The Educated Clubfitter

Best Shaft Flex Slope System?

2010-06-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: Hello,

Is there any data or published articles comparing the dispersion patterns from a
one number ( flat ) frequency set of irons, and set of golf clubs compared to a
sloped curve ( each club has a higher frequency number ) frequency set? I have
had people claim to me that a steep slope curve is better than a shallow slope
compared to a horizontal or flat curve, and depending upon who is trying to sell
me clubs claiming that this ne is better because of blah, blah, blah. It makes
sense to me that there would be an "Iron Byron" based study to actually quote
data from and settle the argument. I am biased because I have been playing a
one # frequency set for the past 4 sets of clubs, but would actually like to see
some hard published scientific study type data to support one method or another.

Thanks, OFG,

ANSWER: Hi OFG,

The answer to your question is quite easy- “It depends on the golfer”.

Different installation methods with regards to butt frequency slope variations will meet with varying levels of success based on the golfers swing, how they feel the club when they swing, and their past experience.

(For background information to other readers of this Q&A- most every iron set is built to a certain flex, such as REGULAR or STIFF, but each club in the set will measure on a shaft butt frequency meter, progressively stiffer. as you move from the #3 iron to the PW. However, there are some iron sets that are offered by clubmaking shops, that will measure on a shaft butt frequency meter to be the same raw stiffness. If these meter numbers are plotted on a graph, the traditional set will have a line that is moving upward, or a “steep slope”, and the same raw stiffness set will thus have a line that is the same, or a “flat slope”.)

Moving back to our discussion -in simplest terms, most golfers swing with different amounts of “strain” on the shaft for different clubs. This is partly because they have learned to swing based on a steeper frequency type slope. This is also because this is what they have found feels best to them. Other golfers, typically who have the same length backswing, and exert the same amount of force or strain on the shaft, from their long irons to their short irons, prefer a flatter, single frequency type slope.

Neither system is right or wrong. Adjusting the slope, or relative shaft butt stiffness from club to club, is actually a fitting tool than can be used to match an overall shaft flex scheme to the type of golfer.

The discussion is also a “chicken or the egg” type argument. It can be argued that most golfers should play with a traditional steep slope because their swings dictate this. It can also be argued that most every golfer uses a steep slope set only because that is the system that their swings learned on and thus are based on. Maybe if everyone learned how to swing and play with a flat-line slope, when they first played the game, the steep slope users would be in the minority.

Doing an “Iron Byron” test would not yield any good data as to the preferred method since a robot type device would only be measuring which slope type would be best for the type of swing that you chose for the robot.

My best recommendation is to play with both type of sets, and make your conclusion based on the following statement- “Which set allowed you to swing in the most efficient, natural, and comfortable manner, without the need to adjust or manipulate your swing?”.

Regards, Mark

Optimize Distance via a Professional Assessment

2010-05-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: Hi,

I have a Callaway FT-iz driver, 8.5 loft, and a neutral head. I have a Fubuki
shaft and an Ozik X-CON 5 shaft. I have a swing speed that ranges from 105-115
mph and I hit the ball solid most of the time. I am losing distance. I don't hit the ball high. I am wondering what I might try to increase my distance. I don't like a shaft that is too stiff or heavy, but when
I go softer, my spin goes up and my flight comes down. Anyone have any shaft
ideas for me? Thank you, JL

ANSWER: Hi JL,

There is no accurate formula for a given shaft based on your trajectory and swing speed. For a true determination of your shaft and for optimization of your distance, you are best to undergo a driver fitting assessment.

Your email is like the following example:

"I am in good health, and I have tried a few different supplements, but I am losing stamina. My temperature is good, and my strength is good, What supplement should I take?"

I am sure you would recommend that this person goes beyond a random guess and undergo some type of examination by a health professional to determine the condition of the patient, the causes of the loss of stamina, and what is the best course of action.

Likewise, if you are losing distance, I would recommend a driver fitting assessment to optimize both FEEL and FLIGHT.

The goal of a professional driver fitting assessment is to determine which equipment combination allows us to achieve both the most "EFFICIENT FLIGHT GEOMETRY" and the "OPTIMAL CLUB INTERACTION". Efficient Flight Geometry means which ball flight will achieve the best combination of flight and roll, which in the case of the driver club means the most distance. Optimal Club Interaction means which club will allow our body and swing to perform in the most efficient manner, without the need for compensation or concession.

Thus, a driver fitting assessment includes a comparison of different lofts, head styles, shaft models, flexes and installation specifications, a measurement of the ability to deliver the club to the ball in an efficient manner, and a tracking of which combination yields the best flight geometry.

If you are married to one head, and one loft, and are searching for the best shaft model to go along with this head/loft, you are offering yourself limited options. If you open yourself to a whole world of options, you will find your optimal distance.

Best regards, Mark

TRUE Education on Shaft Frequency Measurement

2010-04-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: Hi Mark,

I am a small club builder working out of my garage and I am interested in
putting a Nippon steel shaft in a Taylor Made Burner Driver. I think a stiff
shaft that produces somewhere in the neighborhood of 260 cycles per minute. Do
you have something near that and how much will it cost?

Thanks, Bob

ANSWER: Hi Bob,

Thanks for sending in your note.

You might consider our NS PRO 950FW Series of premium steel shaft models designed for drivers and fairway metals. These are available exclusively via our Authorized Nippon Shaft Installation Centers. Their contact information is available at www.shaftology.com.

Regarding a shaft that "produces somewhere in the neighborhood of 260 cycles per minute", please let me offer a bit of true clubmaking education.

1) "260 cycles", at first sounds like a very precise stiffness rating, however, in the real world, it represents a huge, wide, expansive, very large range of stiffness ratings.

2) What is required is some background info to achieve a more precise language and thus a more precise rating.

3) Because of the variability of the frequency meter machine and its shaft clamp, clamp pressure, base, head weight, grip on or off, etc., and even technician, a given rating, say 260CPM, can represent a stiffness rating of a Senior Flex, Medium Flex, Stiff Flex, or Extra Stiff Flex, or any of the in-between sub-flexes.

4) Because a frequency machine is measuring the "butt frequency" or relative butt stiffness of a given shaft, and not the TOTALITY of how a shaft will play with regards to flex or stiffness, a 260 CPM can represent a stiffness rating of a Senior Flex, Medium Flex, Stiff Flex, or an Extra-Stiff Flex, or any of the inbetween sub-flexes.

5) These variations occur because, for example, some models are very stiff in the butt section, but then very flexible in the mid and tip sections, versus a model that is very stiff in the butt section, and then very stiff in the mid and tip sections. This results in a similar stiffness CPM "rating", but is not at all representative of the stiffness "playability" of the two shaft models.

6)If you realize now the number variations that are in play, you understand that "260 CPMs" is only a raw rating of a given machine, a given measurement methodology, and a given shaft.

7) The next realization therefore, is that comparing this raw number to another raw number, derived from a different machine, different measurement methodology, and different shaft geometry offers no value in comparison.

8) So what is the value of these measurements? My best recommendation is to use a frequency machine and the raw values to compare and evaluate the relative stiffness of one series of shaft models.

9) For example-

Let's say you have an NS PRO 950FW 'S' flex shaft installed in your driver, with specifications of 44" length, D2 swingweight, a standard Lamkin Crossline grip, and the raw frequency value is 260. And let's say that you play with this combination and it feels too flexible, you have a hard time adjusting to the flex, and thus your shot pattern and face contact is erratic.

Next, you have an NS PRO 950FW 'X' flex shaft installed into your same driver, with the exact same specifications, and the raw frequency value is 272. We know that this raw frequency number is of great comparison value since we are using the same machine, same measurement methodology, and same shaft geometry, thus the difference in the CPM value is a direct representation of the actual flex value as compared to the previous club.

Let's say this club feels too stiff, and plays quite "dead", meaning that they only way to get this shaft to play OK is to swing in a jerking motion to get the shaft to flex and thus feel like there is some life to it.

If the stiff club played approximately a half of a flex too flexible, and the x-stiff club played approximately a half of a flex too stiff, and the other specifications of length and weight seemed optimal, then it would be accurate to assume that building a driver with a raw flex value of 266, to the same specifications, would perform excellent.

10) Many newer clubmakers want a simple, one factor, "take my temperature to diagnose my health" approach, to shaft selection, but what is required for best performance and most enjoyment, is a blend of the art and the science of clubmaking.

Regarding the cost of the NS PRO 950FW shaft series, please contact any of our Authorized Centers. The pricing is certainly dependent upon the fitting and installation services offered.

Best regards, Mark

PGA TOUR Data Tells A Story

2010-02-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

The above data lists the averages of the Tour Players that were recorded by the TRACKMAN Company. The TRACKMAN is the elite doppler radar system used on the PGA Tour to record both clubhead and golf ball flight data.

What story does the data tell? And what can I learn from this data?

First, as if you didn't already understand this- the PGA Tour Players are quite powerful and quite consistent. If you look at their carry distances with their irons and their distance gaps, you see that not only do they hit their irons a long way, but they have fairly consistent distance gaps between their clubs. This distance gapping allows them the best chance at distance control by having more full swing type shots into the greens. Most of us regular golfers do not have such uniform gaps between our clubs and we do not even have an accurate assessment of how far each of irons and wedges go.

With the advent of GPS and Laser Distance tools, we have at our fingertips, the ability to measure and learn both our distances of each of irons and wedges, and thus have the same information as the Tour Players. And if we take the necessary steps to adjust our irons, we can have uniform distance gaps between clubs, just like the tour professionals.

The second powerful piece of data is regarding the driver attack angles of the PGA Professionals. It is a reality that a more positive angle of attack, in the 3 to 4 degree range, leads to greater driver distance, yet the PGA Tour average is negative 1.9 degrees. This happens because the tour players are not really super concerned about squeezing every last yard out of their games/swings. In fact, the PGA Tour, especially with the advent of lesser grooved geometry irons, is more and more about driver control. Swinging on an upward angle creates the ability for the ball to launch higher and spin less, and thus gaining more distance, but it is a different swing than the tour players "normal" swing, and not every player can be as accurate when they choose this swing variation. It is a distance/control trade-off, that most Tour Players can not reconcile.

Yet, if you look at the same data from the LPGA Tour, you will see the driver attack angle number jump to a positive 3 degrees. The LPGA Players are shorter hitters than the men's tour and the distance/control tradeoff is a benefit to the majority of the players.

All of us regular players, meaning any player who needs more yardage, would be best served if we learned, preferably with the help of a TRACKMAN system, and/or a good instructor, how to adjust our natural swing so as to make a positive angle of attack with our driver. The extra yardage for most, is well worth the time and expense invested in achieving a more efficient driver attack angle.

Shaft Inserts to Reduce Impact Vibration?

2010-01-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Hi,

Do you feel the playability of the 950GH Nippon Shaft would be effected by
adding Sensicore inserts? I want to play light weight steel shafts, but need the
shock absorption of graphite. Sensicore inserts are sold seperate and can be
inserted into the shafts.

Thanks, Don
ANSWER: Hi Don,

I think it’s a great idea for your needs.

Inserts will add a small amount of weight, and also remove some of the good feel from your set, which is not perfectly ideal, but if the vibration of impact is keeping you off the course, a small bit of extra weight and minor loss of feel is well worth it. To accurately determine the effect on playability, you might consider installing the inserts into one or two of your shafts and comparing the weight and feel to your other clubs in terms of the feel and weight of impact.

Here are a few other comments;

1) My opinion is that any insert into a shaft will reduce the vibration of impact, but will also rob some of the “feel” of impact. For golfers who couldn’t play without some extra shock absorption, this is a good tradeoff.

2) Play with a head that has some shock dampening qualities. Many heads are moving in this direction. However, you must test and compare different models to determine what works for you, but some great models include many of the Cleveland and Callaway iron models.

3) To alleviate stress and strain on our bodies and swings, it is critical to insure that all specifications of your clubs are fitted and installed to allow you to swing in the most natural, comfortable and efficient manner for your body. If your set is off with regards to weight, lie, length, flex, grip, etc., then you will be forced to twist and contort your body in an effort to make your set work optimally.

Regards, Mark

Finding More Distance?

2009-12-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

QUESTION: Hi,I’m now playing 2009 Burner with 49G, 45′ shaft, Reg flex.I hit it about 200-210 regularly. No problem with gettingthe ball in the air, but I would like more distance. Don’t get much roll. Need more swing speed. Will a longer shaft (46′-47′-48′) help? How about more flex? Current swing speed, controlled swing, in balance,
is 86-88mph. Thanks, JW

ANSWER: Hi JW,
Please understand that there are specific reasons, based
on the physics of your clubhead delivery, and the physics of
your equipment, as to why your ball flies like it does.
There is no “ONE” answer to your questions. But, based on
your note, here are a few comments to get you started
thinking in the right direction-

1) Your lack of roll is most assuredly the result of a
head delivery at impact in a downward angle. This creates
a spin that adds to a rising type trajectory, and subtracts
from distance gaining roll. You may consider working with a
teaching professional to change how you deliver your driver
at impact. Choose a pro wisely, as most do not understand
the physics of this collision moment. If your teaching pro
employs the use of a TRACKMAN system, they most likely are
aware of what I am writing about.

2) You might consider experimenting with different models of
driver heads. Finding a lower spinning head, and maybe even
more loft, is often found to be of great benefit.

3) If your shaft is too stiff for your swing- this will hold
back your distance. The only definitive method is to test and
compare different shaft models. You might consider contacting
one or two of our Authorized Installation Centers and inquire
as to the testing and fitting services that they offer. Their
contact information can be found at www.shaftology.com.

4) Regarding using longer length clubs? This is typically a
disaster for golfers who deliver their driver in a downward
angle at impact. This extra length is in severe conflict
with their swing type and results in bad, adaptive type
swing efforts, and thus poor contact and control.

5) If you are able to use a longer length driver shaft,
you will have to marry this concept with a lighter head.
A longer club with a standard weight driver head will
typically feel out of balance. You might want to connect
with one of our Authorized Installation Centers that are
also a Taylor Made Center, as many of their heads are
weight adjustable. Other options include some of our
Centers who are also Adams centers, that offer some
relevant fitting options.

6) Several companies are offering lighter, longer
drivers, that may or may not be of benefit, but are
worth investigating. One of these is the new Cleveland
DST driver series.

Many of these concepts can be confusing, and I heartily
recommend that you seek help with your search.

In summary, if you are able to combine the benefits of
learning a more functional head delivery, the use of
longer shafts, equipped with a lighter shaft model, like
our NS PRO WT5000, possibly a lower spinning head, and a
lighter head, you will be on your way to discovering which
combination of swing, shaft, and club specifications gives
you the best chance for maximum distance.
Regards, Mark

Anatomy of a Shaft Change on the Champions Tour

2009-11-28T09:39:00.000-08:00

Understanding the positive impact of a properly fitted shaft can elude not only everyday golfers, but even successful tour professionals. The natural tendency for better players is to use their incredible talents and abilities to "overcome" ill-fitted equipment specifications. Average golfers also do this. For regular golfers, this adds a few more obstacles to their round. For tour professionals, in an intense competitive arena, this easily can be the difference between success and failure.

In the case of one such Champions Tour Player, a late season shaft change brought immediate results in the form of his biggest payday of the year.

Before we continue the story, please understand that it is not appropriate to list names and faces when discussing players- they own their celebrity name and likeness. We respect the legality and ethical nature of the situation, and anyways, it is not crucial to the telling of our story.

So this player was having a good season with $600,000 in earnings with 2 events left on the Champions Tour schedule. In a phone conversation with Chuck Taft, a Nippon Shaft Champions Tour Representative, our player reported that he was using the Rifle Project X shaft model, but was looking for something better suited to his swing. He tested the Nippon Shaft NS PRO 1150GH Tour model, but found this shaft to be a bit loose towards the bottom of the club, at impact. The 1150 model has a slight counterbalance of weight in the butt end of the shaft, and this is a common comment for golfers who prefer a more traditional balance. Next up, he tested the NS PRO Superpeening ORANGE shaft model, (pictured above), and found that it was excellent for his body and swing. He installed a set of 'S' flex NS PRO Superpeening ORANGE shafts into his iron and played with them at the AT&T Championship, garnering a top ten finish, and a check for $39,000.

In the next event, the season ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship, our player kept the ORANGE model in his bag and fired four rounds of 69-66-68-68, good for a 2nd place finish, and his best payday of the season at $255,000. He told Chuck that with the Superpeening ORANGE shafts in his irons, all of his iron shots just go, "right at the flag". A quick check of his stats at pgatour.com show that his GIR, greens in regulation, were 16, 15, 14, and 16, which is way above a normal tour player's count for hitting greens in regulation.

These results are a testament to the quality of the player, and the quality of the shaft model, but in my opinion, the quality of the fit and the quality of the installation. This story is an example of an important ingredient of what it takes for golfers to achieve their best performance. We will have great days playing this game, but we will only have our best day, when our equipment allows our bodies and swings to reach our highest level of performance.

Clubfitting for Human Golfers = Comparing Options

2009-11-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

To begin any clubfitting session, we must first agree that golfers are human. We experience the weight of the club, we sense the flex properties of the shaft and we feel the contact of the sole into the turf. Eventhough many mathematical fitting formulas abound in cyberspace, it is impossible to adequately quantify a golfer sensing and interacting with a golf club in motion, via a math equation.

This startling idea that golfers are human, requires us to intentionally design the optimum fitting assessment in a manner so that the human golfer, (with the help of an educated clubfitter, and maybe even some computer data), is able to make a determination as to what is the best weight, flex and sole, for their needs. This is best accomplished via live, comparative testing.

Live, comparative testing, means that the golfer being fitted, is able to swing, hit, and test a variety of head, shaft, and specification options, so as to feel, interact and compare the different choices available to them. Most golfers do not initially believe that have the ability to feel the variances in equipment specifications. However, after 25,000 fitting assessments, I have learned that if you give golfers appropriate comparisons of heads and shafts, every golfer is able to soon verbalize what their bodies and swings are telling them. Utilizing this testing format allows the golfer to discern which head, shaft, and buiding specification is optimal for their body, swing and game. The advance of head and shaft connector technology, means that no golfer should ever settle for being less than a human being, and therefore should demand nothing less than an intentionally designed, live, comparative, interactive fitting session.

During a live, comparative fitting session, a golfer may test different weight classes of shaft models and find that one is heavy, forcing them to start their swing with a lunge in an effort to get some speed to their swing. Another shaft class may be so light that this golfer has a lack of sensation as to the whereabouts of their club during their swing, resulting in a lack of coordination of their swing muscles, and thus, inconsistent contact. However, the correct shaft weight class yields a feeling of natural comfort, and a body and a swing that is balanced and powerful.

Pursue, choose and engage in a clubfitting session that is live, interactive and comparative, and you will experience the feel and the flight of a champion golfer.

Select a Putter Designed for Modern Greens

2009-11-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Four decades ago the average length for a putter was 36", and the average loft was 5 to 6 degrees. Fast forward 40 years to contemporary times, and the average length is 34" and the lofts have decreased into the 3 degree range, with some of the RIFE and YES! putter models, pictured here, measuring in at 1 degree of loft. What happened?

The biggest impact to putter specifications is the result of the modern green surfaces. Our greens have evolved from slower carpets, to closely shaved table-tops. This has caused a shift in the optimum putter head delivery mechanics. A longer grassed, slower speed green, requires more of a wristy-pop stroke, and a good amount of loft, to aid the ball up and out of its resting place and rolling onto the surface of the green. Thus a longer club, that encourages more wrist, and a loftier face, to a help with the initial launch, was the right fit for most golfers a long time ago. View any PGA Tour video from the 50's and 60's, and you will see putter strokes that matched the greens of the times.

However, as the greens became like pool tables, golfers found that they only needed to start the ball rolling on its way, which came from a shoulder controlled, one piece, putter stroke. This type of putter swing is most efficiently accomplished with a putter length an inch or two shorter than what is required of a more wristy-pop stroke. Also, the loft requirements have evaporated as the ball is no longer resting down into the green grass, but already sitting on top of the surface of the green.

The Problem - Adapting old technology putters to new greens
The trouble is that many of the institutionalized older companies still sell putters with longer lengths and high lofts, which forces golfers to manipulate their stroke and their hands at impact, in a effort to adapt the old style to modern greens. The results are a constant battle with issues of direction, speed, and solid contact.

The preferred option is to select a modern technology putter so that you no longer have to adjust your stroke to play on today's modern greens. Find a putter length that allows your arms to hang down comfortably from your shoulders, with the center of the head lying on the ground directly under your eyes, or just outside your eye-line. Also, choose a putter loft in the 1 to 2 degree range. At first, you may encounter some inconsistency as your body, aim and stroke are not used to the proper specifications. But soon, you will find a greater degree of aim, contact, and consistency, due to a natural learning of a more efficient stroke. Regards, Mark

The #1 Goal of Clubfitting- "No swing concessions"

2009-11-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

The benefit of any clubfitting session is to equip the golfer with a set of
specifications which allows them to achieve their highest level of performance- without the need for compensation.

If your set is too long or short, too heavy or light, too stiff or flexible, or too much of anything, then you must alter your body, swing or game in order to compensate for the ill-fitted equipment.

The #1 player in the world recently said that his Dad never let him play with clubs that did not fit him. He was interested in having him develop a proper swing. He urged all golfers to find a proper fitting, or the alternative is that you will be forced to make swing concessions.

I believe that if a golfer understand the relationship between properly fitted equipment and sound swing fundamentals, this game becomes easier to play.