Hi Britt,
Can you explain the flat setting on adjustable drivers and when someone may want to have it in that position?
Does a flatter setting open or shut the face?
Does flat affect loft?
Thanks,
Brandon
Flat setting on adjustable drivers simply makes the lie of the driver flatter. I know that sounds like an obvious statement, but that is what it’s primary purpose is. If some adaptors combine the flat setting with a face angle or loft change, then you have consider each of the specifications and how the setting will effect ball flight. If the loft and face angle stay constant (don’t change) when you change the setting to flat, then you can evaluate how just the lie effects performance. The reason a player might need the flat setting is the same reason you would for irons. If a players stature and swing plane dictates the flatter lie, the flat setting will allow the clubhead it be in a more proper position at impact. The lie of any club has the most effect on directional control. If the lie is too flat, the compound angle between the loft and the lie angle will influence shots to the right (for a right handed player). If the lie is to upright, shots can be influenced to the left, again due to the compound angle created by the loft and lie. There is not a great deal of variance in the lie angles on most adjustable drivers. Also remember, during the swing, the shaft bows downward, flattening the lie through impact. That is why determining what setting gets you the proper “effective” lie (lie and impact) is important. The simplest way to determine this is to hit shots. If in the flat setting the shots initial direction is straight, then it is most likely the right setting. If the shots tend to start a little to the right, then it might be too flat. Special note on this: It is much more difficult to distinguish lie variances in drivers (due to the lower lofts) than other clubs with higher lofts. The higher the loft, the more effect the lie angel has on directional control.
Britt Lindsey