261 replies to this topic

[BU1995Hockey]

I'm looking to grab a new driver this year and I have no clue what to look for. I've been using a Titleist for the past 2 years (how long I've been playing) and I am not confident with the driver at all. Definitely a slicer and I am lucky if I get it 220 yds with good contact.

I'm seeing a lot of online shops offering the Callaway Big Bertha 460 Driver 2007 at a pretty good discount. Wasn't sure if it's because it's a bad club or if they are just moving old inventory since they have a whole new line of drivers. Any thoughts?
I just started breaking 100 late last year so I'm a high 20's handicapper.

Also, when you're like me and aren't doing much better than 100 and have a swing that isn't all that quick, what type of shaft should I be looking at? regular? flex? stiff?

The '07 Taylor Made R7 is a great driver. I got it in a 10.5 tee it low and its really nice, go to a Golf Galaxy get on a launch monitor and buy one of their year old drivers.I just got a Ping 8.5 the new monster but its a little erratic despite 300 every time I want it.

[BU1995Hockey]

Sounds like you just need to strengthen your grip and make sure to transfer your weight forward. Trust me - new technology doesn't mean jack w/o the fundamentals down tight.

Edit: I play with the 975L-FE, basically the opposite of what you have. It is a tremendous piece of equipment.

If you're hitting a driver 220 with a slice theres a good chance you're reverse pivoting. Load that weight up in your right thigh over your right foot and no farther back.. LegsHipsSmash through it. Finish forward.

[leftfieldlegacy]

I'm looking to grab a new driver this year and I have no clue what to look for. I've been using a Titleist for the past 2 years (how long I've been playing) and I am not confident with the driver at all. Definitely a slicer and I am lucky if I get it 220 yds with good contact.

I'm seeing a lot of online shops offering the Callaway Big Bertha 460 Driver 2007 at a pretty good discount. Wasn't sure if it's because it's a bad club or if they are just moving old inventory since they have a whole new line of drivers. Any thoughts?
I just started breaking 100 late last year so I'm a high 20's handicapper.

Also, when you're like me and aren't doing much better than 100 and have a swing that isn't all that quick, what type of shaft should I be looking at? regular? flex? stiff?

If the driver you are using was new two years ago, it should be more than adequate for your needs. But hey, we can all use another driver, right?

I will agree with the others-that your slice might be due to a slow swing speed combined with a stiff shaft. You should consider a club with a regular or even senior flex shaft (I know-not real macho sounding but scoring is the name of the game). Also, before buying "off the rack", go to a demo day and try out a few drivers with softer shaft flexes (club head brand doesn't matter at this point) and check to see if you produce a straighter ball flight. If that happens, then you can find a clubhead that gives you the best launch angle and forgiveness on off center hits. Unless you have a very high ball flight, avoid drivers with a club face of less than 10.5 degrees. You might even consider an 11 or 12 degree driver for better control. Leave the 8.5 and 9 degree drivers for guys like BU 95 who can consistently pound the ball 300+ yards with a high launch angle.

BTW, if you are hitting slices off most tees and still score 100, you probably have a decent game that just needs a few adjustments. Of course, new equipment is always an answer!

[ThreeIfBaerga]

Thanks for the advice guys. Solid.

To be honest, I have become so wary of my driver that it only comes out of my bag about 3-5 times per round on holes with big landing zones. For the most part, I'm using my 18 degree (2i) Nike CPR hybrid with a flex shaft off the tee, which I love.
I only hit it about 200 yards, maybe a little less, but I typically hit it straight.

Thanks for addressing the club face angles on drivers too. Was wondering about that. I didn't even consider the anything lower than a 10.5 being for good players. I'll have to check but I'm not sure if mine is a 9.5 or 10.5.

I carry two hybrids, the Nike CPR 18 and 24 degrees. I hit them so well that I think I probably use them for 25% of all my shots on the course. I think I use the 24 for anything between 150 - 180. It's ridiculous.

[daburgaman]

Hey guys,

For all of you guys looking to buy equipment, 3balls.com is a great place to shop. I worked there for about 7 years, mostly when i was in high school and college and the place has everything. It's really grown the last few year's, and they mostly have used golf clubs, however they have started to get a lot more newer stuff. They also have all kinds of accessories such as hats, gloves, balls, etc. Shipping is extremelyyy fast, as that is what I did when I worked there. Order it before 3, and it gets sent out that day and will be to within a week. I really recommend the site as they have very cheap prices and great equipment.

[Grogan's NeckRol]

If you're hitting a driver 220 with a slice theres a good chance you're reverse pivoting. Load that weight up in your right thigh over your right foot and no farther back.. LegsHipsSmash through it. Finish forward.

Hey Baerga--

I don't play much (young kids), shoot about the same as you and up until late last summer was constantly slicing my driver to the point where I wasn't even carrying it anymore.

I quoted BU's post above because his swing correction, along with a stronger grip, turns out to be the correction I needed. I was throwing all my weight too far back to where it was over the outside of my back foot. My father-in-law (who used to be scratch) gave me the swing key of starting the takeaway by pointing the back knee toward the ball. Helps to load up over the inside of the right foot and to rotate rather than sway. Kind of can't help but blow through the ball and finish forward.

Hope it helps, driving the ball makes it a new game. Oh, and I bought the TaylorMade 580 for 100 bucks at Gofler's Warehouse and I like it. Have hit the R7 since then and wish I bought that one, particularly since the price has come way down.

Good luck.

[doldmoose34]

Hey guys,

For all of you guys looking to buy equipment, 3balls.com is a great place to shop. I worked there for about 7 years, mostly when i was in high school and college and the place has everything. It's really grown the last few year's, and they mostly have used golf clubs, however they have started to get a lot more newer stuff. They also have all kinds of accessories such as hats, gloves, balls, etc. Shipping is extremelyyy fast, as that is what I did when I worked there. Order it before 3, and it gets sent out that day and will be to within a week. I really recommend the site as they have very cheap prices and great equipment.

not only that, but it also started as an off shoot of Joe & Leigh's at Pine Oaks in Easton, you other locals can get the stuff there

[petefungtorres]

Fun thread, I hadn't noticed it before. In my bag:

Callaway Great Big, UST shaft 8.5 degree
Taylor Bubble Tour Spoon
Cleveland Classics persimmon 4 wood w/graphite shaft
3-W Titleist DCI black, the original ones, 15 years old, bought them new when I was 16
Wedges Cleveland 588 Tour action, 53 and 60 degree
Putter is a Ping Kushin (I like to putt with a Crenshaw/Mickelson stance on long putts and this putter is great for that)

I used to play a lot and would shoot around par when I was 17-24. Now I play a couple rounds per summer and shoot right around 80 most of the time. Once my boys get big enough, we'll be out there every weekend.

I spent my teenage years working at the local country club and can do just about any club repair, including whipping, reshafting, and grips. Grips are a piece of cake to do and it doesn't take much time. But you do need the right equipment and it does get messy. I always regrip my own clubs because I get really picky about having the grips lined up just right.

Dovetailing with BU's advice upthread: always accelerate through the ball. This is the single most important short game lesson and cannot be overemphasized. It is the key to developing consistent touch on putts, chips, pitches and sand shots.

[BU1995Hockey]

Full members and lurkers, lurkers can't see the Bash forum but all are welcome to the:

***SoSH OPEN June 7th, 2008***
Tee times:

12:03
12:12
12:21
12:30

Making the turn about 2 hours later.

$55, call in your credit card for one of those times we can mix up 4-somes regardless. As more people text/email me we'll get 12:39 and hopefully 12:48 filled in.

Highland Links, Truro, MA: (508) 487-9201

PM me for any questions or if you want to play and are not on the e-mail list yet. We have 12 or so committed so far. My house in Chatham will be the all out crash pad/grilling/poker/breakfast/polar plunge/drunken horseshoes/wiffleball for the weekend

[leithbones]

"Hmmm, I can't get it up. Maybe I need a penis pump. Let's see what the boys at SoSH think."
"Oh yeah, the BlueSteel3600 is the best. You'll think you're 22 again."
"Well the 3600 is ok, but I found better results using Viagra."
"Your girlfriend is ugly (and we've seen pics). Get a hotter bitch & your cock will respond accordingly."

After teaching ams for more than 20 years, I'm telling you honestly that sound advice for one is Kryptonite for another. If you want to get good value for your dollar, find a PGA Club Professional and see him/her regularly-- which for novices might mean weekly, or for established players monthly/annually. Other ams, skilled as they may be, are not trained to diagnose your issues; even reputable Teaching Professionals are wary of dispensing prescriptions without observing the patient.
The boys contributing to Golf Digest know a lot more about the golf swing than I; but I know a lot more about my student's swing than they do.
Sometimes equipment IS the answer, but more often it's the Indian, not the arrow.

Edited by leithbones, 05 April 2008 - 06:54 PM.

[Worst Trade Evah]

I went to golf galaxy and did the Maltby putter fitting thing -- never been fitted for anything before. Not surprisingly, my putter was all wrong for me. Way too light, way too short, and improperly balanced. It was something I picked up cheap years ago from some guy who made clubs in his garage. I spent quite a bit a time playing with putters, and eventually decided to splurge on a putter from Yes, the Carolyne, which is a center-shafted, face-balanced, blade style putter with good heft to it. It was about twice what I expected to pay (paid $140), but I really liked it.

My new putter (so pretty!)

Edited by Worst Trade Evah, 08 April 2008 - 06:28 AM.

[Worst Trade Evah]

How good or useful are these Maltby Playability Factor ratings? http://www.ralphmaltby.com/

It's a little hard to understand what exactly he's calculating here, but he offers some suggestions on what plays easy and what doesn't. It turns out my current set ranks as "Conventional".

Golf Galaxy sells the Maltby KE4 which apparently are some kind of ultra game improvement kit club. Are component or less name brand gear like this comparable in quality to the name stuff? Looks like you can get the same stuff cheaper at Golfworks.

Anyone know anything about MPF ratings? Or component/kit/clone brands?

Edited by Worst Trade Evah, 09 April 2008 - 05:27 PM.

[leftfieldlegacy]

How good or useful are these Maltby Playability Factor ratings? http://www.ralphmaltby.com/

It's a little hard to understand what exactly he's calculating here, but he offers some suggestions on what plays easy and what doesn't. It turns out my current set ranks as "Conventional".

Golf Galaxy sells the Maltby KE4 which apparently are some kind of ultra game improvement kit club. Are component or less name brand gear like this comparable in quality to the name stuff? Looks like you can get the same stuff cheaper at Golfworks.

Anyone know anything about MPF ratings? Or component/kit/clone brands?

I understand what he is measuring, but I can't figure out how his numbers relate to one another and how he comes up with his final score. Most of the OEM use simple descriptive terminology to classify their clubs--Game improvement---good for the low handicapper--etc. But I wonder if they also use the same objective measures that Maltby uses, but do so beforehand when they design their clubs. It is interesting, but you still have to buy into his interpretation of the numbers. At least it gives the appearance of being more objective when trying to compare clubs.

I have played with component clubs (forged) from Golfsmith and have found them to be equal to the OEM clubs. BUT BEWARE, there is defininetly a snob factor in play here and if you are going to play a lot at upscale clubs or you are trying to impress clients on the golf course, you might want to stick with the OEM clubs.

I would avoid the clones entirely. They are knock-offs pure and simple. Made only to look like the more popular OEM brands. They are the golf world equivalent of a $10.00 Rolex.

BTW, very sweet looking putter you bought. I think I might need to check one out this weekend. I'm sure it would take several strokes off my score.

[Worst Trade Evah]

Decided I was tired of my old senior flex Taylor Made 580. My swing speed with the driver is 85-90 mph, and the senior flex seemed like a problem. So, I hit a few clubs at the local Golf Etc machine, and came out with a Cleveland HiBore XL (last year's model, not the new XLS) for $100, which seemed like a good deal. Regular flex, 10.5* loft, slightly used. All things being equal, I'd prefer a smidge more loft, but I liked the driver. Felt better than the Cobras I hit, and a Callaway or two. Well, I really liked one Callaway, but it was $500.

Some numbers that I remember from the machine: 85-90 mph swing speed, 125-130 mph ball speed, @210 yards carry, @220 average distance, average deviation was 5 yards left (doesn't seem right).

I have trouble with clubs with much draw bias. They don't feel right standing over them, and I seem to hook anyway. I very rarely slice anything. The Cleveland is a little closed, but not too bad.

Next up: wedges. I have two, made by different people in different garages with different heads and different shafts. I feel like it'd be nice to have a few wedges in the same family.

My Yes putter is the bomb.

Been home sick for a while, and kind of obsessing about golf gear.

Edited by Worst Trade Evah, 22 April 2008 - 05:40 PM.

[Nixon For President]

Hogan Edge irons, 1-E
Hogan 3 wood
Nassau custom driver, Ti shaft (ca. 1986!)
Spaulding TPM 3 (I think) putter
Cleveland Classic SW

Except for the wedge and 3-wood, I've been playing with these clubs since I graduated from high school in '87.

Edited by Nixon For President, 26 April 2008 - 10:22 AM.

[Freddy Linn]

Bump.

So I have been tinkering around with the putter a little. I put this grip:



on this new putter:







...and it has made a world of difference. The grip is the Winn Excel Jumbo AVS (they also make a midsize version of the pistol). The latest versions of the Winn grips, at least their putter grips, are tremendous. I highly recommend getting one, as it might inject a little life into your putting game.

Edited by Freddy Linn, 23 May 2008 - 03:54 PM.

[ronlt40]

Driver- Ping G5 9 degree, Aldila NV stiff
3 wood- Ping G10 15.5 degree, UST Proforce V2 65 stiff
5 wood- Ping G5 18 degree, Aldila NV stiff
Hybrid- Ping G10 21 degree, UST Proforce V2 65 stiff

Irons 4-pw Taylormade Burner XD, Project X Steel Shafts 6.0

Titleist Vokey wedges 48 and 56 degree

Scotty Cameron Studio Style Newport putter.

I've been playing regularly for 7 years and have a 10.7 handcp. I recently got back from Arizona which included a trip to Hot Stix Golf for an iron fitting. What a rip-off. While the fitting it self was great they wanted 1,900 for a set of irons plus 2 wedges. This included $300 to "pure" the shafts. So i took the specs i got from Hot stix to the local PGA superstore and got the same irons for $899. I'm heading to Scotland in August to play Carnoustie,Gleneagles and Turnberry. Since this is my first trip to Scotland, anybody got any advice??

[redsox13]

In the last month I added a Taylormade Burner with Fujikura Shaft, and a Callaway X 3W with a Fuji shaft

Love both clubs and am playing significantly better golf on those long par 5 and short par 4 holes.

[SaladParmesan]

Last week I purchased a Vokey Spin Milled 60.04. Jesus. Let me preface this by saying that I am a bad golfer with a poor short game, but using this club, I feel like I am picking the ball up and dropping it within two feet of where I would like it. For all the talk about Vokeys, they really are incredible to hit.

[Comfortably Lomb]

I picked up a used early '90s BeCu Ping Anser 2 from Play it Again Sports on the Cape. I'd been putting with a similar age Anser 3 but I like this one better. The copper definitely feels a touch different and better than the bronze, at the moment at least. I'm enjoying the sharper lines too.

[Freddy Linn]

Bump.

Looking for new wedges after a decade or so, since mine have no grooves on them. I have Cleveland 588s, 53 degrees and 60 degrees. Any suggestions?

Edited by Freddy Linn, 08 December 2008 - 01:21 AM.

[Eagle3]

Bump.

Looking for new wedges after a decade or so, since mine have no grooves on them. I have Cleveland 588s, 53 degrees and 60 degrees. Any suggestions?

I'm a big fan of Titleist Vokey's. I have a 52 deg, 56, and a 60. You can really work some magic with them. If you look a couple of posts up you'll see I'm not the only one with that opinion. But I wouldn't buy anything without trying them first. One man's magic wand is another man's shovel, especially when it comes to putters and wedges since there's so much feel involved.
Anything you buy new should be a big improvement because of the groves. It's one thing to hang on to your favorite putter forever, but if you do that with a wedge you're really missing the boat once the groves wear down. It makes a HUGE difference control-wise when you can spin it on those little chips around the green, which the new groves enable you to do with a little practice.

[Worst Trade Evah]

I traded all the random golf stuff I've accumulated, my old set, got two gift cards, and took advantage of a $50 dollar sale, and got a brand new set of Nike Slingshot HL hybrid irons for $140, out of pocket, from Golf Galaxy.

I spent quite a bit of time hitting a lot of different clubs (including Adams, Callaway, Cleveland, Mizuno), and I just liked these best. First new set of irons I've ever gotten. Only ever got used before, and not many of them (or very nice).

Not that I'll get to play much, and assuming my back holds up, but next year I'll have the Nikes, a Yes Carolyne putter (avatar), and a couple old Mizuno wedges. My driver is an old TaylorMade 540D, but I don't mind it. That's plenty fine for a hacker like me.

[PaulinMyrBch]

I don't play much so I'm still in a set that I had fitted for me 8 years ago.

Titleist 975D driver 9d, Grafalloy maroon frequency matched
Orlimar 14d tour stiff
3-PW, Titleist 962, X100 Sensicore True Temper
56d, 60d Titleist Vokey, D300 Sensicore TT
Odyssey Rossie2 mallet putter

[JulE6]

Driver: Taylor Made Burner
3 wood/5 wood: Titleist 906 (i think)
Irons: Callway X Forged
Wedges: Vokey 56 and 60
Putter: Odyssey White Hot #9 (Mickelson)

[THE ARS]

Bump.

Looking for new wedges after a decade or so, since mine have no grooves on them. I have Cleveland 588s, 53 degrees and 60 degrees. Any suggestions?

If you still like them you can have the grooves recut, of course I don't see the point of buying new clubs every year, as you'll see.


1W - Cobra 10.5 Gravity Back, bought it for $20 (it was a demo) from a pro I worked with at the end of the 2001 season. I have been very happy with it but I think I will go with something lighter this year.

3W - Callaway Warbird. I hate this club, I really only keep it in my bag so I don't look poor.

5W - Callaway Warbird, this one has the old blue shaft and I love it, if I had any sense I would hit this off every tee. But that wouldn't be any fun.

5 - PW - Ping eye2. Hands down the greatest irons ever made, and I mean that.

SW - Maxfli Tad Moore 61*, I don't like the bounce on a sand wedge so I use this from anywhere around the green.

I have two putters, a Wilson 8802 which is very pretty and a TFI which is very light. I carry both because I can, sometimes a switch helps, if it doesn't I drink more beer.



Tom

[Worst Trade Evah]

I just bought two MacGregor MT Pro DW wedges from EBay, for $20 each. They're very beautiful. I have some old Mizuno wedges around which are just fine, but I think I prefer these MacGregors.

I think the two putters thing makes a ton of sense, and I don't understand why people don't do it more. Long lag puts are different then short ones, and sometimes greens are different. Things like the heavy putter are killer from 4 ft in, while other times you need something with more feel.

But I'm a bad golfer, so what do I know.

[Worst Trade Evah]

dup

Edited by Worst Trade Evah, 09 January 2009 - 10:57 AM.

[Plantiers Wart]

Without asking for one, I got an Adams Edge hybrid 3 for xmas. Anyone use these? I currently play Tommy Armour 855 irons and have no trouble hitting the 3 iron - range is about 195 with it. Hit my 5 wood about 205 to 210., so not sure where this will fit in. With the frigid temps and a busy wrok schedule, I haven't had a chance to even swing it, let alone hit balls. So what can I expect? And is it worth it, or should I plan to return the club and get something that might find more useful....

[Razor Shines]

I just started playing this fall, for the first time, and I got most of these used (except for the hybrid which was an X-Mas gift). Haven't actually played on a course yet.

woods:
Taylor Made Burner Draw Driver
Cleveland Quattro (sp?) 3 wood

hybrid:
Taylor Made 19 degree hybrid

irons:
Cleveland Tour Action 5-PW + 1.25"

putter:
Odyssey "Sabertooth" putter

Edited by Razor Shines, 15 January 2009 - 05:08 PM.

[Freddy Linn]

Without asking for one, I got an Adams Edge hybrid 3 for xmas. Anyone use these? I currently play Tommy Armour 855 irons and have no trouble hitting the 3 iron - range is about 195 with it. Hit my 5 wood about 205 to 210., so not sure where this will fit in. With the frigid temps and a busy wrok schedule, I haven't had a chance to even swing it, let alone hit balls. So what can I expect? And is it worth it, or should I plan to return the club and get something that might find more useful....

Mid single-digit handicap, and unless the course you play has a 190 yard par 3, I would drop the 3 iron in a heartbeat. The hybrid has way more versatility. I might look next at moving from the 5 wood to a 4 wood (and if you carry a 3 wood, maybe even drop that for another wedge), but it would depend on the yardage gaps at that end of the spectrum.

[Plantiers Wart]

Mid single-digit handicap, and unless the course you play has a 190 yard par 3, I would drop the 3 iron in a heartbeat. The hybrid has way more versatility. I might look next at moving from the 5 wood to a 4 wood (and if you carry a 3 wood, maybe even drop that for another wedge), but it would depend on the yardage gaps at that end of the spectrum.

Thanks - I'm a 15 handicap, but a pretty good ball striker. Lose the strokes around the green. I will go with the hybrid, but would have a real problem losing my 3 or 5 woods based on my long time love of them - and ability to hit the crap out of them and shape all sorts of shots. And with my short game struggles, I think the only purpose another wedge in my bag would have is to be thrown to the ground in a rage.

[Lupe Whalewatch]

I might look next at moving from the 5 wood to a 4 wood (and if you carry a 3 wood, maybe even drop that for another wedge), but it would depend on the yardage gaps at that end of the spectrum.

I just added a 4 wood to my bag at the end of last summer and love it. I did a major overhaul, replacing my outdated Titleist driver, 3 wood, and rescue with a Callaway ft-5 driver, ft 4 wood and rescue. I think I literally hit every single product out there, and settled on the Callaway despite being a long time Titleist guy. Anyway, I would also strongly advise checking out a 4 wood....I'm a 7 hcp, and I was only hitting my driver about 15-20 yds further than my 3 wood, so that difference was minimal. The amount of extra control you get with the 4 wood-especially from the fairway or decent lie in the rough-has really helped my game.

[Freddy Linn]

I'm a big fan of Titleist Vokey's. I have a 52 deg, 56, and a 60. You can really work some magic with them. If you look a couple of posts up you'll see I'm not the only one with that opinion. But I wouldn't buy anything without trying them first. One man's magic wand is another man's shovel, especially when it comes to putters and wedges since there's so much feel involved.
Anything you buy new should be a big improvement because of the groves. It's one thing to hang on to your favorite putter forever, but if you do that with a wedge you're really missing the boat once the groves wear down. It makes a HUGE difference control-wise when you can spin it on those little chips around the green, which the new groves enable you to do with a little practice.

Just picked up a demo Vokey Spin Milled 58 degree with 12 degrees of bounce for $65. Looking to complement it with a 54 degree.

[PaulinMyrBch]

I love the Vokeys, 56 and 60 for me. The feel is incredible.

[Dgilpin]

I'm thinking about purchasing a new driver, I was looking at the Callaway FT-iQ and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or opinion of them. Callaway is running a deal now where if you buy a qualifying driver you can get a fairway wood for 1 dollar.

[Worst Trade Evah]

I'm not a very good player (25 handicapper?), so fwiw. I just got a Cleveland Niblick, and it's a great, great club. Even a putz like me can hit it straight pretty consistently. Hybrid wedge -- what a great idea. Love this thing.

[jaret001]

I'm thinking about purchasing a new driver, I was looking at the Callaway FT-iQ and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or opinion of them. Callaway is running a deal now where if you buy a qualifying driver you can get a fairway wood for 1 dollar.

I've stayed with Callaway for more than 10 years...I have the FT-3 driver and Hawkeye 3-metal in my bag now. That's a pretty good deal on the driver & fairway wood, too.

[Dgilpin]

I've stayed with Callaway for more than 10 years...I have the FT-3 driver and Hawkeye 3-metal in my bag now. That's a pretty good deal on the driver & fairway wood, too.

Yeah I think so too, so far I'd say 90% of the reviews I've read online have been very positive regarding the FT-iQ driver. The consensus so far seems to be that its very hard not to hit the ball straight with this club, but some people seem to be disappointed with the distance of the club. Btw... this thread has convinced me to pick up a vokey wedge.

[SaladParmesan]

Yeah I think so too, so far I'd say 90% of the reviews I've read online have been very positive regarding the FT-iQ driver. The consensus so far seems to be that its very hard not to hit the ball straight with this club, but some people seem to be disappointed with the distance of the club. Btw... this thread has convinced me to pick up a vokey wedge.

Do it..... do it....

I'm about one paycheck away from getting the new Titleist fairway wood- the 909F2, though I'll ask to hit the 909F3 as well. I've been without a club between driver and 3 iron for a while now, and I need something easier to lay up with off the tee than a long iron.

[ToxicSmed]

I'm thinking about purchasing a new driver, I was looking at the Callaway FT-iQ and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or opinion of them. Callaway is running a deal now where if you buy a qualifying driver you can get a fairway wood for 1 dollar.

I've just never liked Callaway all that much. I've played a few Big Berthas and even owned one, but I just keep going back to Taylor Made for drivers (my first serious driver was a Ti Bubble 2). I've had three of them and have loved them all.

Edit: I currently have an 8.5 deg 300Ti and a 10 deg r7 Superquad. I tend to use the low loft on flat courses and the 10 degree on hilly courses.

Edited by ToxicSmed, 15 April 2009 - 05:20 PM.

[jaret001]

Yeah I think so too, so far I'd say 90% of the reviews I've read online have been very positive regarding the FT-iQ driver. The consensus so far seems to be that its very hard not to hit the ball straight with this club, but some people seem to be disappointed with the distance of the club. Btw... this thread has convinced me to pick up a vokey wedge.

I took a few swings with the iQ today and it's pretty nice. I have an Exotics Tour Edge hybrid which I now rotate in with my 2 and 3-irons...their driver and 3-metal may eventually replace my Callaways. A friend who is a teaching pro carries a Bridgestone driver and Nickent hybrid in his bag.

Answering the thread's question.......In addition to the Callaways and Tour Edge, I have Cleveland CG2 irons, CG10 Black Pearl wedges (52, 56, 60 degree); and a Scotty Cameron Newport (1.5) Series putter. All but the Exotics are four years old. I use my Lob wedge for just about every pitch shot inside 90 yards...I love that thing.

[Freddy Linn]

Bump.

I snapped my trusty Titleist 975L-FE (10 years old) getting it out of the trunk. Picked up a Ping G10, 9 degrees, with a Graffaloy shaft new for $150. Holy shit the thing is hot. Easily 20 more yards. Highly recommended.

[Freddy Linn]

Bump. Seems to be some interest. Mid single-digit handicap.

Driver: Ping G10, 9 degrees stiff, Graffaloy ProLaunch Red
3W: Titleist 906F2 13 degrees stiff, Aldila NV 75
4W: Titleist 980F 15 degrees stiff steel
Hybrid: Titleist 585 19 degrees stiff steel

Irons (4-PW): TaylorMade RAC LT stiff
Gap: Vokey 50 degrees
SW: Vokey 58 degrees


Putter: TaylorMade Rossa Classic Monte Carlo 7
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

[FL4WL3SS]

7 Handicap

Driver: Taylormade R9, 8.5 degree stiff, stock shaft
3W: Alpha C830.2 Plasma, 13 degrees stiff, Graffaloy ProLaunch Blue
5W: Alpha C830.2 Plasma, 19 degrees stiff, Graffaloy ProLaunch Blue

Irons (3-PW): Alpha V2 MB, Project X 6.5
52 Degree Wedge: Cleveland CG12
56/60 Degree Wedge: Alpha PF-2C

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Mid-Slant
Ball: Depends

Backup Irons (4-GW) Adams CB2, Project X 6.0

Edited by FL4WL3SS, 13 March 2012 - 06:43 AM.

[redsox13]

Mid-teens Handicap

Driver: Taylormade Burner, 9.5 degree stiff, stock shaft

3W: Callaway X. 15 degrees stiff, Fujikura Banzai

Irons (3-PW): Callaway X18, TrueTemper Steel stiff
56/60 Degree Wedge: Taylormade Rac

Putter: Can't recall, but it is a mallet
Ball: Callaway Warbirds

[Koufax]

Low 20s handicap

Driver - Taylormade R9 (I have never adjusted it and would not know how)
Fairway woods: Mizuno F30 4 wood and 7 wood (original shafts regular flex)
Irons: Original Callaway Big Bertha nos. 4- PW (original shafts regular flex)
Gap Wedge: Cleveland RTG 51 degree
Sand Wedge: Cleveland 588 gunmetal 56 degree
Lob Wedge: Cleveland chrome 60 degree not sure of model number
Putter; Titelist X
Balls: almost anything, including scruffy balls found in the woods

[cshea]

I don't have an active handicap at the moment, but I would estimate it to be around 15-17. I've been mostly a weekend player the past few years, but I'm hoping to get out on the course 3-4 times a week this year.

Driver: Cleveland Ti 460, 9.5 degree, stiff flex.
3 Wood: Callaway Big Bertha, regular flex
3-PW: Ping i3's, regular flex
Wedge: 55 degree Cobra Trusty Rusty
Putter: Odyssey White Hot #2 Blade
Balls: Anything and everything. In my competitive days, I played Pro V1's in matches.

I'm actually in the market for a new set of irons. Hoping to get out in the next few weeks and hit a few different types. The Pings treated me well, but I bought the when I entering High School, so they're going on 14 years old. They're pretty worn out at this point. I'm intrigued by the Nike VR Pro Combo irons, but they might be too pricey for me.

[jercra]

4 Handicap

Driver: Titliest 910 D3 8.5, Ahaina x-flex
3 Wood: Ping i15, Proforce V2 stiff
19 degree Hybrid: Adams Idea A7, Proforce V2 x-flex
Irons 4-PW, AP2 710, DG S300 (but ordering KBS C-taper S+ or X next week)
50: CG10 2 dot bounce
56: Vokey
60: Mizuno TP R12 - 5 degree of bounce for digging very deep holes
Putter: Scotty Cameron Corando
Bals: ProV1x

[PaulinMyrBch]

I usually use the 56 when I need to go deep. Too much loft sometimes induces slices like a knife, so I never trust the 60's in the soft stuff.

Both are Vokey's for me, 56 and 60.

Nice setup. I don't play enough to invest in new stuff, but I'm itchy.