9.5 versus 10.5

Hi all,

I am currently testing out drivers, I have not used one for 8 years as I could never hit mine consistently. I always used my 3 wood 15.0 which was great for me, 250yards no probs.

Anyhow, I have tested the R5 10.5, Nickent 10.5, Ping G5 10.5, and found that I can hit my 3 wood just as far and as consistent.

What pros and cons are there to going with a 9.5 degree?

I am testing a Demo 905R 9.5 with Speeder shaft, I also have the Ping G5 taped up (does the tape dampen impact alot?)

I tested them side by side, 20 balls with the 905S, 20 with my utility to switch up my swing, and then 20 with the G5.

I was pounding the 905R into the darkness, it was landing out of the lights range (250)
Good sounding hits!!!!!

The G5 seemed almost like a wedge compared to the 905R...tooo hi
I could see them landing about 225 and then rolling off into the darkness.

I am thinking if I am having a bad swing day with a lower lofted driver, my mistakes will be alot more noticeable.......perhaps a SPLASH!!!!! or a FORRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

I guess my main question is, if I can control the 9.5, will a G5 9.5 go as far as the 905R? Is it in the engineering of the club/shaft? or the chemistry with the user?
Do some clubs have a higher degree of velocity coming off the club head?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

I dont claim to have all the answers, but in my opinion the driver, or any club is only the tool. The result comes from the user and your ability. dont confuse your mind with these thoughts. I would say that the higher the loft the easier to get a good connection. If you strike the ball well, then you should probably use a stiff shaft. Stick with whichever driver you feel most comfortable with, and it will become part of you. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Robert

Thanks Robert,

I am connecting good with both, I was considering trying the G5 9.5 and was mostly wondering if the distance will be comparable to the 9.5 905R

My understanding is that the 9.5 G5 will not necessarily give the same results as the 9.5 905R. Both probably have the same COR in the sweetspot, and therefore the same potential for intial ball velocity. Drivers vary:

Center of gravity: will affect launch angle and spin
Moment of inertia: "" resistance to twisting, for control
Shaft kick point: "" launch angle, and a little swing speed, and control
Sweet spot size: "" distance on mishits
Weight (shaft and head): "" ball speed, but mass/speed trade-off

There are probably a ton more factors. But the short answer is that saying two drivers have the same loft and COR does not mean you will get the same distance or control with them. My opinion is that there is no substitute to trying a bunch out on a launch monitor. Try all the heads and shafts you can. Also consider your dispersion (right or left) and your variance in distance in addition to max distance.

Thanks Mattin,

That sure cleared up alot of stuff in my head.
I was thinking that even if 2 different brand drivers had the exact same shaft and loft, the weight placement and amount of weight would also be a key factor.
And then add, golfers SS, ball striking ability, angle of attack etc...

I guess it never ends,

I'll take your advice and try them all out all in one place, all at one time.



Thanks again

here is a good site I found with FAQ on driver loft/lie/shaft ect.


http://www.franklygolf.com/Q_A/driver.asp

Thanks for that skywalker!!

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I think I'm gonna buy the G5, 9* Aldila Stiff, after trying the: R5, FT-3, Nickent 3DX, 905R, and a couple others I can't remember.

For me and my swing, It hit the straightest, I could work the ball, sounded great & last but not least, I hit the (250) back fence 10 feet above the ground with a low trajectory....the ball was still flying WOOOHOOOOOO

good to hear