Titleist Demo Day - 913D3

Just popped over to the Titliest Demo Day last weekend.

Tried mainly the 913D3 on various shafts. Here in SG the stock shafts are different. The four stock shafts are

1. Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana D+ White 72
2. Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana S+ Blue 62
3. Adila RIP Phenom 60
4. Graphite Design BB-6

I tried 1,2 and 3 but didn't try the Adila. Not a fan of Adila. The Diamana's were ok, they didn't quite feel one piece. Feel is important to me. As I have a rather fast tempo, so the shaft must be stable and more one piece. And the shaft mustn't torque/twist too much that I have to slow down the swing to wait for the clubhead to twist back which in turn leads to loss of club head speed. A good way to picture this is like using a ladies club to hit, you have to slow down a hell lot if not the clubhead will still be lagging at impact and you will spray the ball high and right (for a right handed player).
The launch monitor was being used so I didn't get any readings, but looking at ball launch, spin and trajectory help me to decide whether the shaft was good. Tried both Diamana's in stiff, a bit too much back spin, high launch and spray for me. Tried the D+ white in X, was a bit too stiff for me, had to really up the speed to get the same distance, but the X flex reduced back spin and had a lower ball height. Don't think I was flexing the X flex enough to get full benefit.

The BB-6 shaft was excellent. Light and yet stable. Managed to bomb the driver. But the launch was high for me and the Titleist Staff suggested a D1 setting (-0.75 degree) on a 8.5 degree head. This gave me a better loft and distance. BB-6 was really good, great distance without needing such a high clubhead speed. Definitely matches up to the hype surrounding it. And the shaft is rated mid low spin and mid low launch. And the shaft is the original as in the sticker on the shaft says " Clubhead - China; Shaft - Japan". Unlike other brands when the shaft is made for and the production is transferred out of Japan or from the original factory to a generic factory. This combined with the lower spinning D3 head worked for me.

The D3 head is also an excellent head. My friend who subsequently got the 913D3 on BB-6 after this demo, claims that this is the best Titleist Driver since the 975. The D3 head was 445 CC, nice and forgiving. Tried a few heel and toe shots and stills launches the ball fine. Another thing which I really like is the low spin that it gives.

In SG, there is a definite paucity of good fitters or fitters without agendas. So the best thing is to understand the golf swing well, understand the mechanics of things (shaft, ball, backspin vs loft...) then go try out as many shafts and clubs as possible, then go back to the website and see the specs of the shafts/clubs. And wah lah you are your own clubfitter. Don't forget then your swing is affected by mental and physical fatigue and as you improve and practice /or not your physical strength varies, so you know how to club fit yourself and adjust accordingly. If we had great facilities like the USA, then I won't be saying this. In fact quite a number of pros here aren't really into the technical aspect of the game and can't really help to fit you.

In conclusion, 913D3 - super excellent club. The SureFit Tour Hosel independent loft and lie is great, unlike the TaylorMade which is not loft and lie independent. The spin is nice and low. The aural and visual quality of the driver is very pleasing. It comes in 8.5 degrees, although supposed to be a custom order, you do find it in the shops and the shops are very willing to change the head so that you can have your combination of choice for the shaft and clubhead.