Impact Balance Point

Optimal Scenario 1

A normal rod with distributed static weight will have a balance point in the center of the rod.

When a load A is applied at one end with distance X to center, a same Load B at the other end with distance X to center will be needed to balance this rod.

This situation is under the condition where:
1. Load A = Load B
2. Static weight is uniformly distributed across the rod

Scenario 2

In the case of a golf club, where static weight is not normally distributed across the club, there is shaft weight, grip weight and head weight.

Balance point of the club is usually at a point where it is closer to the club head. Measurement of swing weight inherits this concept to measure the balance of the club and express it in unit fulcrum.

In the actual usage of a golf club, we usually grip and apply force where Load B is. Under the off-center balance of the golf club, it is ideal that if Load A’ is where the counter force should be. However, with different set up of shaft, grip and head weight, it is very possible that an imaginative Load A extended outside of club head is where the real counter force is.

Load A will indicate that:
1. This golf club is not efficient; the full amount of Load B is not efficient transferred to Load A’
2. Feel of impact is less than ideal, where an ideal feel of impact at Load A’ will provide steady and balanced response.

How to measure distance X and X’ become a difficult challenge, and I will bet most of the OEM drivers sold in consumer market will not have Load A’ but Load A instead.