Hi Chris, 

Thanks for the post. 

Sounds like you found quite a few options that will work for you. Both the Rogue Silver and RIP Alpha sound like they bring something to the table. I know you mentioned that you like a lower flight, but try to make sure your spin rate does not get any lower than 1800. Despite the 13.5 launch angle, any less spin will reduce carry distance. It is very difficult to achieve a lower flight but maximize carry, there has to be a little give-and-take. 

All of the after-market shafts you mentioned could work. It will really come down to which shaft feels the best and gives you the best performance. 

And finally, don't overlook the Rogue Silver. It sounds like it gave you a great combination of distance, feel and control. 

Let us know how it goes. 

Bubba

Awesome ... thanks for the insight Bubba!  I know there is no magic answer but Titleist sure does try to find one!  

Titleist Rocks! 

what is the optimum launch angle/spin rate?  Does that change depending on swing speed?

-Siri

Hi Siri, 

Thanks for the question. 

There is a range of launch and spin that most fitters like to see when fitting drivers. Typically, a launch between 10-14 degrees with a spin rate of 2100-2800 produces the best combination of carry and total distance. However, it is important to create a flight that the golfer likes to see. Some people prefer either low or high ball flights. 

As a general rule of thumb, golfers with lower ball speeds benefit from being at the higher end of the ranges for spin and launch. This will maximize carry. On the other hand, golfers with high ball speeds will benefit from high launch, but lower spin. Almost every golfer benefits from high launch and ideal spin.

Hope this helps. 

Bubba

Bubba, just ordered my Rogue 70 and our spin rate was between 2000 and 2500, clubhead speed low 90s and ball speed low 130s.......at 68 years of age....I felt rather good........9.5 D2 head set at 10.25.....having grip set to midsize.......hopeing to pickup a little extra with the larger grip......

I tried the 915 D2 on a launch monitor this week and, after changing out several shafts realized 12-15 additional yards inside the store.  Being a little suspicious about hype and indoor monitor results, I took the demo 9.5 D2 with the Rogue silver shaft to the course the next day.  In a 42 degree early morning tee time with a 1-2 club wind, I was able to equal or better my course distances over my 913 D2 with a 46" Bassara stiff shaft.  When the wind died and the temp warmed, I was able to get 15-20'yards farther.  Make no mistake, I believe my 913 is the best driver ever for me (105-110 swing speed, 2450 rotation, 14 degree launch angle) but the 915 is everything they advertise.  I ordered a 915 with a 46" rogue silver shaft along with a 3W as well.  With the extra inch in shaft length I should realize 15-25 yards in added distance in warmer weather.  That's a game changer for me.

in additon, today, I took my 9 HC wife back to our golf shop and put her on the launch monitor trying several brand name drivers and shafts.  The 915 with a ladies Bassara shaft netted her 15-20 yards additional carry.  We bought her a new 915 driver and 3W as well.  To date her problem has been driving distance on long par 4's and par 5's.  If the increased distance holds true for her it will be a game changer for her as well.

The 915 with the right shaft is the first club I have ever tried that represents a significant increase is distance over the previous technology club.  Whatever Titleist did, it works!

I'd like a suggestion for a guy like me to use  as a new driver. Current driver cally Octane Tour, 9.5 degree loft, 1 degree open face, proj X tour shaft 6.0, 46 inches long. I am 79 years old, 5''7", 170 pounds, and a 6.6. USGA GHIN index. I fly the ball 210-220 yds. with my current driver and would like more distance. Is it possible at my age or should I shut up and be satisfied? I saw the new Titleist drivers at Golfsmith last week, but did not get a chance to hit either one. Great looking, but will they be good for me?

Here's what I did with a 9.5* 913 D3 head. Was fitted for a Aldila Alpha 60g / 2.9*/ stiff shaft. Don't remember the "numbers", fitting was done a year ago, swing speed was mid 90's......Ball flight was acceptable, distance was mostly around 240-250 yards, dispersion not acceptable because I could not feel the clubhead. 70 years old, 5' 8" tall, 170 #  carrying a 6 handicap. 

After about 3 months of mild success with this shaft, I installed a UST Proforce VTS 55 Black / 5R / 57g / 3.5* / Medium launch (high kick point) regular flex shaft. 

I can't even tell how much difference that shaft has made in my golf game. I can feel the club head, I can feel the shaft flex. Ball flight is just right for me, the shaft is the engine of the golf club.

I can literally direct a drive (now mostly in the 260 - 270 + yard range) to most any location on the fairway I want. Rarely ever miss the sweet spot. Best drive has been 290 yards.........center cut !! Most of my drives are in distance locations that I could dream about before. My golfing buddies (and myself) are simply amazed how far my Pro V1x ball goes. 

Only wish my fitter had this shaft available when I was fitted..........would have saved me some $$$                                          I absolutely love the Titliest 913 D3 with this UST VTS shaft combination.

I used the Virtual Shaft Fitting program on the UST web site............change the selections around to see what shafts they recommend.......very informative !!!

Good Luck,

Jim H

Chris 

i have a faster swing than you but was hitting my driver far 280 to 300 but my launch  angle was at 15 with my titleist driver 8 degree with the diamana blue shaft stiff. I tried a ton Of shafts and now I have a 9.5 degree fugikura shaft 65 gram still and my launch angle is now 11 degrees  it's got a high kick point and is a little heavier 

Hello,

I swing a 913 D2 w/ Diamana White Stiff, set at D1 averaging around 14 degree launch with 2300 spin = 280yds (on average). After working with my man, Steve Show at Goldsmith, I am waiting for my 915D2 A1 setting, with a rogue silver X stiff. I was getting the same type of launch numbers but the ball was traveling a good 10 yards further and I was more accurate.

I tried the 915 D3 which produces less spin and is a smalller club head. Didn't produce as good results and I felt more confident with the larger club head on the D2. 

Sounds like the rogue is a great shaft for you! I use all titleist clubs except the for driver and 3 wood I am a little skeptical of the titleist 915 with the speed channel . The driver looks beautiful I can't wait to try it out . I am sure I will like it if I can keep my spin rate in the 2000s.. If you want a lower ball flight try a oban kiyoshi white shaft .. I have tryed this year alone the graphite desigh tour ad/di the oban kiyoshi purple a speeder t.s and the oban kiyoshi white.. The oban white was my lowest ball flight ,, JJ

I'm often surprised when I read other peoples stats from launch monitors.  I just hit the new 915 D3 with several shafts changes at a golfsmith.  My swing speed was 103, ball speed of 150 mph, launch angle 14, and spin around 2150.  my total distance was 260.  I realize this was not an actual fitting, yet I never get anywhere near the distance that other post with the same or lower numbers.  I hit the ball straight or with a slight draw and usually in the center  of the face…  ???

how is everyone hitting the ball so far ?

Best results for me come from a D3 w/Ahina aftermarket. Used some of the shafts available to compare in testing, and this set up works best for me according to numbers, yet to play 915 on course.

But it's just as important to me to look down and feel confident, and the head size of D3 is a pleasure to look down on, and being I've always been a D3 guy, I guess it's a comfort thing as well.