HiBore XLS vs Sumo2 vs FT-i clone

[jonnythan]

I'm getting ready to purchase my first driver.

I was all set to get a -1" FT-i clone from GigaGolf when I discovered 3balls.com. They have used, "very good" condition HiBore XLS and Nike Sasquatch Sumo2 drivers for under $100, the price of the FT-i clone.

I was going to order the driver -1" in length because of the numerous articles I've read suggesting shortening driver shafts to maintain control at the expense of a bit of distance. The Gigagolf drivers measure 45.25" with graphite shafts, and I keep reading that even the tour average is under 45" while most consumer drivers are 45"+.

I'm tempted to have a "name-brand" driver, despite the customizability and warranty of the Gigagolf driver, not to mention my satisfaction with their service thus far.

I'd like any input you guys may have. Keep in mind that I am very new.

[walfice]

My father used to play a 'no name' driver, he is a poor golfer with a destructive slice and short distance with his driver. I bought him a cleveland hibore driver. He still slices the ball but not as bad as before but now he has a good ball flight and well over 30 yards more distance. I would go with the Nike or Cleveland and forget about 'clones'.

[jonnythan]

My father used to play a 'no name' driver, he is a poor golfer with a destructive slice and short distance with his driver. I bought him a cleveland hibore driver. He still slices the ball but not as bad as before but now he has a good ball flight and well over 30 yards more distance. I would go with the Nike or Cleveland and forget about 'clones'.

I appreciate the comment, but that's not the sort of thing I was looking for. I'm not really interested in the "go with name brand because no-names suck" sort of thing. I'm already golfing clone irons and a clone hybrid and they are very, very nice clubs. I don't think high-quality titanium clones count as random no-name clubs

[walfice]

I didn't suggest that you 'go with name brand because no-names suck'. My previous post explained why I would choose the cleveland over the clone. Also, the no name driver my father had was a 'high-quality titanium clone' (ping G10 clone).
If customizing the length of the shaft is of high importance to you then you could always take the nike or cleveland to your local pro shop and they will chop it down for you, it's a pretty quick, easy and cheap job to do.

[chad1043]

Johnny,
I'm getting a GX Squared Fairway wood this monday. I know it's not a driver, but I have had a lot of good luck with my Gigagolf clubs, so I will let you know how this 3 wood goes. I got a set of Cloud 9s irons. They are pretty sweet.

[jonnythan]

Cool, thanks. I'm leaning in that direction, but I'm putting it off for now until I get better with the clubs I have. I just had the first of six lessons with a 20-year PGA pro and everything is changing. It's like I'm starting all over again.

[tim31x]

my vote is for the sasquatch. i currently have one and bomb it. i've hit the squares and they are awesome too. i've also noticed the stock nike diamana and aldila nv shafts are shorter than most other drivers. great control and distance out of both the round and square heads. i currently play the round sasquatch with the aldila nv proto 'by you' shaft. its great. i've hit my buddies square head with the stock diamana as well. my average carry is between 275-285 with the round and i was about 260-265 with the round and couldnt hit a slice if i tried .

[turkey]

have a sumo2 5900 love it I can still slice it if I don't get my hands around. But way easier to hit then any thing else . I hit it about as far as every other driver I have tried but every once and awhile I bomb it and I mean it goes for ever. found my ball on the green once or twice on a par 4.

everything I have heard about the cleveland was awesome to so I don't think you can go wrong with ether.