new driver transition

[bt4264]

I just bought a new Callaway Diablo Neutral 9deg to replace my old Taylor Made 360 ti. Obviously there is not a lot incommon with these two drivers. However, I am finding it difficult to hit the Diablo as consistent as my TM. I'm sure familiarity comes into play to a certain extent, but I was curious if anyone else had experienced a transition when buying new clubs.
I am going to just play through it, after already seeing improvements from when I first got it. When I do hit it solid.......oh man!!!!
What have you experienced??

[spinball]

I've had drivers I've never been able to play well, even after hours and hours on the range. Once it gets in your noodle that something is wrong, it always will be. Had others that after a range visit or 2 I've had complete confidence in the club. Practice and play a couple rounds. If it's not good after that I say dump it.

[bt4264]

I hit this one quite a few times in a cage and it felt good. I get to the course and I can't quite find the consistent sweet spot......and this thing is massive compared to my old TM. Wasn't sure if it was a normal process. I don't change equipment alot.
We'll see, thanks for the comments.
Anyone else?

[deafheaven]

When I have that problem I give my club to my buddy to hit (he hits much further than me). That confirms the problem is with me and not the club

This has always worked except for one time. I purchased a callaway heavenwood hybrid once after just crushing it (for me) on the driving range shot after shot. Always straight and always long. Think I could do that on the course? Nope. Ended up trading it to him for his 2,3 and 4 hogan hybrids. Right after that he couldn't hit it either. We now refer to it as the "cursed" club.

[deafheaven]

Almost forgot. I had this experience once where a new driver (original Callaway square head - can't remember the name) just wasn't performing for me and I ended up selling it. The guy I sold it to found a small crack in the hossel. Sent it to Callaway and they replaced it with no questions asked and no receipt. Got to hand it to Callaway customer service.

[golf_junkie27]

From personal experience, I try to purchase drivers that have the exact same shaft or very close in specs. I'll do my best to find out what type of launch the shaft promotes along with the type of spin it promotes. (I do this with driver heads, too)

This eliminates one variable from playing golf: wondering if the equipment is suited for my game.

[Guest]

The diablo might be tough to hit because of the different set up- I know you have the neutral one but the club does set up a little weird- maybe just a tough transition. Keep tryin!

[flopdarock]

ive gone thru 'honeymoon' periods with new drivers...
for the first few weeks ill kill every drive and hit every fairway...
then when the 'honeymoon' period is over... in creeps the pushs/slices...
thats when i break out the older sticks... or buy new ones... lol

[bt4264]

Well, I am finally finding the Diablo easier to hit. My problem was simply swinging too hard. If I tone back the swing a little, I am catching it clean and hitting great drives.
However, now I feel like if I want to give a little more umph I can't. If I swing too hard, it feels like I am leaving the club open a little at impact giving me a slice. If I make the same swing, but a little slower, it causes a beautiful drive.
I went from a S flex to a S flex, but I know the shafts are not equal.
Do any of you guys experience this with the new drivers?? What do you do different with your swing if you want just a little more yardage??

[flopdarock]

dont forget to release... this has been my problem for the longest time... now when i concentrate on a good release... my balls tend to draw when i used to have massive slices... i can relate to the swinging easier for better control... but when my pro told me that i wasnt getting a good release after impact i found that i could really go at balls when i worked on it... whereas before if i would lay into a drive or even any of my woods... the face tended to be wide open at impact and i was casting really bad

[RCF]

Maybe you should give it more time. I've never heard a bad report on the Diablo. It took a long time for me to get comfortable with my X18s after using forged blades butg now they are working great.

[Elvisliveson]

ive gone thru 'honeymoon' periods with new drivers...

So true. I always say everyone needs 2 to 3 drivers and putters because no matter how well it's going, eventually the putter will go cold and the driver will betray you. You need to switch em' up every few weeks to keep it fresh.

[golf_junkie27]

Well, I am finally finding the Diablo easier to hit. My problem was simply swinging too hard. If I tone back the swing a little, I am catching it clean and hitting great drives.

Have you thought about going to a fitter and making an adjustment with the swingweight? Perhaps, if you make the driver a little heavier, you can go after it a little bit without losing control.

FWIW, a friend of mine did this with his irons. He plays a regular flex iron but at a D6 swingweight. This might work for you, too.

[mcr23]

I recently went to the range to test the Diablo agianst the new Taylormade Burner and I couldn't seem to mesh with the Burner. It was too lite.


The Diablo is an amazing club and I think I may pick one up. The FT-iQ is out of this world but it's another 100.00...

[mcr23]

Update: Just purchased the Diablo

[PiKapp23]

Well, I am finally finding the Diablo easier to hit. My problem was simply swinging too hard. If I tone back the swing a little, I am catching it clean and hitting great drives.

Ever since breaking my Taylor Made R540XD which I had gamed for about 6-7 years I have been unable to hit any drivers. My 540 had a Taylor Made M.A.S. 2 Stiff 55 gram shaft with soft tip and I am thinking this is my problem. The drivers I have tried recently (including the one I now own) all have had different, heavier shafts (65 grams) and a higher kick point (not to mention a lower torque). The problem is I can't find a shaft that feels similar to my old shaft and since broke I can't use it. I have thought about getting my R7 Limited reshafted with something ligher and that will torque a little more, but not sure if the head will work well with higher torque or not. I have tested several older drivers with lighter shafts and had success (at least on simulator at Golf Galaxy). When I compare exact same driver to mine with some of the older used drivers there is no doubt I hit the older one's much better, but don't want to spend more money.

[bt4264]

dont forget to release... this has been my problem for the longest time... now when i concentrate on a good release... my balls tend to draw when i used to have massive slices... i can relate to the swinging easier for better control... but when my pro told me that i wasnt getting a good release after impact i found that i could really go at balls when i worked on it... whereas before if i would lay into a drive or even any of my woods... the face tended to be wide open at impact and i was casting really bad

This sounds like what I need to work on. I just need more range time.

Don't get me wrong.....i am now a HUGE fan of the Diablo. This baby is fun to hit! It'll be even better to be able to really crush it. I am not having second thoughts at all. I, too, have yet to hear a bad review on the Diablo.

[mcr23]

This sounds like what I need to work on. I just need more range time.

I'll have to let you know. I sure smacked the crap out of it on the range.