Jump to content
2024 Houston Open WITB Photos ×

Shorter Driver vs Choking Up


Clemente80

Recommended Posts

A lot of people have posted about the benefits of a shorter driver. I’m a believer, having worked myself down from 46 (10 years ago) to 45 (this year). But I started experimenting with choking up half to one inch (so essentially 44.5 or 44) and it seems to be helpful. But is there any reason why performance would differ from choking up versus cutting the shaft by an inch? If not, why do people say OEMs should offer a shorter shaft length?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 8
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

I think it’s more of a SW issue. If you cut a club down you will have to account for the SW difference. It may or may not be a problem for you, depending on how much is cut. Choking down is fine as long as you are not down to the point of the grip being too narrow.

 

If the OEM’s offered shorter clubs then the SW would be adjusted and you could grip in the same position as your other clubs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it’s more of a SW issue. If you cut a club down you will have to account for the SW difference. It may or may not be a problem for you, depending on how much is cut. Choking down is fine as long as you are not down to the point of the grip being too narrow.

 

If the OEM’s offered shorter clubs then the SW would be adjusted and you could grip in the same position as your other clubs.

 

Choking down lowers the EFFECTIVE swingweight exactly like shortening it.

 

If you choke down an inch the swingweight will feel 6 points lighter to your brain.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it’s more of a SW issue. If you cut a club down you will have to account for the SW difference. It may or may not be a problem for you, depending on how much is cut. Choking down is fine as long as you are not down to the point of the grip being too narrow.

 

If the OEM’s offered shorter clubs then the SW would be adjusted and you could grip in the same position as your other clubs.

 

Choking down lowers the EFFECTIVE swingweight exactly like shortening it.

 

If you choke down an inch the swingweight will feel 6 points lighter to your brain.

 

 

So if one chokes down an inch and hits a cleaner shot is it because of the lighter sw or the shortened swing arc? Lol. Am I thinking correctly on this?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it’s more of a SW issue. If you cut a club down you will have to account for the SW difference. It may or may not be a problem for you, depending on how much is cut. Choking down is fine as long as you are not down to the point of the grip being too narrow.

 

If the OEM’s offered shorter clubs then the SW would be adjusted and you could grip in the same position as your other clubs.

 

Choking down lowers the EFFECTIVE swingweight exactly like shortening it.

 

If you choke down an inch the swingweight will feel 6 points lighter to your brain.

 

 

So if one chokes down an inch and hits a cleaner shot is it because of the lighter sw or the shortened swing arc? Lol. Am I thinking correctly on this?

 

Chicken or the egg? Maybe you like a lighter swingweight, maybe you like a smaller arc, maybe you like both.

 

I experimented extensively on launch monitors in the 90’s when drivers started gettting longer. I never cared for them. I found I average longer distances and a better strike with a 43.5” driver at a slightly light swingweight. D-2. I’ve been setting mine up like that since 1996 since I figured it out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it's more of a SW issue. If you cut a club down you will have to account for the SW difference. It may or may not be a problem for you, depending on how much is cut. Choking down is fine as long as you are not down to the point of the grip being too narrow.

 

If the OEM's offered shorter clubs then the SW would be adjusted and you could grip in the same position as your other clubs.

 

Choking down lowers the EFFECTIVE swingweight exactly like shortening it.

 

If you choke down an inch the swingweight will feel 6 points lighter to your brain.

 

 

So if one chokes down an inch and hits a cleaner shot is it because of the lighter sw or the shortened swing arc? Lol. Am I thinking correctly on this?

 

Since play length is more important than balance, improvement going shorter comes from play length.

Restoring the original SW value is NOT a good idea. Just like standard play length, you was NOT fitted to play that value, and D2 at 45 and D2 at 44 is NOT the same, so use lead tape when gripping down, and add some head wgt to see if that makes impact even better, and keep it up until its to heavy and step back again until you find your ideal.

 

Grip size might be a issue when gripping down, so would getting a constant play length (we will vary up and down without a mark)

A way around this is taking a grip and drill a hole trough the grip cap, so the part of the shaft we plan to chop off sticks out on top of the grip.

 

_This way we can test the club at the new play length without cutting, who gives us full return, and the option to tip trim if adding head wgt made the shaft feel to soft,

 

Here is a full DIY driver tune up, no need for special tools at all

http://www.golfwrx.c...up-diy-fitting/

DO NOT SEND PMs WITH CLUB TECH QUESTIONS - USE THE PUBLIC FORUM.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I recently shortened my driver (Rogue sub zero) by tip trimming and had a positive result. Swing weight went from D3 to D0. I used lead tape to return to the original swing weight but I still felt like some adjustments were needed. When I got swing weight up to D4.5 it was like a different driver. Longer distance and tighter dispersion. Don’t stop at your original weight keep adding until you hit that perfect point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I play all my drivers at 44.5" I prefer a 70 gm shaft and approx D4 SW. Choking down for me doesn't really show me anything. If your driver is adjustable, trying a shorter shaft is no danger. Give it a try. Weight and grip size mean more than people think too!

 

BT

 

Dr#1 Cobra Speedzone 10.5 – HZRDUS Yellow HC 65 TX @ 46”
Dr#2 Mizuno STZ 220 9.5 (10.5) - HZRDUS Smoke IM10 65 Low TX @ 46"

Mizuno ST190 15 - HZRDUS Smoke Yellow 70 TS @ 43"
Mizuno STZ 220 18- HZRDUS Smoke Yellow 70 TS @ 42"
Mizuno MP15 4-PW - Aldila RIP Tour 115 R
Cobra MIM Wedges 52, 56 & 60 – stock KBS Hi-Rev @ 35.5”

Odyssey V-Line Stroke Lab 33.5"
Grips - Grip Master Classic Wrap Midsize

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...