Types of Drivers

[Shindig]

When I was looking for new irons at the beginning of the year, I knew I wanted a set of players' irons (which I like to call Swing Improvement Clubs). When I looked at the Golf Digest hot list, I was able to focus my attention at those. When I went to demo days, I was able to ask for the players' irons from the company representatives.

Well, my swing speed with my driver seems to be increasing - much faster than my irons. Without going into why or what's happening (off topic in paragraph two of the first post is bad), I'm very securely in the R-flex range with my irons and I'm now in the R/S boundary with my driver, according to the flex determiner device at a recent Mizuno demo day. I have decided that, rather than re-shaft my current driver, though, I am looking at getting a new one.

A lot of drivers seem marketed as longer and straighter and more forgiving. And I understand that, but it says "game improvement" driver to me. That's not what I'm after. With respect to the Mizuno drivers, I tried the MP-600 and the MX-560 and loved the MP-600 much more. If I get this driver, I'll likely keep the weights in neutral, since I seemed to be able to shape a few shots at the range during the demo. And that's what I'm after: I want to be able to control the shot shape.

Now, how do I ask this at demo days? I want to try drivers from different companies so I can make an informed decision. But I don't want the "super forgiving, you'll hit this straight" driver. I want to try the drivers competing with the MP-600. I don't really want to list the competition to them at the demo days, though.


Similarly, for woods and hybrids, although the driver will probably be my next equipment purchase.

[golf_junkie27]

Shin

Since you are in Cali, may I suggest that you visit http://www.maxoutgolf.com/index.php?page=locations . They carry everything under the sun and are not partial to any brand. Furthermore, they will provide you with shaft and head combinations that will give you ideal performance.

Additionally, whichever you choose, make sure that you get your driver and woods, pured. You mentioned that you are in a R/S flex. By doing this, it will lock in your flex rate and kickpoint, providing consistent playability. You can read more about the process, here: www.sstpure.com .

FWIW, I went to their NY affiliate and the experience was well worth it. The best part is that they provide you with all the data. The decision is left up to you.

[Cody]

http://www.golf.com/golf/special/art...726355,00.html

My guess is you are looking for a "tour driver"

Golf magazine does a great job of breaking down drivers into categories.

[Shindig]

http://www.golf.com/golf/special/art...726355,00.html

Yes, Tour driver is exactly what I'm looking for. And wow, there are so few. At least this makes my decision easier! Thanks.

[Crafty]

Shin,

Tell the reps that you are looking for something with a neutral setup and a "player's" appearance. That should help them point you in the right direction.

Best of luck in your search.

[Stacey_E]

When I was looking for new irons at the beginning of the year, I knew I wanted a set of players' irons (which I like to call Swing Improvement Clubs).

Yes, yes, God yes. Another midhandicapper like myself that thinks players irons are for swing improvement. I can't dis the people who play "game improvement" irons, but if they are close to my handicap, odds are I can beat them. They rely on the bandaids of offset and draw bias. These things mean nothing when the pressure is on.

Do your research (maybe online), and you will find the drivers with neautral faces. This is exactly what you want. And if you are looking at 12* or higher, I know of only one comapany that offers higher lofts in a neautral face. Just do not let anyone tell you you have to go the game improvement route. I went with players irons and have seen my handicap go down, very very slowly but surely.

[CG031]

I'm a 12 handicap and I had taylor made rac os2 up until 4 weeks ago and i must say that my iron game is the best part of my game now...and i consider myself mid handicap and my iron game was way worse with the rac os2...some people are very good iron players (meaning they can play just about anything) but maybe hes a high handicap for other reasons. (can't putt, bad short game, cant keep the ball in play with woods/drivers...)

My point is a lot of people can play great, or better with players irons if they are a good ballstriker with their irons...just because they are a high handicapper doesn't mean they couldn't hit blades, especially if their iron game is their strong suit.