|
Originally Posted by teach
|
After reading Tom Wishon's, "The Search for the Perfect Club," I decided to get fitted for a much shorter (and higher lofted) driver. In the book, Tom states that a shorter length must be accompanied by an adjustment to the head so that the proper swingweight is retained. My question is *how* should this adjustment be done by my fitter?
I am an absolute novice when it comes to fitting, so I want to know what the best and worst ways are for this type of procedure. I am not at all questioning the fitter's honesty; I just want to be able to intelligently discuss the alternatives with him.
TRhank you very much.
teach
|
Basically, swingweight is torque computed about an intermediate point along the shaft (I never remember the number - something like 14" from the grip end). So what this means is that both mass and lever arm matter (tau (torque) = r x F; F = ma). Now, given that head weights are mostly standard, the variables are grip weight, shaft weight, lead weights (humor), and shaft length. By shortening the club, the swingweight will go down all other variables held constant (it will "feel" lighter). To bring the swingweight back up you can use a lighter grip (sort of a bogus approach, but the measurement will go up), heavier shaft, or add weight to the head with lead (or your favorite solid high density non-radioactive metal of choice - you could also have the component provider cherry pick an extra heavy head as well).
That about sums it up. I would probably have your fitter add lead tape to the head until it felt good to you with good results on the range / course and then rebuild the club with that much tip weight.