New driver- Diablo Octane - can't hit it no matter what!!

[rstyle]

I use an old Taylor Made Burner 10.5 regular shaft and can be fairly consistent and get 230-250 yrds.

Thought I would try something new and went to a fitting place where they told me that for my swing speed, RPM's and other factors I would be better with a shorter driver (45inch), stiff graphite and 9.5 degrees. Tempted by the "10-15 yards longer with the new technology".

Sooo.................found one used in very good condition and there is no way I can hit it. After a tleast 5 trips to the range.

On the few solid hits the ball always fades out. Have not hit a straight ball even trying hard to come in out, keeping right elbow against the body etc., tried to swing slower, changed grip a little bit to a stronger one. In the same range visit I can pick up the old Burner and hit as usual, pick the Octane up and same thing happens again. Everything leaks right and not longer than with the old club.

Of course I am going to keep playing the old Burner.... but it puzzles me where the problem is. Maybe a regular shaft would have been better.

Ideas?

[minty7890]

Try the Octane in 10.5 loft Regular flex.  You may have better results.  Taylormade and Callaway stock shafts have different profiles.  The shaft is the key.  In addition to upgrading clubs, the correct shaft will enhance you distance and dispersion.  Stock shafts are usually never the best fit.  I'd spend some time researching and testing shafts.  You don't have to pay a lot, but you have to try different shafts.

[ShooterMcgavin]

Personally I think it'll just take you some time to get used to it....I went from a POS driver to a Diablo Edge and I could hit my POS pretty straight but the Diablo I would slice everytime...it took me about 2 or 3 trips to the range and 3 or 4 rounds to figure it out...My advice would be to slow your swing down dramatically and gradually work it back up as you get used to the club

[jclifton]

A buddy of mine had the same trouble with a Diablo Edge. He had been playing an R5 TaylorMade that he was very accurate with.

We played in a 4 man superball tournament last month and he didn't have a drive in the fairway the whole day. He gave it some time, but he never could keep from slicing with it.

He finally traded it and got a Cobra that he is hitting straight.

[rstyle]

I am tempted to re shaft the club and see what happens since the club is almost new.

I will also try to slow down and see what happens.

The only (very few times) I have been able to hit it well I exaggerated my turn and brought my shoulder back behind the ball as much as I could. I am 60yrs old and do not have the flexibility to make this a routine thing without making other bad things happen

The truth is that if I am not going to get a few yards extra distance I may as well stay with my old driver.

[shades9323]

It sounds like the shaft is too stiff for you. I would try sticking a regular flex in there if you want to keep the driver.

Originally Posted by rstyle

I am tempted to re shaft the club and see what happens since the club is almost new.

I will also try to slow down and see what happens.

The only (very few times) I have been able to hit it well I exaggerated my turn and brought my shoulder back behind the ball as much as I could. I am 60yrs old and do not have the flexibility to make this a routine thing without making other bad things happen

The truth is that if I am not going to get a few yards extra distance I may as well stay with my old driver.

[Mr. Desmond]

If you're going left to right - another cause may be that you're having trouble closing the face of the newer club's geometry or heavier swingweight. I also thought the Diablo was 46 inches.

But you might try a stronger grip to help close the face.

Check the length and swingweight - a heavier swingweight may be more difficult to close, too.

1. stronger grip

2. have someone check out swing

3. slightly shorten and get swingweight to D2-D3.

[rstyle]

Thanks everyone for the responses.

Mr Desmond is correct. The Diablo Octane driver is 46in. (The Tour model is 45.5)

My old Taylor made is longer!