Offset Driver, why? For who? Your advice?

[Chas]

I am currently using a Titleist 983 K, 10.5, no offset. I am looking at the Ping G5 drivers. They, of course, are available in offset if so desired. Why would a golfer choose an offset driver? Is it usually a good choice, can't hurt, or, is it a bad decision to go with offset unless specificly needed? What would be the tell tale signs in a players game that indicate an offset would be helpful? Are offset drivers more common in average players than not? As for my irons, I am using a Titleist 762 set which seem to have the slightest of offset.

[ManchesterGolfer]

Originally Posted by Chas

I am currently using a Titleist 983 K, 10.5, no offset. I am looking at the Ping G5 drivers. They, of course, are available in offset if so desired. Why would a golfer choose an offset driver? Is it usually a good choice, can't hurt, or, is it a bad decision to go with offset unless specificly needed? What would be the tell tale signs in a players game that indicate an offset would be helpful? Are offset drivers more common in average players than not? As for my irons, I am using a Titleist 762 set which seem to have the slightest of offset.

An Offset driver is designed to help eliminate a slice. IMO if you have a fade/slice problem then an offset driver looks & performs better than a toed in/closed face one. The offset driver has a nice square face just offset so if you slice try one.

[Crossfire]

Exactly what manchester said, However it really depends on your game. If your a guy who like to go out, have fun, really doesnt care about getting much better, then sure offset will make the game more enjoyable. If your somebody who just took up golf, not sure how far you want to take it, then no. Its basically putting a bandaid on a broken arm. Good swings dont slice, if you want to progress at this game, you should try and fix the problems, sooner of later you may end up going on the opposite end of the spectrum and grabbing a tour driver, with a slightly open face.

[ManchesterGolfer]

Agreed CrossFire, but to be fair if you have an ok swing with a slight fade already the offset can turn that into a draw adding distance with out any swing changes.

[Nupe2]

Here's my situation: At one point, I could really hit the driver pretty well. However, I am now hitting a slice at least 80% of the time. I have a G2 and some say that it produces a slice if not hit exactly right. I don't know about that but I've taken lessons, worked to improve my swing but just can's seem to get rid of the slice. I'm looking at the TaylorMade draw driver as a possible solution. I'm also thinking about keeping the Ping. Is the draw biased driver a good choice for someone like me?

[Crossfire]

Depends, looking to take your game to the next level? If so, i'd say no, and keep working at it. No driver "makes" the ball slice, its just either coming over the top, or an open clubface. For me, i tend to push slice alot of 460cc drivers, Im not 100% sure what size the G2 is, but maybe a smaller headed driver will help you turn over. I really hate to reccomend an offset driver to anybody except a weekend warrior, I started out slicing the ball, and within a month of working at it, I can now hit the draw, fade, everything. The only problem, is now i have something much worse then a slice, a hook. There are many things you can try before going to a bandaid club, and it seems you wan to progress by taking lessons and such, so i cant really say i reccomend it for you.

[Nupe2]

Originally Posted by Crossfire

Depends, looking to take your game to the next level? If so, i'd say no, and keep working at it. No driver "makes" the ball slice, its just either coming over the top, or an open clubface. For me, i tend to push slice alot of 460cc drivers, Im not 100% sure what size the G2 is, but maybe a smaller headed driver will help you turn over. I really hate to reccomend an offset driver to anybody except a weekend warrior, I started out slicing the ball, and within a month of working at it, I can now hit the draw, fade, everything. The only problem, is now i have something much worse then a slice, a hook. There are many things you can try before going to a bandaid club, and it seems you wan to progress by taking lessons and such, so i cant really say i reccomend it for you.

Thanks for the info. I've read that the TaylorMades are naturally draw biased. Is that so? If so, would it make sense to try one of those out versus the G2? It wouldn't be strictly a draw driver but might provide a confidence builder while I work out the kinks in my swing.

[Crossfire]

Honestly, most drivers today are draw biased, even if not advertised. Almost every new club out has a 1*-3* closed face, only a few drivers are still open or even square. Personally, i find the heavier a club, the easier to control everything. Do you slice your fw's? If you want straight straight straight, i'd say get an old generation Hibore, (much like the one i have for sale ), or any of the new box looking drivers are retardedly straight. However, there are many deals to be found, I know titleist drivers 905t, and 905s are both now around $200, a great club with some great stock shafts. There is a chance you also have the wrong shaft flex, The norm is if it is too stiff, you will hit slices, and too soft, you will balloon the ball. I am the opposite, I hit slices with shafts too soft, and well, havent found a shaft too stiff. If your looking into a driver, do yourself a favor, and get on launch monitor at a trusted shop. The place here charges $50 to use it and then it goes to your purchase if you buy from them, But i have paid the 50 dollars and bought online before just to be "fitted".

[Nupe2]

Originally Posted by Crossfire

Honestly, most drivers today are draw biased, even if not advertised. Almost every new club out has a 1*-3* closed face, only a few drivers are still open or even square. Personally, i find the heavier a club, the easier to control everything. Do you slice your fw's? If you want straight straight straight, i'd say get an old generation Hibore, (much like the one i have for sale ), or any of the new box looking drivers are retardedly straight. However, there are many deals to be found, I know titleist drivers 905t, and 905s are both now around $200, a great club with some great stock shafts. There is a chance you also have the wrong shaft flex, The norm is if it is too stiff, you will hit slices, and too soft, you will balloon the ball. I am the opposite, I hit slices with shafts too soft, and well, havent found a shaft too stiff. If your looking into a driver, do yourself a favor, and get on launch monitor at a trusted shop. The place here charges $50 to use it and then it goes to your purchase if you buy from them, But i have paid the 50 dollars and bought online before just to be "fitted".

Thanks again Crossfire. I think the launch monitor is the way to go. If I'm going to get better I need to use the right tools. I'm convinced that a proper fit is the way to go. I think I'll take a ride tomorrow to a good golf shop and get checked out.

[HighTopFade]

Don't get an offset driver if you pull the ball.

[Greydawg]

DISCLAIMER!!!!
As a beginner myself I have NO business offering advice to anybody...

Having said that I'll share my experience with you, ok?

My coach suggested a Cobra F-speed driver to me.
I went to Dicks Sporting Goods to try one on the simulator.
First I hit about a dozen balls with my Ram driver.
The guy there handed me an M-speed driver.
(I believe it has 3* of offset.)
Said it would match my swing speed better.
The results were amazing!
Straighter shots, less ball spin, and longer yardage.

Going in I told him that I wasn't going to buy a driver that day,
just wanted to try one out.
He was fine with that and let me use the simulator for free!
Maybe you could try a "Dicks" in your area.

I was able to get a brand new set of Cobra irons and M-speed driver on Ebay, then off to the driving range I go.
I stood there for a couple of minutes with my new driver in hand,
anticipating my first beautiful drive with my brand new driver...
SLICE!!!!!!!!!
Well, so much for the
"Anti Slice Device"!!!

I have to agree with the vetern players here that it's probably a case of,
"The Indian behind the arrow"!!!

However I find if I get my "hip turn", (my biggest problem), on my backswing and a full follow through, I can hit the ball pretty straight.

Is it the club?
I don't know.
My driving has improved dramatically though.
I'll use this driver this upcoming season and see what happens.

This info may not be much use to you,
but at least I got to practice my typing skills!!!!

[FKA19]

Originally Posted by Greydawg

DISCLAIMER!!!!
As a beginner myself I have NO business offering advice to anybody...

Having said that I'll share my experience with you, ok?

My coach suggested a Cobra F-speed driver to me.
I went to Dicks Sporting Goods to try one on the simulator.
First I hit about a dozen balls with my Ram driver.
The guy there handed me an M-speed driver.
(I believe it has 3* of offset.)
Said it would match my swing speed better.
The results were amazing!
Straighter shots, less ball spin, and longer yardage.

Going in I told him that I wasn't going to buy a driver that day,
just wanted to try one out.
He was fine with that and let me use the simulator for free!
Maybe you could try a "Dicks" in your area.

I was able to get a brand new set of Cobra irons and M-speed driver on Ebay, then off to the driving range I go.
I stood there for a couple of minutes with my new driver in hand,
anticipating my first beautiful drive with my brand new driver...
SLICE!!!!!!!!!
Well, so much for the
"Anti Slice Device"!!!

I have to agree with the vetern players here that it's probably a case of,
"The Indian behind the arrow"!!!

However I find if I get my "hip turn", (my biggest problem), on my backswing and a full follow through, I can hit the ball pretty straight.

Is it the club?
I don't know.
My driving has improved dramatically though.
I'll use this driver this upcoming season and see what happens.

This info may not be much use to you,
but at least I got to practice my typing skills!!!!

did you get the same shaft (model and stiffness) as the one you demo'd in the sim?

[Greydawg]

Originally Posted by 19handicap

did you get the same shaft (model and stiffness) as the one you demo'd in the sim?

Yes sir,
The Aldila 50g, reg. flex, low kick shaft.
(110-140 mph ball speed.)

Quite honestly, I don't really know what all that means but,
for my level of experience this club is working out pretty well for me,
for now.
Hopefully in time my game will improve and perhaps I will need to upgrade(?), and won't have to depend on an offset driver.
But for now it works.