New Gear Vault videos coming thick and fast...

[JezzE]

Hello all,
Just to let you know that over the next three weeks the Gear Vault videos will be coming at you thick and fast as we work our way through six categories of club from driver down to putter for a special series in conjunction with our annual equipment guide.
That guide comes free with the May issue at the start of April, but if you want to get a sneak preview of some the test verdicts take a look at our first offering - Luke Norman's pick of the driver market from lower-priced models right up to the £300+ offerings.

http://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/news/2008_equipment_guide___drivers_article_198995.html

Next Tuesday we'll be taking a look at my favourite 3-woods and then later in the week, editor, Mike Harris's utility club preferences.

All just in time for the start of the serious golf season...
Best wishes
JezzE

 

[theeaglehunter]

glad to see the videos back I really enjoy them.

 

[GB72]

Jezz, any chance of a bit of a sneak preview on the 3 wood advice. I am looking for a 3 wood that excels off the deck. I rarely use one off the tee but am desperate for a longer 2nd shot on par 5 holes. Most 3 woods now seem to have quite a wide face. Have been looking at the new Adams 3 wood/hybrid cross or their older RPM model but wondered if there was anything new on the horizon worth looking at.

 

[JezzE]

GB72,
For me, what would matter more for fairway work would be how shallow the face is rather than how wide it is. In many ways a wide, shallow face is probably the best option of all from the deck as a shallow face makes it versatile and easy to launch while a wide head would add an element of lateral forgiveness in the strike. But equally, of course, it's what you like to look down on and for many - me included - a compact head equates to greater confidence and ease of use of the deck.

Without giving too much away, probably the best two off the deck for me were the TaylorMade Burner and Ping G10. The former looked a little larger over the ball, but its shallow face and slimline body from front to back made it the easiest of all to hit from the fairway in my view. Since the video, I have reverted to my G10 as I think it launches it a little lower, giving me a few extra yards - and I'm also able to move it a little right to left more readily, which is a shot shape I like from my 3-wood as my driver usually moves a little the other way. But if I were struggling to strike my 3-wood consistently from the deck I would certainly consider switching between the two as I think the TM would quickly restore ball-striking confidence,
Jezz

 

[billyg]

GB72,

Without giving too much away, probably the best two off the deck for me were the Taylormade Burner and Ping G10. The former looked a little larger over the ball, but its shallow face and slimline body from front to back made it the easiest of all to hit from the fairway in my view.

Had a go of one of these a couple of days ago (and the hybrid) and couldn't agree more. It's sits almost flat at address and the face angle has 'airborne' written all over it. The hybrid was the same. Good gear.

 

[nackanut]

looking for ward to seeing the reviews of the new putters on offer. The Taylormade Rossa Monza Spider looks like a belter, cannot wait to give it a try.

• Taylormade Burner 10.5 Degree
• Ping G10 3 and 5 Woods
• Taylormade Burner Rescue 19 Degree
• Ping G10 4-PW
• Titleist Vokey Spin Milled 60.04
• Slazenger HT2 putter
• Taylormade TP Red ball

 

[madandra]

GB, I have tested the G10 3 wood for GM (next months issue I think) and it is the perfect club for fairway shots. I found it a doddle to get up off the turf and had to peg it really low when teeing off as it has a very shallow face.


Give it a go and you will love it.

 

[brendy]

I hear a review for a certain Mizuno Mp600 Driver is in the review sections this month, Written by the oracle of golf....ok maybe not but I think it is a damn good club!

 

[Tommo21]

looking for ward to seeing the reviews of the new putters on offer. The Taylormade Rossa Monza Spider looks like a belter, cannot wait to give it a try.

• Taylormade Burner 10.5 Degree
• Ping G10 3 and 5 Woods
• Taylormade Burner Rescue 19 Degree
• Ping G10 4-PW
• Titleist Vokey Spin Milled 60.04
• Slazenger HT2 putter
• Taylormade TP Red ball

Got a Rossa Monza sitting here, just cant get on with it.

 

[Toad]

GB72 I recently tried both the Burner and G10 3 wood, I thought I would prefer Ping as I have a G10 driver, but found for me anyway the TM was better off the deck and I was able to draw it a little more than the G10.

 

[GB72]

Thanks for all of the advice. Spent 3 hours this morning at various retail outlets trying all of the alternatives. Was not keen on any of the current crop of Nike fairways (odd as I like the older SQ 5 wood in my bag) nor was I that impressed with Callaway clubs (especially the price). The Ping G10 was good but the decision came down to 2, the TM Burner because it was so long and forgiving, and the Adams Ovation II because I liked the compact head at address. Hit the best part of 50 balls with each and am now the proud owner of the TM Burner so thanks for the adice Jezz, it was spot on.