ShopTalk: Longer Driver > Added Distance

[Harry F. Schiestel]

Hi Bernie   I just built my first long driver, a 47 inch model: Built this length for others, but never for myself. >  Head     PureFit DC Tour V, 14 deg., 400 cc, 190 gram head weight (lighter than the majority of heads) >  Shaft     Aldila One Mid Launch 65-R (type 2 with FLO on the N plane) >  Grip       Lamkin Crossline Classic Sof-Cord (50 grams)  Total weight of this club was just over the 300 mark (308 grams at 47 inches).   Went to practice with my son.  I hadn't even hit it on the range yet and my son's golf coach asked me if his 75 year old dad could borrow for half a week to evaluate. I didn't have the heart to say no.  His eyesight is diminishing so he asked for his at 46 inches.  His dad is a past winner of the Provincial (Ont.) Senior Amateur, and his brother played the European PGA.  I anticipate good things but haven't got it back yet after 1.5 weeks although his dad did order his own driver. Coach ordered one too, although he wanted 47 inches with KZG RBT/325 9* head.  Same combo as my son's are using. My wife thought I was crazy for lending out my new driver, considering I haven't even had a chance to play it myself. It resulted in 2 driver sales.  The customers own their own golf course, and pro shop with OEM fitting center.   The Ti driver with Aldila One shaft felt great on the range.  Quite long considering the use of dead range balls. With a higher face height, I started to hit it real good once I put the ball position further up in my stance at address.   Bernie, I thought it would be harder to control, but it wasn't.  I was surprised at how easy 47 inches was to hit. You told us that for years.  By comparison, my 45 inch RBT/325 driver seemed real short ... in an awkward sense ..   My 47" driver has a lighter total weight than does my 45" driver.   Thanks Harry S www.Golf54.com    -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Bernie Baymiller Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 2:43 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: ShopTalk: Higher torque improve distance??????????? Joe,   If you want more distance at age 70, go longer and lighter. Try any head you like from about 340cc to 450cc and about 195 grams (ask for that weight) with 1� or 2� closed face. Integra Super 450 LH 10� is a good one, if you can get 195 or 196 grams weight. Use a mid-50 grams A-flex shaft at least 46" long, so you can get at least 47" club length. The Graman TP440 A, Rapport Recoil 50 A (maybe an R in this would work), or maybe the best is a 48", 58 gram SK Fiber Pure Energy A-flex. Use a Winn or Karakal grip about 43 grams. You might pick up about 10 yards per extra inch if you can learn how to get the head square at impact and hit the ball straight.   I could only get 210-220 with a 43" driver at age 59. At age 65, I was hitting a 48" S450/PE-A/Winn 260 yards and more accurately than any shorter driver I ever played. At age 69 and after a kidney transplant last November, I'm not quite back, but was hitting the ball about 250 all day today...missed one fairway.   Bernie Writeto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- Original Message ----- From: Joe To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 8:29 AM Subject: ShopTalk: Higher torque improve distance??????????? Hi Group: I'm trying to get more distance on the driver. Specs:  age 70, driver carry 165 to 175, five iron carry 150.  The driver distance is with a Grafaloy lite shaft and an integra 180 head.  I'm left handed, this limits choice of heads.  I'm planning on a Acer  XDS2+  14'  3 wood. Any suggestions for a shaft, torque and flex.   I enjoy the group, I'm a hobbist enjoying building   Joe