Driver shaft fitting

[philfrance]

Help me!

Hello:
I'm a 4 hcp, 47 years old. Currently hitting and liking a Titleist 910D2, with a Kaili 65, S Flex. My swing speed with driver is roughly 92 mph, I can get roughly 240 carry, and 10 yds roll in average course conditions.




I'm hitting my driver with too much spin, though trajectory is satisfactory (mid launch).

I tried a RIP in - flex, and didn't like it, felt dead and stiff even for S-flex - couldn't maintain enough speed with the S- flex.

I basically want soft feel, mid launch, low spin; lightweight.

What do you recommend?

Thanks!

Phil

[jaskanski]

I'd recommend a proper fitting.
If you're really honest with yourself, what do you hope to achieve by switching to another shaft? By your own admission, you are liking the current set up, the trajectory is satisfactory, but bizarrely you think the spin may be too high. It may be possible to pinpoint a shaft with better feel (which is totally subjective) and a mid launch (whatever you like), but you've got to realise that at your swing speed, the absolute best (and I mean [b][i]absolute[/i] [/b]best) would be a modest increase in overall carry - about 5 yards. My initial feeling on your figures is that 92mph doesn't really equate to 240 yards of carry under optimal conditions - more like 220 perhaps. The overall swing speed would suggest a more flexible shaft too - I'd consider trying a regular.
In summary, a proper fitting session could potentially reveal more to you than any random post about which shaft might (a big might) work better for you. If your current set up is working for you and you like it (your own words), I doubt throwing money at another shaft is going to make enough difference to justify the cost - whatever you budget may be. You may well want soft feel (who doesn't?), but the rest of the desired qualities you want are open to question - especially if you have no hard data or any professional opinion to start from.
That is the basis for my recommendation. Also, and I don't mean this disrespectfully in any way, a much needed reality check.

[gambit]

If you're getting 240 yards of carry at your swing speed there's no need to switch shafts. You're not gonna get it better than that. Plus, you need more spin to keep the ball in the air longer.

[michigander]

I agree with jaskanski, at a swingspeed of 92 mph you will not get a carry of 240 yards. Unless you are going by numbers on a juiced up monitor. If you think by changing shafts will give you more carry, I think you will be very disappointed. Sorry.

[RMS29]

[quote name='philfrance' timestamp='1328285574' post='4205205']
Hello:
I'm a 4 hcp, 47 years old. Currently hitting and liking a Titleist 910D2, with a Kaili 65, S Flex. My swing speed with driver is roughly 92 mph, I can get roughly 240 carry, and 10 yds roll in average course conditions.




I'm hitting my driver with too much spin, though trajectory is satisfactory (mid launch).

I tried a RIP in - flex, and didn't like it, felt dead and stiff even for S-flex - couldn't maintain enough speed with the S- flex.

I basically want soft feel, mid launch, low spin; lightweight.

What do you recommend?

Thanks!

Phil



[/quote]

Based on the information you provided, I would guess that a ProLaunch Platinum would work well for you. Test them out with both a regular and stiff. Contrary to popular belief, swing speed is not the only factor that determines distance and spin. Ball speeds can be different for two people who have the same swing speed based on smash factor (abilty to maintain speed through the ball) and swing path. ProLaunch Platinum is a mid-launch/low spin shaft. Also, if you are struggling with high spin off the driver, perhaps you need a shorter driver shaft. Cutting off an inch or more can dramatically improve driver accuracy. Hope this helps.

Also, for what its worth, I have played both the ProLaunch Red (lower launch) and the RIP Alpha (lower launch) and feel that the PL Red has more feel to it. Not as choppy as the RIP.