Hello Everyone! (Yes. I am new...)

[BlackandGold]

Hi guys.  I've been looking around for a site like this.  I think it's great to have the ability to communicate with other golfers that are as passionate about the game and the equipment as I am.  I'm from the midwest so the golf season is short and not so sweet.  It ideally starts in April and ends in early October.  I't hot and humid for most of the summer and very cold come October but I would play almost everyday during the golf season (baring some act of god like a Tornado) as a junior golfer.  I lived .7 miles from my "home course" where I had a season pass.  From dusk til dawn I would practice and play and met amazing and interesting people everyday.  Guys I would compete against in high school. Check.  Guys that were between the ages of (8-80).  Double Check.  Golf is the only game I know that can captivate the mind of seemingly anyone regardless of age.  It's unique in this way.  I basically grew up on the course and then grew up and got away from it for a bit.  I still play once in awhile but not as much as I would like.  To keep this in perspective I used to play over 150 rounds per year easy.  Now I play 5 times if I'm lucky.  My equipment is some what dated (especially the drivers) and am interested in getting your thoughts on some things.  

Here is what is in the bag: Callaway Biggest Big Bertha (the original lol), other driver is a Taylormade 540dx, tour exotics cg 3 wood, FT 5 hybrid, irons I LOVE are Callaway x 20 tour with project x shafts, cleveland wedges from 2010, and 2 ball putter.

 I want to upgrade the driver to either: Jetspeed, SLDR, Callaway Big Bertha (2014), Callaway Hyper X, Callaway 460x, might even consider a version of the Cleveland Launcher comp 460 (I used to crush that club).  My question is how far has tech come?  I never will use the wrench, I'm not interested in that.  With that being said is the difference between a 2008 driver and a 2014 driver significant enough to potentially DOUBLE my investment?? I've looked all over and found the best deals on ebay and craigslist.  Let's assume it's $45 for 2008 clubs and $80 to $90 for the newer stuff (2014).  I think I'm spinning my wheels here but it's an interesting question.  Technology, advancements, real value.  I think my swing speed is 105 mph (I used an online calculator that looked at carry with a driver/7iron and it seems about as right as it can be.)  I hit the ball straight, sometimes a 15 yard fade if I really go for it.  This is only relevant because this tells you more about my ability level and ball flight patterns.  If I hit it straight why spend extra money on a club that can change weight/loft/etc.  I really took a lot of time off from golf and now am becoming interested again.  This is where you guys would be of great use to me:  What should I get?  What has and will hold value for a few years??  Is there a driver or company (Taylormade/Callaway/Cleveland/Titleist/etc) that have produced an excellent driver that is now a few years old BUT still is a great club?  I want to thank you guys for taking the time to read this... perhaps it was too long but I have a lot to ask so there it is.  Have a great day/weekend.  THANK YOU

[boogielicious]

Welcome to the site @BlackandGold. Don't forget to choose an avatar. 

[14ledo81]

Welcome to TST!!

[Gator Hazard]

Welcome!

[9wood]

On 1/30/2016 at 2:29 AM, BlackandGold said:

Hi guys.  I've been looking around for a site like this.  I think it's great to have the ability to communicate with other golfers that are as passionate about the game and the equipment as I am.

Welcome to the forum Black&Gold

[BlackandGold]

Still looking for the right driver.  I'm surfing the web for the best deals.  It's really a disadvantage to not be able to hold the club in your hands and retailers around here usually purge their old stuff rather quickly and only have new or last years models in store and available to hit on the simulators.  A lot of sites are offering 30 day money back/free ship/etc.  I would like to get the best driver for the money.  I'm working with like $80 max and have looked at virtually every Callaway model since 2006 + some Taylormade too.  Anyone swear by an old club (06-12 era)??  All help would be appreciated...  

Also thanks for all the welcoming posts!!! Very nice to be in such a positive place