most forgiving driver for a brand new player around 200 bucks or so???

new too the game i have the driver that came with my starter set and i have upgraded to a cleaveland 56' wedge and im thinking about upgrading my driver next then putter then irons...

wondering what you guys think is the most forgiving driver for aroun 200 bucks .. im not looking for distance just a good straight drive

thanks in advance

JD

Try the Callaway Diablo Octane.  I am pretty sure they are now $200, down from $300.  I love mine as it is long and forgiving.  I paid $300 in the spring and don't regret it at all.

THANKS!!!!! yes they are 199.99 at my local sporting goods store... i thought about those along with a few others... most of the guys that i play with are all about the R7's and R11's and im sure these are awesome drivers but for a guy like me I dont really care about a 300 yard drive i would rather drive 150 to 175 straight!

If you have a Golfsmith nearby, take a look at the MacGregor drivers. Two of last year's models are at about $150 now.

cool ill go take a look and see! we dont have a golfsmith in my town but im only 2 hours from dallas and they have several!

I'm looking for my first driver and am in that exact price range too.  I am going to be checking out the Diablo Octane, Nike SQ Machspeed Black, and the Cobra S3 and S2.  These are the three I am most interested in hitting while at the store, but I am going to be looking at all my options while there.  Have fun shopping and I'd be interested to hear what you decide on

Look for something with a 10-11* face and a regular stiffness shaft. Ideally around 460cc. Your options are numerous.

Check out stuff from a season or two ago, such as the Big Bertha 460, Burner Superfast 1.0, R7 Quad, etc. What was a $400 driver a year or two ago should be well in your price range, and perform like magic for you. Ideally, you'd want to go swing on a launch monitor to see the right shaft, loft and lie for you. Then you can sort it all out perfectly.

Try out the R9 460. It's a really forgiving club, and i used it when i first started playing. You might even like Nike SQ MachSpeed STR8-FIT Driver, It's on sale for $150. It has a square shaped head, which promotes a straighter and more forgiving ball flight. The shaft of the driver helps too, I suggest getting a driver with a regular flex, and maybe get the shaft trimmed shorter to 43"

I believe there are two clubs in the bag that are "personal".  These are the driver and putter.  Unless you're hung up on a new club I would try some drivers from the used club bin in your local pro shop.  Most places will have some hitting stalls or such to let you try them out or will let you take them to the range with a deposit.  An alternative, depending upon where you live, is to attend a "manufacture's day" at a local golf course.  Around Phoenix about once or twice a year one of the local course will have several major manufactures come out with their new equipment for golfers to try out on the range.  Good opportunity to try a lot of different clubs from different manufactures.  If you live near a major metro area there is probably such an event there too.

I always buy my drivers from the "used" bin. Appearance doesn't matter to me, just performance.

Definitely go try a bunch out. There isn't really that big of a difference between new Drivers, it's mostly personal preference.

thanks guys! i think that before i buy one im going to go to dicks... its the closest place that will let me try out clubs on a screen.... and let a pro there help me decide... plus im for sure not spending 500 bucks on something brand new when i just started playing a month ago... one of these 1 or 2 year old drivers im sure will be much better then the crappy driver that came with my starter set!

Look into the Callaway FT-iz.  They are right in your price range and long and stupid straight from everything i've heard.  If your normal miss is a slice i'd recommend the regular version.  If you're a hooker, then the tour version may fit you better.   I'd still go to dicks to at least get a good idea of what type of shaft you need.  And If you do get the ft-iz, then maybe get the i-mix version.  It makes it very easy to change shafts with it. Since your new, your swing may change, and if it does, you may need a new shaft as well.

just my .02

http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/drivers-ft-iz/drivers-ft-iz,default,pd.html