Titleist 938K vs. 905R comparison

[samno]

Hi,

Can someone share their experience of going from the oldie-but-goodie Titleist 983K driver to 905R driver? I'm wondering whether I can increase yardage by going to a 460cc head. Assuming I keep the same Fujikura stiff shaft (i.e., taking any difference between shafts out of the equation), is the newer design 905R longer than 983K?

[gas_can]

  samno said:

Hi,

samno,

Both the 983K and 905R are very similar in their profiles, both being high launch and high spin heads. Assuming you are properly fit for both, you should see zero difference in distance between the two on center strikes. You will however notice a very large difference in marginally off center hits with the 905R going further. If you decide on buying a new 905R, I would advise getting fit by a clubfitter because loft and shaft selection with head as high launching and spinny as the 905R is crucial to keeping distance. Be sure to get accurate launch monitor data for your current setup and try and find a combination which yields similar results.

[boodaboy16]

I've hit both the 983k and the 905r with the same shaft and loft and I find the 905r goes further even on slightly off center hits than when the 983k is pured. My only complaint of the 905r is workability. However, the 983k isn't the best driver for workability either. Personally, I like the 983e and the 905s. They are very workable, long and straight. Although, I plan to get a 905r for wet days or when I just want to bomb it. One more note, I found the 983k to not be quite as high launch as the 905r. So, you may want to consider 1 degree less loft in the R.

[wachesawgolfer]

I bought the 905R with a Fujikura R shaft and it goes further than any driver I have ever hit. I know that does not answer your question other to say the 905R head is hot with good fitting.

[samno]

Thanks, wachesawgolfer.

My launch speed is about 150 mph and as I am 46 yrs old, it's unlikely that my swingspeed will increase without having to completely re-vamp my swing mechanics. I think the 905R is the way to go. I recently tried Nike SQ Driver and the next gen SQ (the one that KJ Choi used to win at Chrysler Championship), and they were clunky and uncomfortable. I was seriously considering the SQ.