Re: ShopTalk: 50" long Driver help

[Bernie Baymiller]

Pat,   Some thoughts:   That guy doesn't have the ideal kind of swing for a long driver. He's not getting much speed for a fast tempo and will have to learn to slow the tempo down with a club 50 inches long, or he'll never get it square. It might be a good swing trainer for him, though. At 50", it's nearly impossible to get a low enough swingweight to be controllable for 14 tee shots, and unless this guy is really strong, I'd recommend 47", or 48", if he's moving up from 46" or less. At 47", there are components that can make a D8 club and at 48" with the PE-A (or 50/50) and a Winn, you'd end up about E0. That's not so bad with a light club.   With a driver that's 50 inches, pay really close attention to total weight. A low total weight...say 300 grams or less...will be easier to control. I think the PE-A is a better choice than the R at 80 mph...it plays stiffer than it reads and is lighter. Incidentally, I think that 48" shaft will only get you 49-1/2". I haven't used the Bang 450, but the S450 is a similar head with a 1-1/2" tip to ground. Another good shaft would be the Aldila Longwood 50/50 R at 57 grams...and, you can get the full 50" out of that one. I'd use the R because, strangely, the 50/50 A is heavier (at least, it was the last time I used one a couple of years ago). If you can find any lighter shaft that's within your budget, use it. There are lots of light 46" shafts that will make a 47-1/2" club...like the 54 gram Rapport Recoil 50 which is kind of mid-priced ($36) and a little more tip-stiff, if this guy loads quickly. Go with a light grip to reduce total weight, even though it will raise the swingweight slightly. If you can get a head at least 2� closed and no more than 195 grams, it would help.   Prepare to give this guy some special long driver lessons. He's going to need them. :-)   Bernie Writeto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: Pat McGoldrick To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, September 07, 2002 5:50 PM Subject: ShopTalk: 50" long Driver help I had my first customer come to my shop looking for a 50" driver. I need help looking for the right (or in the ballpark) frequency for a club this long. I am also open for suggestions on a club that will work for this guy. He is 62 years young, fast tempo, 3/4 swing and a swing speed @83mph, 10hdcp. I was going to build a Bang 450cc, SKFiber PE (R) flex, approx. 224cpm. Am I in the ballpark. Oh yeah, $150range. TIA   Pat McGoldrick On Target Golf