Best New Driver in the $200 Range?

Long time lurker of these forums.  New poster.

Anyway, I've been using a Nike SQ Dymo for the last 5 years and it's high time for a new driver. I hit this driver very straight and it's been a trusted friend on the course but it's time to modernize.  I have some store credit at Dick's and I'm looking at getting a new Ping bag, 2H, and a new driver.  I'll have about $200 for a new driver.

I was looking at the Nike Covert, Ping i25, Calloway X2 Hot, TM SLDR, and the Cobra Bio Cell.

I'm a 15 HC with a swing speed of about 95-100mph.

Of course looking for forgiveness and some length.  I have an average drive of around 250yds.  Not a big hitter.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to TST.

I guess what you settle for depends on how picky you are.  I just bought a "new to me" used Titleist 913 D2 that so far is making my Callaway Diablo look like a cheap toy.  No way I could drop the $400 or more for a new driver, but I could afford $200 for a used $400 driver.  So it has some scuffs on the sole from use - makes not a whit of difference in how it plays.  In the 2 rounds I've used it now I've shown at least a 25 yard average gain in length over the Callaway.  That's enough to convince me that I made the right choice.

i would use the money at dick's on a bag and a driver and find the 2H on ebay.  look at reviews for the Ping G30 driver.  it's one of the most stable drivers out right now and it's long as well.

On RockBottomGolf.com, they have a Callaway X-Hot driver for $79.  I saw a TV show a little while ago that showed a lot of the clubs, that are bought at online discount stores, are fakes.   I'm not sure if RBG is one of those stores or not.  So, I guess, do your research and proceed with caution.  If RBG is legit, I will jump on this deal!  After reading Fourputt's post about his new driver making his Callaway Diablo look like a toy, it may be time to dump my Diablo!

Look at the cobra bio cell. you can get them for $149 and its a great driver. I currently play that along with a G20 and to be honest the cobra is a little longer, is adjustable and every bit as good.

I would wait until May 1st.  I think you will see a price decrease in the G25 product line that might fit your budget.

Callaway's Big Bertha and Big Bertha Alpha (the 2014 models) were selling for $133-$159 during Masters week sales on their Preowned site, depending on loft and shaft flex (9° Stiff was the cheapest). I don't follow the X-range clubs because I'm figuring out when this year's Big Bertha Alpha 815 will be on sale next year (I got the hots for that driver), so I'm following the BBs. These are all prices for Like New quality. Lesser quality used ones were going for around $101. Sign up for their mailing list and you'll get their sales. You pretty much can't beat their prices via their Preowned.

TM is also having a sale on the SLDR via their site with promocode SLDR17 through the end of the week, which should knock those drivers down to low $140s. Good luck

Just bought a Cobra Bio Cell off Ebay new for $129

Tour Edge Exotics XCG7, 129.95, pretty good deal.

Best driver I found is the original TaylorMade Rocketballz. It's the non-adjustable version. I hit it about 5 yards shorter than most other drivers, but much straighter and with a great feel. It also looks great. They're going in the 75-100 dollar range on EBay.

Look for a Ping K15 driver, one of the most forgiving drivers you'll ever hit.  I played one for almost 5 years until I recently bought a G30, and the K15 stacks up very well against it.  The G30 is a bit more forgiving and a bit longer, but not by much.  I just did a search and it looks like Dick's Sporting Goods (among others) still lists the K15 as available.  Their price is $179.99.

Ping K15/G30, Callaway X2 Hot, Titleist 913 D2, Cobra BioCell, are all great drivers that you should be able to find at a discounted price below $200.