How much does shaft flex affect launch angle and distance with fti driver?

Question

I have had the driver for a month now and its the most erratic club I've ever used, probably become a mental thing now but I'm thinking of binning it, my last driver which became illegal on April 1st was a Big Bertha II+ with firm flex and 9 degree, it was the most consistent driver i've ever used with a slight draw and approx 240-260 carry, the tfi is regular flex, 10 degrees and is all over the place, when I do hit it straigh it has a carry of 200-210 and very high, Can only experienced golfers please answer this question, Im not being funny as people get different enjoyment from the game, but guessed answers from people who hack round the course on a weekend not caring if they use legal or illegal clubs are not helpful, I would like serious input from experienced single figure golfers (I play off 6.4, was off 6.2 till last 2 medals with fti!) only, thank you

I bought the club after several goes on a vector machine, was 30 yards longer than all others on there

Answer 1

Most golfers can take advantage of high lofted driver.  More loft, more carry, thus optimum distance.   So 10 degree loft is not a problem.  The problem is your shaft.   It spins too much (you said very high).   You should see a professional custom fitter (instead of a sales staff) and get fitted for the right shaft.   Yes!  shaft does make a difference.  In your case, your shaft is too flexible and the Torque is too high (you said all over the place).

Also Callaway Fti is a square driver, it's not made for shaping shots.  It's made for distance and high trajectory.  If you like shaping shots, you can try Titleist drivers.

Answer 2

Shaft flex greatly effects angle, carry, height and sidespin. I recently purchased a Burner driver with 50 gram, regular flex low kick point simply because I took the advice of a supposedly knowledgeable salesperson. Maybe I was swinging particularly well that day, I am not sure. But on the course I am erratic with it. Shaft flex that is regular seems to magnify being off just a fraction. I am a 7 handicap and when I use any driver with a stiffer flex I hit 12+ fairways with 250 yard carry. With the regular flex carry is not much further but maybe hit 4-6 fairways. Ball flies straiter, lower, and more predictable with stiff flex.

Answer 3

i have an Fti. The club is great, but i have noticed two things. One is that any working of the ball you want to do is lost. Hit it straight or good luck. This will add a little more distance as the draw and fade of this club are unpredictable. Did you get the new low cg or the Old FTI? Is it a draw or fade bias? The new low cg will put the ball higher. The thing to know here is if you got the new one (LOW CG) You will have a higher ball flight. 10 degrees is a lot for a 6.4. Odds are you can hit the 8.5 or 9 without sidespin issues, so this may get you 10 more yards if you have the right loft. I have mine in an x flex too. It has helped me keep the ball lower as it is just a little too stiff for me.

The second thing about this club is that it isn't the greatest club for the skilled player. As your game gets better, the club will do less for you. The club is a correction club for problem golfers, and i find i get in more trouble with it then good. Try to tee it low, and swing smooth as you already know, and take the smooth 240 if you can get it. The FT5 will add at least 12-20 yards over this club. Especially if you hit it center. I just find that the FTI is a little better fit on a tight course. For a long course though it is not the club. You can't grip it and rip it with this one. This is what the FT5 was built for.

Good luck and low scores to all.