Launch Monitor Data & What It Tells You

Data Captured About Ball Launch Is Critical For Proper Club Fitting

Our Trackman™ high-tech launch monitors capture 20 data points from every golf swing. Six of these relate directly to the ball launch and are used by our expert club fitters to understand the unique club/swing dynamics and how to best fit the club head and shaft to optimize performance for each swing.
 

Ball Speed

The ball speed is measured just after impact and directly relates to distance the ball travels. Ball speed is generated primarily by club speed, but is also affected by impact location on the club, dynamic loft, attack angle and type of ball. Our club fitters carefully watch the ball speed rating delivered by new club head/shaft combinations to determine which club configuration delivers the best results.
 

Smash Factor

The Smash Factor is a calculated number, the ball speed divided by the club speed. It measure the ability of the club to transfer power to the ball and a higher number is better. Higher smash factor readings often indicate better contact with the ball in the center of the club. For club fitters, identifying the specific club configuration that maximizes the smash factor is crucial to producing optimum on-course results (for a driver, a smash factor of 1.5 is the maximum achievable number. For irons the ideal smash factor is around 1.4).
 

Ball Vertical Launch Angle

The vertical launch angle measures the vertical trajectory of the ball immediately after contact. For each club, there is an ideal vertical launch angle that produces the optimum distance and on-course performance, so the club fitter monitors this data point carefully in building proposed club head/shaft combinations.
 

Ball Horizontal Launch Angle

The horizontal launch angle measures the angle the ball moves at contact compared to the target line. A positive number is to the right and a negative number is to the left for a right-handed golfer. This data point is important because it indicates the left/right accuracy of the ball flight generated by the club. The club fitter is seeking results for this data point that will deliver a consistently low horizontal launch angle and more accurate shots on the course.
 

Ball Spin Rate

The spin rate measures how fast the ball spins, in rotations/minute, just after impact. The spin rate is a crucial measurement for the carry distance and launch angle for high speed shots, the driver in particular. To maximize driving distance a combination of high launch angle and low spin is needed. For lower irons, a high spin rate will produce shots that stop quicker on the green. Our club fitters carefully watch the spin rate for the club being fit to optimize this data point for the unique swing dynamics of the golfer.
 

Ball Spin Axis

The spin axis measure the spin of the ball relative to the target line immediately after impact. A measurement of zero degrees means the axis of the ball is spinning exactly down the target line. A positive value means the axis is spinning to the right, a negative number to the left for a right handed golfer. This data point indicates how the ball will tend to move in flight, i.e., to the right or left. The club fitter will optimize this data point based upon the unique swing characteristics of the individual golfer.

In a Cool Clubs custom fitting, our expert club fitter studies the collected swing data, ball landing data and ball launch data for your swing with your current club. The fitter and our proprietary software use this information to determine new club configurations that should produce improved performance. We then evaluate the changes to these data points, and others, when the player swings a proposed new club head/shaft combination. As the proposed club configuration gets more finely tuned to the player’s unique swing characteristics, the performance of the club improves, both in the fitting studio and on the course.

Without understanding this detailed ball launch data, the golf club buyer is at a loss to know which club will work with their swing dynamics to optimize results. A Cool Clubs fitting enables the golfer to make the best investment in golf equipment that is tuned for their unique swing.

Call now at (888) 284-9292 to schedule a fitting at any of our locations so you can begin to hit it longer, hit it straighter and shoot lower scores. We look forward to seeing you soon!