Long driver shaft optimal length? please help!

[Oso]

Friends,

I have been hitting 50" since starting long drive.  I have my doubts if I'm using the optimal length for me.  I'm sure it is all about personal preference.  i have built three identical clubs to test, only difference is the length, one at 50", 49" and 48" as measured by the LDA. 

Could I get some help from my long drive brothers (and sisters).  please weigh in on your opinions, preferences, experiences, and recommendations. 

thanks a million my friends.

James "Oso" East

[MikeB]

Hi James,
Nice meeting you at Denver this year. Anyway, I swing a 50 inch shaft. I'm not that tall so I need to get as much arc as I can. Like you I tried different lengths. Ultimately the fastest speeds were with the longer shaft. It just took awhile to learn to control it and hit it solid. I would tried different lengths and stiffness as well. For awhile I really struggled with control and went with a much stiffer shaft- my chs dropped. but became a little more accurate. Its a fine balance

good luck

Mike B

[ceejay]

I used 50 inch up until worlds, where I switched to 49" just before the competition started. That one inch did alot. In a good way.

[captainamerica]

James,

When I first started, I had clubs built at 50" because I thought that is what I needed, and I didn't know any better.  As I learned more, I experimented just like you are now.  What I found was this...my speed was exactly the same with a 49" as it was with 50".  However, my contact and consistency were better with the 49" and gave me better results.  It really is what works best for you, you just have to figure it out!  Good luck next year as I know you will be a 'bear' to deal with!

Hixson

[shootinblanks]

Yo brotha!

I started out from 2008 til just three months ago using 46" standard length drivers.  I hit them very well from the start, so I never really thought about changing lengths and going longer until recently.  I always hit it 400+ with the 46" and my speed was still high, but I found with the longer club, my clubhead speed jumped about 3 mph and my spin rates actually came down, probably cause my angle of attack was a bit shallower.  Anyways, I now use 49" LDA length and have practiced with it enough to where I have the same consistency as the 46".  Hope this helps, but the only way to find what works is to get on a monitor and see what has the better payoff consistency and distance wise, for me it was the 49" with the better spin rate, slighlty higher clubhead speed, and the rest depended on practicing with it and dialing it in.

Blakely

[Oso]

Guys,

Thanks so very much for your help and advise.  I am going to continue the test and also confirm the results and my impression on a monitor.  I will follow up with you after I get on the monitor. Thanks a million guys!!

PS, Captain America, I like the "bear" comment.  thanks!!