Custom Clubs of Frederick
"Clubs to Fit Your Swing"

We are a full service custom club fitting and repair center utilizing
the latest in ball launch monitors and club fitting software to effectively
analyze your swing. We service the entire Maryland, Virginia,
     West Virginia, Pennsylvania and DC market.

Mike Bednarcik - Maryland's only 4 time Clubmaker of the Year

Read my new article on:

"Club Building Techniques"

Check out these Tom Wishon You Tube Videos:

• Custom Fit vs Standard off the Rack
   

• What does Custom Fitting do for Golfers
   

• The Facts of Life about the Golf Equipment Industry

What is the correct shaft, flex and club length, you should be playing? 

Come in and get tested.
  See for yourself.

Please call to make an appointment. 

   301-471-4825

Questions or Comments?

Email me at:
 Mike Bednarcik

Listed below is what CUSTOM CLUBS OF FREDERICK will do.

Will your clubmaker do all of this?          

 Club Building Techniques

Iron Flex Matching – The latest in performance based club building

A club building method to assemble the most consistent and best feeling golf clubs in the industry.

There have been several methods over the years to try and replicate the same feeling from club to club.  It has been believed for some time that the best performing clubs are those that generally have sameness or a consistent feeling from club to club.  Over the years, the various systems that were utilized to try to accomplish this were:

1. Swing Weight Matching – Is the theory of adding weight to the head area of the shaft to make all of the irons weigh the same on a Swing weight scale.  Weight is usually added to the head to get them to weigh 8 grams apart. This has been the generally accepted method for the last 30 years.  This along with frequency matching, are the two leading methods of building golf clubs.
2. Butt Frequency Matching –The theory of matching all of the irons based only on the butt frequency measurement.  A shaft is placed into a frequency machine and a butt frequency reading is taken.  The measurement is in cycles per minute or CPM’s.  This measurement is then compared to the other shafts and the softest butt reading shaft is then installed into the longest iron and the stiffest butt reading shaft is installed in the wedges.  The shorter club heads both weigh more and the shafts are shorter which helps compensate for putting the stiffer shaft in the shorter club.  The frequency reading generally falls into a “slope” of 4 cpm’s.  This means that say for the 3 iron the reading is 280.  The 4 iron reading will be 284 and the 5 iron will be 288 and so on right through to the wedges.  The reading will get higher as you go through the set.  The industry has accepted a “slope” of 4 cpm’s although many clubmakers will vary this based on the needs of the individual golfer.
3. Flat Line Frequency Matching –The theory that all of the clubs will have the same butt frequency measurement. The shafts are tipped or not tipped and the heads are weighted in order to obtain the same frequency reading in all of the clubs. If the target for the golfer is say 290, every club in the bag will be at the frequency reading of 290.  This of course makes the longer irons softer and the shorter irons not as stiff.  This is usually done for the slower swingers to help make softer feeling shafts to get the ball in the air easier.
4. Moment of Inertia Matching (MOI) – The theory that any object is a measurement of its resistance to being placed in motion.  It is believed that each club requires a different amount of force to swing the club (set it in motion), therefore the golfer cannot be as consistent swinging each club in the set.  The golfers MOI is determined during the fitting and the set of clubs is built to match that MOI.  Generally in an MOI set of clubs the lengths of the clubs are 3/8” between each other as opposed to the industry accepted .5”.  This along with the proper weighting of the heads will result in an MOI built set of clubs.
5. Zone Profiling - A frequency reading is taken every few inches to obtain an overall determination of the relative stiffness of that particular shaft. This allows us to measure the shaft in detail and determine, based on the profile data that two shafts with the same profile will play and feel very much the same. This comes in very handy when replacing a particular shaft.  We can get as close as possible to the performance characteristics of that original shaft by comparing that shafts profile data to others on the market.
6. Iron Flex Matching – 3 frequency readings are taken.  A butt frequency reading, a mid section frequency reading and a tip section frequency reading to determine the overall playability or stiffness of the shaft. Based on this data, we then determine which shaft should be in which club head to better match our overall frequency goal for the golfer. Recently this method has been gaining a lot of popularity among the world’s elite club builders and fitters.

There are other club building methods but for the most part, these are the most generally accepted and tried and true systems that have been implemented by clubmakers and club companies over the years.  It is currently believed that the first 2, although still used by many club builders and club companies, does not result in a consistent feeling club for most golfers.  It has been proven over the last few years that all shafts even the same exact shaft from the same manufacturer can play different.  Why is that? 

Depending on the quality control of the manufacturing process, the different areas of the shaft may be altered causing the shaft to either play a little stiffer or a little softer even though they are supposed to be the exact same shaft.  This is where “Zone Profiling” came into popularity.  Zone Profiling takes a frequency reading every 5 or 6 inches to determine the Profile or the relative zone stiffness of that particular section of the shaft.  We can then get a very good idea as to how that particular shaft will play relative to another shaft that has the same profile makeup.

Over the last several years, MOI has gained popularity and is a very effective way to match a set of clubs to the golfer.  MOI is a different methodology when compared to traditional club building.  As stated above, the length increments are usually 3/8” compared to the industry standard of .5” and the head weights are 7 grams apiece compared to the traditional 8 grams.  It is a different way to achieve a consistent set of golf clubs but it is just not a main stream system and may never actually catch on. However, we feel this is an effective way to build golf clubs and will continue to offer this as an option in our fittings.

Iron Flex Matching is beginning to gain a strong foothold with the world’s best club builders. It utilizes the best of Zone Profiling and Frequency Matching.  A frequency analysis is performed on the 3 most important sections of the shaft - the butt, the mid section and the tip.  The butt section is a major determination for feel.  The tip section also produces feel through the release of the shaft at impact. The mid section gives feedback in the form of having a low, mid or high kick point.

Therefore, I believe that by offering both Iron Flex Matching and MOI, we offer the golfer the most effective and efficient means of building golf clubs.  When we combine these two methods of building with the best launch monitor on the market – The Golf Achiever II, the golfer is assured of a truly customized set of clubs to optimize their fitting specifications.

Some clubmakers are stuck in the past and simply build a swing weighted or butt frequency matched set.  We are proud to discuss our fitting ideas and methods with our customers even before they come in for a fitting.  

We enjoy sharing the latest in technology and club fitting methods with our customers.

Give me a call to discuss our fitting methodology or to arrange a fitting appointment. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

Mike

• CUSTOM CLUBS OF FREDERICK has the Golf Achiever II, the latest in ball launch monitors.   We use a state of the art software system which allows us to measure and evaluate the following items:
   

• Ball Speed
• Launch Angle
• Azimuth
• Club Speed
• Club Path
• Face Angle
• Carry Distance
• Off Line
• Distance to Pin
• Flight Time
• Face Impact Position

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• Shaft Flex
     All Shafts are not created equal.  There are NO industry standards when it comes to Shaft flex.  None.  Every manufacturer tests their shafts in a different manner which means a Callaway S flex may be the same as a Taylor Made R flex or vise versa.  Who knows?  We're glad you asked that question.  The component companies we buy our shafts from perform their own independent swing speed analysis on every shaft.  After we determine your swing speed and tempo, we  will enter your information into a computer program which assists us in determining the optimal shaft flex for your individual swing.

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• Frequency Matching of Shafts
      The precise method is actually called Frequency Coefficient Matching (FCM) and it is proprietary to FM Precision - manufacturer of Rifle shafts.  All FCM shafts are placed on a frequency analyzer which allows them to measure the natural frequency of every club in a set, providing a digital readout of the oscillation pattern.  This allows clubmakers to  make a consistent set of clubs throughout all clubs in the bag.   We highly recommend the use of FCM shafts - Rifle shafts have been our best selling steel shafts for years.

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• Spine Matching
     Although the technology is still very new, this method of shaft alignment does warrant some consideration.  During the manufacturing process, a shaft naturally develops asymmetry (a Spine), an inconsistency.  This, according to many experts, could lead to poor shotmaking because the "Spine" part of the shaft is not always located in the identical part of the club when it is assembled. Shaft spinning is the method by which a shaft is identified and then installed in the exact same location for each club in your bag.  Therefore, the most consistent set of clubs on the market is produced. Yes, we have that capability.   Does your clubmaker?

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• Set Makeup
      We will assist you in determining the make up of your set.  Do you need 3 woods and 8 irons?  What about a third wedge?   What about a driving iron?  Does the course you play have heavy rough - a utility wood might be helpful.  Do you have difficulty hitting long irons - perhaps a #7 or #9 wood would be a logical choice.  These are but a few of the many questions we will be able to assist you with in order to truly custom fit your set of clubs to you.

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• Loft
      Loft is the angle of the club face in relation to the ground.  The higher the loft of the club, the higher the ball will fly. (Read "Why Custom Clubs").  Depending on your swing and playing goals, We will help you in determining the proper loft to maximize your swing potential.

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• Grip Sizing
      Determining the proper grip is vital.   Have you EVER been measured for grip size.  Probably not.  This is your only contact with the club.  A grip is considered to be of the correct size if your second and third fingers of your left hand gently touch the heel pad of you hand.   Too large a grip will cause space between the fingers and heel pad; one that is too small will cause your fingers to dig in excessively.  Incorrectly fit grips can lead to a variety of inconsistent shot patterns.

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• Length Fitting
      Length is a vital element to consistent contact with the ball.  In a club that is too long, the player will often miss the desired impact area causing errant shots.  Conversely a club that is too short, while providing consistent impacts, will cause the player to loose distance.  This is where a good Clubmaker is priceless.  We will assist you in determining your optimum length to allow you to consistently hit the ball on the sweet spot.

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• Lie Angle
        Lie angle is an easy specification to fit yet is often overlooked by most players.  Lie is the angle between the club and the ground when the club is in the impact position.   Lie angles are classified as either flat, upright or standard.  A lie that is too flat will cause the ball to be pushed to the right of the target, while an upright lie will cause the ball to be pulled left of the target.  The correct lie will yield shots directed straight at the target, a factor certain to help your game.

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• Swing Weighting
      Swing Weight is the weight relationship between the grip and head ends of the club.  It is expressed in alphanumeric designations such as D-1 or D-2, with the higher letter-number combinations indicating a club whose head is heavier in relation to the grip.  By hitting demo clubs, we will assist you in determining what is the best feeling weighted club.  We will then assemble your clubs to reflect that particular weight so all of the clubs feel the same.

We take the time to weigh each and every component (club head, shaft, and grip) before assembly. Not every component comes from the foundry or manufacturing plant weighing exactly the same. Even the best club heads come with a +/- 2 to 3 grams each. Once we know what the weight makeup of each of the components is, we can adjust each finished club to swing weight the same. All of our clubs will swing weight to within +/-1 swing weight point. This insures that each club will feel and swing like all the rest. Another rather important feature that is also often overlooked.

In conclusion, the clubs you get from CUSTOM CLUBS OF FREDERICK are hand crafted by a dedicated, professionally accredited clubmaker who truly cares about quality and their reputation. We have been in business for years and enjoy a great referral business.

Repeat and referral business is the trademark of a quality product.  Quality you can be a part of by having CUSTOM CLUBS OF FREDERICK custom fit you for your next set of clubs.

Does your Clubfitter have this in his / her shop?

We do.

Golf Achiever II Launch Monitor - Perhaps the ultimate in swing analyzers and ball launch measurement machines on the market.  We have it.

Frequency Machine - A must for any clubmaker.  This allows us to measure any raw shaft or completed club to determine it's relative stiffness and to determine shaft-to-shaft consistency.

Demo Clubs - Of course we have them.  We have at least 30 - 40 demo clubs that out customers hit to help determine which head - shaft combination is best for them.  We have them in both 6 irons and drivers.

Indoor Hitting Station - We have a complete indoor hitting station to complement our Swing Analyzers and to allow our customers to hit virtually any club indoors.

Professional Shaft Extractor -  The professional method for pulling graphite shafts.

Mitchell Professional Loft / Lie Machine - STATE OF THE ART - To make loft and lie adjustments allowing a custom fit for any golfers swing.  The Mitchell machine is the most advanced and accurate of its kind.

Dust Collection System - We developed and built our own dust collection system to attach to the following machines: Shaft cut off wheel, Scotch-brite wheel, Buffing wheels, Tip prep and ferrule turning station.

Spine Finder - We have a "Spine Finder" which allows us to locate the natural  bending point of each shaft.  This allows us to custom fit each shaft to make them play as consistent as possible.

Club Specifications Machine - This machine measures virtually all clubhead specifications to precise tolerances allowing me to maximize current technology.

Weight Scale - To accurately weigh component parts, such as clubhead, shaft and grip prior to installation permitting us to obtain the most exacting specification possible.

Motorized Shaft Cutter - The quickest and most efficient way to cut individual shafts accurately and without residual burrs.  We have a Mitchell shaft cut off wheel attached to a motor.  A must for the quantity of work done in a shop my size.

Buffing Wheel - We have a dual buffing wheel set up to polish and shine club heads.

Digital Dial Calipers - Measures either inside or outside dimensions on anything up to 5", calibrated in 1/64" increments giving me exact measurements on grips, shaft butts and club extensions.

These are just a few of the many tools required for a competent work shop.  We are constantly adding and upgrading my workshop to have the best technology available to meet the changing needs of the golf component and repair industry.

CUSTOM CLUBS OF FREDERICK is classified as a medium volume shop and plans to stay this way in order to continue to offer  first rate quality service in a timely manner.

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One of
Maryland's only:

 Certified Rifle Centers
and
UST Tour Shops

We have the Ultimate Golf Swing Analyzer

The
Golf Achiever II

 Measures the following:

• Ball Speed
• Launch Angle
• Azimuth
• Club Speed
• Club Path
• Face Angle
• Carry Distance
• Off Line
• Distance to Pin
• Flight Time

• Face Impact Position

Here are some screen shots:

Please:

Call to make an appointment. 

   301-471-4825

Click here to view a Power Point Presentation on Tom Wishon's -
12 Myths That Could Wreck Your Golf Game

Golf Outings - If you would like each player in your outing to have a copy of the 12 Myths in their "Goody Bag" -

 Call/Email Me

George Washington University Men's Golf Team -
Official Club Fitter
 

Web site created and maintained by CUSTOM CLUBS OF FREDERICK.  Send all questions and comments regarding this web site to: Mike@CustomClubsofFrederick.com.
For general questions or for more information please email Mike@CustomClubsofFrederick.com

Last modified: March 24, 2009

Copyright, 1997-2009. Bednarcik Enterprises LLC. All rights reserved.
Contents and prices subject to change.  Printed and other static representations of this document are classified "for reference only."

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