Beginner Driver

[kam]

I am looking buy a new driver.I am a beginner and can drive the ball about 200 yards. I am using a ram driver. I am considering either the Nike Machspeed SQ or the Taylormade Burner superfast TP driver. Which one should I go with? If you know of any drivers that you think would be better please let me now. I am looking for a driver with a lot of forgiveness. I know that drivers add to handicap but the only way to get good at something is to practice.

[billysandy]

You can pick up drivers that are a few seasons old that are as forgiving as the most recent models. Start by not having the 'TP' version of any club, because that means 'TourProven' which = less forgiveness in most cases, and bias in the places a beginner doesn't want. Ping drivers are always a solid driver choice if you pick the G2 G5 G10 G15 Rapture. This is apparent by how well they hold their value. I haven't had experience with any Taylormade drivers, perhaps someone else can chip in on this one. Out of the 2 you have mentioned, they are both as popular as eachother, but as I said, beginners should steer clear of tour models. Machspeed drivers are square obv, which means more stability at impact.

[bocbass]

I have a Ping G2, and I love it. I was never a consistant driver, and I have see an incredible improvment with the G2. And with the G15 having been out for a while now, you can find used G2 drivers all over the place for $50-60 dollars.

[BostonSully]

Callaway Great Big Bertha is very cheap and I have been loving it. You can basicly hit the ball with anypart of the head and it will go straight, if you can find one they are very cheap but pretty dated at this point.

Thats just my opinion because I have had great success with the club.

[grizfan]

At this point in your game, I would focus more on where to buy than what to buy (well, maybe that's overdoing it a bit...)
Drivers seem to be very personal, something you need to get comfortable with. As a result, there's a large market for "slightly used" drivers. People will buy a new driver, take it to the range, not like the feel of it, and unload it at a good discount. So, until you really know what you want (and even then, its a bit of a crap shoot), stay away from your local big box stores. You can either invest the money in getting fitted, or go the bargain route. for the bargain route, check out callawaygolfpreowned.com, 3balls.com or globalgolf.com (to name a few). Lots of options for the slightly used to closeout drivers, at a big savings. Then, with the money you save, get some lessons. As a beginner myself, my $90 Cleveland Hi-Bore driver (new last year from 3balls.com) combined with $150 spent on lessons blows away any $250+ driver without lessons.

[tristanhilton85]

I second going through a site like 3balls.com. You can get a great used club fairly cheap.

[jc650]

I was debating between the two you mentioned almost, just not the TP version. I went with the Machspeed due to the adjustability factor. I went with the reg flex instead of stiff which was in my last driver. Although I hook the ball my setting is 1* flat and square. I am 10 x better than my last 2 drivers and easily 15 yards further on average and I hit like 11 or 12 fairways last time out. On mishits this club is great and I think the square head makes me a little less prone to get to handsy at impact. That said who knows how it will work for you but its definitely worth a look.

[eprobation]

I went with the Cleveland Hi-Bore and it was a nice driver, think i got it for 89.99. I recently sold it and bought a Callaway FTIQ mix and I am longer and straighter. It was a good move.

[andef]

Pretty much agree with billysandy. I wouldn't go for the Burner Superfast TP, it's a less forgiving clubhead with an open clubface. A high handicapper usually struggles with slicing and an open clubface is the last thing you want. I'd suggest some Ping drivers, even though I hate all the ones I've tried but the I15, because they're very forgiving and easy to hit straight. All brands make some very forgiving driver. As people always suggest, I'd go out and try what you can find around.
Here's a brief list of forgiving drivers: Callaway Big Bertha Diablo, Callaway Diablo Edge, Cleveland Hi-bore Monster (I think that's the name), Nike Machspeed, Nike Dymo Squared, TaylorMade Burner (07 and 09), TaylorMade Burner Superfast (non TP), TaylorMade R9 460. Lesser known brands also make great drivers: Adams, Wilson Staff and others.
Can't give you more than this as I've only played two drivers so far, my box set Wilson and my current Titleist. Never tried TaylorMades other than the TP versions and never tried GI or SGI drivers either.

[allin]

  kam said:

I am looking buy a new driver.I am a beginner and can drive the ball about 200 yards. I am using a ram driver. I am considering either the Nike Machspeed SQ or the Taylormade Burner superfast TP driver. Which one should I go with? If you know of any drivers that you think would be better please let me now. I am looking for a driver with a lot of forgiveness. I know that drivers add to handicap but the only way to get good at something is to practice.

Bilysandy gave good advice. Based on your address, fairly rainy?, if your swing speed is average I would opt for the one with more loft 10.5 or more.

[Leftygolfer]

Equipment has very little to do with being good at golf. Any used driver with lots of loft and regular flex shaft will do. Get something cheap and spend the rest on lessons and playing/practicing.

[Slammin' Sam]

I'm gonna have to agree with Billysandy Bocbass on this issue too. Any of the Ping G series drivers or the Callaway Diablo would be a good way to go...very forgiving, easy to hit, and inexpensive to buy. I got my Diablo new as an "open box" special from 3balls.com for $129. I also agree on the loft - a 10 or 10.5 degree should work just fine for you.

[danieldrieberg]

  bocbass said:

I have a Ping G2, and I love it. I was never a consistant driver, and I have see an incredible improvment with the G2. And with the G15 having been out for a while now, you can find used G2 drivers all over the place for $50-60 dollars.

+1 I own 7 drivers (It's a disease, addiction,whatever) The Ping G2 is still the best. Forgiving and yet very long.