TM and Nike on Shaft Stiffness Adjustability

[SteveT]

Here are links to two patent applications for adjusting shaft flexibility that affects the D-plane concept.

TM: (note the reference to shaft droop and dynamic loft)
What is the Next Step in Adjustability? Taylor Made is Considering Adjustable-Stiffness Shaft Tips

Nike:
Interested in Adjusting the Stiffness of Your Golf Shaft? Nike Golf Thinks So

This confirms my comments on shaft droop, tip torque, shaft stiffness, swing speed and downswing shaft loading profile (per TT ShaftLab) ... and the D-plane concept.

 

[SteveT]

I hope this scientific patent stuff is not too confusing for all you D-planers ... and ex-TGMers.

 

[natep]

I would never use one of those shaft sleeves to change shaft flex profile per shot.

But that doesnt mean a lot of people wouldnt think its the piece of the puzzle that their game is missing.

I understand the Nike sleeve but I'm not sure I understand the TM model. Is it a bunch of interchangeable pieces that screw together like a pool cue?

 

[SteveT]

The OEMs are desperate to flog gizmos on their equipment because that's the only way they can create a "marketing differentiation" between themselves. Curiously, they seem to match their new designs so that the indians must conclude it's the real thing.

Golfers are gullible ... and doubly so when it comes to the 'toys'. But try to sell them on lessons and they become confused and belligerent.

 

[natep]

Yep. I guess since head size and CoR have been maxed out, the shaft technology is all that's left.

Oh, I forgot about the new light grips that increase clubhead speed.

 

[SteveT]

I've facetiously suggested that somebody should invent a golf ball launcher, similar to a tennis ball launcher, that fires a ball from the tees to a dialed in distance ... 200, 225, 250, more yards.

The ball launcher is triggered by just swinging the golf club and clipping some sort of tee connected to the launcher .... et voila ... no slices, hooks, worm burners .... just nice and straight shots ... and of course raising the trajectory so you can cut off doglegs.

However, "nice shot" would disappear at the tee box ... oh well ...!!!

 

[natep]

I read somewhere recently that there is a direct correlation between shaft droop and the shaft twisting closed. I'll keep trying to find it.

 

[Jim Kobylinski]

steve while all of these things contribute to the d-plane they dont provide any extraneous changes. all the things you mention will contribute to varying face angles however that ending face angle is all that matters when it comes to ball club collision.

clubfitters have been matching iron and driver shafts to golfers for years. some help with launch angle, some help change face again and based on feel some can help golfers change their path. but in the end, only the end face/path/aoa is what the ball cares about

 

[bax1865]

steve while all of these things contribute to the d-plane they dont provide any extraneous changes. all the things you mention will contribute to varying face angles however that ending face angle is all that matters when it comes to ball club collision.

clubfitters have been matching iron and driver shafts to golfers for years. some help with launch angle, some help change face again and based on feel some can help golfers change their path. but in the end, only the end face/path/aoa is what the ball cares about

And clubhead speed also makes a difference to the ball.