Tradeoff: Impact Conditions vs. Launch Conditions

[mjstrong]

So for the question you weren't really asking - these numbers seem a little funny from the launch monitor. The program I was using would indicate from the launch conditions that your clubhead conditions at impact would be:

Clubhead speed: 110.2 mph
Angle of Attack: +3.6
Dynamic Loft (Loft + shaft bend): 7.6

So, the Angle of Attack doesn't match and I assume you weren't using a driver with lower than 7.5 actual loft. I haven't operated launch monitors myself, but I understand that they can sometimes give poor readings if not used or calibrated correctly. But, if the clubhead speed and angle of attack numbers are right, the program says your optimal dynamic loft angle would be around 11 degrees. So, assuming a shaft bend contribution of about 1-1.5 degrees, your optimum loft would be 9.5-10 degrees. FWIW

No, the driver I used for those shots was a Callaway FT-5 Tour 10.5 degree (Neutral bias) with a ZCOM Six Stiff Flex, 56g, 45". Now, I'd suggest that that I was hitting the ball on the bottom part of the club, that would keep the launch lower, but my efficiency was high enough that my contact had to be pretty good.
Like I said, it was from the Callaway Performance Centre. The Launch Monitor uses cameras, not lasers, if that makes a difference.
I'm stumped, but I sure felt like I was hitting up on it quite a bit. Normally I like to feel like I'm hitting down a little.

 

[jmessner]

No, the driver I used for those shots was a Callaway FT-5 Tour 10.5 degree (Neutral bias) with a ZCOM Six Stiff Flex, 56g, 45". Now, I'd suggest that that I was hitting the ball on the bottom part of the club, that would keep the launch lower, but my efficiency was high enough that my contact had to be pretty good.
Like I said, it was from the Callaway Performance Centre. The Launch Monitor uses cameras, not lasers, if that makes a difference.
I'm stumped, but I sure felt like I was hitting up on it quite a bit. Normally I like to feel like I'm hitting down a little.

I agree, something's not right with the numbers. If you hit it lower on your driver you'd probably get more a bit more backspin and your efficiency would be lower (and your reading is actually above the theoretical limit). Hmm..

Jay

 

[mjstrong]

I agree, something's not right with the numbers. If you hit it lower on your driver you'd probably get more a bit more backspin and your efficiency would be lower (and your reading is actually above the theoretical limit). Hmm..

Jay

Yeah, I actually hit 4 in a row at 100% or above, so you can either question the system a little, or make that the head I used doesn't get back to the USGA...