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Forum Thread of the Day: “Bigger impact for a high handicapper: Shorter shaft or new driver?”

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Today’s Forum Thread of the Day comes from Therty who is having major issues with his driver. A 20-handicapper with a two-way miss, Therty asks fellow members should he go to a shorter shaft (46″ currently), or splash out on a premium driver ( SLDR 430 currently).

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • Therealpatgiles: “Getting fitted is key. I was the same person you are last year. I got fitted for irons and dropped about 10 strokes per 18 holes. This year I got fitted for a driver, hit about 6 of 10 fairways with the driver, misses are in the rough instead of on the next hole. A lesson or two to work on swing mechanics would probably benefit greatly.”
  • bulls9999: “Shorter shaft for sure… 44.5-45 tops (don’t cut down too much, you’d be amazed at how much of an effect that 0.5-inch has). Also, play around with shafts, the shaft/head adapters allow you to pick up different versions of a shaft to test which one is better suited to you. I have had Project X velocity PxV in Stiff, Reg, and Sr, and increased ~15 yards with each one from Stiff->Reg->Sr, but my dispersion was most with Sr, so I’ve dropped back to Reg. Now I’ve landed on a Speeder 565 Reg which I really like, but it’s a bit soft, so I’m thinking either 565 Stiff 655 Reg or would fill the bill as the alternate pairing in that series. I’ve finally got my driver(s) worked out for 2019.”
  • RainShadow: “Try choking down an inch. This will in effect counterbalance the club a little and will likely improve your consistency. This has helped me immensely throughout my bag, actually.”
  • NRJyzr: “I say both. A new-to-the-OP driver would be a good idea, for reasons already stated. And, I’m a big believer in going with shorter drivers, but I’d look at going no longer than 44″, with 43.5” being a good target. Slap some lead tape on it to get it suitably weighted and off you go. I like the idea mentioned above of an older Ping, something nice and forgiving, not expensive. A Rocketballz or RBZ Stage 2 could be good, also, or perhaps an R11S, all of which should be pretty reasonably priced. Lot of options in the TM world, and a LOT of shafts to swap in and out. Some very good options from the last few years in the Cobra world, also (personally a big fan of the Cobra stuff, but trying not to shill for them too much, lol)

Entire Thread: “Bigger impact for a high handicapper: Shorter shaft or new driver?”

Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected]

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. HDTVMAN

    Nov 30, 2019 at 1:46 pm

    1. Get rid of the SLDR
    2. Get a 460cc driver, preferably the Ping G400MAX 10.5°
    3. Cut the shaft down to 44.5 or 45″. Always best to order the driver from the factory to a shorter spec…cutting a driver down 1″ drops the swingweight by 6. You may need to add weight with lead tape, or the factory will send it to you with the correct specs.

  2. MB

    May 9, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Gotta,

    Agree with Geoffrey SDLR was a POS i watched people @ my course get fitted for them and 2-3 weeks later out of the bag SOLD. TM F&^%#*@ up’d with that Model.

    • David Lehmann

      May 10, 2019 at 12:50 pm

      I disagree that SLDR is a “POS”. One just has to be able to hit it. I currently and for always will game a 430 SLDR. That being said.. a 430 SLDR is not for the higehre handicapper. Try the SLDR in a 460 if you are a higher capper.

  3. Geoffrey Buchanan

    May 9, 2019 at 12:00 pm

    First of all, the SLDR 430 was nearly impossible to hit for good player let alone a 20 handicapper! It was a terrible driver, so both is the answer. New driver and in some cases a shorter shaft might help.

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Equipment

Neal Shipley, AKA, the “Big Fridge’s,” custom stamping

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Neal Shipley was the first to admit that he enjoyed his food while in college. But since his days at Ohio State, he’s slimmed down and earned a PGA Tour Card.

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On Shipley’s 50-degree he also continues the food theme, this time with his go-to order at the “Golden Arches,” and his stamping “DONS 7.”

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From the GolfWRX Classifieds: L.A.B. Purple DF3 with Masters cover

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

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Whats in the Bag

Maria Torres WITB 2026 (June)

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Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees)
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3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees)
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5-wood: Ping G440 Max (19 degrees @18)
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Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

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