Driver Fitting Confusion

[SeekerL]

Can someone clear up my confusion on driver fitting?

Basically I understand for people with high swing speeds (club head 100 mph and more), optimal launch angle is between 12 to 16 deg and ball spin rate between 2000 to 3500 rpm (don't remember the exact number right now). Slower club head speed would need higher launch angle and spin rate.

My confusion comes from an internet video where this gentleman claimed to be doing one the largest number of driver fitting in USA. He showed a fitting for a client with slow swing speed (ball speed 115 to 120 mph, yes, ball speed not club head speed), he was able to achieved a launch angle of 14 deg and spin rate in the low 2000. This seems to contradicts that slower speed needs higher launch angle and more spin. If he's legit!

I guess all my fitters followed the standard fitting formula because I've never been fitted with a spin rate lower than 3700 rpm with launch angle in the 16 deg (ball speed 130 rpm, 10.5 deg loft) range.

 

[Robbohank]

The upper end of the spin numbers you talk about seem very very high for clubhead speed in excess if 100. Seems like you would be working more toward a mid-2000 rpm rate (from what I know anyway). Certainly not above 3000.

3700 rpms seems off the charts.

 

[jmessner]

From a couple trajectory programs I have, they say ~2800rpm would be optimal for carry distance with 130mph ball speed and 16 degree launch angle. 3700 does seem high, but maybe at that high of a launch it's difficult to achieve a much lower spin rate depending on swing characteristics.

 

[SeekerL]

From a couple trajectory programs I have, they say ~2800rpm would be optimal for carry distance with 130mph ball speed and 16 degree launch angle. 3700 does seem high, but maybe at that high of a launch it's difficult to achieve a much lower spin rate depending on swing characteristics.

I was not happy with the spin rate as well but the fitters never suggested I go with a lower loft. I assumed they feel the launched angle would be compromised. These were free fittings from Taylormade and Ping and I have yet to buy a driver from them based on my fitting experiences - did not feel that I was thoroughly evaluated.

There is a Callaway performance centre in my city that I think I'll pay them for some good launch/impact number. Especially whether I have a positive or negative angle of attack.

 

[jmessner]

I was not happy with the spin rate as well but the fitters never suggested I go with a lower loft. I assumed they feel the launched angle would be compromised. These were free fittings from Taylormade and Ping and I have yet to buy a driver from them based on my fitting experiences - did not feel that I was thoroughly evaluated.

There is a Callaway performance centre in my city that I think I'll pay them for some good launch/impact number. Especially whether I have a positive or negative angle of attack.

Based on a 16 degree launch angle and 10.5 degree driver loft I'd say you probably have a pretty good positive AoA, and/or you're adding loft with the head passing your hands before impact. It'd be good to find out which.

 

[SeekerL]

Hmmmm...Thanks for pointing this out Jmessner. Until I found Brian I've no doubt my left wrist is bent through impact. I am currently working hard on a flat left wrist. On the other hand I've always tee the ball low and not that close to left heel per traditional commendation. I also felt I closed the club face (deloft) through impact. Lots of food for thought. Good thing about Callaway performance centre is that I will have a copy of my swing and will know it for sure.

 

[Kevin Shields]

I cant seem to think of a scenario where 16 degree launch and 3700 spin would be good with a driver. Sounds like a knockdown wedge. Trackman often recommends optimal numbers at a lower launch for people with slower swings speeds so the landing angle decreases for more bounce and roll.

 

[SeekerL]

I cant seem to think of a scenario where 16 degree launch and 3700 spin would be good with a driver. Sounds like a knockdown wedge. Trackman often recommends optimal numbers at a lower launch for people with slower swings speeds so the landing angle decreases for more bounce and roll.

Thanks for piping in Kevin. Your view indicates the internet-fitter may be right after all. This gives me hope that there might be an easy 10 more yards to be had.