Last years drivers are cheap and mine is beat!

[SwinginCaveman]

I've been playing an R7 for the last 3 years that I bought used; needless to say it's seen better days. I wanted to replace it this past year but didn't get out enough to spend the money. I'm glad I waited.

There's a plethora of great drivers that have dropped below typical $200 mark for year-old drivers. This years crop includes:

Taylor Made Tour Burner
Nike Sumo 5000/5900
Cleveland HiBore XLS
Callaway FT-i and FT-5
Callaway Hyper X
Taylor Made Burner
Ping Rapture

I'm going to make an effort to get out once a week and my old R7 is not gonna hold up to that much play. Plus I'd like to get fitted for a driver for once.

What are your guys experiences with these and other drivers below the $200 mark? Preference?

[lumpuckeroo]

I was in the market for a new driver last year and tried all of the drivers on you list, I went with the Taylormade Burner. I was a die hard Callaway fan up to that point but did not like any of there drivers, the Hyper X seemed to spray the ball all over and the FT-i and FT-5 made a noise at impact that I just could not handle.

I was not a fan of the Taylormade Tour Burner as the heavier shaft did not fit my swing and the triangle head did not fit my eye. The Ping was my second choice but the price was much higher then the Burner. I was not able to hit the Nike and Cleveland as consistently as I hit the Burner, which could have more of a shaft issue, hope that helps.

[DavidFehertysBike]

I bought my titliest 905r for 175 bucks after using a R7 425for a year .Its the best driver ive ever owned.

[denver_nuggs_15]

I've been playing an R7 for the last 3 years that I bought used; needless to say it's seen better days. I wanted to replace it this past year but didn't get out enough to spend the money. I'm glad I waited.

You've got to hit them all. No one here can tell you what will work best for

you . If you are planning on getting fit, I'd assume that means shaft as well. Most of those clubs have a few option on really good shafts. I like the Callaway FT-5 and PING Rapture. If you can stand the FT-5's sound, it's a really good driver. Every review I've seen says that it's long and straight. In my experience, it is too. The Rapture is just a really good driver. I don't think I've heard a bad thing spoken about it. Regardless of what you buy, every club on your list is top quality. It just matters what works for you the best.

[Chief Broom]

Those are all great drivers and you couldn't go wrong with any of them. Since you want to get fitted (a great idea BTW) go to a store that will let you try them all out, preferably on a launch monitor, and pick the one that works best with your swing.

[Mr3Putt]

I agree that you should demo them all before making any decision. Getting fitted for loft and shaft specs can indeed make a world of difference.

I'm going to make an effort to get out once a week and my old R7 is not gonna hold up to that much play.

I'm thinking if once a week is considered lots of play for a driver, I should have dumped mine two years ago.

Unless your beating thousands of balls on a regular basis, your old R7 will hold up just fine.

[SwinginCaveman]

I agree that you should demo them all before making any decision. Getting fitted for loft and shaft specs can indeed make a world of difference.

If I bought it brand new then you would be right. I bought the club used and admittedly didn't take great care of it so it's on it's way out.

I'll have to go up to Golf Galaxy and try some out. I just wanted some ideas on which ones to try because I don't want to have 8 clubs taped up and ready to demo.

[Titleist Man]

I just switched to the titleist 909 from an r7(425). Since you want a sub 200$ club try the 905r. Its a very good club the 909 just out performed it.