8.5* vs 10.5*

Hi

What are the differences to the player (i.e.me) between an 8.5* Stiff shaft driver and a 10.5* Stiff shaft driver.

I cannot feel any difference in the few balls I hit and no real noticeable difference in trajectory....this was at a range so I was only aiming at a flag....

thoughts please!!!

Andy

Hi Cressers,

One would think with two identical clubs (same shafts/shaft flex and club head design) except the loft, the higher the loft degree, the higher the ball flight. But, specs aren't uniform throughout the industry. Even if the club head is the same, the shaft type can make a huge difference in the flight of the ball. Try different makes and models of clubs until you find one that suits your needs.

Thanks!! Thats what i figured, I was just looking to see if there was any advantage/disadvantage to either.

I imagine with less loft you would need a higher swing speed to compensate for the lack of loft.

What do the Pros use??? I'll have a look myself but if someone knows....

What type of loft you need depends on the type of courses you play. If the fairways are normally soft and lush, go for a driver that gives you a higher loft. Higher lofted drivers travel farther in the air, and if the fairways are soft or the grass is fairly long, the ball will stop quickly no matter what loft you have. If the fairways are typically short and hard, try a lower lofted driver. The ball won't travel as far in the air, but because of the fairway conditions, the ball will go farther than a higher lofted driver after you factor in the roll. Another factor is if you live in a typically windy climate, a lower lofted driver will be less affected by the wind.

If you are playing a combination of courses that have both types of fairways, you could always settle, for a 9* or a 9.5*......

__________________
Gord

Quote of the month:
"It's easy to see golf not as a game at all but as some whey-faced, nineteenth-century Presbyterian minister's fever dream of exorcism achieved through ritual and self-mortification." ~Bruce McCall

cressers


The loft a player uses depends on the swing through the bottom. The ball is swept off the tee so launch angle is important. Pro's use computers to determine how close they can get to 12* with their swing and equipment. There are no hard and fast rules. Everyone's swing is different.

Remember the optimum launch angle for a driver is 12*. Here are some general rules to start.

The slower swing speeds (80-90)generally use more loft 10.5* - 12*. The ball stays in the air longer. The shafts are generally Regular flex with a Mid kickpoint. The kick point will also help get the ball in the air.

Once your swing gets in the 95-105 range this club will start going all over and you wonder why. You have to start swinging smoother to ge tthe same results. Maybe time for a different combination. A 9*- 10* loft is probably better for you, some even go as low as an 8*. The shaft will go up to a stiff with a high kick point. This will lower the trajectory. TIP: It is also good to change shaft to a high kickpoint if you hit a lot of ballon balls.

After 105, this is where it gets tricky. If you want ultra penetrating shots, lofts go down to 6.5* in some models of standard clubs. Callaway makes a few. There are also tricked up lofts on long distance driver heads that go as low as 4*, Integra comes to mind there. That is about as much loft as a putter!!! The right combination, well that is up to the golfer.

As for the Bald guy, I use a Callaway Biggest Big Bertha Head 9*, Penley ETA Stiff shaft and a Winn Grip. Everyone has their favorites, when I find a better head I'll switch but I haven't found one yet. I change shafts but not the head. I am currently testing a Ping SI3, not too shabby.

Food for thought,

GolfBald

__________________
The guy in the white hat!

Thanks that was really usefull.

I am sure there is a thread about this, but Kick Point, is the point at which the shaft snaps straight? Just a wild guess....

I swing woods fast >100. In the end I went for a Taylor Made 200 Steel with 8.5* with a stiff steel shaft. I really dont like graphite as it does not feel as solid on contact, just my opinion!!

Have not hit it yet, got it new off ebay for $70, so i'll bash it a bit and see if I leave smiling or crying......

Thanks

For a fast swing speed the Harrison Stripper is a good shaft, a Penley ETA starts in stiff and is not for the weak of heart!!!, a UST Gold if you like swinging a board. Just a few. Golfworks.com has all the specs.

GolfBald

Or buy one of John Daily's negative lofted irons and keep the ball real low!!

How the hell does he make that ball take off?

165 mph swing?