FITTING NUMBERS, EXPLAINED
Make sense
of the screen.
Start with what each number means. One number alone can’t tell the whole story.
What is ball speed?
Ball speed is how fast the ball leaves the face. Club speed and strike both affect it, so the highest number isn't the whole story. Compare your typical ball speed with each club rather than choosing from the best shot.
What is club speed?
Club speed is how fast the head is moving just before impact. It can change during a session, including when you get tired. Watch whether it stays reasonably consistent while you're comparing clubs.
What is smash factor?
Smash factor is ball speed divided by club speed. It helps put the strike in context, but it shouldn't be read alone. Look at it alongside where you struck the face.
What is launch angle?
Launch angle is the angle the ball leaves the face relative to the ground. There isn't one ideal launch for everyone; speed and spin matter too. If you're told yours is low, ask what the fitter thinks is contributing to it.
What is spin rate?
Spin rate is how fast the ball is spinning, measured in revolutions per minute. One number doesn't make it good or bad. Speed, strike, delivery, and the ball all matter. Ask your fitter what the range of your spin means for the flight you're trying to get.
What is spin loft?
Dynamic loft is the loft presented at impact. Attack angle describes whether the club is moving up or down. Spin loft is roughly the difference between them. It's context, not a number to chase. Ask whether the concern is equipment-related or something to discuss with your instructor.
What is the difference between carry and total?
Carry is the distance through the air. Total includes the roll afterward. Indoor roll is estimated, so it's affected by the system's assumptions. Use carry distances when you're recording the gaps through your bag.
What is landing angle?
Landing angle describes how steeply the ball comes down. Along with height and spin, it helps explain how the shot may behave when it lands. Ask your fitter whether the flight suits the greens and distances you need that club for.
What is dispersion?
Dispersion is the spread of your shots, both sideways and short to long. Two clubs can have the same average distance and very different patterns. Ask to see those patterns side by side.
What is impact location?
Impact location is where you hit the clubface. It helps explain changes in speed, spin, and direction, so it matters alongside the other numbers. Ask whether your strike pattern changed when you tested a different setup.
Are my numbers good?
A number alone isn't enough to call a result good or bad. What matters is how the flight, gaps, and misses relate to your goal. Ask your fitter which results changed and why those changes matter for your game.