Custom Fitting Q&A with Bill Price

Director of Fitting and the mastermind behind Mizuno Swing DNA

For 21 years Bill Price, Mizuno’s Director of Fitting (above right with previous generation Shaft Optimizer), has pioneered a scientific approach to club fitting. From masterminding the Mizuno Shaft Optimizer to overseeing our global club fitting program, Bill has helped thousands of golfers worldwide find their perfect set of golf clubs. 

With an all-too captive audience, we challenged Bill to answer your questions on Twitter with the hashtag #AskBillCustom. Here are our highlights:

Q: Haig Hanessian (@HHanessian): For JPX 919 Tour irons which shaft would you choose and why? Recoil or KBS?

A: Wow!! Which KBS and Recoil? You need to have a diagnostic tool like the shaft optimizer to help determine the proper direction for you.

Q: D Matthews (@DavidGM1971): Hi Bill, if a fitter has a launch monitor, why would they need a Shaft Optimizer as well?

A: If a fitter has the shaft optimizer along with a launch monitor the process is quicker and more accurate saving you from hitting too many shots. Shaft Optimizer + Launch Monitor is the best of both worlds.

Q: Great White North (@Crazy_CanuckCan): I got fitted three weeks ago by my local Toronto Mizuno Representative (@PGATOURCanada) for my new JPX919 Tour irons. Love them. He used the Shaft Optimizer. Why doesn’t it work for a driver?

A: Thank you for picking Mizuno irons. We have just launched driver fitting and golf ball fitting using our shaft optimizer. We can map out a similar bending profile for a driver based on your iron shaft. Super excited about this new feature.

Q: Chris Voshall (@Vosh68): Hey Bill! Would love for you explain Mizuno’s process of indexing shafts. Bending profiles and EI curves vs labelled flexes, and how they affect recommendations.

A: We measure every shaft using an EI machine which creates a unique bending profile for the entire shaft. This profile might or might not match the label on the shaft. We want the shaft to match the individual for performance. No guesswork.

Q: Jeremy Galbreth (@galbreth_jeremy): I would love to know if Bill Price uses any beard oil in that beautiful face mane? If so, what brand does he prefer? Asking for a friend

A: All natural!

Q: SPS (@simonthehack): What affect does increasing/decreasing swing weight have on strike? E.g.: tighten strike or move strike on the face?

A: Swing weight is a tricky one because it is so personal, based on feel. Some people relate better to heavier and some to lighter. Both can benefit the strike based on the individual.  Your fitter should be able to help you determine what is best for you.

Q: David McIntosh (@DaveMcIntosh17): Bill, should wedge shafts be heavier, light or the same weight as iron shafts?

A: As a general rule, you should have the same shaft in your wedges as your irons for consistency, but in some cases, you can have a specific wedge shaft that might be heavier. Keep flex the same.

Q: Phil Lewis (@dharma66): I’m a high handicapper. I bought an MP-32 9-iron for fun. It carries about as far as my package set 7-iron (when I catch it). Off the shelf Wilson package vs MP-32 with True Temper DG 300 Reg. Might it imply I benefit from the fit?

A: This definitely shows that the MP-32 9-iron with DG Reg fits you better. This example shows that when you can get a properly fit club where the energy is properly loaded though the shaft, it can increase distance. Sometimes significantly.

Bill Price with the new Mizuno Shaft Optimizer 3D

 

 

 

 

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