S300 vs R300

Dan Lau · December 2, 2009

had incorrect lofts so think I need softer shafts

I had a set of AP1s and I found out that the lofts on the PW and 9 iron were about 3 degrees strong (45 PW is already strong to begin with). The rest of the set was a little bit strong too but not as bad.

I figured from those inflated distances, that I needed stiff shafts. I was hitting my 7 iron about 155 yards. After getting the lofts adjusted, my distances decreased dramatically. I switched to a set of Srixon 701s (which I love) and I realized that I only hit my 7 iron about 145 tops.

Distances:

SW (54) - 85 - 90
GW (50) - 100
PW (46) - 111
9 - 122
8 - 133
7 - 145
6 - 155
5 - 165-170
4 - 175 -180

I use TA wedge flex shafts in my CG14s and I love them. Was wondering based on these distances, should I be using the R300s instead of the S300s in my Srixons? I've hit R400s and a different set of irons and didn't feel like I lost any control.. Think S300 is too much shaft. Should I switch???

juststeve · December 2, 2009

I believe you should be swinging the softest shaft you can control. Your numbers put you in the R-300 range but distance is not the only criteria. If your change of direction is quick you might consider a stiffer shaft. Otherwise R-300 seems the ticket.

Steve

Jimbud · December 2, 2009

If your happy with the weight and feel of the DG shafts you can certainly continue with them. Another option would be to try a lighter stiff shaft that might give you a little fast club head speed. I think your ball flight will increase with the R300 shaft. I don't expect there to be a huge difference in yardage between the R300 and S300.

elchene · December 2, 2009

I lost about 3-4 yards comparing S300 and R300 (not much yardage). I play R300 because it feels much better at impact, smoother and loads better.

Asleep · December 2, 2009

You qualify for R-flex, but try them first to be sure you like their feel.

Dan Lau · December 2, 2009

Wow. I just Hoed another set of 701s off ebay with R300s for pretty cheap. I'm going to hit them side by side and see what happens. ALso, my grips always been a bit suspect. My right hand is too far under the grip.. .. V points outside my right shoulder. I am trying to rotate it up on top to neutral and I seem to be getting more distance ..

Will report back once I get the R300s in hand.

avrag · December 3, 2009

[quote name='Jimbud' post='2099205' date='Dec 3 2009, 01:31 AM']If your happy with the weight and feel of the DG shafts you can certainly continue with them. Another option would be to try a lighter stiff shaft that might give you a little fast club head speed. I think your ball flight will increase with the R300 shaft. I don't expect there to be a huge difference in yardage between the R300 and S300.[/quote]

[quote name='elchene' post='2099216' date='Dec 3 2009, 01:36 AM']I lost about 3-4 yards comparing S300 and R300 (not much yardage). I play R300 because it feels much better at impact, smoother and loads better.[/quote]

It is my experience as well that there is almost no difference in distance between the DG R300 and S300 for people who are on that line, where "R or S?" is always the question. I'd say that this is the case for people with a 97, 98 mph driver swing speed.
My iron distances are about 5-8 yds longer with every iron than the OP's, that's with 31° 6-iron and 47° PW (I think it is necessary to add that these days).
R300s go a little higher for me, and they are more comfortable to play than the S300 when it is cold. In summer, the S300 feel better to me. More kick, if that makes any sense.
An an addition about lighter shafts: I also had the same iron distances with Ping (TT) Z-Z65 shafts and Nippon NS Pro 1050 in S-Flex. But the Z-Z65 shafts make me draw the ball more than I want to, and the Nippons feel a little too "smooth" for me, almost dull.
The only shafts that cost me distance were Project X 5.0, flighted and non-flighted. Those also felt really dead to me, like I could not load them at all.