Golf launch monitor = cool

[gsxrken]

I was in the market for some wedges. I have had my sand wedge for years without complaint, but hated my 52* gap as it seems very inconsistent distance-wise. Since I figured I'd carry a 60* lob again, I figured why not get a matched set.

Anyway, I went into our local Golfsmith retail store and they have a demo area where you hit into a canvas video screen, and the computer monitors your ball and swing speed, launch angle, backspin, sidespin, and both the distance and flight path of the ball. It really is incredible and seemed to be dead-nuts accurate. When you pure one, it knows, and when you tug one left or a little thin, it's all over it. I worked with several 52* gap wedges.

I went in with an eye for the newer forged Cleveland 588s, but didn't care for the shaft and I got my lowest backspin. I then tried some Titleist Vokeys... nice feel but lower and less spin than I like. Finally went to some forged Nike V-Pro whatevers and loved them. The ball comes off softer, higher, and with more spin- like 300 more RPM- than even the Titleists.

Without the monitor, this would be a very non-data driven purchase. I also learned that I swing the 52* between 60 and 67 MPH, which is partially why sometimes it jumps 10 yards more than I want. I need to groove a more consistent tempo.

[Schrup]

It's been nearly 5 years since I shopped wedges. I didn't have the benefit of a launch monitor, but I knew what lofts & bounces I wanted. I demoed several & thought the Vokeys & Clevelands were overpriced. Mizunos were nearly $25 a wedge cheaper & offered what I wanted. New tech in wedges doesn't move me, I like them traditional & forged.

I wonder about the new grooves, did you do any comparisons? Were the old grooves still available. I'm sure I need at least a new lob, but I bought a sharpener instead.

Launch monitor would be problematic for me, especially with a driver. I have no ability to repeat the same launch angle to get fitted, it would be an embarrassment to even try. I have a love/hate relationship with golf & the needle is currently pegged on hate.

[gsxrken]

The Vokeys were the old grooves and spun less than the conforming Nike's for what it's worth.
At least at this place, you can bring in your old club and get a baseline. I told the salesman I was going to be awhile and he got the hint and drifted off. If you hit 10 balls, you are going to get an idea of how you and that club perform. Then you go through the rack looking for better numbers.
What I like is I have 3 nearly identical wedges now with the same shaft... Theoretically they will perform as I expect them to but with different trajectories. And there's the placebo effect too. I'll take every edge I can get. I can't drive it like I used too; it's time to develop that crafty old-timer short-game touch and get some more one-putts.