Talk me out of an R11, please!

I have made it my mission to really improve my golf game this year.  I have been golfing for many years, with many breaks along the way due to family obligations, so I've never really put in the time required to take my game to the next level.  As you can see by my handicap index, I'm not a horrible golfer but I've got a LOT of room for improvement...

So far this year I've replaced my irons with a nice set of GI irons that I really like.  I've taken a couple of lessons from my club pro who has made adjustments to my grip that have really helped me correct a problem fade I have always had.  I've purchased a "Tour Striker" practice club to learn how to hit down on the ball and correct my flippy swing.  I've joined thesandtrap.com and have been gaining as much knowledge from you guys as I can! And finally, I've been trying to get out and either play 9, hit the driving range, or hit the short game practice green every day (weather permitting) for the past month or so.  I'm showing progress as I've already shot an 84 at my home course this year (which beats my best score from last fall by 2 strokes).

After reading some of Tom Wishon's work on optimal driver lengths and lofts, I think I need to replace my Taylor Made R9 9.5 driver with something that is more suited to my abilities and swing speed (around 91 mph).  Although I hit my current driver fairly well and pretty consistently, I feel that I could get some additional yardage with a higher loft.  Seeing as how I've already blown my golf budget for the year, does anyone have any suggestions for a good, reasonably priced driver that won't set me back the $400 of an R11?  Thanks in advance!

Honestly for the money... if you can get your R9 re-shafted, it'd cost you  A LOT less.

Depending on your swing, I think that 9* loft is too low for you. But again, that's based on my experience. If it works for you, then stick with it

and get yourself fitted for a shaft that suits you and has a mid kick point.

R9 is an awesome driver... I have supertri tp myself...

Also have an R11 TP, but yea, not worth the $ if you love your supertri.

With that R9 can't you tweak the loft up?  I guess that would mess with the face angle, but have you tried adjusting your driver to see what that does?  If that doesn't prove satisfactory I'd suggest you go with a driver that better fits your swing but that is a couple generations old.  Drivers that are a few years old perform just as well as the latest stuff and you can get a much better deal even on ones that come with custom shafts, etc.

Now how many people can even touch this statement?  Here are a couple approaches:

A). Keep improving with what you have and make yourself a deal that you will get that driver when you break into single digits because we all know you really don't need it.

B). OK, I lied.  You will never get any better if you don't get that R11 and you know that you can swing $50 a month for 8 months on the plastic.

C). Get a recent model for half the price while you have R11 dreams.

So, what are you going to do?

You could do like our government does, borrow from next years budget to get your driver this year.

or

You could bring your current driver with you and get fitted for an R11.  You can hit both side by side and determine if the yardage gain is significant enough to justify the purchase right now.  Sometimes we think we "want" or "need" a club and the excitement leading up to buying it far exceeds the reality of having it.

just wait a few more months until taylormade launches the next big thing and the r11 may just fit into your budget

I'm sure it's a great club, the look doesn't do it for me (especially at $400-$500).  If you want adjustability I'm a big fan of the Nike Dymo Str8-Fit.  I got one brand new last year for $149 (even cheaper now), and it's as easy to hit and as long as anything I've tried.  Come to think out it, my Titleist is coming out of the bag and the Nike is going back in.

Spending $400 on a driver is just retarded! Thats enough for me to not want it.

Wait.

I live in NE Ohio. In Western PA, like here, the weather is crap. What's the point of getting a new driver right now? I'd wait until the weather turns completely - by then, TM will have released some new clubs and the R11 will godown a hundred bucks or so in price.

Thanks for all the advice guys.  I'm just trying to battle the inner club-ho in me that's trying to get out.  Deep down, I know it's crazy to spend $400 on a driver and seeing some of your responses made me realize that it really is a stupid thing to do (speaking only for myself and my handicap, not saying others couldn't/shouldn't buy an R11)!  I do think I need something with more loft than my current driver though, an extra 10-15 yards would be nice for some of the holes I have to play week-in and week-out on my course.  I think I'll go back to my club fitter (the guy that put me in the Wishon irons) and have him analyze my swing and see if he can make me a nice deal on one of his component clubs...

I agree with TourSpoon response 1, section a.

You might be able to pick up 10 yards with a perfectly fit driver head and shaft.  Then again, that $400 could also buy 43 large range baskets and 2 good golf lessons.

The R9 460 is a solid driver, and I'm willing to be that you can play just fine with it.  Set a goal for the season, and let the R11 be your reward.  By then it will be cheaper, and you'll avoid looking like a fan-boy on the course in route to a 87.

This is easy....

White driver!?!?

It's just not right.  Gayest looking thing I have ever seen in golf.

Don't a be a sucker, it's not going to make you play better.  It won't go any further and it won't go any straighter.  The tool you have that can make those changes is you.

I think he's suggesting saving up for next year when TaylorMade introduces Black Drivers for Men.

I heard the R12 is Pink and Purple, with Pokemon characters all over, and they added some whistles to it so when you swing it says "SSSSSSSSSSSwwwwwiiiiiinnngggg!"

There's nothing that screams latent homosexuality and malignant stupidity like calling things gay. Homophobia, hooray!

sweet. pokemon is making a come back, and in golf!! I also like the pink and purple concept. stands out. hahaha

If TM makes a pink or red one I'll be all over it.  Not kidding.