Golf Driver Question (To the Golf Pro's here)

5/24/05 | Josh in PA

[Josh in PA]

I have a golf question for you guys.

I got a new driver, TaylorMade 420 Burner.. The Stock Shaft is about garbage.. I'm looking for something cheap ($20-$40) that I can put on it to give me a little more distance.. Swing Speed is around 95 mph.

[KC Burke]

for THE authority on shafting we need to ping the big hitter

[Phantom Lord]

Your right to replace the shaft if it is not the right one for your swing. With a 95 MPH swing you can likely go with a stiff shaft (not an x-stiff). And for the price range you are looking in, I suggest a Penley Stealth 70.

Depending on where you get it, it should cost $30 to $35.

It comes in a length of 46". Depending on your height and swing, cutting it down to 44" or 45" might be a good idea.

I am 6' and have a swing well in excess of 100 mph (130 mph is not uncommon) and cut it down to 44" for better control.

[Phantom Lord]

In the interest of full disclosure, I used to be on the Penley Shafts long drive team. For my long drive drivers I used the Penley Ultron at 50". Swing speed was 160 MPH.

But regardless of my former ties to Penley Shafts, I do find them to make top quality shafts that perform and are a steal for the price.

[Air Conditioned Gypsy]

"Here's my secret. But don't tell anybody. OK?"

[Josh in PA]

Thanks for the advice,.. I might go in that direction.

I broke my driver last year, and I never got around to getting another one, because I was hitting my 3-wood fairly long for me (about 220-240) and fairly straight, so I didn't bother.. Now I'm looking for that extra 20-30 yards off the tee that might help lower my scores.

Just got my new TM and took it to the range last night and I wasn't overly impressed with the distance (About as long as my 3-wood) and I didn't feel any power vibes from the stock shaft (43", Reg, 60 grams).

You're a few inches taller than me, so will the 44 be much?


I

[Phantom Lord]

I butt cut it for control as the extra 2 inches caused me to leave the face slightly open at impact. If you draw the ball or have a tendency to pull, a shorter shaft is likely to work against you.

[Josh in PA]

Problem..

The TM Burner is .350, and the tip on the Penley Stealth you suggest is a .335.

[Phantom Lord]

That would be a problem. Now why would TM deviate from the standard .335? Couldn't be to sell shafts that only they provide could it?

Will do some research for you.

[Phantom Lord]

The Penley ETA Tour is available with a .350 tip.

I have never hit one of these shafts so I can not speak from experience about. But I love my Stealth 70s and Ultrons from Penley. I would give it a shot.

[Josh in PA]

I was looking some things up..

Golfsmith has a .335 to .350 converter.
http://www.golfsmith.com/products/TSS

[Josh in PA]

Well.. I took your advice and ordered the Penley Stealth 70 with that converter..

Hopefully it fits me well and I can squeeze out another 20+ yards or so..

[Josh in PA]

Gorgeous shaft Phantom!!

Good call, I got the shaft put on yesterday and took it out on the back 9 of my local public course this afternoon... I was very happy with it..

I have alot more control of it compared to the TM stock shaft.. The stiff flex feels just right snapping through ball.

And this with only 7 swings!.. I can't wait to take it to the range and experiment with it a little.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[Phantom Lord]

I am glad you are happy. It is a wonderful shaft, especially for the price. Ping or freepmail me anytime you have an equipment question.

[stockpirate]

Go to the golfworks and order the Element 21 eagle golf shaft.

[rintense]

Definately get a stiff shaft with your swing speed. I had to replace my first set of woods and a driver with men's stiff shafts because the lady clubs would bend whenever I would swing. I LOVE the stiff shaft. I have the Mizuno Blue Rage fairway woods and a custom made driver with a stiff shaft as well. My game has vastly improved since getting the right clubs for my swing speed.

Now, I'm just waiting for any one of the usual suspects to fire away with the dirty comments. ;)