Re-shaft, or Shaft extension

[OfficeNerd]

I have the chance to pick up the Titleist 816 H2 using a points program through my work. The shaft I was fitted for is an available option, but I am not able to order with the custom length I need (+1").

 

My ask is, can I simply get an extension, and re-grip? or will I need to re-shaft? My wedges currently have an extension in them, and i have not had any issues. I was just unsure if an extension of +1" in a Hybrid would be noticeable.

 

I shoot anywhere from mid to high 90's, with a goal of breaking 90 in 2017.

 

Thank you in advance for any help.

[IsleOfMan]

I'd personally probably go the extension route... 1" on a hybrid done right should be fine.

[Socrates]

Extension.

[Stuart_G]

The only concern is that a custom order for +1" would likely have the head weight adjusted (lighter) in the factory for that longer length so getting the normal length and adding an inch (whether by using an extension or reshafting) might result in a head weight that's potentially too high for you.

 

Are you sure you need a full inch extra? Most hybrids are already a decent amount longer than the irons they are supposedly replacing.

[OfficeNerd]

The only concern is that a custom order for +1" would likely have the head weight adjusted (lighter) in the factory for that longer length so getting the normal length and adding an inch (whether by using an extension or reshafting) might result in a head weight that's potentially too high for you.

 

Are you sure you need a full inch extra? Most hybrids are already a decent amount longer than the irons they are supposedly replacing.

 

I was not aware the factory would adjust, or could adjust each head for the extra length of the shaft.

 

You bring up a good point, and I am going to see if i can go swing the club with stock length, with the shaft, and check the numbers.

 

Thank you,

[Stuart_G]

Generally they try to adjust but there are limits to what they can or might be able to do. Not a Titleist expert so can't say for sure what exactly they might do or how much a difference it would make. If you go to the Titleist web site and go onto the Team Titleist forum there, you can post a question there to get more specific info if it turns out to be needed.

[IsleOfMan]

There are weight kits available, but I think only from Titleist Japan or for around $35 on eBay. It includes 6/9/11/13/16 gram weights. You'd need to weigh the included weight and see if one of the kit weights is enough lighter to have much affect on swingweight and go from there. If there's enough meat on the stock weight, you could also try grinding it down or otherwise removing material from it to get the weight down, just be careful to ensure you don't remove material critical to it threading or otherwise attaching securely to the club head. I don't see any aftermarket weights like the ones so easily found for TM clubs or even Titleist drivers.

 

That said, I don't think a 1" extension is going to have a profound impact on the feel if you're not already sensitive enough to swingweight to know what it is and have taken it into consideration. I currently play an M2 at 44" (1.5" short) which notably lowered the swingweight, but I don't really feel that difference compared to the stock shaft length (which I still have un-cut and put in sometimes for comparison). I'll probably order an 8g weight to compensate, but it'll be more for very minor peace of mind or to spend eBay bucks before they expire than any notable difference in feel. I'd say the difference in 1" longer in a hybrid would be even less pronounced.

[Double Dutch]

An extension will work fine, and is easy to add.

As the 816 is adjustable, I would start by trying the original length with the adapter in the most upright position. You may find, as I did, that it will be much easier to hit with a normal iron swing. I play my irons .5 to 1 " longer than standard but my woods and hybrid shorter and really like how they all feel more the same to swing.

[kenstl]

An extension will work fine, and is easy to add.

As the 816 is adjustable, I would start by trying the original length with the adapter in the most upright position. You may find, as I did, that it will be much easier to hit with a normal iron swing. I play my irons .5 to 1 " longer than standard but my woods and hybrid shorter and really like how they all feel more the same to swing.

 

Ditto here... I play my irons an 1" longer but play my hybrid and woods an inch shorter and it works out great. I would just go the extension route, however you will need a club fitter to take the head off and reassemble if you are looking for a specific MOI or swing weight.

[IsleOfMan]

Swing weight could be adjusted without removing the head. Also, it's an adjustable club so the head could easily be removed as such.

[rsballer10]

I bet a standard length hybrid is the same length as a +1" iron, so stock length probably blends into an iron set perfectly.

[mylesb21]

if you extend the shaft by 1”, the sw will increase* by 6 points. You will need to decrease the head weight to achieve the same swing weight after lengthening*.

You should measure your other woods to see what swing weight works for you. Then you’ll have a benchmark to start with.

I’ve extended many wood shafts with great success. I’ve never needed to reshaft.

*comment corrected

[wobgon]

If you extend the shaft by i inch, the swing weight will increase by six points, not decrease by six points.

[mylesb21]

Deleted

[Stuart_G]

 

Sorry, but it's still wrong. Yes, extending the club will increase the swing weight but so will adding more weight to the head. You'd need to remove weight from the head to compensate for the increased playing length after extending the shaft. You would only add weight to the head to compensate for decreasing the playing length.

[mylesb21]

Sorry, my comment was all wrong. I agree w you Stuart. The head weight would need to be lightened after lengthening the shaft to achieve the same swing weight.

[Z1ggy16]

1'' extension should be totally fine. I've added a few extensions to my shafts this year and not had any issues. If SW became too much you'd need to somehow remove a bit of weight.

[rwl]

Agree w/ most everyone else, 1" no problem w/ extension. I've never had a problem. That said, I'd try it as is first.

Good luck!

[rx7mark]

An extension is not an issue, but I agree with others, that you should fit the length relative to your longest iron plus 0.5 inch, don't automatically add an inch to the length. If the swing weight comes out a little high I have had luck adding some lead tape in a spiral under the grip right where my hands go, or use a heavier grip. I don't even notice the lead tape. This assumes you can do the swing weighting yourself. I use a spreadsheet, a presicion gram scale, and a 6 inch metal ruler clamped in a vise as a balance point with a 36 inch ruler clamped to my work bench to measure the balance point. Works great. If you want to MOI match, thats a whole different game.

[mylesb21]

I use shaft extensions all the time with great success.