Off Course is back this week with a fantastic show. Hosted by Dan Edwards, each Friday he gives you a deep look into the world of golf and equipment in a way unlike any other podcast has done before. Today Director of Custom Fitting & Player Performance at Callaway Golf, Michael Vrska joins the conversation to talk about shaft fitting and a whole lot more.
It wouldn’t be Off Course without some tangents, but Dan and Michael take a deep dive in a way that is easy to understand everything about shaft fitting and finding the best clubs for you. This show has a lot going on and is one you will not want to miss as Michael Vrska goes Off Course.

Episode 127 is here and Dan and Michael discuss the following topics.
Where Should Fitting Begin?
Shaft vs Head vs Ball
Shaft Specs vs Shaft Reality
Shaft Fitting Importance
And so much more
You can listen to the show right here, Apple Podcasts or of anywhere you do your listening and downloading from. Search for the Hackers Paradise and make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. After listening, come back over and drop us a note below on what you agree and/or disagree with from the episode.
THPGolf · Off Course: Shaft Fitting Explained
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I was just able to listen to this podcast this morning and man what a great listen. I would love to hear more from [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] on ball fitting since he mentioned that he believes starting and ending there in a complete fitting would be the way to go. More and more I’ve been convinced on THP that I need to get fit, and this podcast with the “if golf is your game and you want to score better get fit, period, full stop” says it all. Now to find a quality fitter in Northern VA To take care of that.
Still working through this today. Love the explanation on why having profiles in shaft stiffness that can be so different for everyone.
The talk about “made for” makes a lot of sense. I’m still not a big fan of how it’s done but it makes more sense when discussed like it is here
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 10978346, member: 2320″]
I wanted to dive deeper into the challenges of selecting stock shafts that suit “the majority” because I really think that’s an under-thought of many golfers… They grab a club off the rack and immediately devalue the stock shaft because “they have one that works” ignoring the part where heads are different.
Meanwhile, the guys are constantly getting the hottest/best shafts into their heads with a goal in mind. It’s why I love SO much that many companies have multiple stock options, and even more no-upcharge on their site.
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I think I was talking to JT with Titleist about this very thing at Ballyhack. He was saying they do a ton of testing and research to find a handful of “stock” shafts for their lineup. Was very interesting to hear that side of the company and what all goes into that.
I had to listen to this on and off yesterday and looking forward to listening to it again all the way through.
I need a weekly podcast with [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] because that was so good!!!
Well done gents. Center contact – that’s what it’s all about. Loved how he drove that point home. Seems so simple yet sometimes we focus on the wrong things.
Took me three day of separate drives but I finished this one. Fantastic work [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] and [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] ! Hope you’re back on sooner than later Mr. Vrska!
This is wonderfully informative with great perspective. Same boat with [USER=56094]@Muchmore18[/USER] it’s taking me a bit longer across drives between work and I keep wanting to rewind certain parts. Gonna finish it on the way home today and then again while I mow later. Great job fellas!
Am I the only one that could listen to [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] talk shop for DAYS and DAYS? No? Didn’t think so. Haha
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10980670, member: 1579″]
Am I the only one that could listen to [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] talk shop for DAYS and DAYS? No? Didn’t think so. Haha
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Thanks. Though that may be a passive aggressive take on how long winded [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and I tend to go on pods. ???? Maybe next time we will go 2 hours just to test it. ??
[QUOTE=”vgolfman, post: 10981101, member: 24739″]
Thanks. Though that may be a passive aggressive take on how long winded [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and I tend to go on pods. ???? Maybe next time we will go 2 hours just to test it. ??
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I’m all for all the hours you two can muster! Hahaha
[QUOTE=”vgolfman, post: 10981101, member: 24739″]
Thanks. Though that may be a passive aggressive take on how long winded [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] and I tend to go on pods. ???? Maybe next time we will go 2 hours just to test it. ??
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Don’t encourage me.
Wait.
[QUOTE=”Muchmore18, post: 10979318, member: 56094″]
The talk about “made for” makes a lot of sense. I’m still not a big fan of how it’s done but it makes more sense when discussed like it is here
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with clarity comes fairness – and I think that’s all we can ask for.
Let us know what’s under the hood, don’t try to fool us – and of course explain why.
[QUOTE=”Stemmy66, post: 10978397, member: 41999″]
I’m only speaking for myself but I’m a bit thick in the head so it usually takes me a couple times for things to sink in… there was so much to absorb so I have to go slow ?. Was a great episode! And I’ll be listening again to marry up what I think I heard and what was actually said
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Meant to post this up yesterday… drove back to Bay Area from Lake Tahoe…. So much great content and thought provoking…. And yeah… I like 2% milk… but I want options in shafts, balls heads!
Sooo much knowledge … this place gets me go on deep pivots of golf knowledge by making me want to find more knowledge related to golf. playing partners don’t appreciate my knowledge as every shaft is stiff shaft by oem they can’t remember, but I like knowing the characteristics.
Please add my name to the list of those who would request a pod specifically on [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] ‘s 4-iron haha
I also can appreciate what you guys were talking about related to how swings can be different when testing/fitting, and how that can impact results. It basically speaks to the need of a real sample size and being open minded that there are other factors. I definitely think I experienced that to a high degree during a driver fitting in which I knew I was making better contact, but I felt it was largely due to me simply adjusting and putting together a better swing, so at the end, after seeing some eye-popping numbers, I asked to hit my gamer a few times and the results were then much closer. It was still evident what would be best, but it took some of that guesswork/randomness out of it. I also appreciated how open my fitter was to being sure that we had the right numbers and weren’t buying into other factors too much.
I may go back for a third listen in my drives tomorrow. I’m pretty dialed in on my shaft choices but I’m always open to hearing more about shafts. The Made For shafts conversation is a good one to go along with the variety of no upcharge shafts. That’s a big part of the bell curve that can get covered.
Finally got to listen tonight and it didn’t disappoint. So many good nuggets but I like two really simple takeaways. I’ll paraphrase.
1. Fitting is still as much art as science and can’t be done on paper. You need to hit stuff and ideally have an expert guide you through the process.
2. The shaft that produces center contact most often is the best fit.
Finally got a chance to tune in here. As a fitter, I absolutely love any time I can hear and learn more from [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER].
add me to the list of THPers that would love him and [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] to do this more often.
I so enjoy the feeling at a demo day doing club fittings when someone brings me their gamer (insert club) and we can get them dialed into something better. I live for that little smirk I get where you just know the person is saying “alright, you got me on this”.
Been listening to this one as I get caught up. So much good info in here. I could listen to [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] talk fitting all day. Can’t wait for that swing weight podcast haha
Absolutely wonderful listen. Might go back and listen again later this week.
[QUOTE=”mancest, post: 10986757, member: 7825″]
Absolutely wonderful listen. Might go back and listen again later this week.
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There’s been a nugget or two that I’ve been finding on just about every listen. I’m on my fourth. I really just need to sit down and focus on this podcast instead of listening while I drive. I love shaft talk.
I’m back on the FCM chart talk and I remember that chart well. I’m starting to pick up on how often Michael Vrska talks about center contact. I’m beginning to think that might be an important factor that exists outside of using shaft length as the sole fix to contact point.
Finally carving out some time for a listen now
The clicky noise off putter I never understood either. I can deal with a lot of stuff if I can keep finding the ball in play. :ROFLMAO:
I never thought of having all the options available when there not being a standard in place. I like that analogy.
As someone that gets fit for clubs I have seen some really good fitters and some really bad ones. I still think I can get some better performance out of my clubs but that is part of the fun.
I like the demo days conversation. You have to be fair with the reps. If you just want to try stuff that is one thing but there are also some consumers that are really there to get fit to buy so play nice people.
I just stopped in here to say that I finally had a chance to listen to this episode and thought that it was awesome (as always)!
Can’t wait to listen to this one again tomorrow while I have some windshield time!