How long is my driver going to be?

DonD · August 21, 2008

I have a Cleveland HiBore XLS 9.5 degree, and I just bought a Diamana BB "pulled" shaft off the For Sale forum...the listing states that it is 43" long...if I have this installed according to the manufacturer's instructions (2" in according to the website), how long will the club be once assembled? Will it be the current standard 45", or at least pretty close? Thanks.

Gem · August 21, 2008

I think at most you will get 44 1/2"

Gem

DonD · August 21, 2008

OK, 2 follow-up questions (I'm a golfer, but not a club builder/repair & component expert, so please excuse the "newbie" questions):

1) I've heard that the BlueBoard tends to play a little softer than its flex; the Diamana website suggests installing the shaft only 1.5" in for a little stiffer performance...presumably that would result in the club playing 1/2" longer, right?

2) What is the story on "shaft extenders"...is that a wise move, especially with a high end shaft like the BB? How does a shaft extender affect the performance of the shaft? And is it really worth it for an extra inch or so in length (and the presmued increase in clubhead speed that would come with it?)

I don't want to install a high-end shaft in my driver and end up losing distance because I'm playing a shorter club.

Thanks for the insight!

Gem · August 22, 2008

Do you know if the shaft has been tipped or not?

If you installed it 1/2" less it would be longer overall but actually play softer due to less effective tipping.

I am sure the Hi-Bore will not be 2" hosel depth anyway unless it is made for a blind bore.

The origonal Hi-Bore was around 1 1/2" depth.

You could put a tip weight in it to give you an extra 1/4" and some extra swingweight which you will need due to the shorter length making it lighter.

You may need a shim as Hi-bores have a .350 hosel diam.

A lot of people will not use shaft extenders ever. But up to 1" and they are not too bad although you may struggle to re-sell it because of this.

As for the length it does not make a huge difference to distance and will make you straighter.

Sergio uses a driver length of under 44".

You could install it first then try it out at that length then if you feel it a bit short then plug it later although you will have to get the sw up to around D2 to feel 'normal' when shorter.

Usually you lose around 3 sw points for every 1/2" shaft reduction.

Gem