My New Driver

[gatewrxing]

What's up everybody. Bought my first ever driver yesterday. When I picked up the game for "real" two years ago, I was told by most people to learn how to hit irons first then worry about Woods and a Driver. Since then I've added a 3 wood and a Hybrid, and finally a driver.

After doing some research I picked up a TaylorMade R580 XD 10.5 Degree Stiff Shaft. I know the shaft has gotten bad reviews but considering it's my first driver I'm going to learn to hit it and then mess with the shafts.

The original list when the club came out was 399.00 I believe, I got it brand new in it's shrink rap for 149.00. It was too hard to beat the price.


Furthermore, I tested a lot of new irons, I will be picking up a set as soon as my next paycheck comes through. I first narrowed it down to Callaway X-20s. Cobra FPs, and Cobra S9s. I liked them all but after hitting for a while eliminated the FPs, I thought these were the club for me at first, but just couldn't get any consistancy out of it. Then I demo'ed the other's for a while and after much scrutiny I think I'm going to order a set of the S9s. I know these are super game improvement, but considering I shoot in the low 100s most of the time, this seems like the best route. Anybody object to that? Feel free to steer me away if neccesary, the X-20s feel good, but I'm just not sure I want to part with the forgiveness that the S9s offer. Apparently they do pretty well with distance also....Anyway thanks guys!

[clemsonhacker]

if its the mas2 with the firm tip its a deccent shaft....

[warbirdlover]

R580 XD is the best bang for the buck!!

(Must not have tried Ping irons)

[Sandy]

Given the info about your game and your scores it sounds like you've made a great choice, especially having demoed several sets. The 580XD is often recommended on here as one of the best and most forgiving drivers TM have ever made, and going with the super-GI clubs sounds very sensible for the scores you're shooting. I play the older version of those clubs, the 3400I/XH, and shoot consistently in the low 90s with them, so they're easily good enough clubs for you to take your scores even lower.

[JEFF4i]

Very nice, and grats.

You're first driver, and some of us, not to name names (Ez, WBL, Rock) get one a week.

[Johnny Par]

Originally Posted by warbirdlover

(Must not have tried Ping irons)

Amen. I tested both Ping G5 and Rapture irons. Currently using Cobra S9's.

The FP and S9 irons are very light (must be the Nippon shafts). From my understanding, a lighter shaft will give you more distance but you give up a little in terms of accuracy. Other shottalkers, please correct me if I am wrong.

BUT, those S9's are soooooo easy to hit. that is, until I tried the Ping Rapture irons. All I can say is there is a set with my name on it coming from Ping within 3-4 weeks (I can't wait, arghhhhh!!!)

In the 11 months that I've played golf, here are the sets I've been through:

Mizuno MX 23 - too much for me, I needed forgiveness, these clubs weren't giving me enough. (got them cheap off eBay)

Mizuno MX 900 - nice forged club but I couldn't stand the look at address. These things were heavy. (very expensive)

Cobra S9 - MAXIMUM forgiveness but like I said above, you lose out on accuracy. (best bang for the buck, FP even better since they are cheaper)

Ping Rapture - to be cont'd.

Another thing that played a big role in my decision was where I saw my golf game in 10 years. I am 30, will probably be married within the next year. I will probably never play enough golf to the point where I need irons which will help me work the ball or shape shots (I am a weekend duffer / hacker). So at the end of the day, I need forgiving irons over better player irons. just my 2 cents.

[gatewrxing]

Thanks guys keep the info coming, so maybe I should try the Raptures?

Accuracy is important, but forgiveness is thee most important.


Can't wait to start hacking away with the driver....and yes its the MAS 2 65 -Stiff....


God this game is addicting....ughhh I need my paycheck I want Irons...grrr....

[Sandy]

Originally Posted by gatewrxing

Thanks guys keep the info coming, so maybe I should try the Raptures?

The Raptures will cost you nearly double what the Cobras would, of course. Rather than the X20s you should probably try the Big Bertha irons instead, although every review of them I've ever read has commented on them being shorter than their competitors in similar lofts. Meant to be as forgiving as they come though. Also try some of the Adams hybrid sets as they are great for higher handicappers.

If you want to save some money, look around for the Cobra 3400I/XHs that are very similar to the S9s in everything but looks, and are going new for under $500 these days in most of the big stores.

[Johnny Par]

Originally Posted by Sandy

The Raptures will cost you nearly double what the Cobras would, of course. Rather than the X20s you should probably try the Big Bertha irons instead, although every review of them I've ever read has commented on them being shorter than their competitors in similar lofts. Meant to be as forgiving as they come though. Also try some of the Adams hybrid sets as they are great for higher handicappers.

If you want to save some money, look around for the Cobra 3400I/XHs that are very similar to the S9s in everything but looks, and are going new for under $500 these days in most of the big stores.

Agreed. I was going to type something about cost but figured it would get too long and I didn't want to bore you guys.

But here goes nothing.

If you're going to buy a set of say, mid player irons or players irons that you can grow into, then by all means, go crazy since you'll probably be playing this set for years to come.

But if you want max forgiveness now but know that eventually as you play more and get better and devote a ton of time to golf, then buying a set of $1000 pings would probably make no sense becuase you will out grow the set in a couple years and you will want blades.

Again, this is just my own reasoning. It is different for everyone.

[Bravo]

Hi GWG:

You bought a great driver for the money. Good choice and stick with it.

As for game improvement irons, GO FOR IT! I've played for over 40 years and have a decent index and shamelessly use them. Don't let your ego get in the way of having lower scores...I know many low single digit players who use the most game improvement club they can get and they laugh all the way to the clubhouse when the bets are settled.

You're doing great so far...keep analyzing your choices and find what you like best....

[gatewrxing]

Yeah I think I am going to go with the S9s. I really think all this waivering will just lead me back there, and ultimately they're a club I really like and like you said won't let my ego in the way. Perhaps if I want more accuracy I will upgrade the shaft at somepoint. I'm sure if I get s9s now I will have them for 4+ years...


I've only tried the regular shaft, but what are everybody's thoughts on going with the stiff shaft s9s, even if you've never played them can anybody rationalize how this might change the way they shoot (forgiveness, accuracy, distance, etc?)

[Johnny Par]

From what I've heard, With stiff flex shafts, you will gain accuracy but give up some distance.Not sure if you would even be able to tell.


This might not be a problem since the lofts on the S9's are lower. For example, PW is 44*.

[SilverUberXeno]

If you have a stiff shaft in your driver, you might as well go stiff shafts for your irons, I would think. That is, if you got your swing speed checked when choosing the driver.

[gatewrxing]

Yeah I did, I think it was at about 99.7...but I'm not sure how acurate that was, I also used the gauge that I hit an 8 iron from 150 and hit my 7 iron about 160-165 on a clean fluid shot. I'm going to try and find a demo center that has the s9s with the stiff. We'll see from there.

[warbirdlover]

Forgiveness and accuracy go together. Player clubs (Mizzies) are harder to hit so are less accurate for average hackers (like me). The advantage to "players" clubs is being able to "work" the ball left or right. You've got to play alot to learn that.

I'm putting my Pings ON the pin in the last few weeks. What a great "feeling"!!!