Looking for a new driver

[Fuzz]

For the golfers out there, need a little assistance. My old driver (Ben Hogan CS3) needs replacing and I'm wondering drivers I should consider. The Hoges was a good driver (10.5^o, regular flex Aldila NV shaft), but it has suffered a lot of punishment (to say I'm a poor golfer is an understatement).

Any recommendations on drivers that you've used and found beneficial to the hacker player would be appreciated.

[Guest rob]

Mate, it depends on a few things, but namely your swing / club head speed / angle of attack etc...

Most of the reputable name brands will produce a product that will suit you, however being club fit to you to get the correct loft, shaft type, and bias will help you produce a more optimal ball speed, spin rate and ball flight.

Have a club fitter set you up is my recommendation. There is nothing quite as beneficial to your confidence as being able to pull driver from your bag and rely on it to keep you in play and set you up for the rest of the hole.

[Guest rob]

By the way, I use a Ping G20 with a Speeder S shaft. There were far more expensive clubs available, however this club set up was great for me.

[dicko]

I agree with Rob, get fitted.

I use a Taylormade burner. It's a slightly longer shaft which works for me as I have short arms for my height. I would crouch ever so slightly into my swing to "reach" the ball.

[Fuzz]

I'd get fitted...if I ever swung the club the same way twice!

I agree with Rob, get fitted.

I use a Taylormade burner. It's a slightly longer shaft which works for me as I have short arms for my height. I would crouch ever so slightly into my swing to "reach" the ball.

Looked at the Burner when it first came out, damn thing is nearly as long as I am tall!

[TheBaron]

Fuzz, I've tested the new Callaway Bertha Alpha which lands here Feb 14. Pretty bloody awesome. In reality, a lot depends on your budget mate. If you're thinking secondhand or old stock, I'd stick with a Callaway X-Hot or original Taylormade Rocketballz (that thing was out of this world).

For what it's worth, I work in the industry (golf magazine) and I've found that Adams Golf makes the most consistently brilliant drivers of them all.

I gave away my Speedline to a mate for a TaylorMade RBZ2 - biggest mistake of my life! If you're not obsessed with having a big name driver, have a look at the latest Exotics XCG - had a hit with it prior to Christmas and it impressed me no end. Clean, long and the sound off the face is pure. Pretty good bang for your buck.

The new Mizuno JPX-EZ (launched last October) is equally impressive. In fact, it's the best driver Mizuno has made in my opinion.

No matter what you end up getting, remember, all the technology in the world can't polish a ****!

Best of luck.

PS - PM me once you've decided what you want and I'll 'help out'.

[Surucipe]

From my experience the most important thing is to get fitted correctly. All the rest is just your own personal preference (brand, looks,...). Most brands offer pretty much the same things at the end of the day, so go with what calls to you and get properly fitted. Just my opinion.

[Ghabanos]

Fuzz - I'd say get fitted too, but I am a hacker, so I can also say this....and some will probably rip my head off for saying this, but

it doesnt really matter also that much because you are a hacker. all top of the line drivers - larger head size will probably do the same job. just look for one that is most forgiving and beautiful to your eye...

I play the titleist 913 D2 all stock - stiff shaft. I did get fitted and everything ended up being stock. unless you have a ridiculously slow old man swing, i'd say most will do the trick. speaking as a hacker of course.

I played with mine for a year and love it. looking at acquiring may the big bertha - technology looks enticing. I have also heard many good things about the Cobra Amp Cell Pro and the Bio Cell....

[superconductor71]

I'm a bit of a hacker myself, but I have to second the Ping G20. Very forgiving club and my game took a noticable turn for the better upon using it (even if my swing didn't improve too much).

I will also agree with taking lessons, and getting fitted.....those things are no-brainers.....but the G20 did help a hacker like me

~Drew

[mf83]

One thing I'd say is when you're testing clubs not to change your swing to accommodate the club. If after 5 or so swings it's not working then it's not gonna. Also try drivers with shafts that are shorter, I use a driver that's 45 inches and it's grand.

[TheBaron]

For the record, fitting clubs is a bit of a gimmick. At least it is for the hack golfer. If you can't repeat your swing consistently then you're getting specs for a swing you can't replicate all that often.

For the pros it's a no-brainier but for the average golfer it can be a bit of marketing brainwashing. (I know of a large retailer who uses clubfitting and tweaks results to push buyers into clubs with the biggest margin for them. Unethical swines.)

Guess we all like to think we've got pro-like technology in our games, even if it we can capitialise on it.

[CigarB]

I play the Titleist 913 D2 and had a solid year driving the ball. I was apprehensive at first with Titleist, thinking it's more for low handicappers. With the adjustability I found the setting that worked for me and it's super forgiving. I would recommend putting it on your list to try.

[Fuzz]

Thanks guys, appreciate the advice.

Will be heading off to the golf store to try a few clubs.

[Fuzz]

Anyone have any experience with the brand MD Golf? Never heard of it before. A mate bought an MD gap wedge a few days ago. Really nice milled face and, according to him, can put a good deal of spin on the ball.

[El Presidente]

Concentrate on getting the right club head that suits you.

By the time they fit the shaft for you.....there won't be much shaft left

[Fuzz]

Concentrate on getting the right club head that suits you.

By the time they fit the shaft for you.....there won't be much shaft left

Hey! I know I'm short, but I'm not that short!!

[srsMichael]

Taylormade SLDR

/thread

[Ken Gargett]

i assumed your chauffeur had quit.

[Guest rob]

For the record, fitting clubs is a bit of a gimmick.

Ball flight, distance, feel and forgiveness don't lie.

Whilst there is the argument of lack of repeatedly in a hackers swing - there are still inherit characteristics swing mechanics that are at work when playing.

[Chargerfan]

Ive teated every driver out there, other than some of the new 2014 stuff, and the G25 was by far the highest launching, longest of them all. Now that some of the new stuff is rolling in, you can find some good deals.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[PatrickJ]

I've got a Ping G25 10.5(+/- 1* loft) w/TFC 189 regular shaft just collecting dust.

PM sent.

[KoreanCowboy]

To everyone that says getting fitted is a waste of time for a hacker, you're dead wrong. The hacker is someone who would benefit MOST from being fitted. A pro is a pro for a reason. They have a nearly perfect swing and EVERY club will work well from them. A club fitting is most beneficial for someone that misses the sweet spot. The right shaft and club head will assist you by making your mishits more forgiving. Something that a pro doesn't need because they seldom miss the sweet spot. Go get fitted! It's the absolute best thing you can spend your money on and is generally free when you buy a club from the fitter. Read this article from 2009. It's probably more pertinent now with the advances in the clubs. http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2009-09/new_looks_club_fitting

As for a driver, I like the Ping G25 because of the forgiveness without much loss of distance. If you're going for pure distance I'd lean toward the Cobra Amp Cell. That face is like a trampoline but your club fitter will give you the best club for you.

[hounser]

As for a driver, I like the Ping G25 because of the forgiveness without much loss of distance. If you're going for pure distance I'd lean toward the Cobra Amp Cell. That face is like a trampoline but your club fitter will give you the best club for you.

Agreed on all. The G25 is an excellent driver, didn't have the numbers for me though. I am partial to Cobra and the Amp Cell is an absolute bomber, extra long for me but I ended up going with a Taylormade R1, for me (with a couple adjustments) the numbers were head and shoulders above the rest.

[KoreanCowboy]

Agreed on all. The G25 is an excellent driver, didn't have the numbers for me though. I am partial to Cobra and the Amp Cell is an absolute bomber, extra long for me but I ended up going with a Taylormade R1, for me (with a couple adjustments) the numbers were head and shoulders above the rest.

The R1 was actually best for me too, but I just won't buy Taylormade. I actually love the feel of the Taylormade when you hit the sweet spot. It's like you don't really feel the ball but it just goes. For some reason my dad has always disliked them and it has just stuck with me. So, the G25 was second best when I took into account the forgiveness of mishits.

[FCUBUCK]

To everyone that says getting fitted is a waste of time for a hacker, you're dead wrong. The hacker is someone who would benefit MOST from being fitted. A pro is a pro for a reason. They have a nearly perfect swing and EVERY club will work well from them. A club fitting is most beneficial for someone that misses the sweet spot. The right shaft and club head will assist you by making your mishits more forgiving. Something that a pro doesn't need because they seldom miss the sweet spot. Go get fitted! It's the absolute best thing you can spend your money on and is generally free when you buy a club from the fitter. Read this article from 2009. It's probably more pertinent now with the advances in the clubs. http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2009-09/new_looks_club_fitting

As for a driver, I like the Ping G25 because of the forgiveness without much loss of distance. If you're going for pure distance I'd lean toward the Cobra Amp Cell. That face is like a trampoline but your club fitter will give you the best club for you.

Agree 100%. The Pro who fitted me last year said he can do more for a high handicapper than a scratch golfer. I tend to believe him. If you can find an outdoor Trackman in your area it is well worth doing. Go into your fitting with an open mind to whatever the Data says is best for you. Don't fall in love with a club because someone told you its good. The data will tell you what's best for you. Use the technology to your advantage.

I bought a Titleist 913 D3 and love it.