Recommend a Driver

**Iowa Hawkeye** · March 30, 2009

Got evaluated by a pro. Ball speed averaged ~155, distance was average 234. Long was 268, high speed 166. Launch angle was a bit low. Once I moved my ball up to the outside of my front foot, I made better contact. He told me to basically do a John Daly because I'm built/swing that way. He told me that 9.5-10.5* with a regular flex shaft, full 460 head, draw weighting or offset would be the best fit for me. He didn't give me anything specific to look into, just told me that it wouldn't make much difference if I follow the specs. Can you suggest some good models to demo? I'd like to stay around or under $300 if possible.

**Kcas77** · March 30, 2009

Ping G10 draw, ft-i draw, ft-5 draw, Tour Burner (has a closed face), and The Adams Speedline draw. You could go for anything with a closed face.

**JGulkCG** · March 30, 2009

I honestly would try and stay away from a regular flex shaft. When you get a new driver, try and stay with a Stiff flex. you will hit the ball so much more consistently better with S. I have a lot of experience with Cleveland drivers, so if you have any questions about those, i'll be happy to answer. But the best thing is to go find a local demo day around your area and see what reps are their with their clubs and try them out. best way to find out what you like is to hit them.

**alcorn** · March 30, 2009

I'd go with either the G-10 draw or Burner draw.

**Iowa Hawkeye** · March 30, 2009

Well, the pro told me that I needed to switch from stiff to regular with the way I hit.

**jonanthans** · March 30, 2009

If he put you through the fitting steps, and recommended a regular flex, then I would take his advice. I prefer a stiff shaft, as does JGulk, but our swings are probably a lot more consistent than yours, no offense, just noting your handicap. I would follow the pro's advice, and start with the setup he recommended. Then progress from there.

**Iowa Hawkeye** · March 30, 2009

If he put you through the fitting steps, and recommended a regular flex, then I would take his advice. I prefer a stiff shaft, as does JGulk, but our swings are probably a lot more consistent than yours, no offense, just noting your handicap. I would follow the pro's advice, and start with the setup he recommended. Then progress from there.

Yeah, he said that part of my slice was a the stiffer shaft. He said that I just don't have the club roll action that can catch my swing speed, causing the face to be open. The more flexible shaft will help snap it closed easier is what he told me.

**golf_junkie27** · March 30, 2009

Did he make a shaft recommendation for you? You wrote that your launch angle is a little low. What did he say about this? Also, what type of driver head are you using? Perhaps by going to a combination higher launch driver with a low spinning head, you can increase the numbers that will provide you with a consistent drive.

FWIW, you mentioned an offset type of driver. If you decide to go that route, take a look at Cobra. They make good drivers that are offset, inexpensive and that have multiple shaft options.

**Iowa Hawkeye** · March 30, 2009

Did he make a shaft recommendation for you? You wrote that your launch angle is a little low. What did he say about this? Also, what type of driver head are you using? Perhaps by going to a combination higher launch driver with a low spinning head, you can increase the numbers that will provide you with a consistent drive.

I really liked the Cobra I hit.

He just said regular flex, and he would fit me specifically for one shaft when I decided what I wanted. He said to go 10.5 would be the most effective if I wasn't worried about crushing them, which I'm not. Looking to be more consistent on distance and direction. He started me on a 9* similar to what I had with a stiff shaft and switched up til he found a combo that worked. I've been thinking Cobra for a while, and have been wanting to hit PING, but haven't had the chance yet. He said stay away from the Nike SQ and Burner. I also want to hit a Cleveland. The head looks similar to a Cobra. Do they have a similar feel? I can pick up and '08 CG for a deep discount.

**Canuck** · March 30, 2009

TaylorMade tour burner or Burner, TaylorMade R-7 are a few under the $300 mark. i would go to your local club or Goldsmith and demo a bunch and start wacking away and see what fits and feels the best. good luck

**golf_junkie27** · March 30, 2009

I really liked the Cobra I hit.

I've never played with a Cleveland driver. However, my first driver was an 11* Cobra F Speed Driver. It was a solid driver and allowed me to get the ball up in the air and inspired confidence. I did not hit it a ton but it sure made playing from the fairways much more fun.

Also take a look at some of the older Taylormade models. You can pick up a really good driver with an excellent shaft for less than $150.

**JGulkCG** · March 30, 2009

Yeah, he said that part of my slice was a the stiffer shaft. He said that I just don't have the club roll action that can catch my swing speed, causing the face to be open. The more flexible shaft will help snap it closed easier is what he told me.

hmmm. a more flexible shaft wont promote you to close the face at impact. you will have to learn that on your own to remove the slice aspect of your ball flight. also if you have a slice, a more flexible shaft is more prone to leaving the face open at impact. Just my .2, dont forget about lessons, as the club wont do all the work.

Also about the Cleveland if you like the look of the Cobra's go check out Cleveland's Launcher line. the HiBore doesnt have a traditional look. Also remember with the Launcher, the solid impact zone is slightly above center, so to properly get the most out of the Launcher a higher tee will be helpful.

**flopdarock** · March 31, 2009

listen to your pro... go demo a crap load of clubs... pick one you like... buy it online

**Iowa Hawkeye** · March 31, 2009

hmmm. a more flexible shaft wont promote you to close the face at impact. you will have to learn that on your own to remove the slice aspect of your ball flight. also if you have a slice, a more flexible shaft is more prone to leaving the face open at impact. Just my .2, dont forget about lessons, as the club wont do all the work.

I'm going on what he told me today with the shaft thing. It was the hibore I was looking at. It seemed to have a similar profile to the Cobras.

**PiKapp23** · March 31, 2009

If you have a Dick's Sporting Goods or Golf Galaxy in your area they are having a good sale this week on a few good drivers that are a year or 2 old. They have the Callaway FT-i/FT-5 and TaylorMade Tour Burner for $169.99. I think they also have specials on older Cleveland Hi-Bore XLS and Nike Sumo 5000 and Sumo 2 5900, but I'm not sure what the price was. I also know Golf Galaxy has the Ping Rapture from a couple years ago for $199 right now. All of those mentioned are great deals right now and basically they are all as good as any of the models that have come out this year.

Listen to the fitter in regards to shaft and anything else he says. Swing speed often is an indicator of what shaft a player should use, but many people have found out that a stiffer or softer shaft may work better for their personal swing.

**LBlack14** · March 31, 2009

Got evaluated by a pro. Ball speed averaged ~155, distance was average 234. Long was 268, high speed 166. Launch angle was a bit low.

Did he kiss you 'cause you got screwed. That's some of the lamest advice I've ever heard. I'd get my frickin money back and complain to whoever he answers too. Where'd you get this done? He got your $$$ and.....I'm pissed for you.

**Iowa Hawkeye** · March 31, 2009

Did he kiss you 'cause you got screwed. That's some of the lamest advice I've ever heard. I'd get my frickin money back and complain to whoever he answers too. Where'd you get this done? He got your $$$ and.....I'm pissed for you.

First off, I didn't pay. Golf Galaxy was empty over my morning break between classes and the pro offered it to me no charge.

Second, I hit the ball much better. This is the way I used to hit and hit pretty well until my HS golf coach got me to change to a more traditional stance and swing. I've had fits ever since. So, I'm out nothing, got free advice from a respected pro, got some confidence back, and basically hit 3 buckets of balls over my break. And I've been under a lot of stress and got it worked out with all that hitting. So, good day, IMO.

**shakogolfer78** · March 31, 2009

Really a R flex? I'm not one to judge a PGA ertified pro, but I just got fitted for a driver last week and my specs were ball speed avg 155 and around a 260 yd carry which is comparable to your numbers. Explain what the pro meant by the way you swing you need a R flex. Just for clarification. Thanks

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