Driver shoot off, thoughts and tidbits... - Shot Talk

Rockford35 · iTrader: (5) #1 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 01:42 AM

Ok, I had a go with all the drivers tonight. I was seriously on, headcold and everything. Stroking everything. (insert joke here).

First up, FT-3 Tour neutral 9.5*, NVS stiff, 45".

I really, really like this driver. It hits the ball a ton and goes straight with about a 3 yard draw. I feel like I could tag this with my eyes closed. I love how it sets up. It's 1* open, but sets square to my eye. It could be a driver I could throw in the closet, have an out of body experience, and still hit 290 on a bad day. Solid. 9/10.

Second was the newcomer, the Tour Edge Exotics 8* shafted with a new Rifle Saber Tour stiff, 45.5".

Well, 8* drivers and I were best friends a while back. Then I got wise, or stupid, or both, and went to a higher loft for accuracy. Oh how I miss the 8* loft. I was killing this thing! The head is beautiful, maybe my favorite out there. It's 1* open, and it is truly 1* open. The Saber shaft, for the $12 (yes, $12) I paid for it, it's truly outstanding. It kicks like a mule and comes back for a licking. It's very similar to the feel of the NVS, with a little stiffer butt section. I was averaging 300+ off the tee with this combo. Considering it was my first go at it, I was more than surprised. 9/10.

Thirdly was the eyesore

, the Geek Dot Com This 9* shafted with a Graman UL780 at 45.5".

I fell in love with this combo last week. I did it again this week. The face is at least 1.5* open, and shows it. You really have to force this thing to get it to go left. I love it. Straight bombs one after another. I could one hand this 290 I think. The only drawback, it's not as forgiving as the TEE or the FT-3. You have to hit it on the screws, or it's a huge block. For me, at least.

The Graman Limey could very well be the best shaft I have ever hit. Seriously, this thing is outstanding. I love the feel of the Graf Blue, Accuflex Evolutions, the NVS, and others, but this thing is really different. I thought of Ez and his struggles finding something, and thought this would definitely be up his alley based on descriptions of what he likes. I don't know how to describe it really, but it never backs down. It handles finesse shots and shapes things with ease. Matched with the DCT head, it's a fantastic combo. (Lyle, look for an order from my friend in the coming weeks. He averaged - get this - 304 yards carry over 18 swings. His ballspeeds were around 189, which is just insane. He currently plays a GBBII, which he can crank, but it's not as forgiving as the DCT, or the TEE, FT-3 as well.)

I gave this a 9/10 as well, only because it's not as forgiving. Otherwise, it's damn near perfect for me. And my friend. And damn near anyone else that has put these two together. Believe the hype.

Fire questions at will...

R35

**Sandpiper3** · iTrader: (0) #2 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 02:01 AM

Wow, sounds like your pretty set off the tee box there Rock.

The Limey, comparing to the nvs how is it? Considering trying one in my bridgestone j33. Which do you (or Lyle) advise to throw in there?

IrishGolfer · iTrader: (2) #3 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 04:32 AM

So what's going to be the gamer?

I am thinking of putting the UL540 into the TEE? I am getting a Geek from Lyle, just have to wait for it. Meantime I am think of throwing it into my #2 TEE and binning the NV shaft.

Getting excited just thinking about it (v. sad!!)

What's more forgiving, TEE or Cally?

**clemsonhacker** · iTrader: (0) #4 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 07:38 AM

great reviews....were did you get that Geek head from???

**Eracer** · iTrader: (7) #5 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 07:53 AM

So now you carry what, twenty-five clubs?

**warbirdlover** · iTrader: (0) #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 08:20 AM

Love your reviews Rock. Sounds like you have a super win/win lineup of drivers in your stable. Will be interesting which one wins the "in the bag" award at the end of the summer.

**VtDivot** · iTrader: (0) #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 08:22 AM

IG - I found the TEE to be more forgiving than the FT-3. Both are cannons

Rock - Sounds like you found a nice shaft in the Graman. Too bad about the color of the thing, maybe if it were a little less vivid I might try it.

**ezra76** · iTrader: (4) #8 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 08:52 AM

So TEE goes in the bag? I guess you'll have to see which one performs the best on the course... we'll be waiting for June 18th with much anticipation.

Rockford35 · iTrader: (5) #9 (**permalink**) 04-13-2007, 11:12 AM

Holy smokes. This is what happens when you show up to work late. Stupid slow drivers.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandpiper3

Wow, sounds like your pretty set off the tee box there Rock.

The Limey, comparing to the nvs how is it? Considering trying one in my bridgestone j33. Which do you (or Lyle) advise to throw in there?

The UL780 and the NVS are very similar, with the Limey being more stable through just about any type of swing. Soft, harsh, smooth, choppy. It really is consistent. If you liked the NVS Piper, I suggest the 780, easily....you'd love it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IrishGolfer

So what's going to be the gamer?

I am thinking of putting the UL540 into the TEE? I am getting a Geek from Lyle, just have to wait for it. Meantime I am think of throwing it into my #2 TEE and binning the NV shaft.

Getting excited just thinking about it (v. sad!!)

What's more forgiving, TEE or Cally?

The Tour Edge. The Cally is faster off the face, but the Exotics is more forgiving from heel to toe.

I have no idea at this point which is my gamer. None.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemsonhacker

great reviews....were did you get that Geek head from???

A guy named Lyle sold it to me...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eracer

So now you carry what, twenty-five clubs?

It's the offseason, yo. I can carry as many as I want as long as it's not in a CPGA sanctioned event...

Quote:

Originally Posted by warbirdlover

Love your reviews Rock. Sounds like you have a super win/win lineup of drivers in your stable. Will be interesting which one wins the "in the bag" award at the end of the summer.

I agree. Honestly, these might be the 3 most consistent drivers I have hit in a short span. I loved that TEE I hit last year with the Comp NT, and my Launcher. The HiBore Tour was stupid straight, but not as long as these. Which is fine, as being in the fairway is worth it's weight in gold.

I doubt I'll be hard set on something by June even.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VtDivot

IG - I found the TEE to be more forgiving than the FT-3. Both are cannons

Rock - Sounds like you found a nice shaft in the Graman. Too bad about the color of the thing, maybe if it were a little less vivid I might try it.

Patience. New colour being developed as I type this. They also have a Transition series, which is a black/cherry coke blend. There are some still available if you're interested...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezra76

So TEE goes in the bag? I guess you'll have to see which one performs the best on the course... we'll be waiting for June 18th with much anticipation.

June 18th? Ya, I guess that's about when things would be ironed out.

At this point, I have no plans to sell or ho any more drivers for some time.

But, that could be the Nyquil talking.....

R35