Curious how high your shots really climb and how steeply they return to earth? The Ball-Flight Apex Finder gives you quick, physics-based estimates of peak height and descent angle from three numbers you probably already track on the launch monitor—ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate.
Why Peak Height & Descent Angle Matter
Peak height (or apex) and descent angle tell you how well a shot can stop on the green, fly over trouble, or maximize carry distance. A towering 9-iron that lands at a 50-degree angle will bite quickly, while a low, shallow-angle long iron may run out 30 yards.
| Parameter | “Soft” Green-Holding | “Hot” Roll-Out |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Height | > 30 yd (90 ft) | < 15 yd (45 ft) |
| Descent Angle | > 45° | < 30° |
Understanding these numbers helps you fit equipment, tweak trajectory, and attack pins with confidence.
What the Apex Finder Calculates
| Output Field | Meaning | Formula (simplified) |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Peak Height | Vertical distance from turf to the ball’s apex. | H = ½·(V·1.4667)²·sin²θ ÷ g × (1 + ω/2000) |
| Estimated Descent Angle | Angle at which the ball re-enters near the landing zone. | θ_descent = θ + 0.006·ω |
Legend
V= Ball speed (mph)θ= Launch angle (degrees)ω= Spin rate (rpm)g= 32.174 ft·s⁻² (gravity)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter ball speed – read it off your launch monitor or simulator.
- Enter launch angle – usually shown alongside ball speed.
- Enter spin rate – total back-spin in rpm.
- Review the results – peak height in yards, descent angle in degrees.
- (Optional) Hit Reset to start a new shot.
Practical Example
Scenario
- Ball speed: 155 mph
- Launch angle: 14°
- Spin rate: 2700 rpm
Results
- Peak height: ≈
36.8 yd(110 ft)- Descent angle: ≈
30.2°
Tips for Interpretation
- Approach shots – Aim for ≥45° descent for quick-stopping mid-irons.
- Driver fitting – Peak heights of 30–40 yd usually maximize carry without ballooning.
- Wind management – Lower both launch and spin in a headwind to shrink peak height.
Limitations & Assumptions
- The model is a first-order estimate—real-world aerodynamics are far more complex.
- Lift multiplier and descent coefficient are calibrated for solid-core modern balls at sea level; results vary with altitude, dimple pattern, and wind.
- Does not account for slope, temperature, or direct aerodynamic drag reduction.
Use the Apex Finder as a quick benchmarking tool, then validate with actual launch monitor data for precision fitting.