shaft characteristics to lower spin rates

[shepdog]

Have been on a LM to get baseline numbers with my gamer and compared them to other retail driver and stock shaft offerings currently available. The numbers for my Titleist 983 E with stiff YS6 were the best of any, but my spin rate was 3500-3800 with a LA of 13.5. What shaft characteristics might I look for in a shaft to bring my spin numbers down some, without altering my LA? Would a heavier shaft help? Would a stiffer tip help. I'm just looking for a general direction to go in. My transition is smooth and swingspeed is 95-98 on a pretty consistent basis. I also have a fairly steep swing according to what I have been told.

On a related note, does someone with a steeper swing generally put more spin on the ball than someone with a flatter swing?

[bradkv]

What is the loft of your driver? As a general rule, loft is the key component in spin rate. You can certainly lower that spin with a change in shaft, because the YS6 is a spinny shaft. However, if your swing is steep, and you are hitting the ball with a descending blow, a new shaft may hurt more than help. Heavier shafts, and stiffer tipped shafts are great for lowering spin, but if you are hitting the ball with a descending blow, switching to a stiffer tipped shaft may not help a whole lot.

[shepdog]

Loft is 9.5 and I do hit the ball on the upswing.

[jaskanski]

What does your ball flight look like?

If it's straight with acceptable distance, then the LM numbers count for nothing really. LM results have their place in advanced club fitting, but there is no substitute for actually seeing what the ball does.

Changing component parts to satisfy the LM results is one route to take I guess. But what is the pay-off? An extra 5 or so yards? Think about it before you go "chasing the numbers". Just my 2cents.

[bradkv]

I'll echo what the above poster said. You won't be looking at a huge increase in distance with any change. However, if you really want to lower your spin, and maintain your launch, I would suggest the new Axivcore black, Fubuki 63, or maybe the new Prolaunch Blue with Axis technology. These shafts should keep your launch angle high and lower your spin a bit.

[LyleG]

The only way a shaft contributes to spin is by the amount of forward bend it has at impact. The stiffer the tip section the less the spin. There is no magic here regardless of what the shaft manufacturers would like you to believe.

[shepdog]

The only way a shaft contributes to spin is by the amount of forward bend it has at impact. The stiffer the tip section the less the spin. There is no magic here regardless of what the shaft manufacturers would like you to believe.

Does a heavier weight shaft have any effect on spin rates?

[Deadpool_25]

Have been on a LM to get baseline numbers with my gamer and compared them to other retail driver and stock shaft offerings currently available. The numbers for my Titleist 983 E with stiff YS6 were the best of any, but my spin rate was 3500-3800 with a LA of 13.5. What shaft characteristics might I look for in a shaft to bring my spin numbers down some, without altering my LA? Would a heavier shaft help? Would a stiffer tip help. I'm just looking for a general direction to go in. My transition is smooth and swingspeed is 95-98 on a pretty consistent basis. I also have a fairly steep swing according to what I have been told.

On a related note, does someone with a steeper swing generally put more spin on the ball than someone with a flatter swing?

 

Optimizing your launch angle and swing rate for your swing speed WILL result in more distance. How much distance depends on how far off of optimum you are now. Also, different conditions will make a difference. For example, while optimal numbers can get you more carry, if you play in windy and firm conditions it might be better to go for a lower launch. Regardless, there are plenty of "low spin" shafts out there now. You can just find one and give it a shot, though eventually that becomes an expensive proposition. The easiest way to lower spin is to change lofts on your driver so you might consider starting there. I don't have the modeling software, but for your swing speed, I'd guess you want around 2500 - 2800 spin with that same launch angle...or even a hair higher...around 14 - 15 degrees. That's just a guess though.

 

Loft is 9.5 and I do hit the ball on the upswing.

 

In your original post you said you had a steep swing. Interesting to have a steep swing and still catch it on the upswing. Not impossible, just interesting.

[shepdog]

I play the ball far enough forward in my stance to insure that I catch it on the upswing. My goal is to get more airtime since I am playing in the NW and roll is pretty much eliminated this time of year.