Ever think you bought the wrong driver?

[Bear]

To make a long story short, this spring I was fitted for a new driver. After a bunch of balls on the launch monitor I went with a Ping Rapture with a stiff stock shaft and 9 degree loft.

I've played about a dozen rounds with it this year and I'm afraid I went too low on the loft. I can absolutely crush it when I hit it perfectly but it seems I'm all over the place. Hooks, slices, fades, draws...there's just no consistency. I'm wondering if I should have gone with a bit more loft for a little more forgiveness.

I'm wondering what the masses think. Would a shaft change make a difference? If not, anyone know of a good trade/swap site for golf clubs?

[deronsizemore]

To make a long story short, this spring I was fitted for a new driver. After a bunch of balls on the launch monitor I went with a Ping Rapture with a stiff stock shaft and 9 degree loft.

More loft should definitely help on those shots that curve to not curve as much. Shaft change could also make a difference as well. Maybe the flex is to weak? If you get a shaft that isn't stiff enough you'll usually hit it all over the place. Hard to tell though without seeing your swing. Could just be you as well.

[frogger]

I'd sell it on ebay and then search ebay for the same one in a 10.5* loft if it was me.

[whip_it_out]

I'd go and get fit again, from a different person.

[hkmp5]

I have a 11.5 degree loft on my driver which is a titleist 907d2 I had a ping 9.5 before it and it was a worm burner most of the time .

[ks8829]

9 rounds is not that much. I would stick with your club another 9 rounds and see if you can work things out. Believe in your driver without any doubt. make any adjustment you feel is necessary but stick with your driver for at least another 9 rounds is my suggestion, otherwise you might end up with dozen drivers before the end of the year.

If you want to compare bring out your old driver and compare but it also might just confuse you more.

[dmband8985]

I've played about a dozen rounds with it this year and I'm afraid I went too low on the loft. I can absolutely crush it when I hit it perfectly but it seems I'm all over the place. Hooks, slices, fades, draws...there's just no consistency.

I think the answer to your problem is to learn how to hit it perfectly every time. when you crush long and straight, does your swing feel right?perhaps that is a hint that it is not the driver and a lack of consistency in your swing. Also, you must be one hell of an iron player if your playing off a 6 with no consistency with a driver

[DeeNajjEeOh]

I had the same issue with my Ping G10 Draw. I bought it without hitting it because at the time $180 for a used one seemed like a great deal and since I'm lefty my choices were limited. It worked great to correct my slice but was a Prolaunch Red stiff shaft that really just worked against me because my swing speed isn't all that fast. (I usually am between 82-86 mph.) Everyone told me I was crazy for wanting to trade in the Ping because it supposedly the most consistent driver on the market but frankly it just didn't work for me. So I went out yesterday, after having tried a dozen drivers or so, and hit and bought a 2009 TaylorMade R7 Limited, which is the last R7 they made before the R9. It was a steal at $199 considering the Matrix Ozik 55R shaft is pretty expensive by itself. I would say don't be afraid to trade it in and get a new one, you'll lose money but it'll be worth it when your happier every time you get up to the tee. When my confidence in my driver was low it effected the rest of my game. I'm not a great golfer but I realize how much confidence in your equipment can effect your game. Good luck.

[Bear]

I think the answer to your problem is to learn how to hit it perfectly every time. when you crush long and straight, does your swing feel right?perhaps that is a hint that it is not the driver and a lack of consistency in your swing. Also, you must be one hell of an iron player if your playing off a 6 with no consistency with a driver

When I crush it my swing feels perfect. Then again, when I smack it 40 yards off line I'm still hitting it really solid. I'm sure that consistency with getting the face square would certainly help. Hell, if I could hit a fairway I'd probably be a 2!

I looked back at some of my stat tracking and when I hit the fairways I'm at about 70% when it comes to GiR's. I'm not a super iron player but I don't tend to hit them offline all that often. My driver however is absolutely killing my rounds.

[CG031]

When I crush it my swing feels perfect. Then again, when I smack it 40 yards off line I'm still hitting it really solid. I'm sure that consistency with getting the face square would certainly help. Hell, if I could hit a fairway I'd probably be a 2!

Well, I'm sure many have suggested this to you, and not to sound like "that guy", but judging by your post, why not just tee off with the 3 wood, hybrid, or low iron? If missing the fairway is really killing you that much, just put it in the fairway even if that means sacrificing a little distance.

[LBlack14]

I'd go and get fit again, from a different person.

5 different fitters may put you into 5 different setups. No offense, but maybe it's the indian and not the arrow.

[squaddie]

...

I'm not a low-handicapper like you, but I was also having problems with my driver, and tried switching it out to correct the problem. I bought three other drivers of different loft and shaft-stiffness, but the new clubs had no effect on fixing the issue. Even the Nike SQ Sumo2 "Lucky 13", which is supposed to be more forgiving and reduce side-spin, didn't minimize my slice issue. Probably best if you go see a pro and have them analyze your swing on video, see where the inconsistency problems are coming from in your driver swing. I found and corrected my swing problems (multiple), and now I'm back to my first driver (the Cobra 10.5). I'm keeping the other three drivers just to hit them for fun.

[Bear]

Just a quick update:

I did a bit more research on this driver. I discovered two things. First, one of the shaft options would have been a Proto VS shaft which is the same shaft I have in my 3w. I wish I'd know that. :( More importantly, I found out that the stock shaft measures 45.75".

I went to the range earlier today, moved it back a half a ball in my stance and basically used an Anthony Kim grip. The results were MUCH better.


Sometimes it's the indian...

[CG031]

Just a quick update:

You could go get the shaft cut at your local golf shop. It doesn't cost much. Cost me like 15 bucks at Dick's to do my driver (that includes a new grip).