Help me choose my Driver Length

SnapHooker_307 · April 23, 2008

Okay, there are a couple things I am wondering. My driver right now is a G5 at 45.75 inches, way to long. I have a Cleveland hibore xl head and an Aldila vs proto shaft, and I want to shorten it to 44.5 inches. Would this be too much of a change to get used to? Also, if I want the club to play 44.5 inches, will I have the shaft cut to that exact length or is is something different? Thank you very much.

DaveMac · April 23, 2008

The main problem you face is the loss of swingweight. If you trim the ping 1 1/4 inches you will loose 7 swing weights D3 to C7. You can add lead tape, but I think this looks very poor. It is possible to add weight to the shaft tip which I think is preferable.

If you make the changes in the right way there will not be any need to get used to the change, it will just feel much better straight away.

My advice is to find a reputable club builder and let him / her make the modifications.

SnapHooker_307 · April 23, 2008

Don't worry, I won't be trying this myself. I just got a tour head from the BST that had hotmelt already, so it is a little heavier. I'm not shortening the ping, I bought a new head and a shaft and will go from there. I'll be sure to mention to the clubfitter what swing weight I want. Thanks for your reply.

OrangeBlood · April 23, 2008

FWIW...I cut my Adams BUL from 45.5 to 44" and did not notice a weight difference. I know there is a diff. on a scale, but for me it's just not noticeable. Swingweight is measured in grams...hard for a 6'1" 200 guy like me to notice 6-18 grams during my swing. Not to mention it's all personal preference anyway. I say cut it, you will def. notice more accuracy in your drives, and frankly I have gained distance due to the fact that now I hit more in the sweetspot. You can always add an extension back to it if your not happy. You will not in any way ruin your driver if you cut it down.

You can also choke down on your current driver and determine if the swingweight will work, this will have the same affect as if it was cut.

SnapHooker_307 · April 23, 2008

Thank you. I do like the swingweight when I choke down, I just don't like the extra shaft sticking up. Thanks for the input, looks like I will go for 44.5 inches.

JCAG · April 23, 2008

KING

A correction if you do not mind. Swingweight does not measure weight in gram, ounces, pounds, nor tons. I can make a 300 gram club swingweight at D3 and I could make a 300 pound club swingweight at D3.

Swingweight is a "representation" of weight balance based on a given fulcrum.

OrangeBlood · April 23, 2008

Maybe I am wrong but it states all over the place that... 1 swingweight point = 3-6 grams

Dyno · April 25, 2008

Maybe I am wrong but it states all over the place that... 1 swingweight point = 3-6 grams

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44071

Peoples Golf · April 25, 2008

cut it, the accuracy will definately make the 10 yards you might loose worth it... it will make it much more consisitent as well.

OrangeBlood · April 25, 2008

Maybe I am wrong but it states all over the place that... 1 swingweight point = 3-6 grams

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44071

Thanks...like I said I've read other figures elsewhere. Makes it even more comfusing. I don't have a care in the world regarding swingweight, so it doesn't matter.