Older Driver (New Shaft), or New Driver (Stock Shaft)

[saevel25]

Just curious, I've been looking into getting a new driver. I know a new driver your looking at 300 bucks or more, and you usually get a stock shaft that is not that impressive and really doesn't fit well. Is there much difference between driver heads, let say in 2010, were i can get one for like 99 dollars, then just get it refitted with a 200 dollar shaft. Honestly i am thinking of going that route. The only option i see other-wise would be to get an adjustable driver, since they are pretty much a new thing. But if i don't go the adjustable route, wouldn't it be better just to get an older driver head and get it reshafted. The USGA has limited the COR and the MOI for drivers. So really a driver head can't get you that much more in distance over the past 5 years.

Also, is there a difference, lts say you get a Titleist driver, between the Titleist Diamana shaft and the actual Diamana shaft. They have the same specs, what makes them different.

[azgreg]

To me the shaft is way more important than the head. If I was to buy a driver today I would look at GlobalGolf, etc. for a used driver that suits my eye and reshaft it.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by saevel25

Just curious, I've been looking into getting a new driver. I know a new driver your looking at 300 bucks or more, and you usually get a stock shaft that is not that impressive and really doesn't fit well. Is there much difference between driver heads, let say in 2010, were i can get one for like 99 dollars, then just get it refitted with a 200 dollar shaft. Honestly i am thinking of going that route. The only option i see other-wise would be to get an adjustable driver, since they are pretty much a new thing. But if i don't go the adjustable route, wouldn't it be better just to get an older driver head and get it reshafted. The USGA has limited the COR and the MOI for drivers. So really a driver head can't get you that much more in distance over the past 5 years.

Also, is there a difference, lts say you get a Titleist driver, between the Titleist Diamana shaft and the actual Diamana shaft. They have the same specs, what makes them different.

No difference. They're exactly the same in every way but the paint job (dude - seriously?!?)

[mlf16507]

Goto Ebay and buy a Nickent 4DX Evolver for very little. Test out shafts at golf shop and put into Nickent head(very easy to do) the shaft you like best.  You will have a great driver at a very reasonable price!

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1311&_nkw=nickent+driver&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[Mr. Desmond]

Originally Posted by saevel25

Also, is there a difference, lts say you get a Titleist driver, between the Titleist Diamana shaft and the actual Diamana shaft. They have the same specs, what makes them different.

Typically, they are not the same shaft - it is a "made for Titleist" shaft detuned for Titleist specifications as opposed to the aftermarket version. Lots of controversy over the years about how detuned the "made for" version is in comparison to the aftermarket. Being a typical Joe golfer, I think Titleist stock shafts are fine for most golfers. But they won't be enough for some golfers who will demand the "real" thing.

[topspin4hand]

I am going through the same back and forth.  I think a new premium shaft in my driver that's seen 2.5 seasons' use would be great but I can't imagine how I'd get to test out a multitude of shafts with my current driver head ...

Originally Posted by saevel25

Just curious, I've been looking into getting a new driver. I know a new driver your looking at 300 bucks or more, and you usually get a stock shaft that is not that impressive and really doesn't fit well. Is there much difference between driver heads, let say in 2010, were i can get one for like 99 dollars, then just get it refitted with a 200 dollar shaft. Honestly i am thinking of going that route. The only option i see other-wise would be to get an adjustable driver, since they are pretty much a new thing. But if i don't go the adjustable route, wouldn't it be better just to get an older driver head and get it reshafted. The USGA has limited the COR and the MOI for drivers. So really a driver head can't get you that much more in distance over the past 5 years.

[saevel25]

Well i wasn't sure because Titleist offers the same shaft, one that is made for Titleist and the original, and to upgrade is like Retail price + 300 dollars. Its insane. So not sure if its just because Titleist gets a deal on the shafts due to marketing and mass production..

Well I caved and got the 910D2. I just can't live with a white club head on Taylormade, and Titleist offers the best stock shafts for my game. I love the ping i20, but i hate there shaft options, and for 50 bucks more, its worth being able to mess with the lie, loft and face angle.

[moparman426]

Originally Posted by Mr. Desmond

Typically, they are not the same shaft - it is a "made for Titleist" shaft detuned for Titleist specifications as opposed to the aftermarket version. Lots of controversy over the years about how detuned the "made for" version is in comparison to the aftermarket. Being a typical Joe golfer, I think Titleist stock shafts are fine for most golfers. But they won't be enough for some golfers who will demand the "real" thing.

By "detuned" he actually means tuned .  The shafts are tuned to specific parameters set by the club designer to better match the intended end result of the club design in question.  This may be a slight change in kickpoint, torque, etc.....   It's not like they went out and bought a $10 shaft and painted "DIAMANA" on it.  The horse has long been dead and well beaten...leave him be.

[saevel25]

Yeah i figured that much when you look at the Titleist custom options booklet. There shaft i have is a slightly higher launch, going from Low launch to Low-Mid, No big deal for me. The other one is that the torque is about 0.5° higher in the Titleist shaft. I really don't think torque matters as much to me, 99% of the impact from the ball is resisted in the MOI of the golf club. So 0.5° is basically negliable when it comes to the head turning.

[tristanhilton85]

From what I understand, the "made for" shafts are kind of a hit or miss thing... Some of them have been really good and others not so much.  For instance, if I remember correctly, the "made for Mizuno" Fubuki shaft that was in the MP 630 line was really liked and while it was a bit different than a "real" Fubuki wasn't thought to be of lesser quality.  I know that there are other "made for" shafts that people believe that the quality was lesser than the real thing.

[gfd66]

I've been thinking about doing the same with my Cleveland HiBore. Now that my swingspeed has finally improved I need a stiffer shaft but can't justify $300 for a new one.

[play18now]

It's a hit and miss thing with me.  I too have a 910D2 and I love it and the shaft, but Ive had bad experiences with other stocks.  However I know Hunter Mahan used to play with Ping's stock TCH-somethingorother shaft back in the G10 days so if that's not proof enough they can be good, idk what is

[Mr. Desmond]

Originally Posted by moparman426

By "detuned" he actually means tuned.  The shafts are tuned to specific parameters set by the club designer to better match the intended end result of the club design in question.  This may be a slight change in kickpoint, torque, etc.....   It's not like they went out and bought a $10 shaft and painted "DIAMANA" on it.  The horse has long been dead and well beaten...leave him be.

Actually, that is correct (and probably what I meant). This horse was beaten in the late 90's, early 00's. Titleist has Fuji or Mitsu tune the shafts to the club design, and probably, the market. Titleist once had the bore thru design that drove the shaft deep into the head - naturally the shaft had to be redesigned to account for the insertion depth. I don't know the final outcome of the debate as to the shaft - do not want to know -- but my experience with "designed for" Titleist shafts is that they are fine shafts - smooth, too.

[saevel25]

the old 975D had the bore through golf shaft, that was one hell of a driver. I still have it.. I just got to get it regripped, that one had the old EI70 golf shaft. Man i love that driver..

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by saevel25

the old 975D had the bore through golf shaft, that was one hell of a driver. I still have it.. I just got to get it regripped, that one had the old EI70 golf shaft. Man i love that driver..

My "favourite" driver is an older Callaway - Hawkeye Tour with a really stout shaft, but it has a rattle in the head (stupid older Callaways that nobody will touch when it comes to reshafting!!!)

[johnclayton1982]

I think you need to just hit a whole bunch of drivers, honestly.  I really do.  Fitters can help, but you need to find your club for the driver IMO.  And when you find one, guard it with your life!

For example, I have a decent swing speed, but by far hit the best with a 13* nike SQ with a senior flex shaft and a multicompound grip.  Don't know why, but I smash that club - it just feels really good in my hands.  I have no idea why I hit a senior flex much straighter than any other flex (with a swing speed 96-98 mph).  I just do.  I have had stiff drivers, have to fight a vicious hook.  The senior flex driver just hits it straight.

[saevel25]

See, i am totally different, as long as the club shaft length isn't wierd, and the club isn't to light i can swing anything. But i do prefer the titleist driver, i just think it has a sweet feel. I think this one is going to be in my bag for a while..

[JGulkCG]

If your worried about having a "tour" shaft.  There are a few companies with legit shafts in their drivers.  Cleveland has legit tour issue Miyazaki's in them. I know Adams and Nike come stock with tour issue shafts as well.