[ccm241]

Curios as to what stats look like for guys that compete in these competitions?

What is average driving distance? I have no idea what my distances are swinging 100% because I would never do that on the course. I like to stay controlled and can still keep it straight and get it out there pretty good.

I just joined today and posted in the new member into section, but not sure if that is the best spot. This is more what I am looking for.

My average driving distance is probably 315, but most of the time I can put that exactly where I want to. If I'm trying for max distance I can keep it low and get alot of run. I had a 387 last week (no wind) - probably 310-315 carry but got alot of run. I hit my 2-iron 265 pretty consistent so I don't use the driver that much.

Anyway, I've been reading that just doing some simple training and switching to one of those new long ball drivers can add 30-40 yards. Is this accurate?

About me - I am 27, 6'3", about 210. Have no idea what swing speed is - I don't swing out of my boots though. Probably 6-8 handicap. Driver is a Titleist 905T 8.5 degree.

Anywho - only reason I am asking about this stuff is because people keep telling me I need to look into it. Any advice/ input appreciated. Thanks!

[idrive400yards]

Avg stats for longdrivers are:

Swingspeed-125mph on the low end 150 on the high end, medium is about 135-142
Ball speed-(It's what we look for the most) 190-215mph
Avg driving distances-it's hard to say, conditions, conditions, conditions...

For each inch of length added to a shaft, expect a 2-4 mph incresae of speed. But don't ever consider that the ld drivers are illegal. They have to conform to USGA regulations.

Most popular shaft(s)
House of Forged WNS Standard and Low trajectory
HOF Ultra
All out golf intimidator, enforcer.
UST V2 LD
SK Fibre
Harrison
Graman

Most popular heads
GEEK Golf
Krank Golf
Alpha Golf
All out Golf
Bang Golf
SMT Golf
Cobra(Low lofts=very hard to get)

Any other questions, feel free to ask

Mike Brody
GEEK Golf Longdrive team Captain
HOF longdrive team

[ccm241]

What's going on Mike. Just saw that I had a response to my post. I guess I need to go get my swing speed measured. I feel like when I actually try to swing hard, I dont gain that much distance though? What sort of distance could I expect to pick up (all other things being equal) if I got a competition style driver?

Shot a 76 yesterday with 35 putts! Ouch.

[idrive400yards]

It's not how hard you swing, it's how much positive energy transfer to the ball that will give you the best distance. Don't get me wrong, speed has alot to do with it, but if it's not delivered at the right time, the ball won't go anywhere.

A properly fit driver should net you some real good gains...

[EWS]

idrive400yards, on Aug 3 2009, 05:58 PM, said:

Avg stats for longdrivers are:

Swingspeed-125mph on the low end 150 on the high end, medium is about 135-142
Ball speed-(It's what we look for the most) 190-215mph
Avg driving distances-it's hard to say, conditions, conditions, conditions...

For each inch of length added to a shaft, expect a 2-4 mph incresae of speed. But don't ever consider that the ld drivers are illegal. They have to conform to USGA regulations.

Most popular shaft(s)
House of Forged WNS Standard and Low trajectory
HOF Ultra
All out golf intimidator, enforcer.
UST V2 LD
SK Fibre
Harrison
Graman

Most popular heads
GEEK Golf
Krank Golf
Alpha Golf
All out Golf
Bang Golf
SMT Golf
Cobra(Low lofts=very hard to get)

Any other questions, feel free to ask

Mike Brody
GEEK Golf Longdrive team Captain
HOF longdrive team

That's a great list. I would say though, Adams should be added to the list of popular heads, since they are making long drive clubs now.

[idrive400yards]

You are right and I can't believe I forgot about them...

[bsawyer7]

I'm sort've in the same category as this guy and have a question he'd probably like to know as well.

What sort of gains could/did any of you see after you got a real LD setup and started practicing for it? I'm right at the edge of low end stats right now (about 123 mph SS), that's with a stock S shafted 8.5 degree driver at 44.5" and my swing on a course usually.

I'm a GT grad so I know the math behind what THEORETICAL SS gains would be achieved by going to a longer 48" shaft, but I'd like to know how much of that actually translates. So, assuming I could learn to hit the setup properly and get the right smash factor, what sort've % or flat gains could you expect, or did you guys personally see after going to a LD setup? Anybody else have any stats to share? For instance what your distances or SS #'s are with a stock 44-45" club vs with a LD setup?

[bsawyer7]

iDrive400 I know you say 2-4 mph gains for each extra inch, and the math backs that up, BUT one thing I've learned is that the math rarely translates into reality so I was wondering did you or anybody else actually see this happen? For instance swinging a 45" driver 120, but swinging a 48" 126-132? I'm sure the SS's would pan out but my question is did your distances reflect the additional 6-12 mph?

[r34civic]

I won't speak for idrive but the distance only translates if you can still hit the ball solidly. A bunch of people loose some control with the longer shafted clubs.

[PGW]

longer club-wider arc-faster swingspeed
that's AFTER you learn to adjust to it-takes a bit of time-
in some cases there are guys who hit shorter than max length and swing just as fast-all about learning what works for you

[bsawyer7]

r34civic, on Oct 21 2009, 01:30 AM, said:

I won't speak for idrive but the distance only translates if you can still hit the ball solidly. A bunch of people loose some control with the longer shafted clubs.

Well obviously swinging something much longer than your accustomed to can mean more off center hits, I'm just saying if you CAN teach yourself to alter the swing for that length club and hit the ball as well as you do on a 44-45" setup, what sort've gains are possible and/or likely?

[mvslugger]

I have a Krank El Diablo 6* HOF wup-n shaft. XX i think... anyways i have been trying to hit it with a slight draw to get a little extra roll. do you think an avg 360 is anything to get into a competition with? I understand that the winners are longer than that, but I'm 6'2" 240 lb. 21 yo. I cracked the head so i gotta get a new one. any input?

[idrive400yards]

As Neil(PGW) stated, longer club=wider arc, wider arc=more distance. But you also have to hit the ball solid. A way you can see what your optimum length shaft is to install it at max length(50in vertical LDA) take some numbers down, grip down in 1/4in increments and write those numbers down, and if your optimum length is shorter than 50, cut shaft down to size. Some go to comps with both shorter drivers for control and longer ones to go all out, but that choice is up to you.

Good luck to anyone wanting to get involved with LD. You will enjoy doing it!

Mike

[PGW]

mvslugger, on Dec 2 2009, 03:12 PM, said:

I have a Krank El Diablo 6* HOF wup-n shaft. XX i think... anyways i have been trying to hit it with a slight draw to get a little extra roll. do you think an avg 360 is anything to get into a competition with? I understand that the winners are longer than that, but I'm 6'2" 240 lb. 21 yo. I cracked the head so i gotta get a new one. any input?

avg of 360-yes get involved-
i know alot that feel a draw is important to get max distance BUT-if it takes away speed and power-and consistancy just hit it!
a fade will work and also a straight shot also
can only get better with practice
dont change alot -just go with what you got <(I like that-I claim it!) lol

[razorbird]

Best way to find out is to just do it. Sign up for local qualifiers and compete. The machines are great and everything, but really hitting it on the grid against competition in like conditions is the only way to find out. Theory is cheap, Long Drive is expensive...But Fun!

[tr0ddd]

You guys are beast

[blademan68]

I've built a few long drive clubs and have noticed only 1.0-1.5mph per inch with the added length, but then again I haven't spent much time practicing with the longer clubs and I tend to get a lot more lag with shorter clubs.

(In season) I swing at the following speeds with various clubs:

5 iron (D4 swingweight): 106 avg; 115mph max (just fooling around to see how fast I could swing)
2 iron (D4 swingweight): 112-113 avg; up to 118mph max
460cc Driver (steel shafted; 43.75"; D5 swingweight) : 122 avg; 126 max
460cc Driver (graphite; 44.75"; D5 swingweight):126 avg; 130 max
460cc Long Drive Driver (47.75" USGA length; 49.5" LDA length): 131 avg; 134 max


Aside from Sadlowski the 8 finalists in the RE Max 2009 event were swinging at 140mph +/- about 2mph...