Thanks for asking this question Joey. I'd like to know the answer myself, and I'll be looking forward to the answer.

I agree Norris.  I would like to know the answer.  Hopefully we will both get an answer soon.

Joey R

Hi Joey, 

Thanks for the question. 

Extra tipping is typically done to help lower launch and reduce spin. It essentially makes the shaft more tip stiff. Many individuals will do this to shafts where they like the feel, but want to see certain flight characteristics. 

Determining if, and how much, extra tipping is needed requires the help of an expert fitter. It is not possible to simply predict what amount of tipping on a certain shaft will work. I would suggest seeing a local fitter and trying the different options out first. 

Let us know if we can help in any way. 

Take care, 

Bubba

Bubba,

Thanks for the reply.

I do plan on hitting up a fitter before I do anything.  Kind of tough to find someone worth going to in South Carolina.  I like outside of Columbia and I have to rely on using the chain retail store to get my fitting.  So, I am interesting in getting all the information I can up front to go with.

Right now I am using a 910 d3 9.5 with the whiteboard 70 X.  So I was interested in seeing/knowing the difference.  I actually hit this driver really high with is not very characteristic of that shaft.  Some of the guys I play with cannot believe it but that is just how I have always hit the ball.  

Really, what I am looking for is lowering my trajectory some and reducing the spin.  I have been on launch monitors and put an incredible amount of overall spin on the ball.  I just wanted to see what I could do.

Thanks for the help.  Of course you are welcome to come down from Rhode Island anytime.  Just out of curiosity, it said you were from Providence and the guy that really got me started playing golf was and still lives in Providence.  Small world.

Joey

Hi Joey, 

If you indeed put a lot of spin on the ball, as a fitter, before I every tried a new shaft I would try reducing the loft of your driver from 9.5 degrees. Lowering the loft with really help reduce to overall launch and spin. From there, you can work on finding a shaft that is not overly stiff and gives you optimal feel and performance.

It is amazing what a small world it is, let us know if you are ever in the Providence area. 

Keep us up to date. 

Bubba

There are 25 fitting centers around Columbia and not all of them are retail stores and I am sure one of them can meet your immediate needs.   http://www.titleist.com/find-a-golf-shop/ 

Having worked for the state of SC and being in Columbia a lot they should not be that hard to find.  Good luck! 

Chuck Z

I have heard of David Ayres.  The last time I was down there, I almost went to see him.  But then I was reading about the 915 and wanted to wait.  My in-laws have a house on the Isle of Palms, so I am down there every now and again.

I look at the find a shop, but the problem is that not a lot of them have the shafts and everything available to hit.

I went to the golfsmith store.  I actually like the store and they do all of my work (grips, shafts, etc.), but they have very limited amount of choices.  The last time I tried to get fitted for a fairway wood, they only had about 4 shafts to try and none of them were an X-stiff so I ended up with a 80-s and I have not been that happy with it.  I bought it anyways, but rarely use the club (looks brand new still and I have had it 1.5 years).  I know it sounds bad, but I just use my 2-iron instead.  I have more confidence in it as opposed to the fairway wood.

If I can wait until next time I am down there, I will go see David.  not sure I can wait that long though.  I am getting a little over excited about getting a new driver.  But I am definitely not buying until I am happy with the fitting.  not making that mistake again.

Joey R.

Just wanted to say Thank You Bubba for answering this question so well. I have wondered about "shaft tipping" for some time, and you explained it perfectly. I knew we could depend on Team Titleist for the correct answers to our questions. I'm a senior with a slow swing speed (80-85 mph) and I have trouble getting the ball up high enough, so with your explanation about tipping, I now know it's not for me.  Thanks Again Bubba.

Norris: 

You are very welcome, Norris. It does sound like you would benefit from a higher launching shaft that is installed with no tipping. It is always best to see a fitter, but at least you have an idea of what you need. 

Glad we could help!

Bubba