[ddubose]

I hit my driver on the launch monitor at the PGA Superstore in Plano, TX. Here are the details:

Driver - Nike 10.5 SQ w/ GD GAT 75 reg. flex, 44"

Average Launch Angle - 14*

Average Spin - 4500rpm

Average Swing Speed - 100mph

Average Ball Speed - 140-145mph

Swing on Video - looked like a little bit of casting at the end of the swing which may have added loft; also looked like I hung back on my right side a little and never got the weight back onto my left side.

I'm new to launch monitors, can someone tell me what these numbers mean?

Thanks,
Dustin

[pocketfulladoubles]

Way too much backspin. It indeed looks like you may be cutting it or casting. I didn't see the sidespin numbers on here. It is best to use a launch monitor to get the sidespin as it will help you figure out how your ball flight would end up. My guess is that these are slices as you said you are hanging back and casting. A new shaft won't bring down the 4500 rpm to a more reasonable 3000. Some of it will have to be the swing.

[TM golf guy 182]

Let me guess, you had a lot of side spin as well? The backspin is through the roof. That needs to go down a bunch. I would recommend a swing change.

[ddubose]

No slices, the club came from the inside every time and they were all characterized as "push hooks".

Typically shot 80-85.

[joey3108]

From Texas ha! windy?

Try to get on the LM again with a stock 9.5* with S flex stock shaft, let see the numbers again and see If we can see any changes to analise it further.

Joe

[ddubose]

Update, I was just in Texas for a wedding.

After I hit my driver about 20-times, I tried several others with stiff shafts (pro launch red) and 8.5-9.5* lofts, which brought the spin down to 3750-4000rpms and the launch to about 13.

[RBDJ]

quit golf and take up tennis

[Veritas]

RBDJ, on Nov 19 2007, 05:35 PM, said:

quit golf and take up tennis

Wow...I hope this statement is meant to be a joke...

[pocketfulladoubles]

ddubose, on Nov 19 2007, 01:31 PM, said:

Update, I was just in Texas for a wedding.

After I hit my driver about 20-times, I tried several others with stiff shafts (pro launch red) and 8.5-9.5* lofts, which brought the spin down to 3750-4000rpms and the launch to about 13.

You're getting a great launch angle, but the spin is way too high still. I thought you may be slicing, but I was wrong. A hook that you mentioned is no better though. You need to get those spin rates down to about 2500 to 3000. I still think you'll need to change something in your swing though. Alignment? Grip? You're not hitting down on the ball are you? Again, you need to get the sidespin numbers.

[beruo]

RBDJ, on Nov 19 2007, 02:35 PM, said:

quit golf and take up tennis

Well, if you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all...for the next month.

[Metalhead]

What Kind of Launch Monitor was it?...this could be part of the issue...I just don't get how you can have a LA of 13* and spin of 4000+ without going sideways upsidedown or something!! Makes no sense...

[jones137]

Metalhead, on Nov 19 2007, 09:53 PM, said:

What Kind of Launch Monitor was it?...this could be part of the issue...I just don't get how you can have a LA of 13* and spin of 4000+ without going sideways upsidedown or something!! Makes no sense...

I agree, numbers seem a little funky.

You must be coming down with a descending blow. Trying teeing that thing way up. Do you catch the ball low on the face?

[sanddog28]

Dustin I recognize those numbers and that type of shot very well, I went through the same problems and ended up taking a couple of lessons to eliminate this problem typically its from a very steep swing and a descending blow onto the ball... Once your that steep at the top of your swing your two main misses will be the hang back or the cast, I don’t know how many balls I lost to the left side wood fairies LOL... Best thing to do is go get a couple of lessons shouldn’t take very many with a quality pro then maximize your numbers on the monitor again.

[petter7]

ddubose, on Nov 19 2007, 04:31 PM, said:

Update, I was just in Texas for a wedding.

After I hit my driver about 20-times, I tried several others with stiff shafts (pro launch red) and 8.5-9.5* lofts, which brought the spin down to 3750-4000rpms and the launch to about 13.

You have a definite spin problem. Shell out a little cash and get a Matrix Ozik X-Con 5 stiff shaft and kiss that spin good-bye.
This shaft will be very good for you with the 100mph swing speed. Very smooth feeling shaft. It's a bit pricey, but it works so well.

[ddubose]

Hmmm...

I'm really confused now.

I agree the numbers are very weird. With respect to the launch monitor model, I don't know, it was at the PGA Superstore in Plano, TX and it had two cameras (one face on and one down the line) with a video projection of the shot pattern.

Every shot I hit, without exception was a draw/hook, which is what I see on the course, but I did not think to look at the sidespin numbers.

[wkuo3]

keep the 10.5 degree and try a different head or heavier shaft.
If this does not work, have someone look at your swing.

[pocketfulladoubles]

Don't buy an expensive shaft yet. Spend the money to clean up the swing first. If you buy a shaft now, and then fix the swing, chances are you'll have to buy yet another shaft in a couple months - so why waste the money? Been there, done that...

[azok35]

RBDJ, on Nov 19 2007, 02:35 PM, said:

quit golf and take up tennis

Nice to add feedback like this. Very helpful.

Posts like this turned me off from another site and I hope this does not become a trend on this site. There is no place for C#$% like this. It is a golf forum and everyone should feel welcome to post a legitimate question or comment.

I am sure this new poster feels very welcome and will continue to posts freely after he encountered your posts.

[golfernut78]

i would look at the swing first.

also, at a 100mph ss you could look at going into a stiff shaft. that will probably affect your launch angle which is ideal. not familar with the gat shaft i can't say what shaft to go. i wouldn't worry about the head too much as i have this club too and i found it was low spinning and had to change shafts to get more spin.

[ingster1]

As others have noted, the spin number is very high. My question is what do you see on the course? What is your typical carry yardage? How "big" of a hook do you typically fight? What is your typical ballflight and trajectory?

Just wondering how your numbers compare to your actual experiences on the course. The launch monitor numbers are only as good as the monitor and the operator and your swing on that day, which can all vary. I wouldn't base an expensive purchase on one launch monitor session, especially if the results seem inconsistent with your actual tee shots.

You might consider going to see an experienced club fitter with a launch monitor setup on an outdoor range and seeing what numbers you get and have him help you understand those numbers.

[TheCapedAvenger]

whatever you do, please don't buy an ozik (unless you have tons of money, then do whatever you want )

[BILL12x]

I disagree with some of the figures given for proper spin-rate. Ideal for your swingspeed, IMHO, is 3000-3300. If you get your SS up to 115+, then you should be looking for 2500 or so, like someone else said.

I DO agree that you must be hitting the ball with a decending blow for that much spin. Try playing the ball a bit more forward in your stance and see if that helps get you more distance, (better numbers).

[pocketfulladoubles]

BILL12x, on Nov 20 2007, 11:58 AM, said:

I disagree with some of the figures given for proper spin-rate. Ideal for your swingspeed, IMHO, is 3000-3300. If you get your SS up to 115+, then you should be looking for 2500 or so, like someone else said.

I DO agree that you must be hitting the ball with a decending blow for that much spin. Try playing the ball a bit more forward in your stance and see if that helps get you more distance, (better numbers).

You're right, 2500 (I said it before) is a litle too low for 100mph. The other thing you could try is reducing your SS down to 90 mph and get the spin down. You may be trying to swing too fast. In fact, you may even gain distance doing so. Once you get the feel for hitting the ball while asceding, slowly add the speed back. Once it's consistent, then get your shaft.

[iyan7]

pocketfulladoubles, on Nov 20 2007, 02:30 PM, said:

BILL12x, on Nov 20 2007, 11:58 AM, said:

I disagree with some of the figures given for proper spin-rate. Ideal for your swingspeed, IMHO, is 3000-3300. If you get your SS up to 115+, then you should be looking for 2500 or so, like someone else said.

I DO agree that you must be hitting the ball with a decending blow for that much spin. Try playing the ball a bit more forward in your stance and see if that helps get you more distance, (better numbers).

You're right, 2500 (I said it before) is a litle too low for 100mph. The other thing you could try is reducing your SS down to 90 mph and get the spin down. You may be trying to swing too fast. In fact, you may even gain distance doing so. Once you get the feel for hitting the ball while asceding, slowly add the speed back. Once it's consistent, then get your shaft.

I'm curious. You mean by reducing SS to 90mph, he should try using R/Firm flex first before going stiff?

I'd like to believe smooth tempo is better for a driver instead of a fast SS, I might be wrong.

[ddubose]

I've got an idea.

I'm going to put up a video of my swing to further the analysis. Any suggestions on how to get the video from my digi camcorder to the computer to the internet?

BTW - I'm not new to these boards so don't worry about the tennis jab. (Golf Opinions since the beginning (pre-6/01; I was there for the "split") and BSG member since 9/2002). In fact, I'll probably take it up once my girls get a little older, thanks for the advice.

With respect to the swing, I'm in a bit of a pickle. While in law school, I was fortunate enough to have about 20-25 lessons with Brady Riggs, top 100 golf instructor who now charges $250/hr and impossible to get on his book. Ever since I left Los Angeles in 2004, I've never been able to find a decent teacher so I haven't wasted the money. As soon as I figure out the video issue, I'm sending some shots to Brady for analysis.

Generally, I swing from the inside and sometimes fight a very big hook (30yds) when I swing fast. I am 5'11" and 165lbs and I play short clubs (driver 44", irons 5i 37"). My typical ball flight on the course is very high and drawing and I take small divots.

I previously played all stiff shafts but went to reg flex to get more feel (not distance).

I've even played all x-flex gear and that actually increased my driving distance and lowered my ball flight, but my swing speed numbers did not support playing that flex.

Finally, my impact point is not as consistent as I would like, but it is within 2" of the center of the driver face and usually above the mid point. The irons are center to center/heel and below the center of the face.

DD

[Redman]

QUOTE(RBDJ @ Nov 19 2007, 02:35 PM)
quit golf and take up tennis


Coming from a guy that I bet never misses a fairway!! 320 straight down the middle everytime. What a comment. I would really hope to think this guy gets back on here and says that this was a joke!

I would have to agree with spending your money to get the swing straightened out some before shafts and new clubs. As we all know, technology helps some, but a bad swing path is a bad swing path.

If you want to try something on your own, set up to the ball and then move MOST of your weight back to your right foot (if you are right handed) before you ever start your swing. Then just swing your arms and club back naturally and on the downswing drive forward on the ball.

It sounds like that maybe you have the infamous reverse pivot!

Good luck!!

[SHERO]

You might be flipping?

[pocketfulladoubles]

iyan7, on Nov 20 2007, 12:45 PM, said:

pocketfulladoubles, on Nov 20 2007, 02:30 PM, said:

BILL12x, on Nov 20 2007, 11:58 AM, said:

I disagree with some of the figures given for proper spin-rate. Ideal for your swingspeed, IMHO, is 3000-3300. If you get your SS up to 115+, then you should be looking for 2500 or so, like someone else said.

I DO agree that you must be hitting the ball with a decending blow for that much spin. Try playing the ball a bit more forward in your stance and see if that helps get you more distance, (better numbers).

You're right, 2500 (I said it before) is a litle too low for 100mph. The other thing you could try is reducing your SS down to 90 mph and get the spin down. You may be trying to swing too fast. In fact, you may even gain distance doing so. Once you get the feel for hitting the ball while asceding, slowly add the speed back. Once it's consistent, then get your shaft.

I'm curious. You mean by reducing SS to 90mph, he should try using R/Firm flex first before going stiff?

I'd like to believe smooth tempo is better for a driver instead of a fast SS, I might be wrong.

No, I wouldn't change the shaft. I'd just slow things down, get the swing in order, then speed it up with consistency, then get a new shaft.

[texcrom]

"I've even played all x-flex gear and that actually increased my driving distance and lowered my ball flight, but my swing speed numbers did not support playing that flex."

If you increased your distance and brought your flight down (I believe you said you were hitting too high?), then how do the numbers "not support you playing that flex"?

My recommendation would be to respond to Joe Kwok's post with the appropriate information. I contacted Joe, and he put me into a driver spec that has me more confident than I have ever been with the driver (and I am a very old guy!), and hitting it better than ever. And yes, it did involve moving into an X flex shaft.

Joe can fix you up!

[ddubose]

UPDATE

I went into my local Edwin Watts today and hit some drives with the assistance of a sales associate. I tried to pay more attention to all the numbers this time. First of all, it was a vector launch monitor. Second, throwing out the bad swings, my spin was down to around 2000-2500 with a 14 to 18 launch angle. The side spin was around 600 to 1000 with the club face a little open and coming from the inside at impact. I got the spin down by using a heavier and stiffer shaft. I still don't understand the high launch angle; must be a swing flaw.

Any suggestions?

DD

[TM golf guy 182]

A launch that high with a spin rate that low is not as bad as the high launch high spin. What driver combo did you use at Watts?

[ddubose]

I hit an 10* FT-5 with a Fuji 360 reg, a 10.5* HiBore w/ stock stiff, and 9.5* HiBore w/ V2 75 stiff.

[jeffinflorida]

I hit a few on a vector launch monitor today. The best # I had was from a TM burner. Swing Speed 99.5 mph Ball speed 135 Spin rate 2900 Launch angle 13.5. What do you all think I dont know that much about what these # should be but I think those are ok. Any comments would be appriciated. Thanks.

[jones137]

jeffinflorida, on Nov 27 2007, 07:08 PM, said:

I hit a few on a vector launch monitor today. The best # I had was from a TM burner. Swing Speed 99.5 mph Ball speed 135 Spin rate 2900 Launch angle 13.5. What do you all think I dont know that much about what these # should be but I think those are ok. Any comments would be appriciated. Thanks.

Good numbers, but you aren't making good contact. At 100 SS, you should be generating 145-150 mph ballspeed with solid contact.....it''s called your smash factor. Ideally your launch angle would be in the 15 degree range with spin right around 2800-3000rpm. Try a heavier shaft, I could never make good contact with the stock burner shaft......too long and too light.