Measuring Golf Swing Dynamics is a very important part of the golf club fitting process. In our in-person fitting sessions, we utilize the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer to measure tempo, transition, kick point and release. This information is fundamental to our BGF Fitting System and TrueFitClubs Fitting Wizard to make more accurate shaft recommendations.
Swing Dynamics - Tempo, Transition and Release
Most golfers are not actually sure about their swing dynamics. They think their tempo is fast when actually it is probably pretty standard. In our fitting recommendations, it is very clear how the swing dynamics of Tempo, Transition and Release can impact shaft selections.
In general, the smoother your swing, the softer and lighter shaft you can play to optimize distance, accuracy and consistency. We call this a "Swinger" type of swing. On the other had, if you have a faster tempo, short and aggressive back swing, you will need a firmer, and potentially heavier shaft to optimize your results. We call this a "Hitter" type of swing. See more on this topic at this blog on swing dynamics.
Mizuno Shaft Optimizer
Mizuno has been at the forefront of the effort to help determine the proper shafts with their Shaft Optimizer. And, the new release of their software and measuring club will make this an even better fitting tool. There are roughly 4,000 locations around the world that use the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer in their fitting carts. See more about the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer here.
Mizuno Shaft Optimizer 3DThe Mizuno Shaft Optimizer is a unique golf club with sensors that measure 40 data points including club speed, Tempo, Toe Down (Transition), Kick Angle, and Release Factor. The results are given in a series of numbers. The scale is from 1 to 9 and is a little different in each interpretation. Here are a few results from our in-person fittings:
| Speed | Tempo | Toe Down | Kick Angle | Release Factor | Shaft |
| 80.33 | 5.00 | 5.33 | 3.00 | 4.00 | Project X LZ 5.0 |
| 89.67 | 7.33 | 3.00 | 4.33 | 4.67 | KBS S Taper X |
| 86.33 | 5.67 | 4.33 | 4.33 | 3.33 | DG 120 X |
| 76.00 | 7.00 | 4.00 | 4.67 | 5.33 | Modus 120 S |
| 55.00 | 3.67 | 1.33 | 7.00 | 5.33 | Recoil ESX A |
| 81.33 | 5.67 | 5.00 | 6.00 | 5.33 | C-Taper Lite S |
| 79.00 | 6.00 | 4.00 | 5.67 | 2.67 | PX LZ 5.5 |
Tempo: 1 = Slowest, 9 = Fastest
Toe Down: 1 = Slowest Transition, 9 = Fastest Transition
Kick Angle: 1 = Less Forward Bend, 9 = More Forward Bend
Release Factor: 1 = Late Release, 9 = Early Release
Using The Mizuno Shaft Optimizer with TrueFitClubs Fitting Wizard
While the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer is a great tool, it only recommends shafts that are in the current Fitting Matrix for Mizuno clubs. This can present some limitations as to the best shaft fitting recommendations.
We at TrueFitClubs make shaft recommendations for weight, flex, trajectory and spin based upon your answers to questions in the Fit Quiz. If you are unsure of your Tempo, Transition and Release, use your numbers from the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer to get the best recommendations. Here is our key to doing the conversion:
| Converting | ||||
| Mizuno Shaft Optimizer | to… | Fit Quiz | ||
| Tempo | 1 to 3 | Tempo | Slow | |
| 4 to 6 | Medium | |||
| 7 to 9 | Fast | |||
| Toe Down | 1 to 3 | Transition | Slow | |
| 4 to 6 | Medium | |||
| 7 to 9 | Fast | |||
| Kick Angle | Not a factor | |||
| Release Factor | 7 to 9 | Release | Early | |
| 4 to 6 | Middle | |||
| 1 to 3 | Late | |||
| Notes: | ||||
| 1. Kick Angle is not currently a factor in the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer | ||||
| 2. Swing speed should be within 1-2 mph on the Shaft Optimizer | ||||
| and your launch monitor. If not, re-do the Optimizer test. | ||||
| Examples: | ||||
| Example #1: | ||||
| Tempo | 4 | Tempo | Medium | |
| Toe Down | 5 | Transition | Medium | |
| Kick Angle | 3 | Not Needed | ||
| Release | 7 | Release | Early | |
| Example #2: | ||||
| Tempo | 3 | Tempo | Early | |
| Toe Down | 5 | Transition | Medium | |
| Kick Angle | 5 | Not Needed | ||
| Release | 7 | Release | Early | |
| Example #3: | ||||
| Tempo | 7 | Tempo | Fast | |
| Toe Down | 5 | Transition | Medium | |
| Kick Angle | 5 | Not Needed | ||
| Release | 2 | Release | Late | |
Fit Quiz Recommendations
You can use the above results from the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer for both the Driver/Woods fitting and Hybrids/Irons/Wedges fittings. Once you complete the Fit Quiz, you will be given recommendations for club length, shaft weight, shaft flex, trajectory, spin and swing weight. From there you can select a club to build and the system will guide you through the steps of selecting the head, then the shaft (with our recommendations) and grip.
Here Is The Complete Guide to Using the Fitting Wizard
Dan Sueltz
