I was testing a driver at The Sports Authority and a guy measured my swing speed with a radar gun to average 118 mph. He talked me into a TaylorMade R5 with a stiff shaft because I had a strong swing. I never really hit the club well other than when I was in the store and it was into a net so who knows how those shots really were. Today I went to Dick's and their golf simulator measured my fastest swing at 102 mph. It said the ball traveled 245 yards - which seems short compared to what I do at the range - but I'm wondering which speed is more accurate. If I only swing 102 is the stiff shaft correct? I was swinging a Nike Sasquatch this time, but i doubt a different club can cause that kind of change in speed. Also, I slice my TaylorMade pretty often, but the simulator said the Sasquatch was going straight every time. How accurate is it with that kinda stuff?
Duffman, it's about the shaft. Don't talk to sales. Go to as accredited instructor. The huge Dick's Sporting Goods in Myrtle Beach has a great instructor, can't remember his name, but I watched him work with a scratch golfer for an hour. The shaft was his main focus, with the club head being more of a personal choice.
It’s not, accurate at all.
I have been clocked a 116-95 on good swings.
I hit the ball good, its like 270, average about 245.
118 is like Tiger speed, 280- 300 yards
102 is more like it, 240-260.
Stiff is the way to go, either way.
Drivers must be hit on the range before you buy!!!
Golf simulators are pretty much useless. They need to put you on a launch monitor to check your launch angle and spin rate along with swing speed. That way they can match a proper shaft and loft with your swing speed. Also, keep in mind shaft stiffness isn't 100% about swing speed, tempo is important too. For example, a person with a 95mph swing that has a short, quick tempo could need a stiff shaft, while someone with a 105mph swing with a long, slow tempo may benefit more from a regular flex shaft.
Try to find a Golf Galaxy, Golfsmith, or smaller golf shop that has the proper equipment to measure your swing. Some of the general sports stores don't have the facilities to properly fit you with clubs (some do, but not all).
They are a ballpark guide, I wouldn't use it to fine-tune any specs. I have found them mostly useful in head to head comparisons though, one driver or iron vs. another.
A launch monitor is a lot more accurate, but I've never been able to feel confident in any clubs performance until I hit it on a driving range or on the course. A lot of places have a demo you can use for a pretty small fee, and it sounds like you should be looking at a stiff shaft which ever way you go. Good luck.
