+1/2 inch affect on distance

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By Trevor K

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  • 5 Replies
  1. Trevor K

    Trevor K

    I'm looking at getting the 915 D2 driver this spring but just don't feel comfortable at a 45" shaft.  I feel like I'm compensating for the shorter shaft and feel much more comfortable over a 45.5" inch shaft.  I know I'll likely lose some accuracy but I'm curious to know how much more clubhead speed, ball speed or overall distance I might gain with that extra 1/2 inch.  Is there even a way of knowing?  Would sacrificing some accuracy for some distance be worth it?  My current numbers with the 915 are 100-105 clubhead speed, 150-155 ball speed and distance I can't remember exactly.

  2. steve b

    steve b
    lafontaine, IN

    Trevor K,   I was fitted for my new 915D2 and my fitter suggested I get the shaft + 1/2 inch.I ask him why and his reply was '' a extra five or six yards".I ordered a 45.5 inch shaft and am very pleased. I have played 13 rounds with it and it's long and straight! I hope this helps.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  steve b

  3. Bubba

    Bubba
    Providence, RI

    Team Titleist Staff

    Trevor K said:

    I'm looking at getting the 915 D2 driver this spring but just don't feel comfortable at a 45" shaft.  I feel like I'm compensating for the shorter shaft and feel much more comfortable over a 45.5" inch shaft.  I know I'll likely lose some accuracy but I'm curious to know how much more clubhead speed, ball speed or overall distance I might gain with that extra 1/2 inch.  Is there even a way of knowing?  Would sacrificing some accuracy for some distance be worth it?  My current numbers with the 915 are 100-105 clubhead speed, 150-155 ball speed and distance I can't remember exactly.

    Hi Trevor, 

    The answer to your question is that it is really all player dependent. Some individuals are still able to ensure solid contact with a longer club, leading to increased distance. However, I found many individuals struggle to make solid contact as the club gets longer. Even with increased club speed, less solid contact will result in less distance.

    Hope this helps.

    Bubba

  4. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    Trevor, FWIW...all my clubs in my bag are 1/2" or longer EXCEPT my three wood and driver.  Bubba puts up a good point, I do not feel as comfortable going longer in these clubs for the concern of loss of contact.

    Good Luck!

  5. tdogg21

    tdogg21
    Chambersburg, PA

    If you plan to get fit, ask your club fitter (if you don't, at least go to a Titleist demo day) and see if you can see any difference in your numbers on a launch monitor.  If the numbers are close, go with what feels better.  You might gain some club head speed, but at the expense of hitting the sweet spot.  So in the end you could actually lose distance.  In my opinion, go with what fits your eye and feels the best, the rest will take care of itself.

  6. PK

    PK
    Blacksburg, VA

    Trevor,

    I did not like the 45" shaft as well. I like longer shafts so I can feel the club head a little more and it slows down my swing to a point where I can make more solid contact. Sounds counter intuitive I know, but it works for me. I go with a 46.5" driver which is pretty long, and I don't feel like I have to swing it hard to get distance out of it so my dispersion tightens up.

    Personal preference. I hope this helps.

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