Golf equipment, WITB

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
3,147
Arvada, Co
I'm agonizing over this decision honestly. My setup is non-standard so I'd need to get fit and I love my current setup. I def need a new 60 degree, the lack of grooves cost me two strokes last round when I hit the low spinner and didn't get any check.

My options are to get refit or buy new Bettinardi wedges with wedge shafts and see how I like them. If I don't then I can replace the heads onto my project x shafts.

I hate changing equipment.
I can't tell you how much of a difference going to a custom Wedgeworks wedge had for me. I don't like spending a lot on clubs, but decided to bite the bullet and get a really, really good wedge and it was the best decision I made. It's my scoring club and my game around the greens is light years better than using off the rack. For better players, the right wedge is the right place to invest. You can hit just about any driver 300 yards, but can you hit any wedge to 2 feet? Get your specs and order truly custom wedges... or at least a custom 60. I'll be getting a whole new set once I'm finished moving and now that I get nice discounts.
 

FL4WL3SS

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
14,913
Andy Brickley's potty mouth
I can't tell you how much of a difference going to a custom Wedgeworks wedge had for me. I don't like spending a lot on clubs, but decided to bite the bullet and get a really, really good wedge and it was the best decision I made. It's my scoring club and my game around the greens is light years better than using off the rack. For better players, the right wedge is the right place to invest. You can hit just about any driver 300 yards, but can you hit any wedge to 2 feet? Get your specs and order truly custom wedges... or at least a custom 60. I'll be getting a whole new set once I'm finished moving and now that I get nice discounts.
Yep that's why I'm attached to my set right now.
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2006
16,090
Tuukka's refugee camp
Can anyone recommend a place for a fitting in Boston? My clubs are old (~8 years), the wrong specs (regular shaft vs stiff) and I had the best round in a long time this weekend with newer, more appropriate clubs for my swing. That said, I have no idea what to get and figure if I’m making a decent sized investment in new equipment, I may as well not go full cheap-o on it. Curious if others have had positive experiences. I’m on the South Shore but willing to drive a little if needed.
 

ManicCompression

Member
SoSH Member
May 14, 2015
1,352
I have some Taylor Made irons (Rac CB and MB combo set) and one of the things I like about them is that they're more traditional lofts, so the pitching wedge is 48 degrees.

They're getting on 13 years old or so and have been nicked up to the point where I'm looking for new irons. One of the things I'm concerned about is how strong lofts are the norm on the newer iron sets (unless they're like serious players blades). My wedges are 52/56/60 - if I get stronger lofted irons, what set up are folks going with if their pitching wedge is at 45/46 to avoid distance gaps? 50/54/60?
 

dhappy42

Straw Man
Oct 27, 2013
15,725
Michigan
I have some Taylor Made irons (Rac CB and MB combo set) and one of the things I like about them is that they're more traditional lofts, so the pitching wedge is 48 degrees.

They're getting on 13 years old or so and have been nicked up to the point where I'm looking for new irons. One of the things I'm concerned about is how strong lofts are the norm on the newer iron sets (unless they're like serious players blades). My wedges are 52/56/60 - if I get stronger lofted irons, what set up are folks going with if their pitching wedge is at 45/46 to avoid distance gaps? 50/54/60?
The 50-degree gap wedge was invented to solve this problem. It’s due to loft creep. Today’s PW is yesterday’s 9-iron. (And a 1970s-era 8 iron.)

Club manufacturers sell distance so every year or two they strengthen lofts or lengthen shafts. It makes drivers, fairways and long irons harder to hit (hence hybrids.) And it’s silly for irons because what you want from your irons is accuracy and consistent distance gapping. What difference does it make whether your 150-yard club is labeled a 6-iron, 7-iron or 8-iron?

Ignore the numbers on your clubs. Pay attention to the lofts and shaft lengths.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
SoSH Member
Feb 22, 2004
12,959
The Paris of the 80s
I have some Taylor Made irons (Rac CB and MB combo set) and one of the things I like about them is that they're more traditional lofts, so the pitching wedge is 48 degrees.

They're getting on 13 years old or so and have been nicked up to the point where I'm looking for new irons. One of the things I'm concerned about is how strong lofts are the norm on the newer iron sets (unless they're like serious players blades). My wedges are 52/56/60 - if I get stronger lofted irons, what set up are folks going with if their pitching wedge is at 45/46 to avoid distance gaps? 50/54/60?
Consider getting the set gap wedge. My set pitching wedge is 44.5 so I bought the set gap at 49.5 to go with it. Then I have a pair of Vokeys: 54F and 58D. The gap wedge is my last full swing club and the F and D basically give me a few different wedge options for various lies. Nothing fancy.

Anyway, something like 50-54-58/60 or 50-56-60 is really common.
 

voidfunkt

Member
SoSH Member
Apr 14, 2006
1,461
/dev/null
Can anyone recommend a place for a fitting in Boston? My clubs are old (~8 years), the wrong specs (regular shaft vs stiff) and I had the best round in a long time this weekend with newer, more appropriate clubs for my swing. That said, I have no idea what to get and figure if I’m making a decent sized investment in new equipment, I may as well not go full cheap-o on it. Curious if others have had positive experiences. I’m on the South Shore but willing to drive a little if needed.
Did a fitting at Golfers Warehouse in Auburn for a driver and really liked the experience. I think they have a North Shore location which would be more convenient.
 

Phragle

wild card bitches
SoSH Member
Jan 1, 2009
13,154
Carmine's closet
Can anyone recommend a place for a fitting in Boston? My clubs are old (~8 years), the wrong specs (regular shaft vs stiff) and I had the best round in a long time this weekend with newer, more appropriate clubs for my swing. That said, I have no idea what to get and figure if I’m making a decent sized investment in new equipment, I may as well not go full cheap-o on it. Curious if others have had positive experiences. I’m on the South Shore but willing to drive a little if needed.
Played w a guy today that got a full bag fitting from Titleist and he raved about it. Said he spent four hours working w the fitter and he's never played better. Fitting was 600 and I believe he spent 2600 total. It seems like a lot but I've heard about people spending 4-5k at places like Club Champion. If you don't want to go all in you could probably do well w a more basic fitting somewhere. It helps if you know what you need though. Digger/sweeper, heavy/light, thin/thick sole. I don't know of anyone that's good and cheap for fitting.

I have some Taylor Made irons (Rac CB and MB combo set) and one of the things I like about them is that they're more traditional lofts, so the pitching wedge is 48 degrees.

They're getting on 13 years old or so and have been nicked up to the point where I'm looking for new irons. One of the things I'm concerned about is how strong lofts are the norm on the newer iron sets (unless they're like serious players blades). My wedges are 52/56/60 - if I get stronger lofted irons, what set up are folks going with if their pitching wedge is at 45/46 to avoid distance gaps? 50/54/60?
I play 50-54-58 of a 46 PW and 4 degree gaps up to the 4 iron. 46 is considered weak these days, but forged clubs can be easily bent 2 degrees weaker
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2006
16,090
Tuukka's refugee camp
Played w a guy today that got a full bag fitting from Titleist and he raved about it. Said he spent four hours working w the fitter and he's never played better. Fitting was 600 and I believe he spent 2600 total. It seems like a lot but I've heard about people spending 4-5k at places like Club Champion. If you don't want to go all in you could probably do well w a more basic fitting somewhere. It helps if you know what you need though. Digger/sweeper, heavy/light, thin/thick sole. I don't know of anyone that's good and cheap for fitting.
Good timing. I'm going to dinner on Friday with someone who I think works at Titleist (I know his wife from college, not him) and plays in competitive amateur events, so can certainly pick his brain.
 

TFP

Moderator
Moderator
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2007
20,380
Can anyone recommend a place for a fitting in Boston? My clubs are old (~8 years), the wrong specs (regular shaft vs stiff) and I had the best round in a long time this weekend with newer, more appropriate clubs for my swing. That said, I have no idea what to get and figure if I’m making a decent sized investment in new equipment, I may as well not go full cheap-o on it. Curious if others have had positive experiences. I’m on the South Shore but willing to drive a little if needed.
Most people swear by Cool Clubs at Kohr in Natick. Everyone who’s been there has raved about the fitting and process, plus it’s outdoors.

I got fitted at TrueSpec in Waltham and also enjoyed it, however the guy that fit me moved and isn’t there anymore so can’t speak to the new guy.
 

Light-Tower-Power

ask me about My Pillow
SoSH Member
Jun 14, 2013
15,948
Nashua, NH
Where do y'all buy your golf bags? I want something nice, but I am not looking to spend hundreds of dollars.
Carry stand bag? Cart bag? I love my Sun Mountain carry bag. Have had it for probably 4-5 years and it has survived plenty of let’s call it on-course frustration type abuse. They’re a couple hundred bucks but very much worth it IMO.
 

Phragle

wild card bitches
SoSH Member
Jan 1, 2009
13,154
Carmine's closet
Good timing. I'm going to dinner on Friday with someone who I think works at Titleist (I know his wife from college, not him) and plays in competitive amateur events, so can certainly pick his brain.
Nice. Yeah plus I think if I had to play one brand throughout the bag I think it would be Titleist. They can't miss right now
 

TFP

Moderator
Moderator
SoSH Member
Dec 10, 2007
20,380
Where do y'all buy your golf bags? I want something nice, but I am not looking to spend hundreds of dollars.
Facebook marketplace is your friend.

Otherwise, Ping, Sun Mountain, Ogio, or some of the Titleist bags are the way to go.

If you’re willing to spend, I just got a new Shapland bag and it’s the best bag I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing. But it wasn’t cheap.
 
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Zomp

Moderator
Moderator
SoSH Member
Aug 28, 2006
13,942
The Slums of Shaolin
$1750 for a standard 4-PW set seems insane

I’m sure we’re heading that way with most companies, but damn.

I mentioned up thread that I’m in th market for new wedges. I have sticker shock with those as well. Most are now around $200.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
3,147
Arvada, Co
$1750 for a standard 4-PW set seems insane

I’m sure we’re heading that way with most companies, but damn.

I mentioned up thread that I’m in th market for new wedges. I have sticker shock with those as well. Most are now around $200.
Yeah, I work in the golf industry so I get pretty solid discounts. I would never pay that much for new irons. I'd wait for them to be a year old and then buy them used.
 

Plantiers Wart

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 16, 2002
4,092
west hartford
D- Big Bertha Alpha, 9degrees, Fubuki S
4W- Callaway Epic, Riptide S
3H - Adams Idea Tech 0s
4-P - Callaway Mavrik
Callaway Jaws wedges, 52(10s) 56 (12w)
Titleist Vokey 60 SM6 (10s)
Putter - Odyssey White Hot Pro mallet

swapped out. 3W/5W for the 4W and an extra wedge this season.
 

ngruz25

Bibby
SoSH Member
Sep 20, 2005
18,972
Pittsburgh, PA
About a month or so ago, I went for a driver fitting at the TaylorMade fitting center in Pittsburgh because it's the only nearby outdoor fitting. I'd never been fit for a driver before and felt it was time given my, uh, frequent struggles.

To make a long story short, I ended up getting fit into the Mini 300, 11.5 degree head set to 13 degrees, with the Aldila Rogue 110 70 gram stiff flex shaft. I ended up being just as long or longer with the Mini than I was with my current (now prior) Epic Flash Sub Zero 10.5 driver AND the Sim2 drivers I tested. And straighter. I truly wasn't even planning on buying the thing, I just wanted some data. I ended up plunking down the money on the spot because it was a no brainer.

I've had the Mini in my bag for 5 or 6 rounds now and I don't think I've ever enjoyed hitting a club more. As an 11 handicap I'm obviously capable of putting a bad swing on it, but my driver misses are way more playable and my good drives are validating the data I saw in the fitting. It's so fun to hit, and I feel super confident on the tee now. Highly recommended for anyone who struggles with driver.

Anyway, on with the WITB:

TaylorMade Mini 300
Callaway Mavrik Max 3 wood, Evenflow Black, stiff 80 gram
Cobra F9 5 wood, stock Atmos stiff shaft
Callaway Mavrik 4 hybrid, stock Project X stiff shaft
Srixon 565 irons, 5 - gap wedge, Nippon Modus 120 stiff
Ping Glide 2.0 54 & 60 degree wedge
Bettinardi Studio Stock 17 putter
 

bsan34

New Member
Jul 31, 2006
338
C'ville, VA / Hingham, MA
I went the Wishon route a few years ago. The specs I was fit into were ones that I never would have tried on my own - far more stout than someone with my swing speed would normally touch, but it turns out that I have a very fast transition. Any time since that I try knock them out of the bag, I can't. The dispersion from having a custom built set is shockingly small even for someone with a million swing flaws like myself. Going the component route kept the price reasonable as well, under $1400 for the full bag except the putter.

Driver - 919, 13*, 44.75", 85g S2S Black stiff shaft
4W - 929, 16.5*, 43", 85g S2S Black stiff shaft
Hybrids - 775, 3h (21*) and 4h (24*), S2S White stiff shaft
Irons - 771, 5-AW, S2S stepless steel, stiff (I think i want to swap these for graphites)
Wedge - PCF wide sole 55*
Putter - Odyssey Metal X Milled Rossie
 

Plantiers Wart

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 16, 2002
4,092
west hartford
I pride myself on never buying a bag. First came with a set as a gift. Next won one at a tourney. Next one I won spinning a prize wheel at a golfers warehouse sale. Then I win two in raffles at a charity tourney. Same day. Won another for a long drive at a tourney. Finally got my current kick ass bag as a birthday gift.
 

Plantiers Wart

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 16, 2002
4,092
west hartford
Also - after posting, I realized my 3 hybrid has been around longer than my youngest child. Bought a new Mavrik Hybrid which seems to add 10 yards to my hybrid game. Gap is now between my 4 iron and the hybrid, rather than the hybrid and the 4 wood.
 

dhappy42

Straw Man
Oct 27, 2013
15,725
Michigan
Ho long is your... umm...

... driver?

I just cut mine down after reading Wishon say fewer than 10% of golfers should use a driver longer than 44 inches.
 

mr_smith02

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 29, 2003
4,352
Upstate NY
I pride myself on never buying a bag. First came with a set as a gift. Next won one at a tourney. Next one I won spinning a prize wheel at a golfers warehouse sale. Then I win two in raffles at a charity tourney. Same day. Won another for a long drive at a tourney. Finally got my current kick ass bag as a birthday gift.
So, it sounds like you have one you can send me...LOL!
 

RedSoxFan

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 30, 2001
4,768
Ho long is your... umm...

... driver?

I just cut mine down after reading Wishon say fewer than 10% of golfers should use a driver longer than 44 inches.
Mine is 44" with 14 degrees of loft to boot. More than makes up for my awful swing mechanics.
 

Zomp

Moderator
Moderator
SoSH Member
Aug 28, 2006
13,942
The Slums of Shaolin
Ping G410 10.5 LST Hzrdus Smoke Yellow 6.0
Cobra Speedzone 15.5 Hzrduz Smoke yellow 6.0
Sub70 939X 3 Hybrid UST Proforce V2 shaft stiff

Srixon ZX7 4-Gap Modus 120 stiff

New level wedges. Not sure of the model but I'm going to upgrade in the winter. Probably Callaway or Taylormade BECAUSE I GET A DISCOUNT

Scotty Cameron Laguna. Been in my bag for 20 years.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
3,147
Arvada, Co
Ping G410 10.5 LST Hzrdus Smoke Yellow 6.0
Cobra Speedzone 15.5 Hzrduz Smoke yellow 6.0
Sub70 939X 3 Hybrid UST Proforce V2 shaft stiff

Srixon ZX7 4-Gap Modus 120 stiff

New level wedges. Not sure of the model but I'm going to upgrade in the winter. Probably Callaway or Taylormade BECAUSE I GET A DISCOUNT

Scotty Cameron Laguna. Been in my bag for 20 years.
Pfft, just on Callaway and TaylorMade? Amateur.
 

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2002
28,535
right here
Played w a guy today that got a full bag fitting from Titleist and he raved about it. Said he spent four hours working w the fitter and he's never played better. Fitting was 600 and I believe he spent 2600 total. It seems like a lot but I've heard about people spending 4-5k at places like Club Champion. If you don't want to go all in you could probably do well w a more basic fitting somewhere. It helps if you know what you need though. Digger/sweeper, heavy/light, thin/thick sole. I don't know of anyone that's good and cheap for fitting.


I play 50-54-58 of a 46 PW and 4 degree gaps up to the 4 iron. 46 is considered weak these days, but forged clubs can be easily bent 2 degrees weaker
$2600 for irons and woods fitted? Color me intrigued. May have to take the plunge on replacing my high school era King Snakes.

Where'd he do the 4 hour thing (if you know)? The palces I've looked up only have 1 hour appointments.
 

Gunca

New Member
Mar 5, 2020
44
@The Napkin if it was directly through Titleist, my guess would be at their Manchester Lane fitting facility in Acushnet, MA. The experience is really cool. It’s $600 just for the fitting, then any clubs you choose to buy have to be ordered from a retailer.
 

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jul 13, 2002
28,535
right here
@The Napkin if it was directly through Titleist, my guess would be at their Manchester Lane fitting facility in Acushnet, MA. The experience is really cool. It’s $600 just for the fitting, then any clubs you choose to buy have to be ordered from a retailer.
ah, you are indeed correct. looks like they have "half-day" for $600 there and in looking closer at the other ones they're only $100 for the hour. So do I drive the extra hour and pay $500 more for the longer session. Or maybe they'll book me 2 one hour sessions. Something to think about.
 

Phragle

wild card bitches
SoSH Member
Jan 1, 2009
13,154
Carmine's closet
Ping G410 10.5 LST Hzrdus Smoke Yellow 6.0
Cobra Speedzone 15.5 Hzrduz Smoke yellow 6.0
Sub70 939X 3 Hybrid UST Proforce V2 shaft stiff

Srixon ZX7 4-Gap Modus 120 stiff

New level wedges. Not sure of the model but I'm going to upgrade in the winter. Probably Callaway or Taylormade BECAUSE I GET A DISCOUNT

Scotty Cameron Laguna. Been in my bag for 20 years.
Don't like the wedges, or just old?

$2600 for irons and woods fitted? Color me intrigued. May have to take the plunge on replacing my high school era King Snakes.

Where'd he do the 4 hour thing (if you know)? The palces I've looked up only have 1 hour appointments.
I could be wrong. It was loud inside. I'm pretty sure he said 600 for 4 hours tho

@The Napkin if it was directly through Titleist, my guess would be at their Manchester Lane fitting facility in Acushnet, MA. The experience is really cool. It’s $600 just for the fitting, then any clubs you choose to buy have to be ordered from a retailer.
Yeah that's it
 

dhappy42

Straw Man
Oct 27, 2013
15,725
Michigan
Anyone play with a chipper? (aka niblick or jigger.)

Bought a used Cleveland Smart Sole chipper and I'm not sure how to use it.
 

Plantiers Wart

Member
SoSH Member
Oct 16, 2002
4,092
west hartford
Anyone play with a chipper? (aka niblick or jigger.)

Bought a used Cleveland Smart Sole chipper and I'm not sure how to use it.
They usually have about the same loft as a 6 or 7 iron. I use a 6 for shots that a chipper would be useful for. Lots of people use hybrids or even 5 woods with a putter stroke for the short carry to the green and then run out.
 

dhappy42

Straw Man
Oct 27, 2013
15,725
Michigan
They usually have about the same loft as a 6 or 7 iron. I use a 6 for shots that a chipper would be useful for. Lots of people use hybrids or even 5 woods with a putter stroke for the short carry to the green and then run out.
The one I bought has a loft of 42 degrees, 9-iron-ish, but is shafted like a putter at 34 inches, which seems too short for "normal" chip shots so I've been playing it like a high-lofted putter from the rough and fringe around greens. I'm not convinced it deserves a spot in my bag, but since my 3-hybrid and 4-hybrid go roughly the same speed, it's easy to take one of them out for the chipper. Still experimenting...
 

BroodsSexton

Member
SoSH Member
Feb 4, 2006
12,630
guam
OK—I picked the game back up after 15 years off. I didn’t really have a handicap back then but generally shot in the 90s. My clubs are long since gone and I’m using another guy’s old bag, which was pretty state of the art…15 years ago. Any suggestions on putting together a bag for myself? I assume now is a good time to be in the market for used clubs.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
SoSH Member
Feb 22, 2004
12,959
The Paris of the 80s
OK—I picked the game back up after 15 years off. I didn’t really have a handicap back then but generally shot in the 90s. My clubs are long since gone and I’m using another guy’s old bag, which was pretty state of the art…15 years ago. Any suggestions on putting together a bag for myself? I assume now is a good time to be in the market for used clubs.
Those clubs are probably just fine with the exception of the driver. Driver technology has advanced dramatically over the past 10 years. They've become very forgiving in that they maintain ball speed well when missing the center of the face. Optimizing launch conditions has become a big deal as well but if you're returning to the game I wouldn't go spend a lot of money on a state of the art driver and fitting. Try to find a driver that's only a couple years old and it should be a massive upgrade over something from the mid-2000s. I've heard good things about the Callaway Pre-owned website.

Anyone play with a chipper? (aka niblick or jigger.)

Bought a used Cleveland Smart Sole chipper and I'm not sure how to use it.
There are a few videos on YouTube with club reviewers evaluating chippers and when they're useful. They all seem to basically use a putting stroke. I actually think someone could get really good with one of those things if they practiced with it. They don't seem ideal for courses with deep greenside rough and fast greens.
 

BroodsSexton

Member
SoSH Member
Feb 4, 2006
12,630
guam
Those clubs are probably just fine with the exception of the driver. Driver technology has advanced dramatically over the past 10 years. They've become very forgiving in that they maintain ball speed well when missing the center of the face. Optimizing launch conditions has become a big deal as well but if you're returning to the game I wouldn't go spend a lot of money on a state of the art driver and fitting. Try to find a driver that's only a couple years old and it should be a massive upgrade over something from the mid-2000s. I've heard good things about the Callaway Pre-owned website.
Great. That’s the kind of reassurance I needed.