For this experiment, Alex decided to use the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (which features in our Best Golf Drivers guide) with the shaft he is fitted for - the ever-popular Fujikura Ventus Black RRP $349 - and pit it against:
A standard, off-the-rack Diamana S+ 60g (RRP $100)
His all-time favourite, the FreeFlex 45g (RRP $650)
Alex is currently testing out a new swing. I mean, aren't we all.
But the results were telling:
Alex discusses his numbers in more detail in our latest YouTube video below.
WATCH OUR VIDEO HERE:
Alex said of the results:
"So, if we're looking at it, is custom fitting worth it? This is a question that I can answer for myself. I personally think it is to an extent. Custom fitting is extremely important if you are a person like me. I am 6ft 4ins, have an extremely weird body structure and I would not suit a standard set-up [for] a driver, irons, wedges or putter. When I've had them before, my dispersion has been all over the place. With some extensive custom fitting, I've been able to some very good driver options and fairway wood options but also irons wedges and putter that is a very, very different standard to an off-the-rack setting.
"If you are a standard Joe Smith that is 5ft 10ins, 170lbs, swings it pretty normally from a static measurement and don't have anything that crazy then you may not see massive improvements if you get fitted because they could fit you for standard length, standard lie and a shaft that is pretty basic.
"So, there is a lot of angles to consider here. If you are wanting to improve your game and you have clubs that are outdated that are not fitted to you then I think everyone will notice an improvement if they get custom fitted.
"The extent of how much improvement you'll see varies from person-to-person. Myself? I saw a big improvement. I've seen and observed other people get fitted and nothing at all. So, although these numbers show a very clear difference in the shafts, that's for me.
