Which driver do i buy?

[nmartyn]

Hi all - as some of you know i'm new to the game and am going to buy a driver.

i've seen these both on sale for around £100 (50% off):
- Nike Golf - SQ Sumo² Square Driver
- Callaway Golf - Big Bertha 454 Driver

which would you recommend (or any others i should consider for a similar price! I'm after distance obviously but being a newbie a bit of help from a 'forgiving' club which the Nike is meant to be.

 

[viscount17]

whichever you hit best. within reason (ie excluding K1) many of the drivers available from the lesser known brands (Benross, MD, Orka etc) will be worth trying.

 

[USER1999]

Both sit slightly closed which will be ok if you are a bit of a slicer, but murder if you are the sort of golfer who hits it a bit left.

Just try them out, along with any others you see that ypu like the look of. Don't just buy it because of the brand, but steer clear of anything sold in 'sports' shops.

 

[barb]

Agree with viscount17 in which ever one you can hit with, it may be worth going up to your local AG or pro shop and try afew out and see what feels comfortable, you might even get a cheaper one that works better for you.

 

[Deleted member 1147]

It's all personal to you and your swing.

I tried about 7 drivers when I bought my Calloway, including the Nike which is often one of the fav's in tests, but some were good for me others not.

I couldn't hit the Nike for some reason, clubhead speed was 10mph less than with the FT-5.

Try a load out and see which you like best.

Best advice I was given with choosing a driver is that you use the driver so little in a round that 1st impressions count when selecting them.

Also when trying out multiple drivers take an iron with you, this will help you maintain your usual swing. As the more drivers you hit the harder you try to hit it and your swing can go a little haywire.

Best of luck choosing the right one.

 

[Ken_A]

As above just hit a few and see what you think -There is several big brand drivers I have seen at that money - Nevada bobs are selling the Cobra F speed for ~£100 which is fantastic, if you can stand the noise!!!!!!!!

 

[HTL]

Wilson Staff Dd6 I can personally recommend, get it for about £100 on line and is a really high quality bit of kit.

 

[nmartyn]

i do tend to hit it to the right (am right handed) - i had my first lesson on saturday and that corrected this problem (rotating my hands on follow through and turning my chest more) for my irons but i haven't worked on my driving with the guy yet.
i bought a nike hybrid (3wood) which i hit pretty well but only have a very cheap (£80 for 2 drivers and 9irons) driver which i'm struggling with.

 

[TonyN]

Dont forget, its not all about the 'driver' The shaft has to be right for you.

When I first tried out the ft-5, The shafty in it wouldnt launch the ball for me, changed shaft, same head, results where astounding!

 

[GB72]

I agree with the advice to look at some lesser known brands. I ditched my Nike SQ Sumo in favour of a Benross VeloCT which is only £99. Also the favourite in the driver reviews in this months GM was the Ben Sayers Benny, also on £99 new. If you want a square driver then the MD EQL square driver is also getting some very favourable press

 

[andiritchie]

i have used the nike sq and got a cobra now both superb clubs as i find the more modern looking head more appealing,you have got to love the look down on a club to hit it well in my opinion

 

[RGuk]

The 454 Callaway is an old bit of kit. I got my Ft-3 for £129, so I reckon £100 for a 454 is a bit pricey. They are changing hands around here in good condition for about £60-70. The 454 was a good driver, but tended to launch the ball quite high, from what I've heard.....might be good news, but better to try first.

 

[backwoodsman]

For £99 the Benny got a very good write up in GM this month. Could be worth a look as they seemed to like it better than some of the higher priced brands.