How to cut down a driver?

[IrishGolfer]

My son has been using one of my ex Drivers. He's 12 and it's up to his shoulder. Thing is he hits it well. I think I should trim it down for him.

So can I cut from butt end? Any hard and fast rules about length? Will it make it stiffer?

Thanks!

 

[limpalong]

Yes, you cut what you want off the butt end.

Cutting down a driver will change the swingweight and will change the frequency (flex). The amount of change will depend on how much you cut off.

 

[MattyB]

My son has been using one of my ex Drivers. He's 12 and it's up to his shoulder. Thing is he hits it well. I think I should trim it down for him.

So can I cut from butt end? Any hard and fast rules about length? Will it make it stiffer?

Thanks!

From my vastly wide experience on this topic , cutting from the butt end a couple inches shouldn't drastically change the stiffness of the shaft, it's more cutting from the tip that affects stiffness to a bigger degree.
Well that's what I'm sure I read about it when looking into cutting mine down an inch.

 

[IrishGolfer]

So I'm thinking of taking 4-6" off the shaft by sawing off the butt end and throwing on a new grip, just worried that it will stiffen up an already stiff shaft. The young fella will struggle with his swing speed. I've read if I add weight to the head it will soften up the flex, true? Do I just add lead tape?

Sorry for the basic questions, just want to keep him motivated, without handing him rebar!!

 

[limpalong]

Adding lead tape doesn't "soften" the flex. It can assist in getting the swing weight back closer to where it belongs. At his age, I wouldn't worry too much about the perceived flex. If he makes solid contact, due to the shorter shaft, he will enjoy the game much more than missing the ball with the longer shaft. I'd cut it down and let him hit it. The lighter swingweight might even be an advantage. If not, adding some lead tape doesn't cost that much.

Cutting 5" - 6" off the butt end will probably get you down to where the shaft is slightly smaller in diameter. Try to find a .580 core grip.

 

[IrishGolfer]

Adding lead tape doesn't "soften" the flex. It can assist in getting the swing weight back closer to where it belongs. At his age, I wouldn't worry too much about the perceived flex. If he makes solid contact, due to the shorter shaft, he will enjoy the game much more than missing the ball with the longer shaft. I'd cut it down and let him hit it. The lighter swingweight might even be an advantage. If not, adding some lead tape doesn't cost that much.

Cutting 5" - 6" off the butt end will probably get you down to where the shaft is slightly smaller in diameter. Try to find a .580 core grip.

Thanks Bud

 

[Fairwaysplitter3320]

Adding lead tape doesn't "soften" the flex. It can assist in getting the swing weight back closer to where it belongs. At his age, I wouldn't worry too much about the perceived flex. If he makes solid contact, due to the shorter shaft, he will enjoy the game much more than missing the ball with the longer shaft. I'd cut it down and let him hit it. The lighter swingweight might even be an advantage. If not, adding some lead tape doesn't cost that much.

Cutting 5" - 6" off the butt end will probably get you down to where the shaft is slightly smaller in diameter. Try to find a .580 core grip.

^^^this

 

[Rockford35]

Thing is he hits it well. I think I should trim it down for him.

Uh, why fix what isn't broken?

R35

 

[IrishGolfer]

I'm worried that he will develop an overswing trying to hit it. Also it will make it easier for him to hit it more consistently if it is cut down. I must get some video of him to show you guys. He's down to 23 index, not too shabby for a 12 year old playing off the men's tees.

 

[IrishGolfer]

Job done, took about 4" off butt, threw on a new grip and he's out ripping it 30 mins later.

He hit this about 170 ish.

 

[TEA Time]

Nice swing, kid!

 

[MattyB]

Keep him into it and he will be a gun in a few years.