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Date: 28 Feb 2007 08:49:43
From: Tom Yost
Subject: Time for a New Driver?
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So after being consistently outdriven by two 70-year-olds this past
Sunday, I've come to the conclusion it it time to buy a new driver
(hey, couldn't be my skill, must be the EQUIPMENT!!)
I'm currently using a 10 year old Taylor Made Burner, Bubble shaft,
steel head. Looks like a 5 wood compared to the new gia-mondo "Fred
Flintstone" clubs being used these days.
Problem is, I'm such a cheap bastard, I can't bring myself to spend
$300+ for the latest and greatest, preferring to buy last year's
latest and greatest for considerable discount.
I see in the Taylor Made line, the following choices:
R7 $300
R5 $200
R580XD $150
All have 440-460 cc titanium heads and graphite shafts.
- Can anyone characterize the differences between the three.. i.e.
What am I giving up by going with the R5 or R580 vs. the R7?
- Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
Thanks!
Tom
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Date: 01 Mar 2007 17:23:50
From: SKIPPER
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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"Tom K" <tkani...@optonline.net > wrote:
> At the recent golf show in New Jersey, one of the long drive pros was saying
> that it's the technology in the Shafts the past 3 years that has made the
> biggest difference. He said if the shaft in your driver is older than 3
> years, it's time to modernize.
There's a sucker born every minute.
The difference, distance-wise, occurred when the COR rule was
instituted
in 2002.
Accuracy has been largely limited by the clubhead volume rule in
2004.
Shafts have not added anything to the club except a slight weight
reduction in over 3 decades. A spring is a spring is a spring.
-PA
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Date: 01 Mar 2007 09:44:43
From: Bill H.
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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On 1, 7:51 am, "Tom K" <tkani...@optonline.net > wrote:
> "Otto" <ottondebREMOVE%$#%^%$@@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> He said if the shaft in your driver is older than 3 years, it's time to modernize.
> --Tom
I bet he also had a corporate sponsorship with a company that makes
shafts. He'll probably say whatever's in his contract.
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Date: 01 Mar 2007 09:41:27
From: Bill H.
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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On Feb 28, 7:49 am, Tom Yost <t...@nospamme.com > wrote:
> So after being consistently outdriven by two 70-year-olds this past
> Sunday, I've come to the conclusion it it time to buy a new driver
> (hey, couldn't be my skill, must be the EQUIPMENT!!)
>
> I'm currently using a 10 year old Taylor Made Burner, Bubble shaft,
> steel head. Looks like a 5 wood compared to the new gia-mondo "Fred
> Flintstone" clubs being used these days.
>
> Problem is, I'm such a cheap bastard, I can't bring myself to spend
> $300+ for the latest and greatest, preferring to buy last year's
> latest and greatest for considerable discount.
>
> I see in the Taylor Made line, the following choices:
> R7 $300
> R5 $200
> R580XD $150
>
> All have 440-460 cc titanium heads and graphite shafts.
>
> - Can anyone characterize the differences between the three.. i.e.
> What am I giving up by going with the R5 or R580 vs. the R7?
>
> - Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
>
> Thanks!
> Tom
FWIW, I've got a 580XD with a Grafalloy shaft. I like it pretty
well. When my swing is working, I hit it long and straight. When
it's not, I still hit it pretty long, but straight it is not.
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Date: 01 Mar 2007 08:09:06
From: Tom Yost
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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Thanks everyone for your advice.
I think a trip to the local Golfsmith store is in my future. Should be
interesting to see what the "launch monitor" tells me.
(Tom swings... red light flashes... display reads: "TAKE LESSONS")
This brings to mind one of the recent Bud Lite Real Men of Genius
commercials, a salute to Mr. Really Big Golf Club Maker:
"Shanks, duffs, bananna balls, and worm burners... we can't break 100
and we're pretty sure it's the equipment's fault..."
Tom
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Date: 28 Feb 2007 21:53:00
From: Tom K
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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Take the $15 dollar club building course at Golfsmith and then BUILD your
own driver from components. You can get a great Harrison Striper J graphite
shaft for under $40. It's an excellent shaft for 460 cc drivers. Pick out
a component head... and rock and roll.
a) it's fun.
b) it's cheap.
--Tom
"Tom Yost" <tom@nospamme.com > wrote in message
news:7c8bu2lmpdlpe35asatfl6ociaubl42ijs@4ax.com...
> So after being consistently outdriven by two 70-year-olds this past
> Sunday, I've come to the conclusion it it time to buy a new driver
> (hey, couldn't be my skill, must be the EQUIPMENT!!)
>
> I'm currently using a 10 year old Taylor Made Burner, Bubble shaft,
> steel head. Looks like a 5 wood compared to the new gia-mondo "Fred
> Flintstone" clubs being used these days.
>
> Problem is, I'm such a cheap bastard, I can't bring myself to spend
> $300+ for the latest and greatest, preferring to buy last year's
> latest and greatest for considerable discount.
>
> I see in the Taylor Made line, the following choices:
> R7 $300
> R5 $200
> R580XD $150
>
> All have 440-460 cc titanium heads and graphite shafts.
>
> - Can anyone characterize the differences between the three.. i.e.
> What am I giving up by going with the R5 or R580 vs. the R7?
>
> - Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
>
>
>
>
> Thanks!
> Tom
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Date: 01 Mar 2007 02:01:35
From: Faz
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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Tom - I also was using a Taylormade "Burner" that came in last off the tee.
I went out and purchased the R5 Taylormade and what a difference. I'm
probably averaging 20 to 50 yards longer and no longer sucking the hind end.
I was so impressed that I bought a R5 - 5 wood to use off the fairway and it
has become a complete joy to use. I am 64 years young again and now looking
for a R5 - 3 wood. I found that this club (R5) whwn you hit it the correct
way goes forever. That's my view and I'm sticking to it.
Best Regards.
"Tom Yost" <tom@nospamme.com > wrote in message
news:7c8bu2lmpdlpe35asatfl6ociaubl42ijs@4ax.com...
> So after being consistently outdriven by two 70-year-olds this past
> Sunday, I've come to the conclusion it it time to buy a new driver
> (hey, couldn't be my skill, must be the EQUIPMENT!!)
>
> I'm currently using a 10 year old Taylor Made Burner, Bubble shaft,
> steel head. Looks like a 5 wood compared to the new gia-mondo "Fred
> Flintstone" clubs being used these days.
>
> Problem is, I'm such a cheap bastard, I can't bring myself to spend
> $300+ for the latest and greatest, preferring to buy last year's
> latest and greatest for considerable discount.
>
> I see in the Taylor Made line, the following choices:
> R7 $300
> R5 $200
> R580XD $150
>
> All have 440-460 cc titanium heads and graphite shafts.
>
> - Can anyone characterize the differences between the three.. i.e.
> What am I giving up by going with the R5 or R580 vs. the R7?
>
> - Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
>
>
>
>
> Thanks!
> Tom
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Date: 28 Feb 2007 17:09:22
From: WW
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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On Feb 28, 7:48 pm, Rob Davis <davis....@verizon.net > wrote:
> WW wrote:
> > Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
>
> > NO! I've bought a bunch, tried a bunch. You might get 20 yrds @ best.
> > Buy something used @ ebay & get lessons instead.
>
> Jezz ... you don't think 20 yds is a significant difference ??!! I'd
> take that in a heartbeat 8^). I'm not sure I actually saw that much
> improvement (but maybe close to that) ... but I still think there's a
> pretty big difference between the smaller heads from 7-10 years ago
> (like the Burner I belive the OP was talking about and my old Orli)
> and some of the recent vintage 400+cc heads. It's even more noticeable
> on off-center hits. But YMMV ...
Yes, 20 yds is a significant difference. If it was 20 yrds on an iron
I'de buy a new set next week. If I could get that 20+ on my 2ND shot
that would be worth it. But my finding is if I hit a monster drive
20-30 yds more it doesn't make a difference. I'll fuck it up anyway w/
my next shot anyway & it doesnt translate to less strokes.
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Date: 28 Feb 2007 21:59:02
From: Tom K
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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"WW" <dirtymm@msn.com > wrote in message
news:1172711362.364244.180920@k78g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> On Feb 28, 7:48 pm, Rob Davis <davis....@verizon.net> wrote:
>> WW wrote:
>> > Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
>>
>> > NO! I've bought a bunch, tried a bunch. You might get 20 yrds @ best.
>> > Buy something used @ ebay & get lessons instead.
>>
>> Jezz ... you don't think 20 yds is a significant difference ??!! I'd
>> take that in a heartbeat 8^). I'm not sure I actually saw that much
>> improvement (but maybe close to that) ... but I still think there's a
>> pretty big difference between the smaller heads from 7-10 years ago
>> (like the Burner I belive the OP was talking about and my old Orli)
>> and some of the recent vintage 400+cc heads. It's even more noticeable
>> on off-center hits. But YMMV ...
>
> Yes, 20 yds is a significant difference. If it was 20 yrds on an iron
> I'de buy a new set next week. If I could get that 20+ on my 2ND shot
> that would be worth it. But my finding is if I hit a monster drive
> 20-30 yds more it doesn't make a difference. I'll fuck it up anyway w/
> my next shot anyway & it doesnt translate to less strokes.
>
>
It should translate to less strokes. Particularly when the added distance
puts you in a different category of irons (long vs. mid. vs. short)...
Instad of hitting a 6 iron... you can be hitting an 8 iron for some second
shots. Many people are a lot more accurate with short irons than mid.
irons.
--Tom
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Date: 28 Feb 2007 12:48:36
From: WW
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
NO! I've bought a bunch, tried a bunch. You might get 20 yrds @ best.
Buy something used @ ebay & get lessons instead.
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Date: 01 Mar 2007 00:48:29
From: Rob Davis
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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WW wrote:
> Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
>
> NO! I've bought a bunch, tried a bunch. You might get 20 yrds @ best.
> Buy something used @ ebay & get lessons instead.
>
Jezz ... you don't think 20 yds is a significant difference ??!! I'd
take that in a heartbeat 8^). I'm not sure I actually saw that much
improvement (but maybe close to that) ... but I still think there's a
pretty big difference between the smaller heads from 7-10 years ago
(like the Burner I belive the OP was talking about and my old Orli)
and some of the recent vintage 400+cc heads. It's even more noticeable
on off-center hits. But YMMV ...
Rob
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Date: 28 Feb 2007 23:51:57
From: Otto
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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Depends how old your current one is.
I went from 1972 to 2006 and it made a difference.
The rest of the clubs made no difference.
My guess is if your driver is less than 10 years old and properly fitted it
would be a waste of money to upgrade.
Put some new grips on the old one.
Otto
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Date: 01 Mar 2007 10:51:05
From: Tom K
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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"Otto" <ottondebREMOVE%$#%^%$@@bellsouth.net > wrote in message
news:wZsFh.5$I9.1@bignews7.bellsouth.net...
> Depends how old your current one is.
>
> I went from 1972 to 2006 and it made a difference.
>
> The rest of the clubs made no difference.
>
> My guess is if your driver is less than 10 years old and properly fitted
> it
> would be a waste of money to upgrade.
>
> Put some new grips on the old one.
>
> Otto
At the recent golf show in New Jersey, one of the long drive pros was saying
that it's the technology in the Shafts the past 3 years that has made the
biggest difference. He said if the shaft in your driver is older than 3
years, it's time to modernize.
--Tom
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Date: 28 Feb 2007 18:16:16
From: Rob Davis
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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I bought a used TaylorMade R540XD several months ago. Got it used at a
Golfsmith for just over $100, and would highly recommend it (or the the
R580XD, pretty similar I think). I hit the R7 at the same time, with
almost identical results in the simulator they had.
Yes, IMHO you should see a definite improvement. I was previously using
an older Orli driver with a smaller head, and I believe I get better
oerall distance, distance on off-center hits, and direction.
I would recommend that you try to get fit, or at least try several
different drivers on a simulator. That's what I did at Golfsmith and
there were pretty noticeable differences ... especially in terms of the
shaft and the loft of the driver. I assumed (with my modest distances)
that I would want a "regular" flex shaft, but the one I hit the best had
a Graffalloy "stiff" shaft ... go figure. I believe a machine that shows
launch angle and spin rate (as well as showing distance/direction) is
especially useful ... you want something in the neighborhood of 12* and
2500rpm (give or take), and that should translate into good
trajectory/distance.
Rob
Tom Yost wrote:
> So after being consistently outdriven by two 70-year-olds this past
> Sunday, I've come to the conclusion it it time to buy a new driver
> (hey, couldn't be my skill, must be the EQUIPMENT!!)
>
> I'm currently using a 10 year old Taylor Made Burner, Bubble shaft,
> steel head. Looks like a 5 wood compared to the new gia-mondo "Fred
> Flintstone" clubs being used these days.
>
> Problem is, I'm such a cheap bastard, I can't bring myself to spend
> $300+ for the latest and greatest, preferring to buy last year's
> latest and greatest for considerable discount.
>
> I see in the Taylor Made line, the following choices:
> R7 $300
> R5 $200
> R580XD $150
>
> All have 440-460 cc titanium heads and graphite shafts.
>
> - Can anyone characterize the differences between the three.. i.e.
> What am I giving up by going with the R5 or R580 vs. the R7?
>
> - Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
>
>
>
>
> Thanks!
> Tom
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Date: 28 Feb 2007 12:41:04
From: David Geesaman
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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Tom Yost wrote:
> - Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
Yes, you will see a little more pop when you hit the sweetspot. When
you don't hit the sweetspot, you'll also lose less pop.
Of the clubs you listed, buy the cheapest or buy a 1-3 year old
top-of-the-line model. There haven't been any substantial performance
changes since about 2002, and your current driver does predate that.
Dave
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Date: 28 Feb 2007 10:00:40
From: Lloyd Parsons
Subject: Re: Time for a New Driver?
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In article <7c8bu2lmpdlpe35asatfl6ociaubl42ijs@4ax.com >,
Tom Yost <tom@nospamme.com > wrote:
> So after being consistently outdriven by two 70-year-olds this past
> Sunday, I've come to the conclusion it it time to buy a new driver
> (hey, couldn't be my skill, must be the EQUIPMENT!!)
>
> I'm currently using a 10 year old Taylor Made Burner, Bubble shaft,
> steel head. Looks like a 5 wood compared to the new gia-mondo "Fred
> Flintstone" clubs being used these days.
>
> Problem is, I'm such a cheap bastard, I can't bring myself to spend
> $300+ for the latest and greatest, preferring to buy last year's
> latest and greatest for considerable discount.
>
> I see in the Taylor Made line, the following choices:
> R7 $300
> R5 $200
> R580XD $150
>
> All have 440-460 cc titanium heads and graphite shafts.
>
> - Can anyone characterize the differences between the three.. i.e.
> What am I giving up by going with the R5 or R580 vs. the R7?
>
> - Anyone honestly think I will see an improvement from my old driver ?
>
>
>
>
> Thanks!
> Tom
I can't speak to the difference in useage and results, but R7s are all
over the place at $199. I just ordered mine from Edwin Watts...
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