ShaftMAX - the first component of the IGMS - was designed for three unique purposes. The first purpose is to help identify the efficiency of you shaft load profile. “Efficiency” can be defined as the ability to swing with less effort and more control while increasing (or at least maintaining) the pressure on a golf shaft. This efficiency is identified through the graphical data derived from ShaftMAX. In a nutshell, the more effieicient your swing, the more aggressive and accurate you can be as a player. Once your efficiency was optimized, ShaftMAX employed its proprietary wireless strain gauge technology to acquire and measure the deflection you put on the golf shaft during the entire swing. The data was then displayed and analyzed to help us identify the correct shaft flex recommendation for both your irons and woods. The data obtained here also helped identify the proper tip section requirements you need. The third purpose of ShaftMAX is to aid in determining what shaft construction material, balance point, and gram weight will be recommended to give you the best feel, repeatability and performance. This base line recommendation is determined through both data analysis and an examination of your shaft load profile. During our years of working with players, we have found that there are four main load profiles. A graphical representation of the four profiles is shown below:
 

Most players tested will fall into one of these four categories. The first profile shown is the flat line profile and is indicative of someone who does not swing with enough force to deflect or load the golf shaft. The second profile is called a single crest. This profile is indicative of someone who over-swings the golf club and casts it from the top. The third profile, referred to as a double crest, is similar to the single crest profile with the addition of a more pronounced wrist action just prior to impact. The wrist “pop” near the bottom of the swing is what creates the second peak on the double crest load profile. The fourth and most efficient shaft load profile is the incline. Most good ball strikers usually have some form of this load profile. Although good players can be found with the other load profiles, they generally also possess well above average hand – eye coordination or stellar short games to compensate for these “less than efficient” swing profiles. Max Out Golf believes it is in your best interest to work toward achieving the “incline” profile, which will allow you to achieve greater power and accuracy while working less.

The second sub-system of the IGMS contains our proprietary, state-of-the-art launch monitor/ball flight analysis system – LaunchMAX. During this phase of the fitting process, you were thoroughly tested to find out your proper shaft length, gram weight, and bend profile. Testing also included an examination for driver loft, center of gravity, and golf ball type that will specifically enhance your game. You will find that in each of the above-mentioned categories, you have been assigned to either a “Category Family” or specific recommendation.

The idea is to hit the longest and lightest club you can control. Because of this, a good deal of time was spent hitting different types of shafts of varying weights and lengths within the same basic flex range. Research has shown that there can be as much as 1,000rpm differentials in spin rates due to the action of the shaft alone. There can also be a significant difference in the launch angle each provides. Torque can also be a determinant in the ultimate shaft selection although its impact is frequently more related to feel than performance.

At Max Out Golf the goal is always directed toward performance. Through your input regarding the feel and sense of confidence with each change of shaft, club, or ball, we were able to fine-tune the equipment components as the performance evaluation proceeded.

While selecting the best shaft for your game is critical, there was a concurrent search for the right amount of loft required for your driver along with the proper center of gravity in the head. Again, design types perform as different as they feel and sound.

Matching the right ball type for spin, feel, distance, and durability was also part of the evaluation. There can be a huge difference in the way different balls perform and it is in your best interest to stay within the ball type recommended. You can check back with us from time to time to find any new balls that might be a particular benefit to you.