Old Driver Vs. New Driver Real Comparison?

craigstardis1976

Head Pro
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Messages
320
Visit site
I am sure many have seen this as he is talked about on here but Rick Shiels compares a driver from the 1990's versus a 2013 Driver:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoiR_tYB0tM

So his conclusion is there is only nine yards difference and a little more dispersion. Sheils seems to contend that if players spent the difference on lessons (and I know that is how he makes a living) between the two drivers, they would be a better player at the end of it.

My Irons are from the 1990's and I do not feel any disadvantage (Tommy Armour 845's) so do you think what he is saying is the case or not?

Thanks!
 
Interesting, must watch that later.

9 yards is one club difference but much better forgiveness (and less dispersion) is much more important to your average player.
 
Interesting but why has the average driving distance on Tour gone up by about 30 yards between 1993 and 2012? The club must have something to do with it. I think the average player has benefitted even more over that period.
 
Interesting but why has the average driving distance on Tour gone up by about 30 yards between 1993 and 2012? The club must have something to do with it. I think the average player has benefitted even more over that period.

The ball....?

Flushed from the middle, I doubt there's much difference between almost any driver made in the last 10 years, assuming the shaft is right for you.
The difference will be in the off centre strikes - they'll go straighter and further with a new driver compared to a 10 year old one - generally!
The G5 is still one of the best drivers ever made and that's extremely old !!
 
The ball will only go so far with a certain clubhead speed. There simply won't be too much in it.


Rick shiels will also have a video showing you how to pick up 20 yards plus with a better attack angle.

One of the biggest benefits of modern drivers is the ability to open or close the face.
 
What I was thinking was his contention about spending the money on say the driver from 1997 (he said was $20) versus paying $300 and if you spent the other $180 on lessons on how to hit the 1997 driver, would you be a better driver at the end of it than if you just splashed out $300 on the driver and no lessons.

Do you think that is realistic?

Thanks.
 
I would argue that the shaft technology, along with the changes to the golf ball should/would make the difference bigger. Of course lessons will always help improve technique but I'm sure equipment must help to a degree especially in drivers which have moved on leaps and bounds
 
What I was thinking was his contention about spending the money on say the driver from 1997 (he said was $20) versus paying $300 and if you spent the other $180 on lessons on how to hit the 1997 driver, would you be a better driver at the end of it than if you just splashed out $300 on the driver and no lessons.

Do you think that is realistic?

Thanks.

The lessons route will win 90% of the time IMO, with the added bonus of every other full swing club improving.
 
Interesting but why has the average driving distance on Tour gone up by about 30 yards between 1993 and 2012? The club must have something to do with it. I think the average player has benefitted even more over that period.

Different type of player these days, have you noticed how they're all beginning to look like they've been "working out in the gym" well that's because they have !

Times are a changing I'm afraid, as with every sport from "Rugby to Motorcycle racing" these days it's all about fitness and stamina and these guys are all spending several hours a day in the gym !...:thup:
 
What I was thinking was his contention about spending the money on say the driver from 1997 (he said was $20) versus paying $300 and if you spent the other $180 on lessons on how to hit the 1997 driver, would you be a better driver at the end of it than if you just splashed out $300 on the driver and no lessons.

Do you think that is realistic?

Thanks.

What would you do with the other $100?
 
I have a 1990s Big Bertha, which is easier to hit than my other more modern Cleveland, and is more than long enough. It cost me £30 on eBay!
 
The ball will only go so far with a certain clubhead speed. There simply won't be too much in it.

Rhere's a huge amount from the ball over the period referenced.

There is more than 9 yds between a to Titliest professional 100 and current pro v1 to add to the driver yardage quoted in the video.

The ruling bodies admit they slipped up on the ball rules for a time - but have it back under control now!
 
A much as he is an esteemed pro. Am sorry but I am not having any of that.

when buying a driver you can go on a monitor which essentially shows you the best driver for your swing based on spin, flight of ball etc etc. the SLDR for me was absolute rubbish and for the rest of my golfing career I will ask why I bought it.

I have the G30 now and it is a revelation. For those that play with me the distance and forgiveness is astounding and more than nine yards.
 
A much as he is an esteemed pro. Am sorry but I am not having any of that.

when buying a driver you can go on a monitor which essentially shows you the best driver for your swing based on spin, flight of ball etc etc. the SLDR for me was absolute rubbish and for the rest of my golfing career I will ask why I bought it.
I have the G30 now and it is a revelation. For those that play with me the distance and forgiveness is astounding and more than nine yards.

The SLDR is long but far from forgiving.

T is very forgiving but not quite as long for a centred strike and not as easy to shape (apparently! ).

When I'm not swinging well the SLDR stays in the bag. The Mine however is very forgiving.... ☺
 
Top