Problem is..finding these people that actually want to help you find the best club vs someone who just wants to sell you what they have on the rack. I've found that most people who work in retail golf shops really aren't "fitters"...they are just retail salesman. Disappointing if I'm being honest.
American golf can be like that. I read reviews on fitters and get as much info and feedback as possible to find a good one. Golfers Choice in Northampton is my pick in my area.
@@uglygolf american golf guys know enough to bamboozle people that don't know much about anything to do with launch monitor stats...but they either still don't know enough, or just don't care to help anymore than what they need to sell something
@@kw12784 Yep that's what I meant. Poor considering the tech they have to hand. My brother went there to by a driver which he was gonna buy anyway but the guy was giving it the hard sell. My brother had to say "I am buying this I just wanted to try it 1st". He made a good choice and gets on well with the driver but he wasn't offered anything else that may of suit him better 🤷🏼♂️ I had i similar experience too. Wanted to try the tsr3 but the fitter, a different guy set me up with the TSR2 which I didn't like I left with nothing and didn't try the tsr3 😆 They also kept mentioning 0% finance 🙄
All great points Mark. I think for me the whole “fun” thing is the only reason I would consider it at this point. My driver is modern enough where the differences won’t be too bad, but new toys are great fun.
Thank you for not shaming people for buying new drivers and "wasting" their money. It's very true that new clubs do get people excited to play golf and practice more.
Last 5 drivers; G30, XR16, M5, G410 and right now I’m gaming a Maverik. I feel it’s the best fairway finder I’ve had, not the longest but best feeling driver I’ve ever had.
Biggest difference I noticed when getting fit for a new driver was shaft stiffness and weight. Used handed down clubs for years so never tailored to me or my swing, until recently and now hitting it straighter and longer without changing the swing thanks to a stiffer shaft that matches my swing speed.
Thanks for your video. I'm a senior golfer and just upgrading my bag to senior flex clubs. That said, I never buy new clubs. Too many good deals out there without paying the premium prices.
I've been using an old(ish) Taylormade M2 driver for a while now and I noticed a big difference between that and the Callaway Big Bertha II I upgraded from (that was an old club). However, I've just started using a Taylormade Sim 2 driver and I can't really tell it apart from my M2. I agree the more modern clubs are definitely superior over the very old clubs but you definitely don't have to go out and get the newest club available. I think the best bang for your buck today comes from the clubs released in the last 3-6 years personally (unless you want to get fitted of course!). Good video as always Mark 👍👍
@@joshlockrey6700 I switched from an M$ to Sim Max after a fitting. Kinda wish I hadn't, no real gain to be honest and actually struggled for 6 months. But I'm a magpie and love shiny things......
Apart from my putter my entire bag is made up of clubs from 13-16 years ago. Returned to playing back in April after an 18 month injury break. Took 6 months but I'm finding a bit of consistency and putting some decent scores in so think its time to treat myself to some shiny new bats in the new year when I get my annual bonus!
I'm always amazed by how many seniors play 'old' drivers. Like 15 years old with 70g+ shafts. I think they think that because they're swinging driver at 85 mph that technology can't make a difference. My playing partner is 74 and I convinced him to buy a TSi1 with a 40g shaft. He's now easily 20 yards longer and carries ditches and gets to fairways that his previous driver wouldn't, I mean he's literally got 4/5 years back in terms of distance.
I just got a 'new' Cobra 400SZ that I'm going to send to a club refinisher to get a custom paint color and general refurbishment done. It'll be one of a kind, and all-in less than 1/3 of a new driver.
I like swapping out drivers because it's fun but my current set-up is pretty money and I don't think will be leaving the gamer bag for awhile. I do have a number of older drivers that I take out from time to time to mix things up and remind me how much advantage the newer equipment I have gives me.
Same. Golf gear heads like myself just find enjoyment getting the next best thing. It's also not that costly to upgrade if you recoop some money by selling your driver on Offerup or trade-in value if store allows it.
Last April (2021) i bought a “used” 2016 M2 on eBay w a stock senior flex shaft for $170. I said used because the head was in mint condition and what bargain ! Last year I got custom fit for two counter, balanced shafts. The first was a Hzdrs Smoke Yellow 5.5 and the 2nd and my current shaft is an Evenflow Riptide CB 6.0 Small Batch. I averaged 1.49 smash factor indoors on Trackman This combo is amazing. Feel/Sound of this 2016 M2 is unparalleled. I might be losing a few yards on center hits and maybe a little forgiveness on off-center hits but I’m happy with this driver at least for one more year. Maybe next next fall 2023 I’ll compare it to TSR or Callaway ROUGE ST LS and see how they compare!
It may be more fun hitting a new driver, but not as much fun as playing better. Which is what they seem to be sold to us as doing, if you were to spend the £500 on lessons and range balls you will play better. I've played since being a junior in the mid 90s and I'm guessing the tech has moved us on around 1 yard a year on average. Taylormade, Titleist, Ping etc don't need your money they just want it. Golf clubs, local golf professionals and ranges need your money to survive. Personally if I fancy a change it's a 5 year old 2nd hand club for £100, which leaves me £400 to play some really nice courses or a wknd away golfing. Do get fitted for irons though!
My old driver is a Callaway BBB from 20+ years ago. I saved a bit of money to get fitted and got fit for a Cobra Radspeed XB. So much more forgiving, but not much in the way of distance.
My good buddy plays my old fti-q “loaf” driver. Smacks it 330. Had the caddies at sand valley giving him his own lines. Center face, good fundamentals and hard swing, you can hit a Spaulding bought at sportmart for $85 a long way.
I got some shiny new p770s about a year ago. Fitting with a mobile Taylormade guy who visited our club. A few weeks before bad shot was left so at the time I was hitting a sort of hold off fade. He suggested 2 degrees upright which worked well at the time. A year later my swing has evolved quite a bit (aided by a Skytrak purchase) but again recently a left miss is my bad shot with mid to short irons. Considered going to a fitter to change /flatten the lie angle (a good guy in Basingstoke apparently) but at the same a little tweak weakening my left hand a fraction and reducing the wrist roll during impact and problem solved. My point being we evolve, we learn, we adapt and we get older and possibly wiser! Shiny new things certainly add to the interest but it’s experience that probably leads to the biggest improvements. All good fun…Most of the time!
Swing change,,,,,, osteoarthritis has forced upon me massive swing changes, hip rotation gone, swing speed gone (down from mid 90’s to high 70’s). So a significant change in strategy has helped. An A flex lofted up 14 degree driver, 16.5 degree 3 wood, 7, 9 & 11 wood (yes, 11 wood) all of which have helped restore some of my lost yardage. Sometimes swing changes are not by design but are forced upon us.
When you said why fitters build around a swing, as someone who works for a fitting company, the thought process is the majority of golfers don't have the time to put in for practice or lessons. So building something for them that fits where they are currently at is more often than not, the best option. Now a good fitter will ask and want to know what the customer is going through currently as far as possible swing changes or lessons that may be happening to assist the fitting process, but the majority aren't or don't have the money to spend on both clubs and lessons, and that is why fittings are built around the current swing.
Just treated myself to a Cobra Speedzone, an upgrade from my 2013 Taylormade R1. Lighter, quicker, more forgiving, bigger sweetspot......definitely an upgrade. Bring on single figures in 2023 with my new weapon 💣💥ball!
Another potential reason to change drivers/clubs is injury/age. For me, injures and just getting older have changed how I react to weight in a club. I went from 130 gram dynamic gold steel to 65 gram graphite shafts and it has really helped my back out. I never really paid attention to driver shaft weight, but I now play a 50 gram shaft that is great. Even tested the XXIO drivers recently and did see some gains and felt great in the weight.
i Still have that Callaway Big Bertha from like 04' in the Old Bag. Haven't Hit it in probably 11-12yrs but i did Hit My Longest Drive with that Driver about 330 on a Par 5/530yds. Got on in 2, Birdie!
Great advice as always, Mark. As I've said many times before, this is where you really shine above all others. Keep it up, and I love these types of videos, One major problem, and that is finding a person that knows about coaching, biomechanics of the swing and club fitting all-in-one. Oh, and, has your best interest at heart and not his pocket. That's the proverbial needle in a haystack. I haven't found that person yet, and I'm in the market for new clubs. My swing has changed quite a bit as I've improved my game. if you, or anyone else, knows such a person in Arizona, USA, please let me know. Cheers.
Fit and built clubs for 12 years. People would always ask, "how much will your clubs help me?" "They amount I can help someone depends on how bad the clubs you have are in relation to what you need."
When my driver used to go a bit wayward (generally heel strikes and low in the face) I had a drill where I’d put my driver right up and feel like I was hitting stingers… go to the point where I thought.. I swing so much better with my driver and throughout the bag when I have more loft on my driver so I now use 10.5 degree loft with swing speed at 115-120.. loft isn’t MORE SPEED=LESS LOFT
One thing missing that ties into everything: club not performing the way you want it too. Found that to be the case for me was delivering the club the way I wanted but wouldn't perform. Made the change and changed my game for the better (5 handicap down to scratch and driving a big reason why). Obviously, that ties into swing change, custom fit, tech etc, but that's a big reason to for some imo
i love new clubs....lol... currently i have a PXG GEN 5 10.5 driver...lookin at getting either the TITLEIST TSR2 Driver or the PING G430 ...... both look amazing and i can't wait to try them....cheers from Canada........great video by the way
I Took my big bag of spare clubs (Im sure you all know what i mean) - Down to a Simulator and used the range to test. The winner for consistency and length for me was a ~2012 Ping Anser. Thats not to say that it is definitely the BEST driver i have, but for my swing RIGHT NOW, it beat out newer clubs
Finally updated from a TM 580XD, which I hit fairly well 240-260 yds to a Calloway Max LS, Took my old club and tested it vs the new. biggest difference was the dispersion (tighter), distance remained the same? tried all the different Calloway Max, and Speed too. did this over a period of time, just to verify results. Son has Ping G425, which also had good dispersion but hit 20 yards shorter😮. Now waiting for Spring and Driving range to see if my choice was good? Fore!
Great content as always, Mark. BTW. The most important reason to replace your driver is when you get too embarrassed by all the "idiot marks" that are on the crown of the driver... my miss tends to be really high on the face... like so high on the face there isn't any face there.
I'd love to be in a position to test new clubs as often as you do Mark to really get to the point of understanding if clubs make a difference to my golf. The reality is that the average golfer can't do this more than once every few years as the cost of a fitting is getting close to half the cost of a new club. Nevertheless, I agree with everything to said. My club is about to get a new swing studio so I'll be in there as often as I can to see what I can get from the clubs I have before engaging my club professional to fix my gaps.
I’m upgrading from an early 200s Ping G2 this Christmas. It’s been good to me since I bought it a few years back as a beginner but it’s gotten to a point where I give it everything I have (107 club head speed) and it’s carrying in the 230s. It’s unbelievable spiny. I’m going to have my new Radspeed fitted and I cant wait to see the difference
I went for a new driver. Got a swing lesson because no driver would fit severe out to in. That guy will fit me one after I fix a couple downswing movements
Just got fitted and bought a new Stealth driver. Promotion for it meant I won a years worth of beer, I just won thw Pro-Am at my club and Im in a draw at end of the year for $50k. Buying a new driver is fun. 😁
As a 28 handicapper, no improvement in technology will help me much right now. Sporting a TM R5 dual draw bias 12 degree (yeah I know) that I picked up for $80, I find the fairways about 65 percent of the time - about 220-240 carry.... Yeah not far but it is reliable for a hacker such as me. Point of diminishing returns I guess.
Play with Ping G driver. Had a driver fitting session. Hit my driver about 270 at best. Hit the Titleist TSR2 up to about 290, but can't justify the price tag. Anything else not $599 that might get me that extra 20 yards? Swing speed about 101, ball speed 144-145.
I was told long ago that it's the Indian, not the arrow. If you're good you can hit almost anything. I finally realized to stick with what works which is my twenty year old clubs. I'm a very good bowler and can almost do as well with a house ball as my own expensive fitted ball so that confirms my theory for me.
Great Video as always. I got custom fitted by an independent club fitting business back in 2009, R9 Supertri, I played the club for over 10 years. Swing has changed and as you say, just wanted something new and did a complete bag overhaul. So got fitted for a G410 end of 2019 and see no reason to change for the foreseeable future. Irons will be the next to Change and certainly think there are some gains to be had with the i230 vs current Blades!
Great video. I use a ping g20 driver and keep thinking I should upgrade.....the issue is that I don't beleive I am getting all I can from the g20 and going to a newer driver will not improve my game very much.
Shoutout to the guys at @moderngolfchannel in toronto (modern golf). I hate the feel of my hard stepped project x 5.5 shafts and wanted to go back to dynamic gold. I told the guy prior to hitting any shots i had no intention of making a purchase and i wanted to use the session to simply determine some other options so i could simply re-shaft a 6 iron and practice with it over the winter. Dude treated me with class, and was genuinely helping me. I cant even count how many variations of shafts i tested that day. He said he would save the recommended specs in their system, and i walked away with ZERO pressure to purchase. When im ready to re-build, im definitely having them do it.
Great content Mark. I'm looking for a driver with MAX forgiveness, speed/distance is not an issue for me. When I'm hitting my driver well, I hit a small pull/fade. When I miss it, I'm hitting a cut/slice with an occasional dead straight pull. Mitigating my misses is what I'm always looking to do.
Wise words Mark. Like below currently using a TM M2 with shaft from my previous SLDR. Gets it out there like all the new stuff. For fun this year took out GBB 4 and 7 wood, surprisingly straight and easy to hit. Not bad for £25 each.
I’ve been using an eBay bought G20 and I hit it really well. My shot shape has changed from a draw to a fade for some reason as I’ve improved. It’s probably the most reliable club in the bag. But I’m still trying to convince myself to get a new driver in case I can get 20 yards further down that stroke index 1!
I've just changed my Ping G sftec driver as the shaft broke, got a great deal on a brand new G410 plus for £236, played with it 1st time on Sunday and hit it well
Interested in your take. I play with a Ping G. Had a fitting, hit the Ping 270 at best. Titleist and Callaway jumped up to 290 so there's length to be had, but can't justify the price tag on the TSR2.
I play an Offset Cobra S-2 Driver. I buy my Golf Equipment at Golf Discount Warehouse. They have Fitters and a Swing Monitor. I literally hit Every New Model Driver available along with my S-2. Absolutely zero difference. Did the same with my Irons (Srixon ZX4) and still no difference from the new equipment. Granted my current Sticks have been fitted to my Swing since I bought them new, but I figured they would have made some noticeable breakthroughs since I bought them. I play to a 4 Handicap, so I can get around the Course pretty well, therefore I don't think it's my lack of ability making the new equipment look like there's no improvement. So Guys (and Gals) be sure to Test any new equipment against your current stuff before you make Monster purchases.
I've bought a few drivers over the years hoping to get a few more yards, ya a few more yards deeper in the rough, only to leave it in the garage and take my Taylor Made R5 back to the middle of the fairway
I love buying new equipment but only if it will improve my game. To many players think new clubs will make them better players, in truth having lessons from someone who understands your game and hard work on the practice ground is the only way to really improve. Newer clubs will help as you progress but they are never miracle cures.
I bought a new TSR3 simply because I kept cracking used Ping heads and wanted a good warranty. Titleist also claims I’ll have a harder time cracking their heads. Time will tell.
As always, I agree with everything Mark said. As much as I am golf gear head, I am a music gear head. What are those guitars hanging on the wall? One looks like a Fender Starcaster and another looks like a Jazzmaster. I would be interested in knowing about Mark’s guitar collection. 😊 🎸
MyGolfSpy has been running interesting comparisons betwixt classic old drivers and shiny new ones, using a pool of various handicappers. Mostly the biggest change is with fast players
The best performing driver I ever had was the Titleist 975D with a close second being a ping G10. Currently gaming a TSI3 and I switched to an X-stiff shaft last year and I've got much better performance out of it, hitting the ball longer than I've ever hit it. I had a few Taylor Made drivers over the years and they were fine but the dispersion between good strikes and poor strikes was huge.
So your saying its time to update the TM R5Dual driver? Circa 2004. Or should I go new wedge and retire the PGA R21 circa 1960's aka older than the user by about 20 years!
I just wish I could find someone as knowledgeable as you to fit me. I just don't trust anyone selling clubs around me and would rather get a lesson to sort me out then risk it.
What I have noticed is that technology is allowing amateurs to play closer to the pros. John Daly was the guy to hit hit 300 yds before it was common. Now you can hit 300 yds because the forgiveness and adjustability of the modern equipment. Tiger even mentioned he hits it further now than years back because of the technology.
Enjoyed the vid Mark...funny, I'm a 5 index drawer of the ball, yet play the "draw" bias Callaway B21 based on your review actually...only driver I can cut!!
If ever in Arizona, see Todd at Alll About Golf, one of the most honest men you will ever meet or deal with. Small mom and pop's shop, people who really care about our game. Call Ping factory in Pheonix. He will be the first club fitter they reccomend. That's how i found out about him. Sure glad I did.
Except reason 1 the new shining toys all the other reasons can also be with last years model , or two year old models for a fraction of the price of the latest model
Do you know Mark , I bought a new driver unfortunately damaged it and had to replace, bought a second hand driver admittedly only 2 years old and goes longer than my old one, maybe luck etc etc but best decision I made, I know keep up with my mate who still plays his G20 on its second shaft after breaking the first !! :)
I still use a King Cobra 440 SZ unlimited. I bought it way back in 2004. I never use it because I can't hit it consistently. I can consistently hit my 3 wood straight so just tee off with that. 2004 is old when we are talking about old right?
I rushed to Edwin Watts to try the 1st Gen Sim and 1st gen Maverick, both 2020, because they are finally affordable. My Titleist 917 beat both of them.
Another great video thanks. Really liked the advice about being fit by “a coach” as opposed to “a salesman” but where do you find this person? Where I live there are very few golf pros, even less golf coaches with good reputations and no swing/simulation studios for miles. I have bought a GC3 and am trying to build a sim in my garage to help me practice and understand what I am doing but it’s not easy to understand the data without the support of a coach.
I am sick of hearing the recommendation to get “fit!” My experience is that you are more likely to make a hole-in-one than get fit in a way that truly helps your game. Perhaps if I could get fit by you it would be different. For the past 50 years, I have been “fit” at least 25 times - not once Have I been able to replicate on the course the, for example, increased distance with a new driver (or whatever) that the fitter was able to demonstrate on “his” trackman! For the most part I think “fitting” is a total waste of money. I believe most golfers that have some experience would be better served by having a range stocked with 15 driver heads in the golfers shaft flex so he could hit range balls and then choose one yourself! My opinion.
The problem I have is about what swing I'm taking out from day to day. That probably resonates with everyone...but, when in age terms you aren't on the back 9 of your playing career you are playing the bye, it becomes more important. I would buy a new driver if I could find a coach who recognised that and not automatically look at an old geezer and fit him up with the softest shaft on the shelf.
It would be interesting to see a similar treatment of fairway woods. I dropped the 3 and 5 woods from my bag (Taylor m6) in favour of a Ping G15 4 wood, 17 degrees, and it's treating me very well. Shallow, low CG, really easy to hit. Is there that much of a difference in the new versions of these clubs? (Also, it isn't easy to find a current replacement in that loft...)
I think living in england much be much different than living here in the states! I live in missouri about 1.5 hours from st. Louis and their is only 3 places to get fit and 2 of the 3 are golf galaxy. How are we supposed to find these dream fitters?!
Had a taylormade burner driver for years but these new drivers are so much better if you don't square it up all the time. Looking to upgrade for next season
I think you buy a club because you believe it will be better than what you have. Golf being a game with huge mental dependency- using a club that you believe is better than your old club will often give the confidence that allows a better hit. (I hit my Callaway Epic more consistently than my G10 - is it a better club or is it mental?)
My theory is I can spend $2-3,000 on new clubs and not afford to play or I can play a bunch. I dropped 20 strokes by semi regular play. I play Slazenger Royal Panthers from late 80's and Nike Ignite driver from early 2000's.
![เปิดบ้าน โคตรสวย ป๋องกพล รู้จักตั้งนาน เพิ่งรู้ว่ารวย!!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tmgCF_2HfYI/mqdefault.jpg)
Problem is..finding these people that actually want to help you find the best club vs someone who just wants to sell you what they have on the rack. I've found that most people who work in retail golf shops really aren't "fitters"...they are just retail salesman. Disappointing if I'm being honest.
American golf can be like that. I read reviews on fitters and get as much info and feedback as possible to find a good one. Golfers Choice in Northampton is my pick in my area.
@@uglygolf american golf guys know enough to bamboozle people that don't know much about anything to do with launch monitor stats...but they either still don't know enough, or just don't care to help anymore than what they need to sell something
@@kw12784 Yep that's what I meant. Poor considering the tech they have to hand. My brother went there to by a driver which he was gonna buy anyway but the guy was giving it the hard sell. My brother had to say "I am buying this I just wanted to try it 1st". He made a good choice and gets on well with the driver but he wasn't offered anything else that may of suit him better 🤷🏼♂️ I had i similar experience too. Wanted to try the tsr3 but the fitter, a different guy set me up with the TSR2 which I didn't like I left with nothing and didn't try the tsr3 😆 They also kept mentioning 0% finance 🙄
It seems like fitters are more interested in moving inventory instead of really digging into which driver is the best one for you.
@@Simplycomfortfood Not all of them 👍🏼
All great points Mark. I think for me the whole “fun” thing is the only reason I would consider it at this point. My driver is modern enough where the differences won’t be too bad, but new toys are great fun.
Still using the 9 degree Ping G-10 Driver here, nothing in 2022 has been able to kick it out of my bag ! Love your videos Mark..... Thanks
Thank you for not shaming people for buying new drivers and "wasting" their money. It's very true that new clubs do get people excited to play golf and practice more.
Last 5 drivers; G30, XR16, M5, G410 and right now I’m gaming a Maverik. I feel it’s the best fairway finder I’ve had, not the longest but best feeling driver I’ve ever had.
I can hit my old Ping G10 virtually as far as my current Sim 2 Max but it is nowhere near as forgiving on off centre shots. You are so right Mark.
Biggest difference I noticed when getting fit for a new driver was shaft stiffness and weight.
Used handed down clubs for years so never tailored to me or my swing, until recently and now hitting it straighter and longer without changing the swing thanks to a stiffer shaft that matches my swing speed.
Ping G400 max, best driver I have ever had, can’t see myself changing for a few years yet!
Thanks for your video. I'm a senior golfer and just upgrading my bag to senior flex clubs. That said, I never buy new clubs. Too many good deals out there without paying the premium prices.
I've been using an old(ish) Taylormade M2 driver for a while now and I noticed a big difference between that and the Callaway Big Bertha II I upgraded from (that was an old club). However, I've just started using a Taylormade Sim 2 driver and I can't really tell it apart from my M2. I agree the more modern clubs are definitely superior over the very old clubs but you definitely don't have to go out and get the newest club available. I think the best bang for your buck today comes from the clubs released in the last 3-6 years personally (unless you want to get fitted of course!). Good video as always Mark 👍👍
Well is it the gold m2 or green m2. If it's the 2016 it is still one of the best drivers ever made for distance and forgiveness.
@@joshlockrey6700 I switched from an M$ to Sim Max after a fitting. Kinda wish I hadn't, no real gain to be honest and actually struggled for 6 months. But I'm a magpie and love shiny things......
Apart from my putter my entire bag is made up of clubs from 13-16 years ago. Returned to playing back in April after an 18 month injury break. Took 6 months but I'm finding a bit of consistency and putting some decent scores in so think its time to treat myself to some shiny new bats in the new year when I get my annual bonus!
The entire G10 line remains relevant and entirely playable
I'm always amazed by how many seniors play 'old' drivers. Like 15 years old with 70g+ shafts. I think they think that because they're swinging driver at 85 mph that technology can't make a difference. My playing partner is 74 and I convinced him to buy a TSi1 with a 40g shaft. He's now easily 20 yards longer and carries ditches and gets to fairways that his previous driver wouldn't, I mean he's literally got 4/5 years back in terms of distance.
I just got a 'new' Cobra 400SZ that I'm going to send to a club refinisher to get a custom paint color and general refurbishment done. It'll be one of a kind, and all-in less than 1/3 of a new driver.
I like swapping out drivers because it's fun but my current set-up is pretty money and I don't think will be leaving the gamer bag for awhile. I do have a number of older drivers that I take out from time to time to mix things up and remind me how much advantage the newer equipment I have gives me.
Same. Golf gear heads like myself just find enjoyment getting the next best thing. It's also not that costly to upgrade if you recoop some money by selling your driver on Offerup or trade-in value if store allows it.
Heck, it’s all marketing to sell new gear to keep manufacturers in the black….yes, even PXG. I still have my G10. I have a G400 too. Both are great
Last April (2021) i bought a “used” 2016 M2 on eBay w a stock senior flex shaft for $170. I said used because the head was in mint condition and what bargain !
Last year I got custom fit for two counter, balanced shafts. The first was a Hzdrs Smoke Yellow 5.5 and the 2nd and my current shaft is an Evenflow Riptide CB 6.0 Small Batch.
I averaged 1.49 smash factor indoors on Trackman
This combo is amazing. Feel/Sound of this 2016 M2 is unparalleled. I might be losing a few yards on center hits and maybe a little forgiveness on off-center hits but I’m happy with this driver at least for one more year. Maybe next next fall 2023 I’ll compare it to TSR or Callaway ROUGE ST LS and see how they compare!
Fully enjoying my 1974 Tommy Armour persimmon, ta v much. Though sometimes I do switch to steel...
It may be more fun hitting a new driver, but not as much fun as playing better. Which is what they seem to be sold to us as doing, if you were to spend the £500 on lessons and range balls you will play better. I've played since being a junior in the mid 90s and I'm guessing the tech has moved us on around 1 yard a year on average. Taylormade, Titleist, Ping etc don't need your money they just want it. Golf clubs, local golf professionals and ranges need your money to survive. Personally if I fancy a change it's a 5 year old 2nd hand club for £100, which leaves me £400 to play some really nice courses or a wknd away golfing. Do get fitted for irons though!
My old driver is a Callaway BBB from 20+ years ago. I saved a bit of money to get fitted and got fit for a Cobra Radspeed XB. So much more forgiving, but not much in the way of distance.
My good buddy plays my old fti-q “loaf” driver. Smacks it 330. Had the caddies at sand valley giving him his own lines. Center face, good fundamentals and hard swing, you can hit a Spaulding bought at sportmart for $85 a long way.
My longest driver was the callaway i started with in 2010,unfortunately on the hosel in tiny writing it said illegal from 2008!
I got some shiny new p770s about a year ago. Fitting with a mobile Taylormade guy who visited our club. A few weeks before bad shot was left so at the time I was hitting a sort of hold off fade. He suggested 2 degrees upright which worked well at the time. A year later my swing has evolved quite a bit (aided by a Skytrak purchase) but again recently a left miss is my bad shot with mid to short irons. Considered going to a fitter to change /flatten the lie angle (a good guy in Basingstoke apparently) but at the same a little tweak weakening my left hand a fraction and reducing the wrist roll during impact and problem solved. My point being we evolve, we learn, we adapt and we get older and possibly wiser! Shiny new things certainly add to the interest but it’s experience that probably leads to the biggest improvements. All good fun…Most of the time!
Swing change,,,,,, osteoarthritis has forced upon me massive swing changes, hip rotation gone, swing speed gone (down from mid 90’s to high 70’s). So a significant change in strategy has helped. An A flex lofted up 14 degree driver, 16.5 degree 3 wood, 7, 9 & 11 wood (yes, 11 wood) all of which have helped restore some of my lost yardage. Sometimes swing changes are not by design but are forced upon us.
I got a new driver bc of the #5 tip lol actually getting lessons and having changes with a changeable driver is lovely
had my tsr2 for a couple months now , really pleased with performance .
Very honest information Mark. Thanks you.
When you said why fitters build around a swing, as someone who works for a fitting company, the thought process is the majority of golfers don't have the time to put in for practice or lessons. So building something for them that fits where they are currently at is more often than not, the best option. Now a good fitter will ask and want to know what the customer is going through currently as far as possible swing changes or lessons that may be happening to assist the fitting process, but the majority aren't or don't have the money to spend on both clubs and lessons, and that is why fittings are built around the current swing.
Just treated myself to a Cobra Speedzone, an upgrade from my 2013 Taylormade R1. Lighter, quicker, more forgiving, bigger sweetspot......definitely an upgrade. Bring on single figures in 2023 with my new weapon 💣💥ball!
Ping i25. Still performs really well.
Another potential reason to change drivers/clubs is injury/age. For me, injures and just getting older have changed how I react to weight in a club. I went from 130 gram dynamic gold steel to 65 gram graphite shafts and it has really helped my back out. I never really paid attention to driver shaft weight, but I now play a 50 gram shaft that is great. Even tested the XXIO drivers recently and did see some gains and felt great in the weight.
So glad I found your videos on TH-cam So many awesome tips Keep the videos coming Thanks Canada 🇨🇦
I’ve been gaming all summer an $89 Nike Covert 2.0 in Excellent condition, plus getting one of my favorite shafts, playing great
i Still have that Callaway Big Bertha from like 04' in the Old Bag. Haven't Hit it in probably 11-12yrs but i did Hit My Longest Drive with that Driver about 330 on a Par 5/530yds. Got on in 2, Birdie!
Great advice as always, Mark. As I've said many times before, this is where you really shine above all others. Keep it up, and I love these types of videos, One major problem, and that is finding a person that knows about coaching, biomechanics of the swing and club fitting all-in-one. Oh, and, has your best interest at heart and not his pocket. That's the proverbial needle in a haystack. I haven't found that person yet, and I'm in the market for new clubs. My swing has changed quite a bit as I've improved my game. if you, or anyone else, knows such a person in Arizona, USA, please let me know. Cheers.
Fit and built clubs for 12 years. People would always ask, "how much will your clubs help me?"
"They amount I can help someone depends on how bad the clubs you have are in relation to what you need."
When my driver used to go a bit wayward (generally heel strikes and low in the face) I had a drill where I’d put my driver right up and feel like I was hitting stingers… go to the point where I thought.. I swing so much better with my driver and throughout the bag when I have more loft on my driver so I now use 10.5 degree loft with swing speed at 115-120.. loft isn’t MORE SPEED=LESS LOFT
One thing missing that ties into everything: club not performing the way you want it too. Found that to be the case for me was delivering the club the way I wanted but wouldn't perform. Made the change and changed my game for the better (5 handicap down to scratch and driving a big reason why). Obviously, that ties into swing change, custom fit, tech etc, but that's a big reason to for some imo
i love new clubs....lol... currently i have a PXG GEN 5 10.5 driver...lookin at getting either the TITLEIST TSR2 Driver or the PING G430 ...... both look amazing and i can't wait to try them....cheers from Canada........great video by the way
Just updated my driver to a 425 Max from a 2002 G2. Feels heavier but it’s growing on me.
I Took my big bag of spare clubs (Im sure you all know what i mean) - Down to a Simulator and used the range to test. The winner for consistency and length for me was a ~2012 Ping Anser.
Thats not to say that it is definitely the BEST driver i have, but for my swing RIGHT NOW, it beat out newer clubs
Finally updated from a TM 580XD, which I hit fairly well 240-260 yds to a Calloway Max LS, Took my old club and tested it vs the new. biggest difference was the dispersion (tighter), distance remained the same? tried all the different Calloway Max, and Speed too. did this over a period of time, just to verify results. Son has Ping G425, which also had good dispersion but hit 20 yards shorter😮. Now waiting for Spring and Driving range to see if my choice was good? Fore!
...love the format of these videos. It's very like Paul whitehouse brilliant kid sketch....it's brilliant!
Great content as always, Mark. BTW. The most important reason to replace your driver is when you get too embarrassed by all the "idiot marks" that are on the crown of the driver... my miss tends to be really high on the face... like so high on the face there isn't any face there.
I'd love to be in a position to test new clubs as often as you do Mark to really get to the point of understanding if clubs make a difference to my golf. The reality is that the average golfer can't do this more than once every few years as the cost of a fitting is getting close to half the cost of a new club. Nevertheless, I agree with everything to said. My club is about to get a new swing studio so I'll be in there as often as I can to see what I can get from the clubs I have before engaging my club professional to fix my gaps.
I’m upgrading from an early 200s Ping G2 this Christmas. It’s been good to me since I bought it a few years back as a beginner but it’s gotten to a point where I give it everything I have (107 club head speed) and it’s carrying in the 230s. It’s unbelievable spiny. I’m going to have my new Radspeed fitted and I cant wait to see the difference
I went for a new driver. Got a swing lesson because no driver would fit severe out to in. That guy will fit me one after I fix a couple downswing movements
Just got fitted and bought a new Stealth driver. Promotion for it meant I won a years worth of beer, I just won thw Pro-Am at my club and Im in a draw at end of the year for $50k. Buying a new driver is fun. 😁
I’m off work for two weeks over Xmas, just need to find a semi trustworthy fitter in the north east (England)
TSR2 looks shiny enough for my needs.
I bought a draw driver and it has helped me lose fewer in the trees 🌲
Guy Canada 🇨🇦
As a 28 handicapper, no improvement in technology will help me much right now. Sporting a TM R5 dual draw bias 12 degree (yeah I know) that I picked up for $80, I find the fairways about 65 percent of the time - about 220-240 carry.... Yeah not far but it is reliable for a hacker such as me. Point of diminishing returns I guess.
Play with Ping G driver. Had a driver fitting session. Hit my driver about 270 at best. Hit the Titleist TSR2 up to about 290, but can't justify the price tag. Anything else not $599 that might get me that extra 20 yards? Swing speed about 101, ball speed 144-145.
I was told long ago that it's the Indian, not the arrow. If you're good you can hit almost anything. I finally realized to stick with what works which is my twenty year old clubs. I'm a very good bowler and can almost do as well with a house ball as my own expensive fitted ball so that confirms my theory for me.
Great Video as always. I got custom fitted by an independent club fitting business back in 2009, R9 Supertri, I played the club for over 10 years. Swing has changed and as you say, just wanted something new and did a complete bag overhaul. So got fitted for a G410 end of 2019 and see no reason to change for the foreseeable future. Irons will be the next to Change and certainly think there are some gains to be had with the i230 vs current Blades!
I still play the R9 supertri. Ive still yet to hit a better sounding driver.
Great video. I use a ping g20 driver and keep thinking I should upgrade.....the issue is that I don't beleive I am getting all I can from the g20 and going to a newer driver will not improve my game very much.
Go and pay for a fitting and try lots of clubs and there is no obligation to buy the club
Shoutout to the guys at @moderngolfchannel in toronto (modern golf). I hate the feel of my hard stepped project x 5.5 shafts and wanted to go back to dynamic gold. I told the guy prior to hitting any shots i had no intention of making a purchase and i wanted to use the session to simply determine some other options so i could simply re-shaft a 6 iron and practice with it over the winter.
Dude treated me with class, and was genuinely helping me. I cant even count how many variations of shafts i tested that day. He said he would save the recommended specs in their system, and i walked away with ZERO pressure to purchase. When im ready to re-build, im definitely having them do it.
Great content Mark. I'm looking for a driver with MAX forgiveness, speed/distance is not an issue for me. When I'm hitting my driver well, I hit a small pull/fade. When I miss it, I'm hitting a cut/slice with an occasional dead straight pull.
Mitigating my misses is what I'm always looking to do.
Very solid advice!
Wise words Mark. Like below currently using a TM M2 with shaft from my previous SLDR. Gets it out there like all the new stuff. For fun this year took out GBB 4 and 7 wood, surprisingly straight and easy to hit. Not bad for £25 each.
I have an SLDR and thinking of upgrading this season. Did you notice a difference in forgiveness? I can’t trust my driver on the course!
@@leearmstrong7007 SLDR is a very low spinning driver. New ones will more than likely be more forgiving.
I’ve been using an eBay bought G20 and I hit it really well. My shot shape has changed from a draw to a fade for some reason as I’ve improved. It’s probably the most reliable club in the bag. But I’m still trying to convince myself to get a new driver in case I can get 20 yards further down that stroke index 1!
This is pure gold.
I've just changed my Ping G sftec driver as the shaft broke, got a great deal on a brand new G410 plus for £236, played with it 1st time on Sunday and hit it well
Interested in your take. I play with a Ping G. Had a fitting, hit the Ping 270 at best. Titleist and Callaway jumped up to 290 so there's length to be had, but can't justify the price tag on the TSR2.
I play an Offset Cobra S-2 Driver. I buy my Golf Equipment at Golf Discount Warehouse. They have Fitters and a Swing Monitor. I literally hit Every New Model Driver available along with my S-2. Absolutely zero difference. Did the same with my Irons (Srixon ZX4) and still no difference from the new equipment. Granted my current Sticks have been fitted to my Swing since I bought them new, but I figured they would have made some noticeable breakthroughs since I bought them. I play to a 4 Handicap, so I can get around the Course pretty well, therefore I don't think it's my lack of ability making the new equipment look like there's no improvement. So Guys (and Gals) be sure to Test any new equipment against your current stuff before you make Monster purchases.
I've bought a few drivers over the years hoping to get a few more yards, ya a few more yards deeper in the rough, only to leave it in the garage and take my Taylor Made R5 back to the middle of the fairway
Got fitted for the ltdx at £240. Not bad if you can wait for hype to die down
I love buying new equipment but only if it will improve my game. To many players think new clubs will make them better players, in truth having lessons from someone who understands your game and hard work on the practice ground is the only way to really improve. Newer clubs will help as you progress but they are never miracle cures.
Still playing my 712 AP2s and I love them, don't see myself ever replacing them. They might be due for a refurbishment soon though
Same here with me 712 AP2 and also when I was playing a lot Mizuno MP 29. Still gaming a R11 Driver 3w and 5w...
I bought a new TSR3 simply because I kept cracking used Ping heads and wanted a good warranty. Titleist also claims I’ll have a harder time cracking their heads. Time will tell.
As always, I agree with everything Mark said. As much as I am golf gear head, I am a music gear head. What are those guitars hanging on the wall? One looks like a Fender Starcaster and another looks like a Jazzmaster. I would be interested in knowing about Mark’s guitar collection. 😊 🎸
MyGolfSpy has been running interesting comparisons betwixt classic old drivers and shiny new ones, using a pool of various handicappers. Mostly the biggest change is with fast players
Still using my G15 and my OG Rinkydink.
The best performing driver I ever had was the Titleist 975D with a close second being a ping G10. Currently gaming a TSI3 and I switched to an X-stiff shaft last year and I've got much better performance out of it, hitting the ball longer than I've ever hit it. I had a few Taylor Made drivers over the years and they were fine but the dispersion between good strikes and poor strikes was huge.
I’m still using the 975
So your saying its time to update the TM R5Dual driver? Circa 2004. Or should I go new wedge and retire the PGA R21 circa 1960's aka older than the user by about 20 years!
That is one hellofa driver!!! Used to game that in 04' 05' haha
I just wish I could find someone as knowledgeable as you to fit me. I just don't trust anyone selling clubs around me and would rather get a lesson to sort me out then risk it.
What I have noticed is that technology is allowing amateurs to play closer to the pros. John Daly was the guy to hit hit 300 yds before it was common. Now you can hit 300 yds because the forgiveness and adjustability of the modern equipment. Tiger even mentioned he hits it further now than years back because of the technology.
I am a club fitter and I fit the right way. If there's no improvement then I encourage the Customer to walk away. Not all fitters are the same.....
Enjoyed the vid Mark...funny, I'm a 5 index drawer of the ball, yet play the "draw" bias Callaway B21 based on your review actually...only driver I can cut!!
would love to see the club speed when you compare the drivers ;)
Great video! :D
If ever in Arizona, see Todd at Alll About Golf, one of the most honest men you will ever meet or deal with. Small mom and pop's shop, people who really care about our game. Call Ping factory in Pheonix. He will be the first club fitter they reccomend. That's how i found out about him. Sure glad I did.
The Ping IsI titanium will always haunt my golfing life . Such a great driver
Except reason 1 the new shining toys all the other reasons can also be with last years model , or two year old models for a fraction of the price of the latest model
-3 tough golfers. I won’t play under +15c. If I can’t play in shorts I don’t play. Brisbane Australia
Do you know Mark , I bought a new driver unfortunately damaged it and had to replace, bought a second hand driver admittedly only 2 years old and goes longer than my old one, maybe luck etc etc but best decision I made, I know keep up with my mate who still plays his G20 on its second shaft after breaking the first !! :)
Great video Mark!
I still use a King Cobra 440 SZ unlimited. I bought it way back in 2004. I never use it because I can't hit it consistently. I can consistently hit my 3 wood straight so just tee off with that. 2004 is old when we are talking about old right?
I rushed to Edwin Watts to try the 1st Gen Sim and 1st gen Maverick, both 2020, because they are finally affordable. My Titleist 917 beat both of them.
been using the same driver for 10+ years. Tested some newer models but cant find anything better than my cobra zl encore
Another great video thanks.
Really liked the advice about being fit by “a coach” as opposed to “a salesman” but where do you find this person?
Where I live there are very few golf pros, even less golf coaches with good reputations and no swing/simulation studios for miles.
I have bought a GC3 and am trying to build a sim in my garage to help me practice and understand what I am doing but it’s not easy to understand the data without the support of a coach.
I am sick of hearing the recommendation to get “fit!” My experience is that you are more likely to make a hole-in-one than get fit in a way that truly helps your game. Perhaps if I could get fit by you it would be different. For the past 50 years, I have been “fit” at least 25 times - not once Have I been able to replicate on the course the, for example, increased distance with a new driver (or whatever) that the fitter was able to demonstrate on “his” trackman! For the most part I think “fitting” is a total waste of money. I believe most golfers that have some experience would be better served by having a range stocked with 15 driver heads in the golfers shaft flex so he could hit range balls and then choose one yourself! My opinion.
The problem I have is about what swing I'm taking out from day to day. That probably resonates with everyone...but, when in age terms you aren't on the back 9 of your playing career you are playing the bye, it becomes more important. I would buy a new driver if I could find a coach who recognised that and not automatically look at an old geezer and fit him up with the softest shaft on the shelf.
How much for a fitting pls mark
The Callaway did look nice
It would be interesting to see a similar treatment of fairway woods. I dropped the 3 and 5 woods from my bag (Taylor m6) in favour of a Ping G15 4 wood, 17 degrees, and it's treating me very well. Shallow, low CG, really easy to hit. Is there that much of a difference in the new versions of these clubs? (Also, it isn't easy to find a current replacement in that loft...)
I think living in england much be much different than living here in the states! I live in missouri about 1.5 hours from st. Louis and their is only 3 places to get fit and 2 of the 3 are golf galaxy. How are we supposed to find these dream fitters?!
Had a taylormade burner driver for years but these new drivers are so much better if you don't square it up all the time. Looking to upgrade for next season
I'm still hitting a 2009 Burner. Is it worth an upgrade?
@@jasonkelley6185 yes, try the titleist tsr.
I think you buy a club because you believe it will be better than what you have. Golf being a game with huge mental dependency- using a club that you believe is better than your old club will often give the confidence that allows a better hit. (I hit my Callaway Epic more consistently than my G10 - is it a better club or is it mental?)
I use a TaylorMade M1, haven’t found anything that can beat it
My theory is I can spend $2-3,000 on new clubs and not afford to play or I can play a bunch. I dropped 20 strokes by semi regular play. I play Slazenger Royal Panthers from late 80's and Nike Ignite driver from early 2000's.
I would love a new driver, I have never had anything less the 6 or more years old and some else having beat it all to he'll first.
Been using a Nike sumo. Think an update would be worth it?