Changing my swing too much!

Question
Hi,
I'm abit of a tinkerer when it comes to my swing, I started playing around 5 years ago, had a good basic swing, which was abit flat and didn't go too far but came down to 15 handicap with it. I've been trying to get better and so have spent hours trying to improve my swing (watching videos, tips etc) I got to the point where I was doing what i felt i should (bit unconventional swing) in the swing...hips shoulders full turn, good transfer of weight etc. When i hit it well it was like a pro had hit it. However this was very inconsistant. I hadn't grooved my swing properly and so it only took one small aspect in my swing to be off and i could be hitting either a pull or a slice, in fact it was actually very consistant...i'd do a great shot, then a pull then overcompensate and slice, then hit a great shot etc.
Anyway I had enough of the inconsistancy and have been taking lessons. Now i hit the ball alot straighter but i feel like i've lost 25 yards at least off every club, and after 6 months of this am struggling to break 80 and am frustrated. the lessons basically has the club more in plane and steeper but i just cant hit it hard anymore. I feel like i've gone from bubba watson to luke donald in 6 months (but without any good scores).
Do you think I should go back to tinkering with my old slightly flat unconventional but sometimes great swing (but sometimes crap) or stick with the lessons and the straight and short everyman and his dog swing? (it looks very correct/good on camera)

I am torn really as i enjoyed the tinkering and hitting the ball hard etc but on the otherhand despite the length issues and not quite shooting the scores i used to, i do enjoy hitting the ball straight-ish every time and knowing where the ball goes.

Help!!!

Answer
Hi Dan:

The funny thing about your story is that if you hit the ball more solid, you should get more distance.  It really doesn't matter that your swing is pretty if you have lost 25 yards per club, that is unacceptable.  Should you go back to your tinkering swing, no.  If the pro you are seeing does not know how to get you more distance, go find one who can.  If your swing is more on plane and you are hitting it solid, then there is no logic for not getting distance, in fact losing distance.  Are you swinging the club slower in your new swing in an attempt to keep it straighter?  You need to build speed and power.  I like the fact your swing is on plane.  I tell my students that if your swing is on plane, you should be able to swing at it as fast and as hard as you want to (keeping your balance) without the fear of the ball going that far off line.  Check your speed.  Tip here is the club should reach it's fastest speed in the swing about 2 feet past the ball.  Most people just hit "at" the ball, while Tour players all hit "through or past" the ball.  You want your club accelerating through impact.  Worse case scenario, you'll need to find a different instructor who can show you how to get your distance back.  I would stay with your swing more on plane Dan, it is more consistent.  Good luck.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member