Need some upgrades...so many to choose from. Where to start?

[jdtox]

First let me say Hello!

I just joined and have been reading some posts on here.

I have been playing golf for bout 18 years. When I used to play alot I was about a 10 handicap and last 10 years or so I have been relegated to playing maybe 6 times a year so its dropped to about a 17 still. NOT NEARLY ENOUGH. Well this year that is changing and I am in the market for some new sticks. Driver, 3 wood, irons wedges, putter....everything!

I have been reading reviews and such and really just don't know what the heck I want. Some days I say screw it anything is better that what I have, so just get the $399 burner 1.0's or x20's or the $149 last year model drivers and then somedays I say wait, if your gonna spend the money, why not get something newer.

I currently am hitting a Taylormade R360xd for my driver, and my irons are all Snake Eyes with Rifle shafts. They were "sort of" custom made. And by that a cousin was a clubmaker and I kinda just picked out heads I liked and shafts and we put them together. I hit them pretty good still, but I want some modern tech in my bag.  PLUS I have NEVER had a name brand set of clubs. Always been hand me downs from dad or made for me by my cousin. Snake Eyes, Dynacraft, Etc. The only thing in my bag namebrand is my odyssey putter and I want to replace that too!

I have been looking at everything and anything. Currently looking at the new Cobra S3 stuff, Taylormade, Cleveland and haven't looked at adams, but have seen some good reviews. I dislike the Ping and Callaway looks, so I have completely ruled them out. Nike Machspeed driver has caught my attention as of late. But haven't hit it yet...

Sorry for long explanations, but hope it helps get some responses. So...any recommendations on clubs or otherwise?

Thanks

[MiniBlueDragon]

Hi. Welcome to the forum.

- Go through your current gear and try it all out. Make sure there's nothing you want to keep.

- Put your current gear to the side but don't sell it just yet!

- Decide on a budget for new gear

- Work your clubs backward in terms of important (putter > wedges > irons > woods > driver)

- Read reviews for the item you're lookng for and draft yourself a "top five" for the item. Make a note of the prices.

- Go to your local pro shop and try out all five of them and see which you prefer. Rank them 1-5.

- Add your current piece of gear to your 1-5 list (you may be surprised!)

- Add your #1 choice to your list and remove the cost from the budget

- Rinse and repeat

- Remember 'extras' like glove, shoes, clothing, tees, balls, trolley, towel etc

If you get to a point where you have no budget left and there are items you need, either add to the budget or just re-visit some items you've noted and see if you'd be happy to knock some of them down a rank and whether it'll free up more cash for the items you're missing.

Unfortunately there's no way someone on a forum halfway around the world can give you a definite "If you play Mizuno, you win instantly" so it's going to be down to you to read opinions, try clubs and choose.

[jdtox]

Thanks for the response.

I  have played as recently as 2 days ago and based on some of the strats you mentioned. I would have to say that I am thinking of doing driver first. While I still hit mine very well at times, I feel I am missing out for sure in that department on the new technology.

I am looking for something that is forgiving yet allows you to shape the ball right or left at will. I don't know for sure that I want or even need and adjustable driver.

I already know how to draw or fade a ball and I don't always want it to go straight. So lets start there. What are the best new drivers? If this is the case am I better off purchasing a year old driver (burner or diablo) for half price if I don't want and adjustment features? will these huge clubheads still allow me to work the ball?

How do you tell by hitting them on a launch monitor indoors? Sound? Looks? Price? Can you really tell how it feels by hitting it 20 feet into a net or mat?

Lets say I have a budget of $300 for a driver. Love to spend less, but willing to spend full amount. What should I be looking at?

[LankyLefty]

If your Old school but want something modern take a look at Ping. They have a very old school look and feel with a modern kick. They allow a high level of shot shaping while not being completely unforgiving. I tried and fell in love with Ping but I could only afford a used 3 wood. Since I was on a budget and several sources said the 4DX Evolver from Nickent was very similar to a ping G10 I went for it.

I like it better then the G10 which is almost 2 years newer. The big downside is no pro shop in the world carries it so no demo. The upside? its less then $70. Perhaps not your cup of tea but brand new ones do sell on Ebay for about 60-70 so if you don't like it It could be an easy sell to recoup most of your money.

http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/nickent-golf-evolver-driver.html

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by jdtox

I am looking for something that is forgiving yet allows you to shape the ball right or left at will . . . I have a budget of $300 for a driver.

I went for a forgiving driver and a workable driver separately. My G10 is as forgiving as it gets and that's my "casual round with friends at a new course" driver. My Callaway X-Tour needs a more precise strike but is a little longer and I can actually hit a fade with it (not a mistake coughslicecough, but an actual planned fade).

[LankyLefty]

Hehe if you think the G10 is forgiving youve never swung the forgiving callaways. The FT-IQ is ridiculous its got a sweet spot the size of two silver dollars.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by LankyLefty

Hehe if you think the G10 is forgiving youve never swung the forgiving callaways. The FT-IQ is ridiculous its got a sweet spot the size of two silver dollars.

I bought my Cally off ebay because it matched an X-Tour 3-wood I picked up at Play It Again Sports. I wasn't even in the market for a replacement for the G10, so forgiveness or working the ball weren't factors. It just matched what I had (I know - what a noob) and it turns out I really like it. I have hit the FT-IQ hybrids and really like them.

[jdtox]

OK to me this sounds silly but what do I know.

I went to a local golfsmith and the guy mentioned the macgregor m85i irons in the mix of clubs he suggested. I immediately shrugged them off like yeah right macgregor, come on man, next. After coming back and doing some research it seems they appear to get pretty dam good reviews. I didn't even look at them when I was there cause of the name. Little did I know they used to be pretty big back in the day.

Golfsmith currently has a deal going for $599 you get the set of irons, driver, a hybrid, a fairway wood, 2 VIP wedges and a bag!

I have read good things about the irons, and the wedges...but the drivers, etc not sure, but the price is ridiculous. I have always been a proponent of you get what you pay for, but these irons were originally $699 on sale for $299.

Am I missing something here? Thats a hell of a deal....if the stuff's any good. I mean I was looking at spending $599 possibly or more on irons alone. Is this worth looking into?

[Meddle]

Pretty much all the major manufacturers make good stuff, it all comes down to what you have the most confidence in. What suites your eye, feel, etc. What's more important than the brand you buy is making sure the clubs fit you, length, shaft, stuff like that.

As far as the question you asked, I've never played those irons, but have heard nothing but good things about Macgregor recently. I'm sure they would do the trick just fine.

[LankyLefty]

I have heard nothing but good things about both the performance and value of Macgregor's new line.

I also think that you should buy it while you can. If i had to guess they are selling it a low profit to get the word out before they jack up the prices on future lines. So if you swing it and like it go for it you might get a great deal.