Game Improvement Driver

[Bubble Head]

So it is pretty easy to look at irons and know whether they are "players" clubs or game improvement. But drivers are all similar in shape and size and it isn't clear to us very high handicappers where we should even start.

So the questions for all of you are:

What are the top 3 game improvement drivers to come out in the last 5 years?


How much extra loft should I accept to get a little more foregiveness?

[warbirdlover]

Drivers are usually not classified as game improvement or players clubs like irons but there are still some that are more forgiving then others....

The square drivers from Nike and Callaway (Integer Quadratic also) could be called game improvement drivers as is the HiBore since they are more forgiving on mishits. (Even though K. J. Choi uses a Nike Sumo squared driver).

Higher loft does not necessarily equate to more forgiveness. You can get into "ballooning" etc because more loft equals more spin (I hope that's right).

I really think most drivers (other then many TaylorMade) are made to work well for both high and low handicappers.

You should get on a launch monitor and find the loft, shaft flex that puts the ball into a 14º-16º launch angle, gives the highest ball speed and 3000 rpm or less ball spin and goes straight most of the time. Then the rest is up to you.

[ezra76]

IMO, the last five years, game improvements... I'd choose the Hibore and the R580XD. I can only base this on what I've hit and those were the 2 most forgiving.

[Jules150]

905r, r7 460. Ive hit both and both are high launching and forgiving on mis-hits

[hypergolf]

I think some drivers such as Cobra or Ping comes out with offset models which could be considered as game improvement clubs. Also, beginners slice a lot usually due to the out to in swing plane so choosing a closed club face would be ideal in this case like the r7 Draw. Finally, another consideration to brand it as a game improvement club for driver is to choose a regular flex shaft since the swing speed might not be at 100+ as a beginner.

But as a beginner, I personally don't think you really need a driver. My handicap is 15 but I play without a driver (Solely because my caddy accidentally broke it...). Waiting for a replacement driver to fill my bag when 907s are launched in April.

Edit: My first driver was 10.5 degrees and it started off fine. After that I used 9.5 when I got better. Hope this helps.

[warbirdlover]

I think some drivers such as Cobra or Ping comes out with offset models which could be considered as game improvement clubs.
hypergolf

Good point. IF there is such a thing as a game improvement driver it would be (other then the square jobs) the offset or "draw" or "fade" models which compensate for the golfers swing problems. (I don't agree on regular flex being game improvement. Lot's of excellent golfers get old and they'll take those regular flex shafts and show you how this game is supposed to be played... Shaft flex is matched to swing speed and has nothing to do with forgiveness).


So, to me, a game improvement driver would be one with an offset or weighting to give it draw or fade bias to compensate for golfers swing problems. Hey, maybe we could classify TM R7's in here since they have moveable weights to do the same thing. Nah... (Just kidding Ez, couldn't resist)....

[Rockford35]

Forgiving?

Cleveland HiBore
Callaway Big Bertha 460
Ping G2

R35

[ezra76]

Also I would add that having hit both quite a bit, a Hibore 10.5* would be equal to approximately an R7 quad 11.5*. It launches the ball pretty well.

If you are interested in a Hibore just say the word. Between my and Rock we could find a 10.5 with pretty much any shaft Golfworks or Golfsmith sells for under $100 for like $125.

[Rockford35]

Originally Posted by ezra76

Also I would add that having hit both quite a bit, a Hibore 10.5* would be equal to approximately an R7 quad 11.5*. It launches the ball pretty well.

If you are interested in a Hibore just say the word. Between my and Rock we could find a 10.5 with pretty much any shaft Golfworks or Golfsmith sells for under $100 for like $125.

Super easy. Lots around.

R35

[lildudejds]

the key is just to get one fitted to you that meets your EXACT requirments. Shaft flex, shaft length, ect.

[Bubble Head]

The fact that so many people are bringing up so many drivers tells me that I should just keep working on hitting the 10.5* r7 460 and 12* R540 that I have.

Just tell me to "shut up and hit."

[Rockford35]

Originally Posted by Bubble Head

The fact that so many people are bringing up so many drivers tells me that I should just keep working on hitting the 10.5* r7 460 and 12* R540 that I have.

Just tell me to "shut up and hit."

Or that. LOL.

R35

[chemboy2]

I don't think you're going to do much better than the r7 460 at 10.5*.

[MCDavis]

R580 XD or G5...both at 10.5º...these are easy to hit drivers. R580 XD is fairly cheap at $150 brand new retail.

That 12º R540 should also be pretty easy to hit.

[FKA19]

toss a good shaft into a 580xd and that club is a beast. it came out in 2003, and i have yet to hit a combo with a better balance of feel,accuracy, and distance than my 580xd with the ys6+ stiff.