3 replies to this topic

[golfinbrad]

I was fitted for my current gamers (Cleveland DST Launcher 9*) 3 or 4 years ago.  It has been a good driver, but hasn't lived up to what I had hoped.  Cleveland did a great job of reducing spin, but as a result very difficult to work the ball.  TaylorMade recently held a demo day in our area and I did get on the LM with the r11s.  They spec'd it out (9* with Motore Speeder 6.0 stiff), but wasn't sure if TM was for me.  Didn't care for the feel.  Before I made a change I hit the Ping i20 and Anser at my local Dick's Sporting Goods store.  Problem was their inventory was limited.

Now my question.  I loved the feel of the i20!  I hit the i20 in a 9.5 with Project X 6.0 and Anser in a 9.5 with a regular shaft. Again that is all they had.  I'm a 1 hdcp with a swing speed around 118 mph.  Both had a launch angle of high 12*s and spin rate of high 2Ks.  If I move to a 6.5 or S or X in the TFC will that bring my launch angle down much or just the spin?  I've always been a high launch high spin player.  The anser and i20 seem to do a great job of reducing it.  I've read on hear about how stiff the TFC shafts are, so I'm a little nervous about that.  I was thinking 8.5* with 6.5 in the i20 or 8.5* with x-stiff in the 'ahina.  Thoughts?

[zink357]

I would base the shaft stiffness on how they feel to you. Can you feel the X load enough when you swing it? Stiffness alone won't affect your launch. As far as bringing your launch down, I would just go with a different shaft completely and you can even stay with the 9.5*. I found the PX to be a higher launching shaft personally and high spin as well, but never tried the Ahina. With my latest set up I have tried the PX(came stock), Aldila RIP Beta, RIP Alpha, and Fubuki Tour all in X flex and I have a SS identical to yours. The RIP Alpha and Fubuki Tour were both a lot better launch and spin resluts for me. The Beta was close, but a touch higher launch than the Alpha. Maybe they don't offer those shafts, but the later upgrade will be worth it. You can pick up a RIP on eBay for $60-$90 depending on weight and flex. I got the RIP Alpha in X flex and 66 grams for $60 and its the real deal.

If you don't want the added expense of an aftermarket shaft, I would just go with the 8.5* head.

[superman912]

Hardly any. It effects spin more and even the difference you expect isn't huge. Loft is probably the most deciding factor. Trackman verified.

Edited by superman912, 04 November 2012 - 02:30 PM.

[golfinbrad]

Great Video!!!  Makes for some interesting thoughts.  I remember Callaway back in the day having the uniflex Memphis 10 shaft he was referencing.  I do agree with the feel comment.  Personally I don't like the feeling of swing a board.  Thanks both of you for the input.