Forum > Technique, Tips & Tuition

Matt Simmons

I popped down the range today to have a bit of a swing thinking I'll just have a swift 50 and ended up getting fitted for a Callaway Driver as there was a demo day on and the bloke was really bored and looked like he needed a challenge!

Now I told this bloke about my golf at the moment and what I want to achieve he handed me a Diablo Edge, I had a few swings, and for the first time EVER had balls running onto the giant hump at the back of the range (its very short) in an almost straight way but even my duffs were better than what I would normally get and be happy at.

Now for the techy stuff. I would really appreciate your views on the following cos as you know I'm new to all this stuff

He decided I should have an 11* head, standard length and lie with a regular flex shaft.

He recorded an average swingspeed of 95mph and an average ball speed of 110 mph. Now me. I thought that sounded great, made me feel all manly and butch. How good is that? and should I part with my cash?

Loud Mouth b.a.

Matt,

Before you buy anything, with respect, possibly learn to hit the ball much better assuming that the readings which you now provide are accurate.

With a swing speed (S.S.) of 95mph your ball speed (B.S.) should be around 140 mph (not 110mph). That means that your present 'smash factor' (ie converting your S.S. into B.S. into distance) is very poor.

I assume that the equipment was accurate?

Hitting the ball well with a S.S. of 95 mph you should be hitting approx. 250 yards in neutral conditions, after allowing  10% for ball run on in that distance. Does this sound about right? If so, then the B.S. reading is likely incorrect.

Get the figures and hitting distance checked out before proceeding further.

I don't personally provide advice with regard to off-the-shelf drivers, save to say that the issue of lie is irrelevant with drivers as the head should not be grounded when striking the ball. 

Thanks for asking.  

Matt Simmons

Thanks Ivan. I cant possibly comment on the accuracy of the measuring equipment but I'd like to think it was spot on.

My smash factor is poor? I'm not suprised as this evening was the best results I've ever had with a driver (I only hit one ball with the terrible slice I'm being punished with by the golfing gods). I'm looking forward to hitting better as my swing improves.

Keep my money in my pocket and keep going with my £10 special for now? But I NEEEEEEEEED shiney kit

Wayne Santorini

Loud Mouth b.a.

Matt,

What one wants and what one necessarily needs are not always the same.

If you do not mind me asking what were you quoted for your essential piece of shiney kit?

Matt Simmons

Wayne, it would appear that he was using treackman or at least something similar (I just googled it). It was a white box set behind the ball and plugged into his lappy. Loads of pretty pictures and lots of graphs and numbers!!!!

Ivan, well. I totally agree what one wants and needs are indeed two totally seperate. and I was quoted £200 but I didnt do any bargaining as I wasnt prepared to get my wallet out.

Loud Mouth b.a.

Matt,

Judging by your read outs and description it is likely that you were measured using a Kelvinator model KRS221LHY which would explain why the ball speed reading was none too hot. All is now clear.

Thanks.

Matt Simmons

Thats the one. No wonder it was chilly!