460cc do we really need it?

[OldWindy]

I am popping down to AG this weekend and so see what they say, any thoughts on the staff in these places?

If you're going to try a few out I would suggest you avoid the spotty oik who should be in school. You're the one with the cash so make sure you get the service to match. Some AGs have a range, some a net and some even have a 'pooter to help out, but you have to bring the swing you always use.

 

[medwayjon]

At some stores the staff have been known to try and take you away from what you want and onto what they make the most store commission on. This is usually Nicklaus and Wilson Equipment in the case of AG.

The brand they are the least keen to push in my experience is Ping.

 

[TonyN]

If you find it hard to get the ball spinning i would be looking at a soft tip shaft. Like the Aldila NVS

 

[Parmo]

Tony where did you get your driver from? I think I read a post of yours that you where custom fitted for it?

 

[TonyN]

Was a driving range near me but a real good one. They are a proper fiiting centre with the full works and the vector launch monitor! Defo worth a session if you really want the best from your driver. Buying off the shelf is like a blind date or buying a car from a lucky dip.

I cant beleive people would actually buy drivers now with out being fitted, or most other clubs for that matter.

Do your drives sometimes just drop out of the air short like a brick?

 

[Parmo]

Yep, the flight looks great and I expect an extra 20 yards but they do at times drop like a lead weight.

 

[TonyN]

This is because there isnt enough back spin then. My fti was doing the same. I would imagine you have about 1500 to 2000 rpm like i did. With the right shaft it shot straight up to about 3500 rpm. But only if i kept my swing speed up at 90mph plus.

I creamed a couple of drives last night and ended up attacking flags where i would normaly just approach.

 

[MVP]

To get the best of a smaller driver face i really have to nail it. With the 460CC drivers to get a respectable drive all i have to do is swing and get the ball out of the middle. In my opinion the club head does do all the work!And is proof of how the likes of us Forum user and competent amateur golfers are creeper nearer and nearer to the distance you may see on tour!

 

[Ironman]

We may all be missing the point here. I'm a 24 handicapper who was sold an R5 460cc driver by the club pro when I'd only used a 3 wood before.
In my case and probably the same for many of you I don't hit the R5 any further than my old 3 wood. HOWEVER, despite my initial doubts the R5 has transformed my game. Hitting a 3 wood 220 yds into the adjacent fairway is not the same result as hitting my driver 220 yds straight down the middle!
That's why I bought it and I don't expect to get any more distance until I'm ever a single figure handicapper.
If your 460 cc driver hasn't transformed your game one way or another you need to see your club Pro.
It's not the club's fault...trust me!

Hope this helps the discussion
SimonK

 

[RGuk]

Welcome Simon. If you are hitting your driver straighter than your 3 wood, that's great news. I wish I could say the same.... I would expect that as you get better, you'll start to see some extra distance too....so win, win for you!

 

[Glenfish]

At some stores the staff have been known to try and take you away from what you want and onto what they make the most store commission on. This is usually Nicklaus and Wilson Equipment in the case of AG.
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I do beleive that you may be correct here mate,
I have been into American Golf twice recently to look for a new putter
Day 1. I asked to try the Benny and he also gave me two Wilsons to try, ((The Benny was much better)
Day 2. I asked them to recomend a driver and he (different salesman)gave me a RAM and a Nicklaus????????

 

[DCB]

Twenty five years ago I had a beautifull MacGregor Persimmon headed driver. It had a stiff steel shaft and a leather wrap grip. At the time I really thought I had made it as a golfer. On a really good hit, ie right out the middle of the inlay, I could get approx 210-220 on a good day. Move on that twenty five years, I can now take a 17° rescue club and get the ball to go just as far. I can certainly put the driver the same 210-220 an that's not even on a 'good' strike. I'll take all the help modern technology can give.

I still wish I had kept that old Persimmon driver as it would now look good as a paperweight on my desk!

 

[nackanut]

most club golfers do not need the big dog. a three wood struck sweetly will get you 200-260 yards depending on your clubhead speed. the problem with the driver is that on off centre strikes the large hitting area imparts massive side spin to the ball causing wild left to right or vice versa movement. the 460 cc driver is all about ego, mine is longer than yours! etc. its better to manage the course than the driver. three good 5 irons will get you gir on par 5's anyway

 

[viscount17]

most club golfers do not need the big dog. a three wood struck sweetly will get you 200-260 yards depending on your clubhead speed. the problem with the driver is that on off centre strikes the large hitting area imparts massive side spin to the ball causing wild left to right or vice versa movement. the 460 cc driver is all about ego, mine is longer than yours! etc. its better to manage the course than the driver. three good 5 irons will get you gir on par 5's anyway

not for me. I hit the driver better and more consistently than the 5-wood from which I get far more slices. (and the reason I don't have a 3-wood is that I'm hoping someone will give me the G10)

 

[Parmo]

most club golfers do not need the big dog. a three wood struck sweetly will get you 200-260 yards depending on your clubhead speed. the problem with the driver is that on off centre strikes the large hitting area imparts massive side spin to the ball causing wild left to right or vice versa movement. the 460 cc driver is all about ego, mine is longer than yours! etc. its better to manage the course than the driver. three good 5 irons will get you gir on par 5's anyway

I disagree, how many everyday players hit a 3 wood 260 yards?? the driver for usual players is 210-280 at most and I would say a 3 wood is 180-240, I usually hit my 3 wood around 210 to 230 max on a great shot, yet can hit my driver on a sweet one about 240-250 so to me its not about ego its about distance and having more control over your approach shot.