Driver loft & shaft?

Question

I currently use a Taylormade R7 Superquad with 10.5 loft and a stiff shaft. My swing speed is around the 110mph mark. Im finding my driver shots to be quite inconsistent and am thinking about changing the shaft to a Grafalloy Epic X-Stiff, would I have too much driver loft to go with my swing speed and new shaft? Thanks

Answer 1

You have plenty of swing speed to hit an X stiff and at that speed there is no way you should be playing a generic, off the shelf shaft anyways (in comparison I swing at about 102 and play an X). 10.5 loft is just fine but it doesn't mean that an 11.5 or 8.5 wouldn't be better (my point is you are going to want to test them out).

Also the ideal launch angle is 14* (not 11 or 12) and the ideal spin is 2500 rpm's (if you don't know what this stuff means then find a good club fitter).

Also, my two sense on shafts: they can pretty much cost what you are willing to pay (up to $500 for the more exotic shafts). Is there a benefit in the ultra exotic shaft? Perhaps...but if money wasn't an issue there is no question that I would be playing one right now. Otherwise you can get away with a $120-$150 speeder that is pretty good (I don't know too much about Grafalloy. Speeder is the market leader in the custom shaft category so you won't go wrong).

Answer 2

Bobbio you are the MAN! All over it. You have a superquad driver. If you play around with the weights you might be able to find a setup that better suits you. If you are inconsistent left/right you want to ADD loft to the clubface. Stiffening your shaft would not do this, infact it would do the exact opposite. Try putting both of the heavier weights in the clubhead to the back two ports. You may lose a little distance but through more vertical spin and influence, the sidespin will decrease. Understand, x-stiff is longdrive terrritory not so much tour play. The reason Tiger's driver shaft is x-stiff is because that is the feel he wants. Also it helps him manipulate shots through more subtlety.

Answer 3

It really depends on your launch angle 10.5 degrees is optimal launch but most people hit their drives on the upswing and add loft. I recommend 8.5 and the shaft is up to you.

Answer 4

From what I know the R7 Superquad has a .350 tip diameter, limiting you to a Stiff selection only in the Epic shaft. It's available in X Stiff as a .335. A shaft adapter could be used, but I wouldn't recommend it.

It's a low torque shaft designed for high launch and low spin. Distance is achieved with current drivers and balls through the air, more carry, less roll. A 12 deg. launch may be ideal. You may find your current shaft is fine and a ball change might accomplish what you're looking for. 110 mph swing speed is within the limits for a Stiff shaft. Also, perhaps a visit to a swing analyzer would help. Since the driver swing is different from every other, something as simple as ball position might be creating the launch conditions that are causing your inconsistency.

In addition, there's no exact, perfect launch angle, although it usually falls between 12 and 14 degrees. The ball makes a difference as well. They're designed for certain launch angle based on their composition and spin rate.