Have you ever thought about adding lead tape to one of your golf clubs? Many golfers consider it, but ultimately decide not to because they think it will ruin their clubs. It's definitely a process of trial and error, but the benefit is that it could give you the feeling you've been looking for.
Nolan Combrink recently purchased a driver and was wondering if lead tape could make the head feel heavier. He doesn't feel like the shaft is a true stiff flex and thought perhaps lead tape could be the answer.
I have bought a Titleist 975J with a stiff flex shaft. I'm not really getting on with it, it feels too light and the shaft doesn't feel like it is a stiff flex. Would adding some lead tape increase the feel of a heavier head? I have a 980F 5 wood with a 4375 stiff shaft. I hit this farther than my driver. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Nolan Combrink
Yes, lead tape will make the club feel heavier, but it might not correct your problem. You won't really know until you start trying it out and testing it.
My first advice would be for anyone with a new club to take it to a PPGS Certified Fitter to get it checked. If you feel like the club is really close and just needs a minor tweak, lead tape is a good alternative. I've used it for many years and like to call it "magic dust" because it can work wonders if you've applied it to the correct part of the club.
If you want to stop a fade or slice, put the tape on the heel. It will slow it down so the toe can catch up. You would put lead tape out near the toe if you're hooking the ball.
Only trial and error will tell you what works best, so don't be afraid to give it a try. As always, you can get professional advice by contacting one of our certified fitters by clicking here.
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Sometimes it just works out ..
Thanks Surge for the advice on the Magic Dust - I have seen this help on my driver especially, but you do need to be careful. I like where the extra weights are now, I use the small square graphite ones (rarely lead now for obvious reasons) that are sticky but still moveable.
The current configuration happened by accident. I just wanted a heavier feel to my driver, and I added 4 of the small squares, 2 each near the toe and heel, figuring it would not change the balance much since I liked it. Part of the way through the round, I started hitting the driver really well, and after the round I checked the swing weights, and the ones near the toe had fallen off. I had to laugh as I knew they were now it the correct placement - finally.
Have fun out there!
Jon
adding weight
Jon,
I too have fooled around with adding weight. I have used the lead tape, the squares you stick on and I have lead powder you can put in the shaft or hosel. I also have a variety of tip weights I can use when building clubs.
I am currently considering playing with another very cool way of moving differing amounts of weight within the shaft. It's called opti-vibe internal shaft weights and can be purchased at Golfworks.com. or on their site.
http://www.golfworks.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_TL0014
http://www.tourlockpro.com/optivibe.html
You'll notice they have three different style products but it is the opti-vibe that is the most attractive to me because you can adjust where in the shaft the weight is placed and that will effect not only the over all weight but the swing weight and feel. I am primarily interested in getting it for my putter because while I want to maintain a similar over all weight I am interested in trying out a few new putter grips and will be able to precisely balance the lost (or gained weight) where needed. I know, fitter kind of stuff but hey, it's my hobby and I am a constant tinkerer and always seeking out what feels and works best from grip to head. It seems it only will work on iron shafts and not graphite. Of course the tour lock counter weighting would work on the grip end of a graphite club with some modifications but that is not my current concern. Fun stuff any way.
Lead tape
For the tinkering golfers who may want to experiment with lead tape (BTW they now sell versions that don't contain lead) here is a where to article;
http://www.golfsamurai.net/driver/how-to-use-lead-tape-on-driver.htm
For most, it is a slice that they are wanting to correct. This article and placement of tape is for those golfers to consider. Again it's trial and error and will not fix a bad swing but may aid slight corrections. Be aware that adding weight will change the swing weight which could be good or bad. As Surge says, add and then subtract if needed while trying out various locations on the head. One of the results may be that the feel of a heavier head can help sloe down a 'too quick' swing. Some like the heavier feel of the handle (grip end) after tape is added under the grip. Counter balancing. Of course that's the idea behind Boccieri grips and grip end weighting by other means.
The Orange Whip
Dear Surge,
I had actually given the game up 3 years ago because I just couldn't make a consistent swing due to my lack of flexibility and the pain I endured in my back after a round of golf. Using your system has been a rebirth for me and I can honestly say I am playing some of the best golf of my life, pain free, and loving every minute of it! I have always struggled with tempo and was wondering if purchasing a training device like the Orange Whip would add or detract to what you have taught us. My main concern would be that the device would be too long, thus forcing us to be less vertical, thus putting us in the burial ground with no chance of recovery. Your comments please!
Brian Dillon
Orange whip
Brian,
Keep in mind that to have Surge comment on what ever question we may have you would need to send your inquiry to him through customer service. Unfortunately he does not answer directly on the blog (though he did years ago in the beginning). As for the orange whip, I have never tried it but it carries many of the same characteristics as a weighted club and some other trainers like the swing rite which he does endorse. Having a quick look at it I noticed it does come in 47,44 and 38 inch options. While the 47 inch may encourage a flatter swing perhaps the 44 would be okay. While much lighter the 38 could certainly be swung in a more vertical manner if that is your concern. the design does seem to slow tempo down and help sequence timing so maybe it would be for you.
Again, you may want to consider the swing right which helps with timing, tempo and developing swing speed along with a correct grip.
http://www.swingrite.com/
A better price can be found on Doc's site (scroll down after clicking here):
http://www.thegolfstop.net/Products.html
Doc?
I would be interested in Doc Griffin's views on this. I saw a forum discussion about this with some very interesting information from Tom Wishon (one of the great club designers), and he seemed to be saying that you would have to put a lot of weight on a driver head to, for instance, reduce a slice. He mentioned something like 25 grams to change the COG in any significant way. Anyhow, I got the impression that the subject is more technical than one might think at first glance.