Philly Golf Guy
#PGG
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2012
- Messages
- 9,103
- Reaction score
- 7
- Handicap
- USGA 14
Went through a fitting today using a flightscope, which apparently is a good way to go. It was my first full fitting. The fitter was a good guy and definitely knew his stuff and was helpful. Generally, I want my clubs to be a little more streamlined since I have way too many different swing thoughts with all my clubs and they're just too different from one another (light vs. heavy, weight in toe vs. heel, etc.) I also told him I wanted clubs I could grow into a little; I want forgiveness, but also want something I could use in a few years if and when I get my handicap to single digits....
It's a weird time to get fitted because a lot of the 2013 models don't come out until next month, but if I waited any longer my swing would disappear from lack of playing due to the winter. I also didn't care if I ended up with a 2012 or 2013 model; I just wanted to love what I ended up with.
It was brutal in the beginning, as I was a shank machine. I finally got comfortable and warmed up and learned a lot. Generally, my swing speed is right in the middle of regular and stiff shaft, so we settled on a few stiffer regular flex shafts. Similar to a Golftec session, he let me know that most of my swing looks good, club was on plane and in the slot coming down and all, but I was shutting the club face way too early. It sounded familiar and was able to correct at least that part of my swing. For irons, I ended up with the JPX 825's. I also tried the Rocketbladez, G20's, one of the VRS and TE XCG6. I have Pings now and apparently they're a high spin iron, which explains my complaints about my irons going too high since I hit under them a lot. The 825's got the ball a lot lower where I wanted it. I liked the Nike's a lot, but the fitter had the XCG's in second place. The Rocketbladez went the furthest, but it was the only iron that I missed left and right. At this time point, I think I need to hit a bunch more models before I go with new irons. I liked the 825 Pro's a lot, but need more time with them and possibly sample a few more. I'm 2 degrees flat now as well. I guess that's progress, I was 2 degrees upright a couple years ago.
Hybrids were next. This was a tough one for me, as I've had DWS Bafflers for a long time and felt it would take a miracle club for me to change. I have been playing a Cally Razr HL 5 hybrid lately that I really like. It would have been easy for him to basically suggest getting more of those, but I didn't even hit anything from Cally. Instead, I hit 2 models, the JPX 825 and XCG5. Both did what I wanted, lower ball flight, more consistent and even more distance. It was very close, but the XCG5's are it for me. Almost a club further than the Bafflers, love the ball flight and looks great. It's been a phenomenal run with the Bafflers, but time for a change. Very fitting, as my very first hybrid was a TE Bazooka. I loved that club.
Driver was last. Driver was certainly the club I was most interested in hearing about. My Titleist 909D2 has been a beast for me, but also a complete dud. Very hot and cold. I wondered if the club head was too heavy and I needed something really light instead. I think at this point my fitter had me dialed in. I swung a G20 with an I20 shaft, a JPX 825, and the RBZ. The RBZ was dismissed almost immediately. The fitter muttered something about being meant for swing flaws I didn't have, but I disagree. I could easily come up with a few new swing flaws at the drop of a hat. It was extremely close between the G20 and 825. That was surprising to me, as I've never really felt like I've ever clicked with Ping drivers. But the shaft/combo worked and both drivers were giving me great results. I was drawing the ball as well, which I don't see all that often with my ball flight. When it came down to it, I was getting a little more distance with the 825 and, well, really fell in love with the looks of the 825. The head was a little smaller for a nice classic look and the feel and sound at impact was amazing. Probably the most excited for this club. I will say I was hitting a 10.5 degree, which is what I play now. The fitter wanted my launch angle a little lower, so suggested a 9.5 (which they didn't have in stock). It was surprising to me because I've heard a lower loft head doesn't necessarily translate into a lower launch. The shaft is lower launch, so maybe that in combo with the loft?
So, I essentially was able to meet my goals of streamlining my while getting the ball flight I was looking for, with more consistency. I feel good about it and will likely get the driver and hybrids. And I'll probably come around to the irons after a little more pondering. After all, the irons have the same shaft as the driver, the Orachi Blue, which I really clicked with. I've always admired Mizuno from afar, but never thought their equipment was right for me. I was extremely impressed with the feel and impact of the the 825's across the board.
I will repeat what is said many times on this site; getting fitted is a must. I've spent countless time and money researching and buying clubs sight unseen, but having an expert help get the right clubs in your hands is priceless.
It's a weird time to get fitted because a lot of the 2013 models don't come out until next month, but if I waited any longer my swing would disappear from lack of playing due to the winter. I also didn't care if I ended up with a 2012 or 2013 model; I just wanted to love what I ended up with.
It was brutal in the beginning, as I was a shank machine. I finally got comfortable and warmed up and learned a lot. Generally, my swing speed is right in the middle of regular and stiff shaft, so we settled on a few stiffer regular flex shafts. Similar to a Golftec session, he let me know that most of my swing looks good, club was on plane and in the slot coming down and all, but I was shutting the club face way too early. It sounded familiar and was able to correct at least that part of my swing. For irons, I ended up with the JPX 825's. I also tried the Rocketbladez, G20's, one of the VRS and TE XCG6. I have Pings now and apparently they're a high spin iron, which explains my complaints about my irons going too high since I hit under them a lot. The 825's got the ball a lot lower where I wanted it. I liked the Nike's a lot, but the fitter had the XCG's in second place. The Rocketbladez went the furthest, but it was the only iron that I missed left and right. At this time point, I think I need to hit a bunch more models before I go with new irons. I liked the 825 Pro's a lot, but need more time with them and possibly sample a few more. I'm 2 degrees flat now as well. I guess that's progress, I was 2 degrees upright a couple years ago.
Hybrids were next. This was a tough one for me, as I've had DWS Bafflers for a long time and felt it would take a miracle club for me to change. I have been playing a Cally Razr HL 5 hybrid lately that I really like. It would have been easy for him to basically suggest getting more of those, but I didn't even hit anything from Cally. Instead, I hit 2 models, the JPX 825 and XCG5. Both did what I wanted, lower ball flight, more consistent and even more distance. It was very close, but the XCG5's are it for me. Almost a club further than the Bafflers, love the ball flight and looks great. It's been a phenomenal run with the Bafflers, but time for a change. Very fitting, as my very first hybrid was a TE Bazooka. I loved that club.
Driver was last. Driver was certainly the club I was most interested in hearing about. My Titleist 909D2 has been a beast for me, but also a complete dud. Very hot and cold. I wondered if the club head was too heavy and I needed something really light instead. I think at this point my fitter had me dialed in. I swung a G20 with an I20 shaft, a JPX 825, and the RBZ. The RBZ was dismissed almost immediately. The fitter muttered something about being meant for swing flaws I didn't have, but I disagree. I could easily come up with a few new swing flaws at the drop of a hat. It was extremely close between the G20 and 825. That was surprising to me, as I've never really felt like I've ever clicked with Ping drivers. But the shaft/combo worked and both drivers were giving me great results. I was drawing the ball as well, which I don't see all that often with my ball flight. When it came down to it, I was getting a little more distance with the 825 and, well, really fell in love with the looks of the 825. The head was a little smaller for a nice classic look and the feel and sound at impact was amazing. Probably the most excited for this club. I will say I was hitting a 10.5 degree, which is what I play now. The fitter wanted my launch angle a little lower, so suggested a 9.5 (which they didn't have in stock). It was surprising to me because I've heard a lower loft head doesn't necessarily translate into a lower launch. The shaft is lower launch, so maybe that in combo with the loft?
So, I essentially was able to meet my goals of streamlining my while getting the ball flight I was looking for, with more consistency. I feel good about it and will likely get the driver and hybrids. And I'll probably come around to the irons after a little more pondering. After all, the irons have the same shaft as the driver, the Orachi Blue, which I really clicked with. I've always admired Mizuno from afar, but never thought their equipment was right for me. I was extremely impressed with the feel and impact of the the 825's across the board.
I will repeat what is said many times on this site; getting fitted is a must. I've spent countless time and money researching and buying clubs sight unseen, but having an expert help get the right clubs in your hands is priceless.
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