Beginner set Driver vs Top Drivers

[IdRatherBgolfin]

I am new to the game. I picked it up halfway through the season and bought myself a set of beginner clubs. Since golf is my latest obsession, I'd like to upgrade my equipment (especially my driver), but I'd like to get some feedback before I begin looking/spending.

The set I am currently playing with is "Golden Bear Wide Track". The driver is has 10 degree loft and is 460cc's. I was wondering what I could expect if I switched to a high-end club such as an R11. I realize it won't make me a better golf. That being said, would a top of the line driver add a few extra yards to my drive, and add more control to my drives given what I am currently using? Are we talking 5 yards?...15 yards? More forgiveness with my dreaded slice?

Currently, my longest drives approach 260 yards, my average good drive is 230 yards, and I have a fairly consistent slice that I've been trying to correct. I love hitting bombs, but my main goal would be to get on the fairway more consistently, something I don't do enough.

[inthehole]

I've  been playing about a year, so I'm a beginner also.     During that time, I've owned 5 drivers - 3 of them have been high dollar premium drivers.     I can definitively tell you, a good driver doesn't help all that much at the stage we're at.     At this point, I'm using my wife's old cheapie driver - it's 3 inches shorter than my K15 & I hit it so much more consistently, and hit it on the sweet spot way more, so there really isn't any distance lost by comparison.     I think it's all about hitting the sweet spot consistently - my advice is if you have a cheaper driver, go out to the garage with a hacksaw, cut it to a hair longer than your 3 wood and slap a new grip on it.    Piece of cake - I bet you'll hit longer, probably much longer due to hitting the sweet spot.

[drglew]

I'd agree with inthehole: If you're really in your 1st year, i'd not recommend spending big bucks (i.e. getting an R11) right now, as it's unlikely the driver will make that much of a difference--and even if it does, you're just "learning" your swing, and what club/shaft might be ok this year will not suit you at all next year.  So it might be pretty hard to truly get a good clubfitting for your swing.

the biggest knocks against most starter set drivers are basic quality control issues (i.e. they are more likely to fall apart sooner), and that the shafts tend to be pretty flexible.  Yes, too flexible shafts can affect dispersion, but too stiff shafts often worsen a slice...which you report as your main driving problem.

That being said, if you wanted, it might be a much more reasonable investment to get a higher quality driver, but get either a used one, or a new one from a season or two ago from one of many discount outlets (my personal favorite is rockbottomgolf.com, but there are many others).  That way you could likely spend less than $100 and still have a very high quality "brand name" driver.

[Mr. Desmond]

R11?

No, it's made for guys who swing consistently well and is only 440cc.

You can find a TM Superfast (the original) for less than $150 and cut it down to a decent length. Go higher loft for more forgiveness - you get more backspin and less sidespin with, let's say, a 10.5. The 13 will cut down your distance, but you will find the fairway with it, depending on your swing. Other drivers on closeout that are forgiving might also be helpful. I pointed out the Superfast because it's swingweight is relatively heavy and you can shorten the shaft length. Of course, that makes the shaft slightly stiffer (the head is on a shorter stick so it puts less stress on the shaft), so it's something you've got to judge. But a shorter length shaft makes it easier to make better contact.

The difference? Better design, materials, sound, feel.