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| Tips For Buying Custom Fit Clubs |
measured and fitted for grip type and size, shaft type and flex,
length of club, category of club head and lie angle of irons. The
main concept of being custom fit is that everyone has different
body dimensions and swing styles so therefore the clubs should
be different as well. Also when you are custom fit you have
control over the exact specifications you would like, as compared
to off the shelf where you are limited to what has already been
assembled previously.
Grip Size and Style
Choosing a grip consists of 4 main factors, wet versus dry
conditions, cushioning/dampening versus feedback/feel, tackiness
and texture and size of grip. For dry conditions you can use a
smooth finish tacky grip, wet conditions use a perforated grip, and
for maximum grip in wet conditions use a cord grip. For maximum
shock absorption use a soft composition grip (the larger the more
absorption), more feel use a firmer grip. If you prefer a tacky
feeling grip look for grips with a smooth finish. A properly fit grip
will be when your index and middle finger lightly contact your palm
while holding the club (on the top hand only). Grips that are too
small will force you to grip too tightly and interfere with proper
swing mechanics. Grips that are too large will delay the wrist
release also and the tendency will be to fade the ball because the
club face will be open at impact. Also, usually a golfer with a
higher swing speed will be best suited with a firmer grip due to
reduced torque in the grip and therefore better control.
Shaft type and Flex
Choosing between a steel or graphite shaft is a combination of
personal preference, swing speed and tempo. With a slower
swing speed graphite is usually preferred over a steel shaft due to
the fact it is lighter and launches the ball higher. Once you
choose the type of shaft material that is best then you can break
that down into weight, flex, torque and launch characteristics.
Most common preferences for a golfer with a slower swing speed
are softer flex, lighter weight and higher launch to maximize
distance. For golfers with a higher swing speed usually stiffer
flexes, heavier weights and lower trajectories are preferred to
maximize control.
Length of Clubs
The length of clubs is determined by a combination of your height,
knuckle to floor measurement, shaft material and skill level. Most
men’s clubs are built for someone 5 foot 10 inches tall, so the
farther you are from that height the more adjustment that will likely
need to be made. Your knuckle to floor measurement is typically
closely related to your height but can be helpful when you are
undecided between 2 different lengths. Also shaft lengths are
different depending on the weight of the shaft. Sets with graphite
shafts are usually longer than sets with heavier steel shafts, so
that should be considered as well. When you are beginning to
golf shorter shafts might be preferred as it is easier to make solid
contact, once you become more experienced length is less of an
issue. Most adjustments to length should be from ½ to 1 inch
different from standard, more than that will often adversely affect
total weight, swing weight, and/or playability of the club.
Category of club heads
There are 3 main categories of irons to choose from, and they are
super game improvement, game improvement and player’s. The
super game improvement are usually the easiest to hit, highest
launch clubs with a strong offset best suited for either a higher
handicap player, slower swing speed, or to minimize a slice.
Game improvement irons are still easy to hit but a little less
forgiving, a little more workable, a little lower launch and a bit less
offset and are best suited for a more experienced player with an
average swing speed that fades the ball when hitting a driver.
Player type clubs are the least forgiving, lowest launch and the
least offset but offer maximum feel and control for a low handicap
player with a high swing speed and who normally draws the ball.
Drivers and fairway woods can be either high forgiveness/draw
bias or maximum workability/neutral bias. These 2 categories are
produced through internal weighting, face angle or offset hosel
and the shape and size of the club head.
Lie angle (irons)
The lie angle is how the sole of the club head rests on the
ground. When you set up to hit a ball and put the club on the
ground there should be a slight gap under the toe for proper fit.
That is because when you swing the club the shaft bows up a little
at impact which will therefore flatten the lie angle and the gap
under the toe will no longer be there when you are actually
swinging the club. If you have clubs that are too upright (toe up to
high) then the ball will go to the left if you are a right handed
player, it the clubs are too flat (toe level or heel is up) then the
ball will go to the right. You can be measured for this using a lie
board and then viewing the contact area on the sole of the club.
Woods and hybrids are not normally fit or adjusted for lie angle
because of the different way they contact the turf.
Now that you understand the basic concepts of club fitting you will
be able to purchase with confidence!
Any questions or comments regarding the above
information contact: Darcy Schmidt at 905 732 9692 or drop
by Golf Stuff in Welland
length of club, category of club head and lie angle of irons. The
main concept of being custom fit is that everyone has different
body dimensions and swing styles so therefore the clubs should
be different as well. Also when you are custom fit you have
control over the exact specifications you would like, as compared
to off the shelf where you are limited to what has already been
assembled previously.
Grip Size and Style
Choosing a grip consists of 4 main factors, wet versus dry
conditions, cushioning/dampening versus feedback/feel, tackiness
and texture and size of grip. For dry conditions you can use a
smooth finish tacky grip, wet conditions use a perforated grip, and
for maximum grip in wet conditions use a cord grip. For maximum
shock absorption use a soft composition grip (the larger the more
absorption), more feel use a firmer grip. If you prefer a tacky
feeling grip look for grips with a smooth finish. A properly fit grip
will be when your index and middle finger lightly contact your palm
while holding the club (on the top hand only). Grips that are too
small will force you to grip too tightly and interfere with proper
swing mechanics. Grips that are too large will delay the wrist
release also and the tendency will be to fade the ball because the
club face will be open at impact. Also, usually a golfer with a
higher swing speed will be best suited with a firmer grip due to
reduced torque in the grip and therefore better control.
Shaft type and Flex
Choosing between a steel or graphite shaft is a combination of
personal preference, swing speed and tempo. With a slower
swing speed graphite is usually preferred over a steel shaft due to
the fact it is lighter and launches the ball higher. Once you
choose the type of shaft material that is best then you can break
that down into weight, flex, torque and launch characteristics.
Most common preferences for a golfer with a slower swing speed
are softer flex, lighter weight and higher launch to maximize
distance. For golfers with a higher swing speed usually stiffer
flexes, heavier weights and lower trajectories are preferred to
maximize control.
Length of Clubs
The length of clubs is determined by a combination of your height,
knuckle to floor measurement, shaft material and skill level. Most
men’s clubs are built for someone 5 foot 10 inches tall, so the
farther you are from that height the more adjustment that will likely
need to be made. Your knuckle to floor measurement is typically
closely related to your height but can be helpful when you are
undecided between 2 different lengths. Also shaft lengths are
different depending on the weight of the shaft. Sets with graphite
shafts are usually longer than sets with heavier steel shafts, so
that should be considered as well. When you are beginning to
golf shorter shafts might be preferred as it is easier to make solid
contact, once you become more experienced length is less of an
issue. Most adjustments to length should be from ½ to 1 inch
different from standard, more than that will often adversely affect
total weight, swing weight, and/or playability of the club.
Category of club heads
There are 3 main categories of irons to choose from, and they are
super game improvement, game improvement and player’s. The
super game improvement are usually the easiest to hit, highest
launch clubs with a strong offset best suited for either a higher
handicap player, slower swing speed, or to minimize a slice.
Game improvement irons are still easy to hit but a little less
forgiving, a little more workable, a little lower launch and a bit less
offset and are best suited for a more experienced player with an
average swing speed that fades the ball when hitting a driver.
Player type clubs are the least forgiving, lowest launch and the
least offset but offer maximum feel and control for a low handicap
player with a high swing speed and who normally draws the ball.
Drivers and fairway woods can be either high forgiveness/draw
bias or maximum workability/neutral bias. These 2 categories are
produced through internal weighting, face angle or offset hosel
and the shape and size of the club head.
Lie angle (irons)
The lie angle is how the sole of the club head rests on the
ground. When you set up to hit a ball and put the club on the
ground there should be a slight gap under the toe for proper fit.
That is because when you swing the club the shaft bows up a little
at impact which will therefore flatten the lie angle and the gap
under the toe will no longer be there when you are actually
swinging the club. If you have clubs that are too upright (toe up to
high) then the ball will go to the left if you are a right handed
player, it the clubs are too flat (toe level or heel is up) then the
ball will go to the right. You can be measured for this using a lie
board and then viewing the contact area on the sole of the club.
Woods and hybrids are not normally fit or adjusted for lie angle
because of the different way they contact the turf.
Now that you understand the basic concepts of club fitting you will
be able to purchase with confidence!
Any questions or comments regarding the above
information contact: Darcy Schmidt at 905 732 9692 or drop
by Golf Stuff in Welland