Thoughts on driver recommendation

[el papa malo]

Hello everyone

I went for a driver fitting at golf champion yesterday. 

My swing speed is 87-90 and have an overall total yardage around 205-215 (my arccos stat).  I am currently working with my local pro on improving my swing with the driver.  One area where I am losing distance is Angle of Attack (AoA).  On trackman, I really struggle to get a positive AoA, I am mostly in the -1 to -4 range.  When I am able to get it positive (+3 to +5), I gain about 20-25 yards.

 

My results with club champion.  

 

Tried driver heads from Taylormade SIM2 max, Callaway Epic Max, Ping Max 425 G, Mizuno, and different shafts.  Settled on the Ping G425 9-degree and Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro White 50 Stiff.   The improvement over my existing Wishon 919 and Ozik Red Tie 70 Stiff shaft were:   less spin 3270 to 3080,   tighter dispersion, and total distance improvement from 211 to 230.

 

I don't want to spend $1000 for a new driver (club champion cost for driver and shaft).  I can buy a Ping G410 Plus with Alta CB 55 for $345.  Or Ping G425 with Alta for $500.  If I go with the G410 Plus or G425 with Alta shaft, do you think I will keep the potential gain I saw at club champion?   Does the Ping driver model make a difference?   Or will Ping G425 with Alta - give me most of what the Tensei shaft gives me?  I am interested to know what everyone thinks.

thank you for your feedback,

Luis

 

[Guest RobS]

The G425 is a great head but you will not see any significant performance difference if you go with a G410.  I'm assuming you're ball speed is around 130mph on good strikes.  The Alta 55 in general should match up fine and control spin at your speed but it's different performing shaft that the Pro White.  The Alta is a mid launch counterbalance shaft where the Pro White is a lower launch, conventionally balanced shaft.  With that being said, a lot of players with a negative AOA do well with counterbalance shafts.  If it were, me, I'd pick up a 410 with the Alta or even find one with the Tensei orange that was one of the stock options and keep working on the positive AOA.  The positive AOA and quality strikes will be your biggest source of added distance.

[Jeff58]

I have a 410 with Tensei Orange and a SIM2 Max. 

I’ve hit the 425 enough to have a wood understanding of it I believe.

 

Agree with @RobS. Frankly, I find the 410 max the best driver regardless of cost. The Alta CB is essentially a house-brand Tensei Orange. Pings and counter-balanced shafts have a strong affinity for each other and it’s very likely that it will work well  with your intended swing mechanics IMO.

[drumdude96]

At your swing speed, loft is your friend.  You might look at getting a 12 degree head instead of a 9 degree to give you more carry, especially if you're hitting down on the ball.  There is definitely no need to buy from Club Champion, either.  The stock Alta CB would probably suit you very well.

[el papa malo]

thanks for the feedback.

 

I decided to continue to work on my AoA with my club pro.  He told me that if we can improve that significantly (i.e. +3, +5), then to try another fitting (not necessarily club champion).  He said that I may have a different result.

[Guest RobS]

15 hours ago, el papa malo said:

thanks for the feedback.

 

I decided to continue to work on my AoA with my club pro.  He told me that if we can improve that significantly (i.e. +3, +5), then to try another fitting (not necessarily club champion).  He said that I may have a different result.

Thumbs up to both you and your pro. That’s the right decision in my opinion.