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	<title>Comments on: Clubhead Geometry In Pictures</title>
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	<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/</link>
	<description>Professional Golf Equipment at Down to Earth Prices!</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:09:44 -0700</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>By: Jeff Summitt</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-2179</link>
		<dc:creator>Jeff Summitt</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:26:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-2179</guid>
		<description>Jack:

Here is some additional information on cup-face technology:
http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2008/05/30/what-is-cup-face-technology-will-it-help-me-drive-the-ball-farther/</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jack:</p>
<p>Here is some additional information on cup-face technology:<br />
<a href="http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2008/05/30/what-is-cup-face-technology-will-it-help-me-drive-the-ball-farther/" rel="nofollow">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2008/05/30/what-is-cup-face-technology-will-it-help-me-drive-the-ball-farther/</a></p>
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		<title>By: Jack Sullivan</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-2171</link>
		<dc:creator>Jack Sullivan</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 01:57:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-2171</guid>
		<description>Can you also talk about cup-face technology. Thx</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Can you also talk about cup-face technology. Thx</p>
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		<title>By: James H</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-1197</link>
		<dc:creator>James H</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:01:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-1197</guid>
		<description>If I were making a line of clubs this is what I would do. And I will just use the Caiman Line as an example

1. My first club would be called the Caiman Black Label - The black label is the same shape as the normal Caiman with same &quot;eyes&quot; but really made for low handicappers (Called black label because players that hit from the &quot;tips&quot; or black tees would play this driver). It would have neutral bias for workability and with same black PVD finish. and a semi-pear/triangular shape. It would come in 9, 10 and 10.5 degree lofts (also, if I were to make a ladies model, it would be pink or deep purple with black or red &quot;eyes). The fairway and hybrids would match the look of the driver. However, the irons would be gun-metal black, cnc milled blades.

2. The Caiman Blue Label - This one is for mid-handicappers - The blue label has a deep blue PVD finish and has a bullet shape. This driver would come in draw and neutral models. For mid-handicappers, this club would come in 10, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts. Fairways and hybrids would match look of driver. The irons would be similar to the xmoi transitional hybrid set but the 5-pw would be traditional irons. 

3. Finally, The Caiman White label - This one is for high-handicappers - or players hitting from the white tees. This model would have a chrome pvd finish with a white crown. It would be square shaped with lofts of 10.5 and 12. Fairways and Hybrids would match look of driver. Irons would be exactly like the xmoi hybrids but with a chrome finish with white cavity back insert. 

Yes, I realize you were just asking for driver ideas, but I need to tie it all together</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If I were making a line of clubs this is what I would do. And I will just use the Caiman Line as an example</p>
<p>1. My first club would be called the Caiman Black Label &#8211; The black label is the same shape as the normal Caiman with same &#8220;eyes&#8221; but really made for low handicappers (Called black label because players that hit from the &#8220;tips&#8221; or black tees would play this driver). It would have neutral bias for workability and with same black PVD finish. and a semi-pear/triangular shape. It would come in 9, 10 and 10.5 degree lofts (also, if I were to make a ladies model, it would be pink or deep purple with black or red &#8220;eyes). The fairway and hybrids would match the look of the driver. However, the irons would be gun-metal black, cnc milled blades.</p>
<p>2. The Caiman Blue Label &#8211; This one is for mid-handicappers &#8211; The blue label has a deep blue PVD finish and has a bullet shape. This driver would come in draw and neutral models. For mid-handicappers, this club would come in 10, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts. Fairways and hybrids would match look of driver. The irons would be similar to the xmoi transitional hybrid set but the 5-pw would be traditional irons. </p>
<p>3. Finally, The Caiman White label &#8211; This one is for high-handicappers &#8211; or players hitting from the white tees. This model would have a chrome pvd finish with a white crown. It would be square shaped with lofts of 10.5 and 12. Fairways and Hybrids would match look of driver. Irons would be exactly like the xmoi hybrids but with a chrome finish with white cavity back insert. </p>
<p>Yes, I realize you were just asking for driver ideas, but I need to tie it all together</p>
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		<title>By: Jeff Summitt</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-908</link>
		<dc:creator>Jeff Summitt</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2009 11:52:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-908</guid>
		<description>Gemma:

The Rapture is a traditional shape.  The Mizuno is a carbon crown head designed to lower the CG and launch the ball higher.  Ping concentrated on crown and face structures to help optimize performance and sound.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Gemma:</p>
<p>The Rapture is a traditional shape.  The Mizuno is a carbon crown head designed to lower the CG and launch the ball higher.  Ping concentrated on crown and face structures to help optimize performance and sound.</p>
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		<title>By: gemma</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-910</link>
		<dc:creator>gemma</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2009 05:54:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-910</guid>
		<description>Just wondering if you could tell me whether the Ping Rapture V2 driver is the traditonal/pear or the triangular?  I am comparing it with the Mizuno MX 500 and would like to know if there is anything substantial that stands out in the difference of these two drivers?
Thank you</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just wondering if you could tell me whether the Ping Rapture V2 driver is the traditonal/pear or the triangular?  I am comparing it with the Mizuno MX 500 and would like to know if there is anything substantial that stands out in the difference of these two drivers?<br />
Thank you</p>
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		<title>By: Timothy D Watson</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-909</link>
		<dc:creator>Timothy D Watson</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:54:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-909</guid>
		<description>I should explain the specifics of why driver head durability is so important to me.  I have had a wonderful, unlimited driving range pass for two years.  I love the driving range and use the pass as much as I can manage to make the time for.  Since I first got the pass (for $100, excellent deal), I have increased my driver swingspeed by 30mph.  I had to change all of my old shafts because they eventually broke from not being suitable for my new swing!

Anyway, each bag of balls at the range contains approximately 35.  During an &quot;inactive period,&quot; I hit three bags (105 balls) once in a month.  I usually use just my driver for all of the balls.  During a &quot;driving range fever&quot; period, I can hit nine bags (315 balls) twice a week, for two weeks (1260 balls total), all with my driver.  I use my driver a lot.

The most balls I have ever hit with a 320cc+ driver before it broke are around 630 (105/month for six months).  If I have &quot;the fever,&quot; I can hit 630 balls in just one week!  I can not afford (and it would be too aggravating) to break a driver every week to six months.  I play all year.  The smaller titanium drivers that I use now last an exponentially longer time.  I have not managed to wear one out yet.  The paint job goes crazy and the face flattens slightly, but that is it.

Even if I used my driver only 18 times every week on average like a normal (but still active) golfer might, it would only take around eight months to need another one.  That is still a short time.  I know other golfers that break their drivers this often, so my numbers should be meaningful.  Modern drivers do not last long enough.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I should explain the specifics of why driver head durability is so important to me.  I have had a wonderful, unlimited driving range pass for two years.  I love the driving range and use the pass as much as I can manage to make the time for.  Since I first got the pass (for $100, excellent deal), I have increased my driver swingspeed by 30mph.  I had to change all of my old shafts because they eventually broke from not being suitable for my new swing!</p>
<p>Anyway, each bag of balls at the range contains approximately 35.  During an &#8220;inactive period,&#8221; I hit three bags (105 balls) once in a month.  I usually use just my driver for all of the balls.  During a &#8220;driving range fever&#8221; period, I can hit nine bags (315 balls) twice a week, for two weeks (1260 balls total), all with my driver.  I use my driver a lot.</p>
<p>The most balls I have ever hit with a 320cc+ driver before it broke are around 630 (105/month for six months).  If I have &#8220;the fever,&#8221; I can hit 630 balls in just one week!  I can not afford (and it would be too aggravating) to break a driver every week to six months.  I play all year.  The smaller titanium drivers that I use now last an exponentially longer time.  I have not managed to wear one out yet.  The paint job goes crazy and the face flattens slightly, but that is it.</p>
<p>Even if I used my driver only 18 times every week on average like a normal (but still active) golfer might, it would only take around eight months to need another one.  That is still a short time.  I know other golfers that break their drivers this often, so my numbers should be meaningful.  Modern drivers do not last long enough.</p>
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		<title>By: Timothy D Watson</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-911</link>
		<dc:creator>Timothy D Watson</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2009 03:26:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-911</guid>
		<description>Thanks for the nice and informative article, Hireko.  My commits on the various options listed here are these:

A square profile is a nice indicator of what the face angle should be.  It is easy to properly align a closed or open face when you have a square profile to aim with.  On the other side, in my opinion, non-square faces look awful on square clubheads.  Still, performance wise, I think at least one side of the clubhead being square is very useful.

The triangular profile is exciting to me.  It looks fast and gives me a psychological boost.  The triangle is fun, but may make me swing to hard.  Thinking fast and thus swinging too fast is a big disadvantage.  Additionally, the face of the club looks smaller on triangles, resulting in less confidence on my part.  The triangle is the club I wish I could use, but can&#039;t.

&quot;Skirtless&quot; clubheads just plain look better to me.  The skirtless heads I have used in the past have almost all been top performers.  From what I have heard, they are less aerodynamic, though.  I believe the positive psychological influence of a skirtless club is greater than any possible aerodynamic (or otherwise) performance advantage.  My impression is that the skirtless driver probably performs better, regardless of what I have heard, anyway.

I think scooped crowns are interesting, but wouldn&#039;t the crown just going straight back to the skirt or sole be more efficient and save some mass that can be redistributed for the same affect or greater than a scoop.  A straight line is shorter than a curve to the same point.  An extreme scoop might help me with visualizing the sole position like Bill Berninghausen mentioned.  I really like that idea.

All of my thoughts considered and combined, I would say that a geometry with the heal a slightly rounded square and the toe side a very pointed triangle would be good.  The face would not extend far towards the toe, but would be normal on the heel side.  There would be no offset.

The main difference with &quot;Hereko&#039;s 1st Response&quot; in my profile would be the back of the driver&#039;s clubhead.  I would want it square with the target, not pointing like an extremely open clubface.  Additionally, an extreme scoop combined with the no-skirt configuration would be preferred by me.  I would not want any ridges inside the scoop to strengthen the crown or encourage closing the face.  Those things are not as big a factor to me as the &quot;Berninghausen Scoop&quot; idea.

I do not need a sole that aids in alignment on a driver.  I hold the head above the ground (no contact) at address like I would want to swing though the ball and not take any divot.  I would appreciate a sole designed to eliminate turf drag when contact with the ground does occur, though.  Not anything overly elaborate, just a &quot;T-Sole&quot; with a relatively great deal of depth to the recessions on each side of the area behind the face.  The &quot;T-Sole&quot; has no recession behind the face along the middle.

Anyway, just a thought, but I find limiting design emphasis to the geometry of the head not good.  Geometry is not THAT big an issue to me.  Geometry is exciting and needs to be perfected for modern standards, but simply, the durability of the head is my main concern.  Gigantic, 460ish, mostly constructed of 6-4 titanium drivers have very thin side walls and sometimes weak welds or brazing.  They don&#039;t hold up to frequent, repeated, and prolonged use.  Make a high quality 320cc driver with my preferred geometry, and I&#039;m sold!  I don&#039;t consider buying drivers larger than that, and have been that way for a long time after much testing of that conviction.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thanks for the nice and informative article, Hireko.  My commits on the various options listed here are these:</p>
<p>A square profile is a nice indicator of what the face angle should be.  It is easy to properly align a closed or open face when you have a square profile to aim with.  On the other side, in my opinion, non-square faces look awful on square clubheads.  Still, performance wise, I think at least one side of the clubhead being square is very useful.</p>
<p>The triangular profile is exciting to me.  It looks fast and gives me a psychological boost.  The triangle is fun, but may make me swing to hard.  Thinking fast and thus swinging too fast is a big disadvantage.  Additionally, the face of the club looks smaller on triangles, resulting in less confidence on my part.  The triangle is the club I wish I could use, but can&#8217;t.</p>
<p>&#8220;Skirtless&#8221; clubheads just plain look better to me.  The skirtless heads I have used in the past have almost all been top performers.  From what I have heard, they are less aerodynamic, though.  I believe the positive psychological influence of a skirtless club is greater than any possible aerodynamic (or otherwise) performance advantage.  My impression is that the skirtless driver probably performs better, regardless of what I have heard, anyway.</p>
<p>I think scooped crowns are interesting, but wouldn&#8217;t the crown just going straight back to the skirt or sole be more efficient and save some mass that can be redistributed for the same affect or greater than a scoop.  A straight line is shorter than a curve to the same point.  An extreme scoop might help me with visualizing the sole position like Bill Berninghausen mentioned.  I really like that idea.</p>
<p>All of my thoughts considered and combined, I would say that a geometry with the heal a slightly rounded square and the toe side a very pointed triangle would be good.  The face would not extend far towards the toe, but would be normal on the heel side.  There would be no offset.</p>
<p>The main difference with &#8220;Hereko&#8217;s 1st Response&#8221; in my profile would be the back of the driver&#8217;s clubhead.  I would want it square with the target, not pointing like an extremely open clubface.  Additionally, an extreme scoop combined with the no-skirt configuration would be preferred by me.  I would not want any ridges inside the scoop to strengthen the crown or encourage closing the face.  Those things are not as big a factor to me as the &#8220;Berninghausen Scoop&#8221; idea.</p>
<p>I do not need a sole that aids in alignment on a driver.  I hold the head above the ground (no contact) at address like I would want to swing though the ball and not take any divot.  I would appreciate a sole designed to eliminate turf drag when contact with the ground does occur, though.  Not anything overly elaborate, just a &#8220;T-Sole&#8221; with a relatively great deal of depth to the recessions on each side of the area behind the face.  The &#8220;T-Sole&#8221; has no recession behind the face along the middle.</p>
<p>Anyway, just a thought, but I find limiting design emphasis to the geometry of the head not good.  Geometry is not THAT big an issue to me.  Geometry is exciting and needs to be perfected for modern standards, but simply, the durability of the head is my main concern.  Gigantic, 460ish, mostly constructed of 6-4 titanium drivers have very thin side walls and sometimes weak welds or brazing.  They don&#8217;t hold up to frequent, repeated, and prolonged use.  Make a high quality 320cc driver with my preferred geometry, and I&#8217;m sold!  I don&#8217;t consider buying drivers larger than that, and have been that way for a long time after much testing of that conviction.</p>
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		<title>By: Ron DePriest</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-907</link>
		<dc:creator>Ron DePriest</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:35:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-907</guid>
		<description>I like the design of the Acer XK. The cup face is a must for distance on off center hits. If you could design the head with a thinner crown, possibly even use a carbon crown, and a beta-ti face, an adjustable weight system could be used to change the COG and the flight bias of the driver. This also helps with swing weighting. Also, if you could design the sole to where the club sets up the same at address every time, this would help the golfer that has problems squaring the clubface.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I like the design of the Acer XK. The cup face is a must for distance on off center hits. If you could design the head with a thinner crown, possibly even use a carbon crown, and a beta-ti face, an adjustable weight system could be used to change the COG and the flight bias of the driver. This also helps with swing weighting. Also, if you could design the sole to where the club sets up the same at address every time, this would help the golfer that has problems squaring the clubface.</p>
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		<title>By: Bruce Gerhold</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-906</link>
		<dc:creator>Bruce Gerhold</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:53:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-906</guid>
		<description>Thanks for the reply.    I am aware of the USGA desire for the club head shape, but their idea of &quot;substantially&quot; appears to be rather broad.     The progression from &quot;wood&quot; driver shapes to square, then high MOI shapes suggests the USGA is open to shape changes.    I favor a driver with a round club face - easy to manufacture, easy to design a constant COR for off center hits, and lower frontal area for lower drag = higher club head speed.    Attach a bullet shaped piece on the back of the face to increase MOI and you could have a shape made to hit the ball.
I really fail to see any relationship between shape and hitting straight except for the obvious MOI relation that helps maintain a square club face by resisting rotation.    I think the shape of the old &quot;woods&quot; was simply a manufacturing issue; not related to performance.
The rules of golf limit the coefficient of restitution, COR, (as measured by the characteristic time) of the face, not distance.   Anything we can do to attain higher club head speed will increase distance.   Lower aerodynamic drag due to reduced frontal area my just be that path.
Regards
Bruce</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thanks for the reply.    I am aware of the USGA desire for the club head shape, but their idea of &#8220;substantially&#8221; appears to be rather broad.     The progression from &#8220;wood&#8221; driver shapes to square, then high MOI shapes suggests the USGA is open to shape changes.    I favor a driver with a round club face &#8211; easy to manufacture, easy to design a constant COR for off center hits, and lower frontal area for lower drag = higher club head speed.    Attach a bullet shaped piece on the back of the face to increase MOI and you could have a shape made to hit the ball.<br />
I really fail to see any relationship between shape and hitting straight except for the obvious MOI relation that helps maintain a square club face by resisting rotation.    I think the shape of the old &#8220;woods&#8221; was simply a manufacturing issue; not related to performance.<br />
The rules of golf limit the coefficient of restitution, COR, (as measured by the characteristic time) of the face, not distance.   Anything we can do to attain higher club head speed will increase distance.   Lower aerodynamic drag due to reduced frontal area my just be that path.<br />
Regards<br />
Bruce</p>
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		<title>By: Pastor Chris</title>
		<link>http://blog.hirekogolf.com/2009/03/16/clubhead-geometry-in-pictures/comment-page-1/#comment-905</link>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Chris</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:26:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.hirekogolf.com/?p=745#comment-905</guid>
		<description>Thank goodness we have a very precise and quantifiable guideline in, &quot;...the traditionally and customary form and make.”  My dream driver would have the traditional outline from the top and side, but would have these shapes created by 2 two-dimensional pieces that intersect behind the face, (Like X and Y axis planes with a face instead of the Z axis) which is attached to the top, and an abbreviated sole on the bottom.  The face would be a bit smaller than the outlines, so that the driver head &quot;shapes&quot; could act as aerodynamic fins to help guide the swing and reduce drag.  Total volume would be small since it is not a hollow form, and the weight could be located wherever it was needed dimensionally to  put the desired MOI exactly where desired.  Think a cross between very anorexic versions of the new aerodynamic drivers, and Cleveland&#039;s new niblick.    Might need some cut out behind the face to allow spring effect, because the fully supported face may be too hard.  It should be easy to make, as little to no welding is required, and the whole thing could be investment cast with very little CNC machining done to touch things up.  I have no idea how you could get this past the rules committee, though, except to trot out every other fringe club that has been approved and hope for the best in comparison.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thank goodness we have a very precise and quantifiable guideline in, &#8220;&#8230;the traditionally and customary form and make.”  My dream driver would have the traditional outline from the top and side, but would have these shapes created by 2 two-dimensional pieces that intersect behind the face, (Like X and Y axis planes with a face instead of the Z axis) which is attached to the top, and an abbreviated sole on the bottom.  The face would be a bit smaller than the outlines, so that the driver head &#8220;shapes&#8221; could act as aerodynamic fins to help guide the swing and reduce drag.  Total volume would be small since it is not a hollow form, and the weight could be located wherever it was needed dimensionally to  put the desired MOI exactly where desired.  Think a cross between very anorexic versions of the new aerodynamic drivers, and Cleveland&#8217;s new niblick.    Might need some cut out behind the face to allow spring effect, because the fully supported face may be too hard.  It should be easy to make, as little to no welding is required, and the whole thing could be investment cast with very little CNC machining done to touch things up.  I have no idea how you could get this past the rules committee, though, except to trot out every other fringe club that has been approved and hope for the best in comparison.</p>
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