[jim_0068]

Jim, my guess is that hinging is the reason for the higher lofts and low spin shafts for the Hitter.

Partially, since a swinger tends to horizontal hinge this will produce a lower launch and lower spin thus needing more loft. Also since a hitter tends to angle hinge and add spin through impact due to the layback, you need to counter act that natural high producing launch/spin with lower loft. These aren't constants because a swinger could use angle hinging and a hitter could full roll it through impact. But we aren't fitting "specific" people here. I'm just trying to show you the differences to learn. Also, swingers tend to load the shaft smoother versus a hitter (due to the pulling vs pushing) usually and thus can get away with a higher loft.

Why can't a Hitter use a light shaft?

If you were hammering a nail into the wall would you want a plastic handle? . Because a hitter is trying to "chop down that tree" with his driving and pushing hitters tend to produce better results with heavier shafts. Also, heavier shafts tend to spin less and launch lower. All to help combat the higher ball flight of a hitter who angle hinges. I'm not saying they couldn't get away with a light shaft, they could. It is just my opinion and experience that most hitters tend to hit the ball better/longer/more consistent with a heavier shaft.

In your example, the Hitter would likely be between flexes, what about the Swinger?

LOL...depends. Not all shafts play true to flex. I would say a true swinger could handle a TRUE STIFF @ 110 if they were really smooth. However, you could tip it a 1/2" or play a shaft that plays a little soft to flex and put them in an X. Some shafts that play a little soft are ProLaunch, Aldia NVS, and most "tip soft low kick" shafts. Not all, but most. A hitter @ 110 mph would probably fall into the X flex range in many shafts, but since i believe in a little higher loft on the driver head, I feel it'd be better to tip a S flex. This helps stabilize the tip more and keep the spin under control which is good for the hitter.

Why the difference in tip stiffness?

I think i kinda already answered this, but mainly its because of the way the two different swing types load the shaft. When you have layback through impact you want a pretty "stable" tip. Anything too soft and you'll inconsistant spin issues and not as much consistency from my experience. The only "tip soft" shaft that handles a hitter's stroke well from my experience and my clubmaker's is the Accra series. Excellent shafts.

I’m not sure, maybe before this goes any further we need to be more accurate. Is there any point in working through this with all other things held constant? Is that reality?

I think we're pretty good right now. As these are some generalities to help you realize the difference. However like i said above, tempo and release type/point play a HUGE part in fitting. For instance the swinger i talk about who can get away with soft tip shafts, maybe if they have a very delayed release and a nick price like tempo couldn't. They'd probably need some tipping as well to help stabilize impact. I'd saying fitting from what i've dealt with is more of an art than it is a science. This is why i don't like going to clubmakers/fitters who may have the latest fitting technology but don't really know enough how to utilize it in regards to my swing, ball type, etc. You can't just get a launch monitor and expect to fit people perfect. You need to more about shaft profiling and the swing imo.