Time for a driver upgrade?

[becksfan2185]

So I've been gradually updating my golf bag as I have been getting back into the game over the past 2-3 years. Next up on my list could be my driver... I'm currently playing a Nike Ignite 410cc Driver that I've used for the past 2-3 seasons. I hit it OK, but there are so many new larger drivers out there for pretty reasonable prices that I'm thinking about finding a replacement...

For anyone that has switched/upgraded recently, what kind of difference can I really expect in distance and/or forgiveness with a newer club vs. my 410 Ignite? Obviously I'll try some out before purchasing, but I've always found it hard to tell the difference after a couple of swings on the range...

[RocketSauce]

you should try the Nickent Evolver. they are awesome drivers with extremely hot faces, plus you can pick up a brand new one on Ebay for around $140. with the drivers that have come out in the last 2 years i think you are going to see a significant difference in terms of feel, forgiveness, and distance over your current driver. some of the drivers i have hit recently that Im extremely impressed with are:
1. Callaway Diablo
2. Callaway FT-9
3. Callaway FT-iQ
4. Nickent Evolver
5. Mizuno MX700
6. TaylorMade R9
7. Cleveland Monster
you should try demo'ing a few of those. i think you will see a big difference.

[HytrewQasdfg]

Don't know about type, but I would strongly suggest you look at last year's model.

I noticed on the Golfsmith site they had several last year model drivers on sale for $149 (I guess they think that number is the magic selling price for discontinued drivers, because no matter what the brand when they mark it down it is $149.)

Try this link: http://www.golfsmith.com/ol/display_...vers+Under+200

[PiKapp23]

I am playing a TaylorMade R540XD which is only about 385 cc (or around there). I have owned 3 460cc drivers since I bought the R540, but always end up back with it. I find a 460 cc is harder to turn over and control. I do not think I'm giving up any distance with the older driver. I have had a Callaway Big Bertha 460, TaylorMade R7 460 and a Nike Sasquatch. I do not think I have lost any distance by going back - if anything I have gained yardage because I hit the ball more consistently and have more control, leading to more fairways in regulation. I do think they are a little more forgiving on mishits, but in my case it seemed like I was hitting the sweet spot less with them.

Be sure to try the newer drivers (especially those models from last 2 years as they are just as good as the newest models and much cheaper), but don't be surprised if you find you're not gaining distance or losing a bit of control/accuracy. Also be aware that some models have longer shafts than the standard 45 inch which can also lead to a loss of accuracy (certain Callaway and Taylormade models due this - other manufacturers might also).

[Power_fade]

If distance is your main objective and you have some cash to burn, get last year's exotics driver or the taylormade tour burner. Or you can get a hibore xl for about $90.

[RocketSauce]

If distance is your main objective and you have some cash to burn, get last year's exotics driver or the taylormade tour burner. Or you can get a hibore xl for about $90.

have you tried the 09 Burner yet? BIIIG difference between last years model. ive never been a fan of the Burner models until the 09 Burner came out. its an awesome driver

[TMO]

I switched from a Titleist 983K to a Titleist 909 D2 and gained 25 instantly off the tee. I was about as surprised as anyone because I didn't think it would make a huge difference. I tried the new Nike and thought it was ok. Thought the Cobra S91 Pro was pretty good. Just thought the Titleist was the best fit for me.

[elchene]

I play a 400 cc driver. I have yet to hit any 460 cc driver longer or straighter. IMO, it's really not necessary to switch drivers just because you want a larger head size. I went from my r7 Quad -> FT-5 (IMO, ugly) -> FT-5 Tour (coach convinced me to get Tour Burner, shaft too stiff, very loud) -> Tour Burner TP (shaft probably too stiff, too little loft) -> back to r7 Quad. I've learned my lesson, I'll only switch drivers when I hit another one consistently better, and I'm definitely going to get fit too next time. Finally, if you have noticed, many companies are coming out with new drivers that are less than 460 cc (Titleist D3, Taylormade r9). So, my point is, having a 460cc driver probably won't be a magic pill that helps you hit it longer and straighter, only a driver that will fit you perfectly and give you results is worth switching to.

[becksfan2185]

I play a 400 cc driver. I have yet to hit any 460 cc driver longer or straighter. IMO, it's really not necessary to switch drivers just because you want a larger head size.

So far, that has been my initial opinion as I've tested a few clubs, but I haven't hit enough to say for sure. I'm torn... with all the new technology in clubs it feels like I'm missing out on some distance and forgiveness just because I'm hitting an older driver. And it's not as if I hit my 400cc perfectly, but I am relatively happy with it. I suppose it's just all about finding the right one - if I do decide to replace it.

I guess my main objective with my driving game is not distance (although I wouldn't mind adding a few yards). A little more forgiveness off the tee would really help out my game. Do you guys/gals feel like the newer larger clubs are more forgiving? Thanks for all the suggestions on models - there are so many out there that it helps to get a few favorites from people. It sounds like last year's models may be a good place to start (although a few '09s come highly regarded).

[denver_nuggs_15]

So I've been gradually updating my golf bag as I have been getting back into the game over the past 2-3 years. Next up on my list could be my driver... I'm currently playing a Nike Ignite 410cc Driver that I've used for the past 2-3 seasons. I hit it OK, but there are so many new larger drivers out there for pretty reasonable prices that I'm thinking about finding a replacement...

I don't think you should replace a club until you can find a better one. If your current NIKE works well for you and you can't find a better alternative (distance, accuracy, feel, etc.), then I think you'd be best off sticking with it.

I think there definitely is a better driver out there than an Ignite. Technology has changed so much since it's been released. A shaft fitting will also help. I like: my SuperQuad, 2008 Burners, Titleist 907D1, PING Rapture and G10, and Callaway FT-5 and FT-9. And the deals that you can get on those clubs now is ridiculous. Most can be had for about $200. Hit all the drivers that you're interested in before you buy.

[elchene]

So far, that has been my initial opinion as I've tested a few clubs, but I haven't hit enough to say for sure. I'm torn... with all the new technology in clubs it feels like I'm missing out on some distance and forgiveness just because I'm hitting an older driver. And it's not as if I hit my 400cc perfectly, but I am relatively happy with it. I suppose it's just all about finding the right one - if I do decide to replace it.

Do you prefer the look of a traditional driver? I was just drooling over the Adams 9015d, it looks like my r7 Quad, but 460cc and a Matrix shaft.

[youngskip40]

I switched from a Titleist 983K to a Titleist 909 D2 and gained 25 instantly off the tee. I was about as surprised as anyone because I didn't think it would make a huge difference. I tried the new Nike and thought it was ok. Thought the Cobra S91 Pro was pretty good. Just thought the Titleist was the best fit for me.

Hmm... now THIS is intriguing. I am in the market for a new driver myself, I'm stilling playing a Titleist 975J. My main reason for looking is for greater consistency/accuracy. The hardest thing for me is looking down on what looks like a bowling ball compared to my 312cc head. I've been considering the 909 D2 and D3 because I've heard just fantastic things about them. It's so hard to rationalize paying that much for a driver anymore, because the value of it the moment a new model comes out is about a 3rd of the current price. That said, I hit the 905R and 905T and wasn't that impressed with either, and just absolutely hated the sound of it. My ears are still ringing from hitting these at the range. The 907 series is a hideous looking club to me, and didn't offer much of an improvement over the 905 I thought. Here's my question, to anyone... What are your thoughts on the consistency/accuracy advantages of the newer, larger drivers? But this is intriguing indeed...

[becksfan2185]

I definitely agree with the previous few posts... it's hard for me to look down at such huge driver heads. The new titleist looks really nice, as does the ping g10 and a few others that aren't so huge. Don't think I'll ever hit a square driver...

I'll check out the Adams, elchene. Thanks for the suggestions.

And I second youngskip's question - how much more consistant & forgiving do you all feel the newer larger drivers are?

[Pat007]

definately try the Ping G10. It's long and forgiving.