Driver recommendation?

**shortstop20** · March 6, 2009

I'm looking for a new driver because the Dunlop I have is almost prehistoric and well, it's just time for something new. My friend has a Titleist 975J 9.5*, not sure what shaft or stiffness(I think it's a stiff) but I hit 4 balls with it and liked the feel of it.

I'm a 90 shooter or so, last spring I was about a 100 shooter and I'm hoping to get down between 80 and 85 this year. My typical ball flight is a low trajectory straight shot or fade. His 975J definitely launches the ball higher which I really like, it no doubt gives me more yardage. A club with a straight/draw bias and high trajectory would be best for me I think.

I was also reading reviews on the 983 series of Titleist drivers and they seem pretty good too. I really like how those era Titleist drivers line up at address, although I'm not against any other model or brand that feels similar to the 975 and 983's. I'm on a budget though, not really looking to spend more than $50-75. I feel that I could spend the money that I save by buying a cheaper driver more wisely on range balls, greens fees and lessons to get better.

Suggestions?

How much does it cost typically to get a shaft fit to a driver? Just in case the shaft isn't for me.

EDIT: After doing a little reading it seems the YS-6 shaft is the preferred shaft among mid handicappers for the 983 series? What do you guys think? Is that shaft available for the 975 as well(and is it the preferred shaft for the 975?).

**jrwingate6** · March 6, 2009

If you would like to get your trajectory higher then I can honestly say a Taylormade burner get's the ball up high. So much so that I had to go with the tour version and put a 75 gram X-Stiff shaft made for lowering your trajectory. If your swing speed is less than 105, you won't have any problem ballooning the ball like I did. The reason why the Burner raises trajectory is because of the stock 55 gram shaft and it's low kick point. Try it out and see what it does for your ball flight.

**shortstop20** · March 6, 2009

The closest golf shop is 100 miles away, they don't carry "old" clubs and it seems they just wants to sell $300 drivers and I don't have the money for that so I'm basically at the mercy of online reviews and trying out friend's clubs when choosing a new club.

I definitely need something that will give me a higher trajectory.

From what I am reading it seems that the general concencus is that Titleist drivers are not as forgiving as the other brands.

I am really not a fan of the 460cc drivers, I think something like a 425cc R7 is about the biggest my eyes can look at without cringing.

What driver would you recommend for under $75 that promotes a high ball flight, straight or draw bias for a 90 shooter?

**jrwingate6** · March 6, 2009

For starters, go with a 10.5 or and 11 degree driver. I see your using a 9.5 right now so that could be one of the problems. I would also look for drivers with shafts on the lighter side, around 60 grams. That's basically all the info I can give and that recipe should defiantly raise your trajectory.

**TyCobb** · March 6, 2009

http://www.gppgolf.com/gppg/content/...productId=2538

**shortstop20** · March 6, 2009

For starters, go with a 10.5 or and 11 degree driver. I see your using a 9.5 right now so that could be one of the problems. I would also look for drivers with shafts on the lighter side, around 60 grams. That's basically all the info I can give and that recipe should defiantly raise your trajectory.

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. How can I find out the shaft weight if it's not listed on the description of the club? Just go to the shaft maker's website?

http://www.gppgolf.com/gppg/content/...productId=2538

I'm not looking for a 460cc driver.

**jrwingate6** · March 6, 2009

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. How can I find out the shaft weight if it's not listed on the description of the club? Just go to the shaft maker's website?

If you get it on ebay, just ask the seller. If you order it through a website it will usually have that information under the club description. If not then either call or email the company your thinking about buying it from and ask them.

**LBlack14** · March 6, 2009

I've got just the driver for the right price in the Fleamarket for ya.

**Hidalgo** · March 6, 2009

I was also reading reviews on the 983 series of Titleist drivers and they seem pretty good too. I really like how those era Titleist drivers line up at address, although I'm not against any other model or brand that feels similar to the 975 and 983's. .

The 983 series is a GREAT clubhead. I have been using a 983E since they became available and am still using it. A word of CAUTION...the 983 series offers a "K" model and a "E" model. The "E" model is more of a fade-enhancing head and offers quite a bit more workability than the "K" model. Judging by your description, I think you would benefit from a "K" model head. Shafts options are many. As was said...you might want to stay with a lighter shaft...especially in a Titleist. Titleist drivers tend to provide a lower ball flight than some other brands. A 9.5 or 10.5 might be your best option, but it's hard to say sitting here looking at a computer screen.

**CosmosMpower** · March 6, 2009

If you're going from a prehistoric dunlop to an upgrade I would look at something newer than a 975 or 983, those are old. What's your budget?

**Hidalgo** · March 6, 2009

If you're going from a prehistoric dunlop to an upgrade I would look at something newer than a 975 or 983, those are old. What's your budget?

He said:

I'm on a budget though, not really looking to spend more than $50-75 That's why I commented on his mention of a 983 series.

**youngskip40** · March 6, 2009

You can get a Titleist 905 for around $60-80 bucks if you look around and maybe get lucky (check the used racks and ebay).

I've seen a lot of 905T drivers for that range. The 905R still seems to sell for almost $100.

**shortstop20** · March 6, 2009

Hey guys,

I found this on E-bay. I'm gonna bid on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=110359032345

If I win it we'll see how I like it, if I don't I can put it on ebay again and get something else.

Thanks for the help so far, much appreciated.

**IcemanYVR** · March 6, 2009

I have a 975J and I love it. It was custom fit for me by Titleist on the launch monitor. I've tried a couple of new drivers including the 905R, but I still hit it as far as the newer sticks. Maybe the technology hasn't really come that far in the last 7 years.

I don't think you can go wrong with a 975 or 983 as a used club as long as it has the correct shaft for your swing.

Your signature shows you have a Taylor Made Driver... what's wrong with that club?

**shortstop20** · March 7, 2009

Your signature shows you have a Taylor Made Driver... what's wrong with that club?

I have nothing Taylor Made in my bag. Right now I'm using a Dunlop driver that came in a set I bought about 10 years ago at K-Mart.

**IcemanYVR** · March 7, 2009

hmmm... you're right... Maybe I should have spent less time on the golf course and more time in English class.

**Stacey_E** · March 7, 2009

I'm not looking for a 460cc driver.

This I do not understand.

But to each his own. I see you have embraced the hybrid craze. I also see you are not carrying an iron longer than a 5 iron. You seem like you are very pragmatic and practical in your choice of clubs. I completely respect your decision to not get on the Fred Flinstone driver train. I just have to ask, what benefits (and I'm sure there are some) that you have seen from playing a smaller headed driver?

**iWALK18** · March 7, 2009

Honestly I would look into a driver like mine. Taylor made r5 draw (or neutral).

They are cheap 10.5* versions are the norm so they get a nice high ball flight.
I know they have a more modern head size, but just a thought.

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