To start, yes, new golf clubs will make a difference. As you might suspect, that difference varies. The quality of golf clubs does makes a difference. However, to really answer this question, you have to consider skill level of a golfer.
Full Answer
How important is the shaft to the performance of golf clubs?
While all this could fill a book, here’s a few of the key basics of what we learned about the importance of the shaft to the performance of golf clubs for different golfers. The WEIGHT of the shaft is important to ALL golfers, regardless of handicap, score or ability.
Does the quality of golf clubs make a difference?
The quality of golf clubs does makes a difference. However, to really answer this question, you have to consider skill level of a golfer. More experienced golfers are going to get more ‘bang-for-their-buck’ – because they know how to hit each club better and will notice the differences between clubs more than a beginner.
How much do the clubs really affect your golf game?
Truth be told, the clubs can have a huge influence on your ability to hit a good golf shot. To illustrate this point, I am going to share the results from two actual and recent fittings. The first fitting involved a gentleman who had a very good swing but as he had forewarned me in an email, he hit everything to the right.
What factors affect distance on a golf club?
Apart from hitting the ball squarely, that is without the club face being overly open or closed to the target line and club path, the two factors that most influence distance are swing speed and effective loft. Effective loft is the actual loft of your club head at impact as opposed to the stated loft on the club you are hitting.
Do different golf clubs make a difference?
New golf clubs can make a difference in your game. But golf clubs are not necessarily the most important factor in improving your game. The biggest factors are going to be how well you swing the club and how well you execute your shot. That being said, if you are looking for an edge, new clubs can certainly help.
Will better golf clubs improve my game?
If you are someone that started out recently and has seen good improvement in your game with an old set of clubs, you can definitely make a big improvement by getting clubs that are created for your swing speed and fitted perfectly for you.
How can changes in a club shaft affect performance golf?
Lengthening the shaft increases the swing weight, which makes the club head feel heavier. It may even make the club too heavy for you, which will slow down your swing speed and actually reduce your distance.
How do golf clubs improve performance?
Golf Club Technology Factors like aerodynamics, component weight and better graphite shafts have allowed golfers to hit the ball longer and straighter. The head of the driver is now built with aerodynamics in mind. New technology in this area results in less wind resistance and more club head speed.
Do expensive golf clubs really make a difference?
Probably not, no, as your golf skills will be constantly improving and you probably won't have these clubs for very long. You will outgrow them and need a new set after only a couple of years so there is no real need to splurge as a beginner. You also won't be able to appreciate the extra quality.
How often should you replace your golf clubs?
A good rule of thumb to follow is if you're a golfer with a low handicap or just a casual golfer is to replace your golf irons somewhere around every four to five years or after around three hundred rounds.
Do you lose distance with stiffer shafts?
If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will remain low. If you are struggling with a slice, it is highly likely you are using stiff club shafts. By figuring out the most common type of shot you are playing, it becomes easier to know whether you need a softer shaft.
When should I switch from stiff to regular?
To check your swing speed a shot tracking device will be the most accurate method. Based on your swing speeds here are our recommendations: 80-95 mph swing speeds should use regular shafts. 90-105 mph swing speeds should use stiff shafts.
Who should use stiff shaft irons?
Who should use stiff flex irons? The starting point for this is swing speed, if you swing your driver between 90-105 mph then you will probably need a stiff shaft. This will benefit you by delivering great control of your club during your swing and stop you spraying it everywhere.
Does a heavier golf club hit the ball farther?
It stands to reason that given the same swing speed, a heavier golf club will apply more force to a golf ball than a lighter one and will, therefore, result in greater distance.
Do new irons go further?
Year-over-year, distance increases in new equipment are generally minimal. If you bought a driver in 2019, the 2020 model may only be 1-2 yards longer. But, if you have a driver from 2004, then the 2020 model could be 20+ yards longer.
What is the downside to game improvement irons?
Cons. Lower side spin and a straighter ball flight reduce a player's ability to shape their shots. Game improvement iron heads are chunkier than forged irons which many lower handicappers and Pro's may disapprove of. These irons do not have great turf interaction abilities.
Is it worth upgrading golf clubs?
If you've been losing distance, upgrading to a modern set of irons might help you recoup some of that. It's no secret that iron lofts have got stronger, with today's 7-iron perhaps boasting the 5-iron loft of yesteryear.
How much will new golf clubs help?
Your playing partners are passing you by If you bought a driver in 2019, the 2020 model may only be 1-2 yards longer. But, if you have a driver from 2004, then the 2020 model could be 20+ yards longer. From a common sense standpoint, just think about all those years gone by of minimal improvements.
Should I upgrade my 20 year old golf clubs?
There is no evidence that golf clubs deteriorate over time. Well maintained clubs will last a lifetime. 10+ year old clubs should be checked for better options but clubs less than 5 years old do not need replacing except for wear and tear issues to which wedges and forged irons are most vulnerable.
Is it worth buying new irons?
Also, new golf irons make a big difference because of two vital aspects: If the condition of your current set of irons is poor, a fresh set will help you improve height, reduce spin, and allow your shots to become more consistent.
Where is Erik from Ping Golf?
Erik currently manages the Innovation and Fitting Science Department at PING Golf. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2010 from Arizona State University, where he studied plasma physics and micro-satellite propulsion. Since starting at PING in 2010 as a research engineer, Erik has played a part in the development of various technologies and projects, including iPing, Turbulators, nFlight fitting software, and the PING Custom Fitting Manual.
How to measure torque on a shaft?
One way to measure torque is to clamp one end of the shaft and apply a constant couple-moment (turning force) to the other end. The more the shaft twists, the higher the torque.
Is there a difference between high and low torque?
From a performance standpoint, there was little difference (at least statistically) between shafts of high and low torque. There did appear to be some minor evidence to suggest shafts with lower torque delivered the face more shut, while shafts with higher torque delivered the face more open relative to path.
Does a shaft work with one driver model?
Another important thing to note is just because a shaft worked well with one driver model or set of irons, does not mean it will perform optimally for the same player in another model. The way a shaft behaves and delivers the club head depends on the characteristics of the head itself. The mass properties of the head (things like total mass and center-of-mass location) can change quite a bit from model to model. As a result, a player may find that one shaft works really well in one model, but another shaft works best in another model.
Does a ladies flex have more stiffness than an X flex?
The amount the shaft bends corresponds to its stiffness. In general, a Ladies flex will bend much more than an X-flex using this method. In many cases the softer the overall stiffness, the greater the launch angle and spin rate. This is not always the case, as players can respond differently to variations in stiffness.
How does grip size affect golf?
Grip Size Affects Golf Club Performance. Golfers seldom notice the grips on their clubs unless the surface becomes slick or worn down. But the golf clubs grip's thickness can have a major impact on a club's performance – especially if it doesn't match the player's hands. As a general rule, golfers with large hands should use thicker grips.
Why are my golf grips so thin?
Grips that are too thin allow the hands too much freedom during the swing, often causing wild hooks. Overly large grips have the opposite effect, restricting hand movement and preventing a proper release through impact. The result: sliced or pushed shots. There's also the matter of personal preference in golf grip size.
How to know if your grips are too big?
When you wrap your hands around the club, the middle finger on each hand should be able to just barely touch your palm. If there is a big gap between the end of your middle finger and the palm of your hand, your grips are too big . If your middle finger pushing into your palm, your grips are too small.
What is the purpose of a special tape on a golf club?
A special tape is used to affix the grip to the shaft of the club, and you can opt for an additional layer of that tape simply for the purpose of providing a thicker feel . This is a great way to fine tune the size of your grips.
What color are golf grips?
While golf grips have traditionally been black with maybe a bit of white lettering, today you can find grips in a wide range of colors. While the color of your grips will have nothing at all to do with their performance, you may wish to liven up your bag by picking a loud color.
What happens when you have small grips?
With small grips, your hands will have too much control over the club face through the hitting area, and the face is likely to be closed at impact as a result.
Do soft grips cause blisters?
Soft grips feel comfortable in your hands, and they are unlikely to lead to blisters. However, some golfers feel that they lose a bit of control over the club head when they play with a soft grip. On the other side of the coin, firm grips are far less forgiving, and your skin is likely to pay the price.
How long does it take to play 125 rounds of golf?
Also, 125 rounds of golf will take someone playing 35-40 games a year 3 years to get to. So although wedges are definitely worth keeping the closest eye on when it comes to wear and tear and consequent peformance degradation you need to ask yourself honestly how much a replacement may help your game.
What does it mean when you start hitting the ball more than you used to?
When people you have played with regularly over the years are starting either hitting the ball much further than it seemed they used to or becoming more consistent or both this can be a warning sign about your current clubs.
Do golf clubs deteriorate over time?
There is no evidence that golf clubs deteriorate over time. Well maintained clubs will last a lifetime. 10+ year old clubs should be checked for better options but clubs less than 5 years old do not need replacing except for wear and tear issues to which wedges and forged irons are most vulnerable.
Is it dangerous to change a winning formula in golf?
Whilst it’s always dangerous in golf to change a winning formula it’s possible if your game has come on in leaps and bounds it’s worth checking whether your old clubs are the best fit for your new improved game. Or whether an upgrade could help take your game even further. 3. Regular wear and tear.
Do fairway woods wear out?
Because fairway woods are more likely to be used off the fairway and in other conditions the hitting of the ground or paths or tree roots can lead to them wearing less than well than your driver.