Damaged Driver- Keep or Replace

[Navrig]

I am currently a high handicapper who, after retirement, finds himself with time to play golf.  I've dabbled over the years but career, kids and other activities got in the way.  I now have a membership application awaiting approval and am looking forward to playing more.  I played more last year than I have for many years previously and reckon that with some regular play I'll end up with a handicap IRO 15-17.

 

I have a Benross (V6 Compressor Ti/Carbon) driver bought circa 2006/7.  However after digging the clubs out of a cupboard in the garage I discovered that the head/shaft area has a large dent and a small crack.  The crack is enough to allow leakage of some sort of resin or glue.  I showed it to a friend and there was a sharp intake of breath followed by "you'll have to replace that!".

The thing is I am hitting it well and fairly consistently.  Probably up to 250m.  Given I am 60 that doesn't seem too bad.

So keep it or replace it? 

[mohearn]

250m is quite a poke,  that said, I'd replace it, what if it shattered or something? 

[Vinsk]

5 hours ago, Navrig said:

I am currently a high handicapper who, after retirement, finds himself with time to play golf.  I've dabbled over the years but career, kids and other activities got in the way.  I now have a membership application awaiting approval and am looking forward to playing more.  I played more last year than I have for many years previously and reckon that with some regular play I'll end up with a handicap IRO 15-17.

 

I have a Benross (V6 Compressor Ti/Carbon) driver bought circa 2006/7.  However after digging the clubs out of a cupboard in the garage I discovered that the head/shaft area has a large dent and a small crack.  The crack is enough to allow leakage of some sort of resin or glue.  I showed it to a friend and there was a sharp intake of breath followed by "you'll have to replace that!".

The thing is I am hitting it well and fairly consistently.  Probably up to 250m.  Given I am 60 that doesn't seem too bad.

So keep it or replace it? 

You have a legitimate reason to get a new driver and you question it!?😂

[pganapathy]

Please send us a picture for better assessment, but judging by your description, it needs to be replaced.  That being said, take the club and hit it till performance drops off since you seem to be hitting it well, but keep money aside for a new driver

[Navrig]

10 hours ago, pganapathy said:

Please send us a picture for better assessment, but judging by your description, it needs to be replaced.  That being said, take the club and hit it till performance drops off since you seem to be hitting it well, but keep money aside for a new driver

I think that's what I will do.  This is the damage/  It doesn't appear to have worsened through recent play.

[pganapathy]

The dent doesn't seem to be a problem, but the crack looks like it will worsen and spread with use.  As suggested keep using it and take a call if the crack spreads and/or performance drops off.

[Old1964]

Dent and crack could be contributing to your distance by shifting MOI and the transfer of the trampoline effect toward the toe of the driver. 

[Brown E]

Get a new used Driver

[Elmer]

On 3/18/2023 at 6:40 PM, Vinsk said:

You have a legitimate reason to get a new driver and you question it!?😂

I wonder how many members of the TST has "accidently" run over their driver with a golf cart, just to have a reason to replace it?

Go buy another one (doesn't have to be new, just new to you)!

Edited April 10, 2023 by Elmer
Clarified!

[StuM]

On 3/19/2023 at 7:38 AM, Navrig said:

I think that's what I will do.  This is the damage/  It doesn't appear to have worsened through recent play.

That is some nasty damage.  The issue see is what happens when it totally fails during a swing, could a piece hit someone, or does that suddenly cause you to mess up a shot and screw you out of a record low round?  Of course, that may never happen.

I say: Go get a new driver.  With a good fitting you may find one that goes farther/straighter.

[Vinsk]

2 minutes ago, StuM said:

That is some nasty damage.  The issue see is what happens when it totally fails during a swing, could a piece hit someone, or does that suddenly cause you to mess up a shot and screw you out of a record low round?  Of course, that may never happen.

I say: Go get a new driver.  With a good fitting you may find one that goes farther/straighter.

Hell,  that’s my sweet spot.

[mdl]

If you're hitting it straight 275 yards, hit it until you can't!

Though my driver story is relevant here. I had a Taylormade R7 from about the same time. I loved that club. I snapped the shaft, hit other drivers worse for 6 months, then just got it reshafted. Meaning I hit that club for at least 10 years. But...

When I finally did get a new driver, I gained 15-20 yards, and hit it if anything a bit tighter. I gained another 10 yards with the new driver I got a year or so ago. My point being, if you can afford doing it sooner than later, you're going to easily be clearing 300 yards if you go get fit for a new driver. Then you get to (in a good hearted way) mock the other retirees you play with where the "long" guy hits it 250y

[TourSpoon]

I would say to use some duct tape, but I have recently discovered Gorilla Tape. 🤣

 

Get a new driver before you kill someone.