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This question stems from a thought I had about Tiger changing from a 43 1/2 steel shafted driver, to a 45 in. graphite in order to regain his distance advantage. Why not just either, 1) keep the shaft length and change to graphite or 2) go to 45 in. steel shaft?

Ok, now as it relates to me. In considering going to a longer shaft (more as an experiment to gain distance to keep up with a friend who is now 20 yards longer than me when in the past, we were equal...dang ego!!!)
If...
Graphite = distance advantage over steel but wider shot dispersion
Steel = tighter shot dispersion, but not as long as graphite.

Would it make any sense to go to a longer steel shaft and gain distance but keep more accuracy? Adding 2" would add how much? Isn't it about 12 yards per inch? Or would staying with graphite and adding less, say an inch, make more sense as weight might be an issue in going with a 47 inch steel shaft?
Also, how does adding length to the shaft affect the trajectory I currently hit a 10.5 deg. Integra 450 Soolong driver. Would I need to decrease loft for any reason, or would that only compound the accuracy issue that will obviously be decreased with the increased shaft length?
Thanks for any input.
SS
PS...Didn't Vijay go to either 46 1/2 or 47 in. earlier this year? He now has "swing issues" so well documented on tv...could it be related??

I just cut my driver down to 43 1/2" from 45" and went from average drive of 245 to 260 - 270 with a lot more accuracy. just a thought. When I played baseball I used a 35" 34 oz bat and when I spoke with Mickey Mantle he said he used a 32 oz. 33 " bat so there you go..

goping with a steelshaft that length wold make a very high swing weight club, definatly int eh E7 or higher range, for comparision, most clubs are d1-6 or so, wedges tend to be a little higher. I doubt you wold see any advantage. I hit a 44.5" shaft and I hit it around 280+, I've had up to 48" draiver and saw no added lenght, probably due to the fact that it's a lot harder to hit it pure with that much club.

I agree. A graphite shaft is needed to keep today's length drivers in the correct swing weight range. I also agree that you won't gain much distance with a longer shaft, but accuracy will suffer. 45" is about as long as I'll go. Anything longer than that is more difficult to hit on the sweet spot and average distance suffers.

Getting a good, graphite shaft that matches the players swing, is the best way to go with the driver in my opinion.

Dave

ok, so far 3 opinions that kind of go along with what I thought...that there wouldn't be much advantage to the longer club....It was just going to be an experiment, but I didn't want to waste my time and go about it the wrong way. I am decently long....well, long enough to play the set of tees behind the ones the 3 guys I typically play with and I am always at least as long as they are and usually past them...but like everyone else, an extra 20 yards would be nice. Thanks for the input....Scott
P.S. My REAL reason is my best friend and I are playing in what he and I are calling the "Oh !@#$ We're 40" golf tournament next month. The two of us are playing 5 rounds on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Two rounds are in Muscle Shoals at courses called The Schoolmaster and Fighting Joe. They both measure an insane 8000+ yards from the tips. Of course, as a joke (idiots?), we play all the way back no matter where we play. I think the longest we've played was in the 7400 yard range (and we both kept it in the 80's). So in keeping with tradition, we will step back and let the testosterone fly...(and eliminate any legit chance for birdie)...but as he and I have ALWAYS done this, why stop now... We are also playing the 2 courses at Hampton Cove and then also at Silver Lakes....LOOONG courses for 5 rounds...(I think I'll start a new thread on "Longest courses played" to see what other guys have done)....SS (yes I expect to get bashed for playing tees so ridiculously long)

I hope you don't cause delay for playing the back tees, nothign ****** me off more than a double digit handicapper playing the tips and causing a 5 hour round.

I switched from a 43.75" steel shafted driver that I had hit great right up until I shredded my shoulder with it in hand. I couldn't hit it anymore, and decided to get a 44.75" graphite shaft.

I hit it probably 20 yards further, and the max distance is much further. I am about to have it cut down a half inch. I found that it was cool that I could hit a wedge for my second into a 435 yard par 4, it was difficult to make a good swing on the wedge with a pine branch up my rear-end.

I think it is different for everyone, and someone who is an experienced club-fitter/builder can help you figure it out. At some point, "consistent" control of the longer club will not be there. You need to find out where that is an issue and then build a club just under that.

Oh, I understand completely. I detest slow play. Neither of us are anywhere near "slow", so it should not be an issue. I sometimes play after getting off work and am able to get around in 2h 30 min. by myself. Great thing about that is, I make fewer big numbers than when I am playing at the typical weekend pace. (No time to get the brain too involved??) Granted, I don't make as many putts as I take one look and pull the trigger.
Thanks for the reminder, though....SS

Did you change the loft?? If not, how much did going to the 44.75" shaft raise or lower ball flight? Thx..SS

You need to go with a shaft the same length but that reduces ball spin. Also you might need to go to a HIGHER loft, not a lower one. It's all Physics and most people think lower loft=greater distance, and it's not the case. Simple trajectory software would pinpoint what you need. Go to Golfsmith and let them put you on the launch monitor. They'll do it for free as long as they think you're buying clubs. If the only reason you're doing this is to keep up with your friend, then you realy don't need it. Does he score lower than you? Do you really think an extra 20 yards will affect your score? Most likely not. What's the difference between an aproach shot of 120 yards or 140 yards. if you're shooting near 80, then your short game must be good enough to absorb the extra 20 yards on the approach shot to the green. Eve notice the 70 years old geezers who go out there and hit 150 off the tee and still shoot in the 80's? Accuracy my friend. Leave the ego at the door, move up to the white or blue at the worst and play the game like it's supposed to be played. unless your a scratch player, playing from the tips is foolish. Not my words, but Harvey Pennick's.

Great advice, but I'll probably pass...tradition and all, ya know?
thx...the fool :)