What do you look for when getting fitted for new irons?

[Bulls9999]

OK, about to spring for my son's new set of irons (he's a 5 handicap, contemplating between Mizuno MP67 or Titleist 755 & 695?). But I want him to be checked out for everything related to allowing him to do the best he could, including recommended best grip size and shafts.

So what do you expect a 'good club fitter' to examine in identifying what setup is best for someone?

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Bulls9999

OK, about to spring for my son's new set of irons (he's a 5 handicap, contemplating between Mizuno MP67 or Titleist 755 & 695?). But I want him to be checked out for everything related to allowing him to do the best he could, including recommended best grip size and shafts.

So what do you expect a 'good club fitter' to examine in identifying what setup is best for someone?

Well, the first thing a good clubfitter should do is talk with your son, learn about him, his game and try to determine his goals. This will allow the clubfitter to set up his clubs with an eye towards his overall play, (aggressive, conservative, etc.) as well as what he sees for the future - something he will grow into.

After that, it's off to the launch monitor for his vital statistics:

Driver Swing Speed
5-Iron Swing Speed
Ball Speed
Spin Rate
Directional tendencies

Then recommendations can be made as to shaft flex (along with the modern minutia of tip stiffness, butt stiffness, etc.)

He'll be measured for Club Length.

He'll be measured for the correct Lie Angle

And there should be a discussion about lofts in regard to ballflight and your son's preferences in that regard.

As far as grips are concerned, the type of material your son prefers is first on the list along with color (if he has a preference). The thickness of the grip is key to good club control and that may be a uniform thickness or the thicknesses may vary between hands. Take some time with grips and thicknesses and have your son try hitting clubs with different grip specs if possible. The grip is everything and if it's not comfortable and functional for him, then all of the other fitting parameters are wasted.

BTW, nice choices for irons! If it were me, I'd most likely go with the 695's, but that's just my opinion.

Happy Fitting!


-JP

[pick-it-up]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

And there should be a discussion about lofts in regard to ballflight and your son's preferences in that regard.

Seems like that gets overlooked much too often.

[Bulls9999]

JP, thanks for the comments.

I've been checking with several 'fitters' in the area (within 75 miles)...only 1 has an outdoor hitting range, all the rest have indoor hitting areas. Got it narrowed down to 3...
1. one with the outdoor hitting range (to check the actual flight of balls with various clubs), and certified fitters for 5 different club manufacturers
2. another is the only 'advanced' fitter identified by Titleist's website (other locals are identified as fitters, only 1 as 'advanced'),
3. another is both a Certified fitter for Precision rifle shafts as well as member of the Professional clubmakers society.

...all have the launch monitor.

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Bulls9999

JP, thanks for the comments.

I've been checking with several 'fitters' in the area (within 75 miles)...only 1 has an outdoor hitting range, all the rest have indoor hitting areas. Got it narrowed down to 3...
1. one with the outdoor hitting range (to check the actual flight of balls with various clubs), and certified fitters for 5 different club manufacturers
2. another is the only 'advanced' fitter identified by Titleist's website (other locals are identified as fitters, only 1 as 'advanced'),
3. another is both a Certified fitter for Precision rifle shafts as well as member of the Professional clubmakers society.

...all have the launch monitor.

Sounds like #1 is your best bet.

Launch monitors are great and they are invaluable when it comes to number crunching. But the only really "true" test for anything is actual use and an actual outdoor driving range is hard to beat.


-JP

[Bulls9999]

Got a 9:30am fitting for my son this weekend. Il will fill in what I saw the guy do (or not do) afterwards. I kind of 'interviewed' him asking what his process was, indicating that we've noticed some golf outlets pushing what's in the store on you. He was keen on watching ball flight on the range. One positive, he said they don't carry any inventory...all they have is the various club fitting setups and any clubs we would choose, would have to be ordered, so he's not pushing inventory on anyone.

Originally Posted by JPsuff

Sounds like #1 is your best bet.

Launch monitors are great and they are invaluable when it comes to number crunching. But the only really "true" test for anything is actual use and an actual outdoor driving range is hard to beat.


-JP