft nor a stiff shaft is bad for an average swing speed player. I'd venture a guess you might pick up a bit of speed with a lighter shaft, but then again maybe not.

 

I'd be more worried about the spin numbers to be honest, even with higher speeds while around 2k is optimal I don't necessarily feel it's the best because a mishit causes the way off line and diving out of the sky shot.

 

Hopefully this combo works out. 

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Y'all think the shaft I was swinging was tipped? Word on the street is Taylormade tips all their drivers 1". I'm scared to tip this already monstrosity of a shaft in fears the one I was playing was NOT tipped. Fitter wasn't knowledgeable about TM's tipping policy. 

 

Tempted to go with a straight in install

[seth514]

12 hours ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

 

 

This is totally possible BUT we did try a pretty wide variety of weight and flex profiles before ending up where we did so I feel like he didn't rely entirely on the numbers but was certainly looking to get the best numbers out of my admittedly crummy swing. Took close to 300 swings

 

 

 

This is a pretty big red flag, to be honest. No driver fitting should be anywhere near that amount of swings. A decent FULL bag fitting is even less swings.

 

Maybe go try a different fitter? At least you will have a starting reference with that heavy shaft.

 

Edited July 1, 2021 by seth514

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Installed without tipping and boy does it play stout… not sure this is going to last but we’ll get to know more Saturday

Edited July 1, 2021 by ChristopherMcDonald

[Golf64]

OP, you need a second opinion. Your spin is too low and launch too high. Those are not optimal numbers! I would also wait till your back is 100%. If your swing changes, so does your fit.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

12 hours ago, seth514 said:

 

This is a pretty big red flag, to be honest. No driver fitting should be anywhere near that amount of swings. A decent FULL bag fitting is even less swings.

 

Maybe go try a different fitter? At least you will have a starting reference with that heavy shaft.

 

Should have mentioned we did hit some fairways and hybrids, but a majority of the shots were dedicated to about 8 different driver configurations

[ChristopherMcDonald]

4 hours ago, Golf64 said:

OP, you need a second opinion. Your spin is too low and launch too high. Those are not optimal numbers! I would also wait till your back is 100%. If your swing changes, so does your fit.

Good advice on the whole waiting till the back is 100%. I was so excited to get fit I thought I could make it through without issue but I was in quite a bit of pain maybe 15 swings in. Waited months to get fit and just got unlucky with the timing/my back going out

[thed0n]

I don’t see how a fitter would even have you hit this shaft in the first place.  I’ve hit the RDX Blue in 6.0, and it’s still pretty stout.  I’m 98-102, aggressive transition, late release.  I think you’ll have to play the shaft on a cold day or without a proper warmup (like when you arrive to the course late) to see if you still like it.

 

I’ve never been formally fit (just been to a couple demo day abbreviated fittings) but when I go get fit, I’ll go with a reputable fitter (there are a couple in the area). And then never look back.  But if you have doubts about your fitting, it wouldn’t be a time to not look back.

Edited July 1, 2021 by thed0n

[ChristopherMcDonald]

1 minute ago, thed0n said:

I don’t see how a fitter would even have you hit this shaft in the first place.  I’ve hit the RDX Blue in 6.0, and it’s still pretty stout.  I’m 98-102, aggressive transition, late release.  I think you’ll have to play the shaft on a cold day or without a proper warmup (like when you arrive to the course late) to see if you still like it.

Yeah going to give that a shot this Saturday. Just from the waggles in the living room, it seems like it's probably going to be too much for me, significantly so.

 

I really liked the feel of the Tensei Orange and am kind of disappointed we didn't look further down that road

[NRJyzr]

Providing a contrary perspective...

 

In my earlier/younger days, I had trouble controlling driver.  Everyone put me in a Stiff flex, it wouldn't work.  I just assumed I sucked that much; I *was* fairly new to the game, after all.

 

Found a driver at 2nd Swing in the Misc rack.  Hit it, liked it, figured it was worth a shot.  It was heavier than the driver I'd been using.  No flex designation on the shaft.  For $40, why not?

 

Hit it great.  Found I really did have a tee game somewhere in me.  I'm speaking relatively, it's not like I went from "hope I keep it on the planet" to Calvin Peete-like accuracy, but it was a couple magnitudes better than what I had going.

 

Over that winter, I regripped the club.  I found a label under the grip tape, it had the specs of the shaft on it.  It was 107g or so (can't remember exactly).  And, it was 2X.

 

Of course, I couldn't hit it worth crap for six months after that, until I accepted that maybe proper flex isn't about only swingspeed.  

 

Which is the point.  You need to give it a shot, not rely on generally accepted maxims of golf equipment.  Many/most long held maxims have been proven incorrect as tech has allowed us to better observe what's happening, and better measure results.  

 

TLDR version, there's a reason you were given that shaft from the fitting.  The only way you'll really know is to commit to an honest effort.  It may be a bad fit.  But, it just might work.  You won't know if you don't try.

 

Edited July 1, 2021 by NRJyzr

[ChristopherMcDonald]

11 minutes ago, NRJyzr said:

Providing a contrary perspective...

 

In my earlier/younger days, I had trouble controlling driver.  Everyone put me in a Stiff flex, it wouldn't work.  I just assumed I sucked that much; I *was* fairly new to the game, after all.

 

Found a driver at 2nd Swing in the Misc rack.  Hit it, liked it, figured it was worth a shot.  It was heavier than the driver I'd been using.  No flex designation on the shaft.  For $40, why not?

 

Hit it great.  Found I really did have a tee game somewhere in me.  I'm speaking relatively, it's not like I went from "hope I keep it on the planet" to Calvin Peete-like accuracy, but it was a couple magnitudes better than what I had going.

 

Over that winter, I regripped the club.  I found a label under the grip tape, it had the specs of the shaft on it.  It was 107g or so (can't remember exactly).  And, it was 2X.

 

Of course, I couldn't hit it worth crap for six months after that, until I accepted that maybe proper flex isn't about only swingspeed.  

 

Which is the point.  You need to give it a shot, not rely on generally accepted maxims of golf equipment.  Many/most long held maxims have been proven incorrect as tech has allowed us to better observe what's happening, and better measure results.  

 

TLDR version, there's a reason you were given that shaft from the fitting.  The only way you'll really know is to commit to an honest effort.  It may be a bad fit.  But, it just might work.  You won't know if you don't try.

 

Read all of it and appreciate your experience and insight. I'm hoping my experience may be similar to yours and it'll work out!