48 replies to this topic

[Vegaman]

MEC13, on 01 January 2013 - 09:33 PM, said:

I continue to see these golf companies pushing out 46" shafts in their drivers saying it increases distance off the tee.  Of course it does when a robot is hitting the ball but taking an inch or two off the club will not take yards off your drive.  I continue to use a 44.25 inch shaft in my driver with no distance losses while seeing plenty of beginners out on the course swinging something that looks like a fishing rod.  Can't wait till the day when they bring back shorter stock shafts.  Everyone will keep them straighter and who knows, maybe speed the round up a little.

You are in for a looooooong wait. Unfortunately

[Vegaman]

soconnor73, on 02 January 2013 - 09:43 PM, said:

First post here guys so don't be too harsh. I feel like I would be more accurate with the driver taken down a little also (TM Burner stock shaft and length), but do I just go into the Golfsmith and ask them to take it down. Seems they might think I'm crazy. Or is this a normal request?

The problem might be that the SW will be too light, unless you have an adjustable head with extra heavy screws to use.

[Anser3]

Mr. Wishon discussed this topic (and showed test data) in his book The Search for the Perfect Golf Club.  If i remember right, the test was done using a 90 MPH driver speed and using driver lengths ranging from 42.5 to 46 (I am probably wrong on the lengths but don't have access to my book at the moment).  The distance gain was something like 2.7 yards.  However, a miss that is off center can cause a 10 yad loss in distance.  As such, longer clubs are harder to control for most golfers.   I have a driver swing speed of somewhere between 110 and 115 (112 if I remember exactly... but I haven't had much chance to play the last few years so it is probably lower right now until I get back into "golf shape").  i would love to see the test results with faster swing speeds (no doubt the shorter driver length is beneficial to all golfers because it cuts down on misses. The gains in using a drive rwith extra length are not worth the trade off IMO).   Mr. Wishon basically stated that Tour pros are using shorter drivers so we mortals should not even consider using longer drivers.

As far as swingweight issues, I know some use lead tape or tungsten tape (I hate both).  Mr. Maltby shows adhesive wheel weights in one o fhis videos  (don't like those either).  I have only ordered a couple drivers in my 14 years as a golfer (completely inactive almost the last 4 years due to various family health issues and other priorities).  . I order them a shorter length (generally 45" ) and state the swingweight I want.  Usually, they get it right on (or very close0. Otherwise, I have learned to adjust. The average guy cannot tell teh difference within 2 swingweight points anyhow). Unfortunately, I am both a feel golfer and an analytical golfer  

I will be getting my Razr Fit Xtreme in 45.5" (stock length) just in case I ever decide to ditch the shaft (Matrix 7M3 Black tie  X-flex). My fitter said the shaft would suit me but I've been a Fubuki guy. I have tried 4 different Aldila shafts and hated all of them. I really wante dto like the VS Proto 'By You' but I spun it way too much (my ball flight resembled a jet taking off.... part way down the fairway. It looked way cool but was not optimal).

[DLiver]

For you guys cutting your driver down one inch or less, I wouldn't add any weight to the head before trying it out. If you find it too light, you can add weight to the head, but that will soften the flex of the shaft somewhat.

Personally, I like the longer length drivers. I play at 46" (and have for about 8 years) and just bought a Cobra Long Tom (48").

We'll see how that goes LOL

[bruinsPATSirish]

DLiver, on 05 January 2013 - 09:23 PM, said:

For you guys cutting your driver down one inch or less, I wouldn't add any weight to the head before trying it out. If you find it too light, you can add weight to the head, but that will soften the flex of the shaft somewhat.

Personally, I like the longer length drivers. I play at 46" (and have for about 8 years) and just bought a Cobra Long Tom (48").

We'll see how that goes LOL

Goodluck with the Tom, I'm sure you'll hit a couple bombs with it... the other ones, well... goodluck.

[DonMega884]

I used to love my 45 shaft when I used to swing like Happy Gilmore. This past summer with my new swing, grip, lessons, hours of videos, and advice on WRX I'm really uncomfortable with the length now. I feel like I standing 10 yards from the ball. I'm 6' and having a lot of problems with the push slice. I never liked choking up either because it felt wrong. I have it in my head I need to have my left hand at the top of the grip ( yea weird eh). I'm wondering if this is all I need to help my swing? I don't slice with anything else but the driver. Something to think about I guess... Nice Topic

[bruinsPATSirish]

DonMega884, on 05 January 2013 - 09:59 PM, said:

I used to love my 45 shaft when I used to swing like Happy Gilmore. This past summer with my new swing, grip, lessons, hours of videos, and advice on WRX I'm really uncomfortable with the length now. I feel like I standing 10 yards from the ball. I'm 6' and having a lot of problems with the push slice. I never liked choking up either because it felt wrong. I have it in my head I need to have my left hand at the top of the grip ( yea weird eh). I'm wondering if this is all I need to help my swing? I don't slice with anything else but the driver. Something to think about I guess... Nice Topic

Cutting it down won't cure a swing path issue BUT it won't hurt it that is for sure.

Also, I used to have the similar feeling of being way too far from the ball, and guess what? I WAS! Have someone check your pall position, etc. on the driver

[MEC13]

bruinsPATSirish, on 05 January 2013 - 10:15 PM, said:

DonMega884, on 05 January 2013 - 09:59 PM, said:

I used to love my 45 shaft when I used to swing like Happy Gilmore. This past summer with my new swing, grip, lessons, hours of videos, and advice on WRX I'm really uncomfortable with the length now. I feel like I standing 10 yards from the ball. I'm 6' and having a lot of problems with the push slice. I never liked choking up either because it felt wrong. I have it in my head I need to have my left hand at the top of the grip ( yea weird eh). I'm wondering if this is all I need to help my swing? I don't slice with anything else but the driver. Something to think about I guess... Nice Topic

Cutting it down won't cure a swing path issue BUT it won't hurt it that is for sure.

Also, I used to have the similar feeling of being way too far from the ball, and guess what? I WAS! Have someone check your pall position, etc. on the driver

I agree that cutting it down won't cure your problem completely but if its only with the driver it could be mental.  Using a shorter shaft will definitely make you more confident which could cure the mental aspect of the problem. We all have our big miss though whether its right or left, that's golf.

[bruinsPATSirish]

MEC13, on 05 January 2013 - 10:58 PM, said:

bruinsPATSirish, on 05 January 2013 - 10:15 PM, said:

DonMega884, on 05 January 2013 - 09:59 PM, said:

I used to love my 45 shaft when I used to swing like Happy Gilmore. This past summer with my new swing, grip, lessons, hours of videos, and advice on WRX I'm really uncomfortable with the length now. I feel like I standing 10 yards from the ball. I'm 6' and having a lot of problems with the push slice. I never liked choking up either because it felt wrong. I have it in my head I need to have my left hand at the top of the grip ( yea weird eh). I'm wondering if this is all I need to help my swing? I don't slice with anything else but the driver. Something to think about I guess... Nice Topic

Cutting it down won't cure a swing path issue BUT it won't hurt it that is for sure.

Also, I used to have the similar feeling of being way too far from the ball, and guess what? I WAS! Have someone check your pall position, etc. on the driver

I agree that cutting it down won't cure your problem completely but if its only with the driver it could be mental.  Using a shorter shaft will definitely make you more confident which could cure the mental aspect of the problem. We all have our big miss though whether its right or left, that's golf.

+1

Like I said, give it a shot, I would bet money it will help. Goodluck

[DonMega884]

MEC13, on 05 January 2013 - 10:58 PM, said:

bruinsPATSirish, on 05 January 2013 - 10:15 PM, said:

DonMega884, on 05 January 2013 - 09:59 PM, said:

I used to love my 45 shaft when I used to swing like Happy Gilmore. This past summer with my new swing, grip, lessons, hours of videos, and advice on WRX I'm really uncomfortable with the length now. I feel like I standing 10 yards from the ball. I'm 6' and having a lot of problems with the push slice. I never liked choking up either because it felt wrong. I have it in my head I need to have my left hand at the top of the grip ( yea weird eh). I'm wondering if this is all I need to help my swing? I don't slice with anything else but the driver. Something to think about I guess... Nice Topic

Cutting it down won't cure a swing path issue BUT it won't hurt it that is for sure.

Also, I used to have the similar feeling of being way too far from the ball, and guess what? I WAS! Have someone check your pall position, etc. on the driver

I agree that cutting it down won't cure your problem completely but if its only with the driver it could be mental.  Using a shorter shaft will definitely make you more confident which could cure the mental aspect of the problem. We all have our big miss though whether its right or left, that's golf.

Thanks a lot

[Lucky_Craft]

I have a 47" driver.  I'm also 6'7".  Using a 44" driver feels line a pitching wedge to me.

[Mschumacher]

I regularly choke up about 1" (i'm 5'5") and found I've gained distance mainly from the better contact.  I would prefer to cut it but am afraid of messing up the swing weight.

[QEight]

Something has been tested http://www.andrewric...r-shaft-length/

[kakashi54]

I decide one day to take my Razar fit 3 wood shaft out and put it in my Razar fit driver to see how it would preform, but the strange thing was I kept hooking it but when the shaft is in my 3 wood I actual struggle to draw it. It got me thinking that because the shaft was shorter I could square the club a lot easier thus causing me to hook it. So 90% of golfers that slice the ball had shorter shafts it would help them a great deal and that the long shafts are making them slice it more. just my 2 cents not sure if it would be the case. anyone have thoughts on this?

[bruinsPATSirish]

kakashi54, on 07 January 2013 - 05:36 AM, said:

I decide one day to take my Razar fit 3 wood shaft out and put it in my Razar fit driver to see how it would preform, but the strange thing was I kept hooking it but when the shaft is in my 3 wood I actual struggle to draw it. It got me thinking that because the shaft was shorter I could square the club a lot easier thus causing me to hook it. So 90% of golfers that slice the ball had shorter shafts it would help them a great deal and that the long shafts are making them slice it more. just my 2 cents not sure if it would be the case. anyone have thoughts on this?

You are also effectively changing the swingweight of the driver when you switch shafts. This could also be helping you square up the face.

[nitram]

Before you guys go to whacking off your shafts............please do yourself a favor and try to grip down your desired length while at the range and see what this'll do for YOU.

[dbleag]

kakashi54, on 07 January 2013 - 05:36 AM, said:

I decide one day to take my Razar fit 3 wood shaft out and put it in my Razar fit driver to see how it would preform, but the strange thing was I kept hooking it but when the shaft is in my 3 wood I actual struggle to draw it. It got me thinking that because the shaft was shorter I could square the club a lot easier thus causing me to hook it. So 90% of golfers that slice the ball had shorter shafts it would help them a great deal and that the long shafts are making them slice it more. just my 2 cents not sure if it would be the case. anyone have thoughts on this?

Pretty sure that's why TaylorMade drivers (also fwy's and hybrids) can be adjusted to be upright or flat.  As many players use longer drivers, they tend to hit them to the right.  I have seen the upright setting on a TM club straighten out their shots like magic.  

It makes sense when you think about how much a shaft deflects as it gets longer and gets in the toe-down position at impact.

When you put your #3 wood shaft in your driver, you probably got less shaft deflection and squared-up the face easier at impact. You may have gotten used to it after a few practice sessions and started to hit the ball straighter.

[stryper]

nitram, on 07 January 2013 - 09:42 AM, said:

Before you guys go to whacking off your shafts............please do yourself a favor and try to grip down your desired length while at the range and see what this'll do for YOU.

Not sure which way to go with this post--gripping down and whacking off my shaft....  

[MEC13]

It really depends on the shaft that you are using when cutting it down.  If it is already a lightweight shaft 55 grams or less, cutting it down could affect the swing weight to a point where it could have an impact on your swing and contact made.