New Driver - Interested in Experiences

[Kevblue]

I recently bought the Callaway X hot and i love it, it's very forgiving, even shots that aren't out of the sweetspot still travel a long way.

 

[kinhell]

I agree with an earlier comment and have only recently found out that the shaft is the most important part. I have a Titleist 910 D2 with a project X stiff shaft off the shelf. It's been good but sometimes wayward for my swing speed. So I went to a shaft specialist and tried various shafts and he recommended a UST proforce V2 for me and its worked a treat. Hitting it straight now and feels great. Everyones swing is different so you need the right shaft for you. He also said that one companies stiff shaft may be a regular with another company. There is no standard or consistency I was told. The project X shaft I had was of the shelf so to speak and it's a 'Made For Titleist' shaft so an average shaft that's badged up for Titleist. The specialist route is the way forward in my opinion.

 

[clayton6]

Was fitted for a Titleist 913 d2 a couple of weeks back, during the fitting the best shaft for me was the Diamana S+ (stiff) and it felt really good and was getting spot on numbers (indoor fitting with trackman), had a couple of rounds and my driving has never been so bad. Ballooning high and was causing quite a bad slice.

Went back to the fitter and he recommended upgrading to the whiteboard D+ shaft (low launching, slightly stiffer)....just WOW.
I've never believed all the hype in shafts really but my view has totally flipped, will never try to guess on another shaft in my life.

The shaft and head combo I've got now are just perfect, I've hit every fairway in the last 2 rounds and it's probably added a reliable 30 yards consistently. Straight as an arrow or every now and again a slight draw.

Always had a really big problem with nerves on the 1st tee, now I'm hoping more people are around! ha

 

[huds1475]

Thank for all the input, genuinely taken aback by all the helpful comments. Intrigued by how one goes about getting a shaft fitting??Will be sure to put on my list of questions for Monday!

 

[palindromicbob]

I got fitted and after trying a few opted for cobra amp. Very little between it and the G25 for me. Fitted as 10.5draw but took it for its first run set at 10.5 as i have changed a few things recently with grip etc. Hit it well with a lot more carry and roll than my old driver. Going to set in to the 10.5d again next time i test it just to compare and always have the option of 11.5 if i need the extra forgiveness. Most importantly though is get out ans hit a few to see whats right for you.

 

[Andy808]

I have just got the Titleist 910 D3 with the porjectx 6.5 stiff shaft. I have to say it's an absolute dream to hit and at £130 notes for a brand new one an absolute steal as well.
The D2 is more forgiving but I had far too high a ball flight so went for the D3 which has helped to keep the ball flight lower. Try them both and see which one suits your swing and try out different shafts as they make so much difference.

 

[bayjon14]

If you can hit the fairway consistently and are happy with your distance dont panic. Thats a huge start to a high handicappers game. I am still on that level.
If you wish to change your driver, get fitted, even if it is only for the correct stock shaft.
I started with a callaway Diablo, I just never really got on with it. Went for a fitting, the Ping K15 gave me 20 yards and less dispersion.
Recently after seeing how improved my game was after getting "properly" custom fitted for my irons, hybrids and 3 wood I went back for a driver.
I dont hit a big ball, my K15 was giving me 215 yds carry, new toys from cobra, titleist, nike, adams, rbz 2, were no better.
Cleveland Classic gave me +10 yards
R1 with Miyaki stiff, gave me +25 easy yards, so although a lot of money spent I am getting a lot further up the fairway.

I would recommend you get a some form of custom fit for your driver, but as you are playing well get a proper Irons custom fit.You will see the results.

 

[Slab]

... dont want to be spending a fortune.

Particularly interested in any views on;

Titleist 910
TM Rocketballz
Callaway X Hot

Bit open to others as I'd like to get a good spread of options.

Thanks for reading (and any input!).

Only hit the Callaway from your list and was very impressed but less so with the pro version

As for cost (and it's all relative of course) but aren't these three among the most expensive of the off the shelf drivers on general sale!

 

[huds1475]

As for cost (and it's all relative of course) but aren't these three among the most expensive of the off the shelf drivers on general sale!

Had them in the medium bracket, probably a £200 ceiling. Obviously prepared to pay more for Shiny Magic Club if I find it :mmm:

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Try looking at the older R11s or rocketballz, you can get some seriously good deals on them, look at clubhouse golf or DG

 

[huds1475]

Session tonight, will report back tomorrow!

Also joined Davyhulme Park GC today, a few minutes walk from home & the Mrs all for it

 

[Deleted member 1147]

I hit a few balls with the Covert, it was the standard model with a stiff shaft. Even the mi***** went well, and I didn't dislike the looks at all.

 

[Five&One]

You might find at first that the with a neutral setting on your driver you initially push your shots due to being used to that closed club face. Stick with it and it will come good.

Strangest thing has happened to me recently. My Cobra S2 was set to closed and I get on pretty well with it. However, although it cured the awful slice I had, I was hitting everything left of target. Straight left so not so bad really. So I thought I would change it over to neutral and now I have a wild hook, losing balls way left. How can that possibly be ? Or do I just have a new problem that isnt at all related to the adjustment I made to the driver ?

 

[JoeDavidsonNG]

Tape over them all, youd probably like most of them. so its generally going to go down to looks.

I know it seems like swearing on here, but i chose Covert this year and i wont look back. Well till next year....

I came from Titleist 910 used 18 months in driver, 3 and rescue. then used the 913 in driver for a month, and, end of the day, i couldnt resist the covert tours.

Although i must say, you MUSTTT get one set up, or youll find it hard to launch one (I did Until) Covert standard is as safe as they come.
but on the other hand, every club ive seen so far in theis reply is.

if not Nike?
cough callaway cough cough

 

[huds1475]

Last night’s report…

Format - Hit 10 balls each x 5 Drivers, 1 of which was my current one, for comparison. Take off the best & worst strike for each to round out average

Drivers I hit:

Ping D25
Titliest 913
Taylormade RBZ
Callaway X Hot
Cobra M Speed Offset 12[SUP]o [/SUP](current).

With the exception of my current, were all 10.5[SUP]o [/SUP]with factory fitted Regular flex shafts (too early in my ‘career’ to disappear down shaft rabbit holes!)

Some observations;

Ping D25

Looks - Very nice club. Large head but looked very open at address.
Strike - Gave lovely feedback on the odd occasion hit well. Really struggled to control direction with most hits going out right. Best grouping but wrong direction!
Overall – Felt possibly a step above my station at the moment. A calibre of club to aim for one day!

Titliest 913

Looks – Not much to knock, slightly squarer ‘look’ than the D25.
Strike – Again, lovely feedback on the odd occasion hit well. Most hits went out left, trajectory much higher than was expecting.
Overall – Could probably correct but really looking for a club to fit in with the way the rest of my game is moving for now. Maybe next year.

Taylor Made RBZ

Looks – You feel miles away from the ball, shaft considerably longer than others in test. Have TM rescue so general look & feel not too dissimilar.
Strike – Well hit shots stay hit, irrespective of direction. Carry once landed ridiculous, like ball has been shot out of a cannon. Very difficult to control.
Overall – Felt a little mental. Long shaft woks for ball speed but a bit of a wild card club, not really what I need.

Callaway X Hot

Looks – Slightly smaller head than the others though sat behind ball quite nicely at address.
Strike – Good feedback on most hits. Nice lower trajectory and good carry once ball had grounded.
Overall – Some surprising results. 1 yard average shorter than RBZ and far more controllable. Great swing speed generated and a nice lower trajectory that I can work with.

Have purchased the X Hot and very happy with it.

Have attached some of the stats, by club, & grouping overview. May not be of much interest but there if you want to kill some time!

 

[Region3]

Were you using range balls?

 

[huds1475]

Were you using range balls?

Yep. Any reason??

 

[duncan mackie]

Yep. Any reason??

I suspect Region3 is trying to rationalise the smash factor figures - I'm sure he will respond in due course.

I'm slighty (actually very) surprised that you didn't swap out a few shafts; especially given the responses you had had here. Looking at the numbers I would even suggest that loft would have been a factor for you too - I'm not a club fitter but if I had taken the results you presented I would have put a Ping g25 @ 12 degrees in your hands and expected it to deliver far better numbers than anything shown.

My alternative solution would be to stick with what you have already for a bit.

Thank you for posting your subjective analysis, which was really interesting to read in conjunction with the stats you posted. I don't think you will go backwards with your new driver; I'm not convinced you will go forward either (but you will enjoy it)

 

[Region3]

Yep. Any reason??

I suspect Region3 is trying to rationalise the smash factor figures - I'm sure he will respond in due course.

Spot on Duncan. I looked at the carry distances and club speed and thought something wasn't right as my club speed is only a few mph more but I get significantly more distance.
Given the alternative, I was hoping it was because range balls were used.

I personally wouldn't buy anything based on launch monitor numbers using range balls. Pretty much every number that affects carry distance could be different with a proper golf ball.

 

[dotty001]

Spot on Duncan. I looked at the carry distances and club speed and thought something wasn't right as my club speed is only a few mph more but I get significantly more distance.
Given the alternative, I was hoping it was because range balls were used.

I personally wouldn't buy anything based on launch monitor numbers using range balls. Pretty much every number that affects carry distance could be different with a proper golf ball.

yep when i got fitted for my driver the guy asked me what ball i used then went and got a srixon ad333 from his basket of balls , so your hitting the exact ball you normally use