Newbee ... What driver should I be going after?

[PuttPutt]

I have just started golfing and can't hit a driver to save my life :). I've read that the Cleveland Launcher 460 comp is a good, forgiving driver. Anybody have any ideas? I'm just tired of hitting irons off of the Tee box. Thanks!!!.

[drglew]

The old Launcher Comp would be fine. If you're just starting out, pretty much any driver from the past 5-years will be OK. The Taylormade '07 Burner is another good choice, and can be bought new for <$100 on the web. Don't spend a lot of dough no matter what you decide on , as your current swing hopefully won't be the same after a few months of practice! (And i'd guess as a beginner you should probably start with a regular flex shaft).

[tws1098]

The old Launcher Comp would be fine. If you're just starting out, pretty much any driver from the past 5-years will be OK. The Taylormade '07 Burner is another good choice, and can be bought new for <$100 on the web.

Simply wanted to put further emphasis on that good point. Also, if you want a chance to learn a few things you could get fitted for a driver. You typically will only do this when you are more comfortable swinging one, but sometimes the pro will give you a few tips and you can learn about the things that they will be looking at during a fitting. Personally I think the experience is kind of fun, and for about $25 it really isn't that expensive.

[nuck81]

Get a good swing before you get a good driver...

[mc0388]

Cleveland launcher
Callaway Diablo
TM Burner (07,09)
Ping G's (2,5,10,15)


All are very forgiving:

I would probably avoid anything that says tour, proto, pro, or comp. These may have a 1-2* open face that would promote a slice

[Shindig]

I see you're in California. If you're near a Roger Dunn golf shop, or some of the larger GolfSmiths (I don't know why they don't all have this policy), you can typically get a used driver and return it within 90 days for 100% of the purchase price back in store credit. I used this to go through a good number of drivers and 3-woods when I was starting.

Questions to consider:

* Do you slice or hook regularly? If so, do you want a "correction" feature in your driver?

* Do you have a preference on shape? (square, pear)

* Do you have a brand preference? This may sound silly, but let's say, for the sake of argument, that Ernie's your favorite player. If buying a Callaway driver would make you think "this is a good driver; Ernie uses (or used to use) one just like it!" and boost your confidence, allowing you to make a relaxed swing, it wouldn't be a mistake to take that into account when making the purchase.

* Do you know your swing speed and/or launch conditions? I can't tell you how often I see guys just beginning get S- or X- flex with 8.5 degrees of loft. Most shops (at least those around L.A./O.C.) will let you on the launch monitor to compare drivers pre-purchase.

[clam fist]

Don't spend a bunch of money. Your swing will change and you will end up wasting your money. Right now your best investment is lessons.

[Slammin' Sam]

I agree with many others here. Start with a cheap driver, but one that is forgiving on mishits. One poster mentioned the Callaway Diablo and the Ping G drivers but even used on Ebay they still go at close to or over $100. You should be able to pick up a used Ping TiSi, Callaway Big Bertha, or Taylor Made Burner for way less than that, typically around $25-$30.

[PentaV1x]

I've heard nothing but good things about Burner 07 drivers. Another driver I'd suggest is Callaway FT-IQ, my friend has it and he's a beginner too and he loves the accuracy.

[jamo]

I would say the Taylor Made Burners. They can be had for little money, the are high quality, and they are nice and light.

[JML22]

buy a nickent 4dx
you can find them for like 100 bucks right now

[nuck81]

Nickent is the shizbombdiggity. You can't go wrong...

[pittpanther]

Every driver review I've seen lately, the Ping G15 has been VERY highly rated.

[JML22]

its also like 500 bucks

[WUTiger]

Have you taken any golf lessons or attended any group golf clinics yet?

If not, get some lessons of some kind. A good pro could advise you what sort of driver you might need.

[JJLinn]

Any of the Nike SQ models are highly recommended. I got my SQ 5000 for $100 brand new last summer, so I'm sure the price has dropped since.

[delav]

As you can see (OP) asking such a questions will likely yield dozens of different answers, and half the time it's just the club a particular person has in their bag.

You don't need to spend a ton of cash; what suits you now won't suit you as your game improves. Find a used driver in 9.5-10.5 degrees of loft, and choose a regular or stiff shaft for now, depending on your build and swing speed. Having a decent driver to learn with is better than spending more for an "ideal" one now.

Heck, I have a TM R580XD in my basement that I could send you for next to nothing.

[Nike Markiie]

I see you're in California. If you're near a Roger Dunn golf shop, or some of the larger GolfSmiths (I don't know why they don't all have this policy), you can typically get a used driver and return it within 90 days for

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