3-wood technology?

[tradewind_golfer]

Alright, thanks to the forum members info and advice, I've finally updated to more modern technology with the driver. The 460cc head makes a BIG difference.

My question for you guys is about 3-wood technology. How much has it improved in the past 5-10 years? I'm currently playing the original Callaway Great Big Bertha (1996?) and notice that although it's easy to hit, it does seem to balloon a little bit and lacks feedback...doesn't have the real visceral feel and shots off the toe or sweet spot feel almost the same.

How much of an improvement are modern 3-woods over what I'm playing in terms of feel, distance, trajectory, and ability to be played off the deck? I've tried the old Titleist 975f and it was great off the tee, but impossible off the grass. Also demo'ed Sonartec (NP-99, SS-03, and SS-02) and they were LONG off the tee, ok off the deck, but felt pretty hard (I'm guessing my swing speed is in the low to mid 90's, best round this year 6 over, average mid-low 80's, always played a fade).

Saw a nice review on the Titleist 904f on this site and I also can trade for a TM V-steel with a TT DG R300 shaft. Any opinions/experience on these two woods, and possibly how they compare to what I'm playing? Does the titanium 3-wood (ruger titanium, trivia freaks?) vs. a steel 3-wood have any difference in performance? ...or, should I just stick with what I have?

Order of importance: forgiveness, feel, off the deck-ability, trajectory (mid), and the "go-to-club" factor...distance isn't so important, but would be nice!

Thanks in advance, this is the last club trade of the year, I swear I swear!

[aquacooled]

I can suggest the r7 woods from taylor made.. newest technology max core and great shaft.. the vsteel are nice I have one. I would suggest getting a different shaft for the v steel though

[tradewind_golfer]

thanks for the suggestion aquacooled...

never even considered the R7 as it's way out of my budget.

What do you like and dislike about your V-steel? I can get a 15* V-steel with a TT Dynamic Gold steel shaft for a direct swap on my GBB.

Just wondering if I should go with a graphite shaft instead.

Also considering a Cleveland Launcher Titanium 3-wood...

[aquacooled]

I really dont dislike anything on the v steel other then the shaft (the ball flies too high) check my sig for shaft..

the reason I switch back to the vsteel is because I it the v steel better from the fairway then the r7 but when I tee the ball the r7 is perfect..

I would go with a graphite shaft for the fairway wood, and cleveland also make great clubs.. really all the big names make good stuff..

goodluck

[rockyt]

just picked up a sonartec, a lil difficult to hit and not at all forgiving. but very very workable golf club. makes me miss my R7 ti... and that being said, i would go with an R7 ti 3 wood it macthes exactly what you are looking for.

my 2 pennys

[Guest]

I just picked up a King Cobra Comp 3 wood and love it, haven't hit it off a tee too much, but it's great off the deck...

[shortgame85]

The Callaway Steelhead series was a big hit a few years ago. The latest version of this club is called the Callaway X Fairway Wood. I find the 3 Wood easy to hit off the tee, as well as the fairway. You can buy them relatively inexpensively from an eBay seller. I bought mine, with the stock Fujikura graphite shaft, new for $139.00. That was a few months ago; they may be cheaper now. Good luck.

[tradewind_golfer]

Thanks for the info fellas...

BTW, what is a R7 fairway wood going for new and used now-a-days?

I swapped the Great Big Bertha (10 years old) and paid $60 for an almost new Callaway Fusion 4 wood with the NVS shaft. Pretty good deal that I couldn't pass up.

I'm praying that this is it and forever will be (HAHAHHA!!! NEVER!!!), but will let you guys know. The Callaway X looked good too, as well as Launcher titanium and comp, and Titleist 904f.

Any of you guys just play a strong lofted hybrid in place of a 3-wood? Tried the Sonartec MD last year and loved the low trajectory, but didn't know how to hit it off the deck. After I sold it I read it's supposed to be hit like a 5-iron?

Ok, R7 and X are on the list...Thanks!