Upgrade to TaylorMade Burner SuperFast from R580XD?

[RoundQuest]

Hey Everyone!

I am debating finally upgrading my driver. I have heard some good things about the new TaylorMade Burner SuperFast and just wanted to get some opinions from everyone/anyone who is willing to give them.

I am currently rocking a TaylorMade R580XD (yeah I know! it's like 6 yrs old and made the GolfDigest obsolete list). I have pretty good distance with it ~280yds and can keep it in the fairway.

I have seen people toting some major distance gains with the SuperFast b/c of the improve swing speeds which appealing (to say the very least). And noticed a number of TOUR Pros adding it to their bags.

So, you think I should go for it?

Thanks!

[delav]

My last driver was the 580XD, and although old it's not a terrible club. If you can keep it in the fairway and get 280 out of it with that miserable stock shaft, then hats off to you!

What are you hoping to gain? The superfast got my attention too, but I don't like the high-MOI shaped drivers, and the superfast is anything but traditional looking. If that matters, make sure you spend the time to demo one.

[Kingfisher]

One good reason to upgrade your R580XD is that it may be non-conforming. It's no biggie if you only play socially, but if you enter any comps you should be conforming!

Personally, I'm no expert on TM drivers, but some of the folks here may be able to confirm whether your current big stick is conforming or not.

[RoundQuest]

Hey guys!

What are you hoping to gain? The superfast got my attention too, but I don't like the high-MOI shaped drivers, and the superfast is anything but traditional looking. If that matters, make sure you spend the time to demo one.

Well, I am hoping to push the 300 mark if not break it! I have a bro-in-law with a '08 burner and the difference is huge in the look and feel between his and mine but can't decide if I really like it. Guess it will come down to how I demo with it, I am planning on bringin' the current driving to get some data comparisons.

One good reason to upgrade your R580XD is that it may be non-conforming.

That is good to know! I am not planning on entering anything now but if I ever get my short game in order look out!

Thanks for the replies guys! Anyone else have any insights/tidbits I should be considering if/when I make the switch?

[Meddle]

If I were you, I would stick with the R580XD, don't fix what isn't broken. But if you do make the switch, be aware that the Superfast is super-light, and your accuracy off the tee may suffer.

By the way, the "obsolete list" from Golf Digest is garbage, don't pay attention to that IMO.

[robbo323]

I voted maybe becasue for one it sounds like you hit your driver well and 280 is nothing to complain about in my book. I think the Burner Superfast looks like a decent driver but I think the Burner Superfast TP is gonna be a great driver. One becasue it looks similar to the 2008 Tour Burner and plus the Superfast TP come stock with a Matrix HD6 shaft. Try both the non TP and TP models before jumping to a new driver since you seem to do so well with your R580XD.

[clearwaterms]

I voted maybe becasue for one it sounds like you hit your driver well and 280 is nothing to complain about in my book. I think the Burner Superfast looks like a decent driver but I think the Burner Superfast TP is gonna be a great driver. One becasue it looks similar to the 2008 Tour Burner and plus the Superfast TP come stock with a Matrix HD6 shaft. Try both the non TP and TP models before jumping to a new driver since you seem to do so well with your R580XD.

I say keep the old club. If you are a 19.1 handicap that can hit the ball 280, I think you should look at spending your hard earned dollars on the area of your game that is truely struggling. I know plenty of players that have far lower handicaps and are much shorter off the tee.

in other words, a new club might give you the 20 yards you desire, but I suspect that because you already have near tour length off the tee but have a handicap around 19, it won't take any strokes off of your game.

[robbo323]

I say keep the old club. If you are a 19.1 handicap that can hit the ball 280, I think you should look at spending your hard earned dollars on the area of your game that is truely struggling. I know plenty of players that have far lower handicaps and are much shorter off the tee.

I agree that he should focus on another part of his game. I was simply giving my opinion on the driver.

To the Op maybe a nice set of vokey or cleveland wedges or a nice Ping, Scotty or some other putter would better benefit you. If you want the driver and like it then buy it but like clearwater said focus on another part of your game. I find that about 1-2 hours of just chipping and pitching makes a huge difference in my next round cus even as a 9 handicap what kills me is the 50 yard pitches or even the little chip from right off the green.

[RoundQuest]

Thanks Meddle, clearwaterms and robbo323! You guys all make some great points and suggestions.

I should really be looking at this from where am I going to impact my game the most. Will adding the potential extra distance of the tee help me shave strokes and reduce my handicap... probably not. As you can decipher from my handicap I too do struggle around the greens from about 50 yards in.

So do I spend the $250 - $300 on the driver or pickup 2-3 really nice wedges with about the same money. Lots to ponder!

Thanks for helping me get some of my priorities straight!

[delav]

Thanks Meddle, clearwaterms and robbo323! You guys all make some great points and suggestions.

Get fit for a good shaft in your 580XD (~$100 installed) and buy a few wedges :)

[RoundQuest]

Get fit for a good shaft in your 580XD

Shafts are really an area I know very little about, any suggestions on top brands I should be looking for?

Thanks!

[delav]

Shafts are really an area I know very little about, any suggestions on top brands I should be looking for?

It's hard to throw anything useful out without any numbers to base it on. If you can visit a golf store with a simulator, or attend a ball fitting at a local range, you can gather things like clubhead speed, ball speed, spin and launch angle. With that information we can start going places.

If you hit it high, I'd consider a low-torque and slightly heavier shaft given your current distance. People really like the UST Proforce V2 and Avixcore series shafts, I had the ProForce Gold 75 in a driver and loved it. My advice would be to look for a pullout or new-old-stock shaft on ebay once we know what to shop for. Given the product life cycles for golf equipment, you could easily find an ideal shaft and have it fitted for well under $80 out the door. If you'd like help, I and others on the board would be more than willing once we know what to look for.

[robbo323]

I have the V2 not in my driver but in my 3 wood and hybrid and I love it. I also really like the Graphite Design YSQ and Y+6.

[rdurbin]

I had a TaylorMade R5 N Dual. I just upgraded last week to the TaylorMade Superfast. The first time out I hit some of the farthest drives of my life. I normally hit 300+ when I belt it but I was hitting it further than that. There were at least 4 times that I was in the 320 range. I realize I sound like an advert but I hit it much better. The crazy thing is it seems more accurate as well. I was worried with the lightness and the longer shaft but everything about it has been better. My vote is to go for it!!!

FYI - Golf Galaxy has a $50 gift card deal right now on the superfast

[kevntri]

take $100 and get some lessons....
Get your swing working correct before making a decision.
Find where you need the most work.

280 in the middle..... it's not the driver

[sean_miller]

Well, I am hoping to push the 300 mark if not break it!

Move to a higher altitude if the 300 mark is your main goal. Sounds like your driving is already solid enough though.

[Chief Broom]

I'd recommend you go out and buy another driver just like the one you've got. If you're hitting it consistantly 280 and keeping it in play, for an amature golfer that's pretty much all you can hope to expect out of the big stick!

[RoundQuest]

take $100 and get some lessons....

This actually came up over the weekend, was playing with my father-in-law and brother-in-laws and brought up this topic. Since they know my game the best, because we play together often, they brought up lessons. Definitely an option I am considering as well.

FYI - Golf Galaxy has a $50 gift card deal right now on the superfast

I checked this out and it's true! $50 bucks is $50 bucks and makes it enticing if I am at all leaning toward getting one. *Shakes Fist* @ Golf Galaxy

So, looks like I have a lot of options when it comes to improving my game. Just gotta prioritize and get them done. Thanks to everyone for their opinions and help, you guys rock!