My philosophy is to buy the prior years model of a club line. Current driver is a Tsi 3 which was a demo. After on course evaluation, I purchased it at a 40% discount and I love it!
It’s been my philosophy for a number of years too. However I really didn’t get on with the SIM and got swept away with the TM Stealth hype, so invested in one. It’s actually as good a driver as I’ve owned and will keep it for at least another year 😎
Heck, PXG has two drivers under $200. One is $119 right now. Did they really make a mediocre driver? I kinda doubt it. Probably just thinning inventory.
@@-Thunder I have a buddy who hits the 0811XT and Loved it more than his 425 LST. I Just bought the 0811X for $189 to finally replace my TM M1 that's still in in my bag.
Buying the new model every year is a waste of money , any marginal gains are not noticeable by most golfers, maybe every 5 years you might notice ?. Better value in using 1-2 year old clubs and upgrading them as the older models fall in price. - Mark
That’s all I do mate. If your buying a new driver it works out around £100 per yard😅 don’t know anyone who has money to spend like that haha. Am currently using the taylormade m4 and I absolutely love it if I was to upgrade I might actually gain for money BUT if something is working I do not change incase I destroy my game of the tee box
@@mugz_1437 £1 per yard should be the price formula, JR should pay more than me for the same club :) . I also don't change clubs much, still using my Wilson Di7 irons and a Zebra putter , driver is a Cleveland HB Turbo and I'm still in single figures aged 60. It's how you hit it that counts much more than what you hit.
My son played ice hockey for years and instead of sitting around at his practice I went to the local golf shop and tested drivers. I did that literally for weeks and after all of that I really couldn't find any measurable difference between any of them. 15 handicap so save your money and buy a few year old leftover model.
Have a brand new PXG driver which I love however have a Sldr in the bag at the moment. May not for as far but just more consistent with it. So shows don’t have to spend a load of money for good results.
The short answer is YES! I'm almost 59 and have a Ping G30 driver I bought used in 2019. I consistently hit it 280+ with an occasional 300+ and mostly straight.
James. Love your content. In a driver, I'm not looking for any more yards...if I get some, that's a bonus. What I'm looking for is more fairways hit and how it performs off-center.
Just upgraded from an R11 to a Sim2 Max. Still don’t feel a huge difference on good strikes (sound and feel definitely different), but I feel like you can get away with slight off centre strikes more. Definitely love the upgrade, but it does make me think I made the right decision not to opt for stealth
Since the R&A, and USGA in America, has set limitations on maximum golf ball performance we're only talking about ball performance on the margin. I think most golfers are looking for the club-shaft-ball combination that will maximize their distance given their lower club speed...A good video to illustrate how little the difference in performance a few years makes...
Great content as usual James 👍⛳ I went a few weeks ago and tried the stealth driver up against my 2017 m1 driver and I'm my opinion i preferred the look and sound of my m1, just looks so much bigger at address so confidence is up right away standing over the ball. Performance wise my m1 spun lower and was longer on carry and Total distance. I find if ya swing is getting better then upgrade your shaft it's cheaper than a new driver Once a year 👍
Some of us struggle with the idea of buying something older, because we want the newest. I buy titleist. This year I bought a stealth. It was my first non titleist driver since the 975 D driver. I have already put it up for sale and ordered a new titleist. I typically get a new titleist every 2 cycles. So around every 4 years. I appreciate that they don’t come out with a new one every year. As far as this test. Most of the drivers don’t go much further. But the newer drivers have become more forgiving. I ordered the new titleist because it was long, consistent, good looking, and adjustable
I use the 2018 Callaway Rogue and it’s freaking amazing. Can’t imagine the new Rogue ST performs even 5% better. Marginal gains in technology each year are so small because of the limitation on smash factor by the PGA.
New drivers are focusing on balance the face...less distance lose for off-center hits...hence more forgiving. Callaway Rouge ST and TM Stealth are probably the best drivers in 2022
Encouraging someone to buy clubs off eBay and not get fit isn’t a great idea for ANY golfer. Not surprised at the results. I game an m5 10.5 with a Ventus black 6x. Played with a guy who had the stealth plus in 9.0 with a GD XC 6TX and we were almost neck and neck. He swung much harder that me and his shots were ballooning. The only difference in these clubs is the forgiveness and the face. That’s it. Nice video.
Yes. Drivers have been maxed out forever. The difference is in a good fitting and swing changes. If you get fitted then change your swing 6 months later you may do better with a different head/shaft/adjustment.
Hi James, great vid on drivers, I have brought a Cobra Radspeed, got a great price and my main aim was to get a little more distance, but good distance when I don't find the middle, no good sending it longer, if the balls not where you need it to be.
It would be interesting if you tested shafts. In my opinion, having the the correct shaft for your swing is probably more important. I found that for me getting fitted by a pro show has huge experience as a must. I went from a 65g regular flex Tensei on a Cobra Speedzone head to a 60g Evenflow Riptide shaft on A Srixon ZX5 head more controllable. I am a high handicapper but this exercise highlighted that fact that you don't need the latest toy off the rack.
i tell ya what... that m5 tour driver head was so, so good! i wish TM would make another tour head in the stealth. a little smaller head, with more penetrating ball flight, and less spin.
Currently play an M6 and have for 3years and love it. But have just ordered a new Titleist TSR2, results for that are further and straighter for me. But it's taken that to get me to change.
If you're able to try before you buy is the best way to get into another driver, ,I've been hitting and R11 driver since it's debut, ,recently tried sim max driver for a couple rounds and couldn't hit it well at all, ,hit a stealth at a reputable golf shop and did not care for the feel off the face,, I tried the sim2 max D and have been playing it since
Very interesting (and affirming) video. The "rebound effect" in drivers has been maxed out now for several years, so the only thing left to improve is spin rate and forgiveness. The lower spin rate showed up in the Stealth, but (surprisingly?) it didn't improve distance. Could be the other club was more forgiving on slight mishits. Anyway, I like my 2017 M1, see no reason to change.
I don't see that many people at my club using Stealth drivers. There was plenty of chat about them earlier in the year but when people went and got fitted they ended up coming back with other brands as they were easier to get on with. Those who did get them have frequently been trying to offload them as the 'gimmick phase# has worn off and they have switched or reverted o older drivers that are easier to play with for your average golfer.
I replaced my Cobra King LTD black for a Radspeed this year. Main difference I see is forgiveness, not really distance. I also just bought a PXG 0811 XT driver since it was on sale for $189.99. Just cause 🤙
I’m currently gaming , been gaming all summer the Nike covert 2.0 driver found it on eBay in fantastic condition for $89 which is good since only played 5 times, unable to play whole 18 because of injury to my forearm. Point is no use spending loads of money when hardly playing.
Love the club comparisons. I would be interested to see up-charge shaft comparisons...not many do this except TXG. With the heads maxing out the difference makers may be more the shaft change in future. I am especially interested in Ventus Red and Blue, Diamana BF(blue force), Graphite Design tour AD Di and AD VR against each other Maybe even comparison of up-charge shaft against stock shaft.
There have been quite a number over the years. Tom Wishon is a club manufacturer and fitter. He thinks shafts are primarily timing devices. Different weights and flexes offer the chance to find a feel that really works for you. He says People with very late releases see the biggest differences. Some people see no difference or do better with the exact opposite of conventional wisdom. Definitely look him up on YT imho. (That said, graphite technology has gotten much better over the years)
Well, looking at PXG you can get a 0211 Driver brand new for $119 or a brand new Gen 4 Driver for $189. I have an 0211 I got fitted for last year and I love this thing.
My driver is 19 years old. I went for a fitting at Mizuno, was impressed enough to buy the STX with a firm shaft and 10.5 degrees. I cannot hit it! The pro shop where I got it have now tried 4 different shaft and ever loft and lie, but to no avail. Was it worth it. Not yet, I am waiting for Mizuno to get back to me about this. Meantime the 19 year old MP600 is still working well.
Hi James. Great content as usual.. Something important that isnt mentioned in these types of reviews is the lifespan of clubs? What do the manufacturers say. I’d love to see a comparison between used 5 year old driver & 7i (350+ rounds played plus range practice) versus their new equivalents.. that’s what we should be considering I think?
I currently have a TM AreoBurnner, I’m planning on getting something new this year. For me distance is important but I’m looking for overall forgiveness. I want my bad shots to be a bit more consistent. Similar to what you saw with the TSr3
There is an argument to always be buying the model from 2 or 3 years back at least because you get them at a sensible price and you can discount releases that were duffers e.g. Titleist 917 all reviewers were saying was shorter and not that great, but didn’t say it publicly until the TS was released 2 years later.
I was in need of a new driver this year and went with the Stealth. I love it, but I do still wonder if I should've just waited and bought a year or 2 older club. Knowing what I know with the Stealth, I'd recommend it.
Brilliant to see you pick up my suggestion from last week to test the Stealth against the M6, as I suspected there isn't a great deal of difference between them. Also good to see a very unbiased test, top work James
Hi James, great content, the best driver for the money you have bought recently is the 975 2003 £20, I still hit the 975 250-260 carry, I'm old, would love to see you in the sim with the 975 to see what distances you could get out of it.
Hi James What were the shafts that you used for the test? I agree that you do not have to buy a new driver when they change! As you found, a lower handicapper will see little difference, where a higher handicap player will see little to no difference! I would always start with ensuring that the shaft that you are using is still fit, for the speed that you are swinging at. This does change as you age or get better. Personally, I have just upgraded from the Titileist TS4 to the TSI4 and looking at the data between TSI & TSR, for a very good golfer, there is little difference, only the Marketing. I have also maintained my shaft from the TS4 but feel age is catching up with me! Distance has dropped due to back issues & not swinging at a speed I used too. So, in essence, Marketing of new club heads are very inviting, but talk to your club fitter in regards to the shaft you are using! It will cost you less to change the shaft, than buy a new club! Thanks for another great review.
Which course are you on today James? It looks lovely, and I don't recognise it as your usual Woolley Park base! We're doing a weekender up your way in March, and we're planning to play Woolley Park and Silkstone, based on local reviews and some recommendations from pals who have played up your way. We'll be travelling up from Warwickshire.
I think a good comparison would be your bad shots in the simulator and how the ball reacted. Thins and high on the face shots would be more of a deciding factor in any club selection. It seems that forgiveness has been the goal of club manufacturers lately. We probably hit the distance plateau three or four years ago. But clubs like the new Rogue and TsR have tried to minimize the penalty for less than optimal strikes on the club face. This would really be the only reason why I would consider switching clubs.
The only difference is the newest drivers have higher ball speeds across more of the face. Not a dramatic difference. Nothing that's going to drop 10 shots off your game.
Feel like this video was taylor made for me (pun intended). I have the M6 and Stealth+. I didn't buy the Stealth+ but actually won it in a giveaway. Been struggling to hit the Stealth+ as consistent as my M6. A part of me really wants to keep going at it and perfect it while another part says trade it in, see if the regular Stealth is more forgiving or just go back to the M6.
I dont think that the results would be much different regardless of the manufacturer , ie older Cobra, older Callaway, etc would be very similar to their newest versions - however, the problem is FINDING older clubs that are in GOOD CONDITION !! Most of the retail places do not carry or carry VERY LITTLE older product, and if they do, they are tester clubs that have been beaten up badly. I have little faith in Ebay or online sources for finding older drivers (or any club really) that are in decent shape and selling at a 3-4 year old FAIR price. If they appear in "new" condition, I worry about fakes as well. Still, great video. If you can find the older drivers in good shape, they are certainly worth it .
I don’t think it’s about more gains off a great shot, it’s about how a new driver with new tech means an off centre hit is not as bad as it was on an older driver. Hitting the sweet spot is a rare thing for a lot of us average golfers so improvements in distance and direction elsewhere off the face is important. Plus I love new and shiny stuff!!!!
Shiny new stuff is always a fine reason if you have the cash. They've been working on the sweet spot for a long time. It's always max distance vs. forgiveness. You just can't get both at the same time due to physics.
Golf Galaxy in the States is selling brand new M6 drivers for $299.00, as are other major golf retailers. After that test, seems like the M6 is the better bargain considering we don't even know what the new 2023TM driver will cost. Imagine an "improved" version of the Stealth at $50.00 more. No brainer
Every year I want to buy a new driver but I think to wait until next year and buy this years driver, but the new driver looks so good but expensive so I think to wait again.
I updated from SIM2 to Stealth Plus James. Didn't lose much on the trade in. And why did I change?.... Because I wanted to. Stealth Plus does outperform the SIM2 on dispersion but other than that no difference apart from the feel and sound of the Stealth Plus is more to my liking. But other than that and the extra 15 yards I get from having more confidence with the Stealth Plus and so I can swing harder there's not much difference. Oh and I can hit the ball both ways (fade and draw) compared to the SIM2. But apart from that no difference. I use the Stealth Plus during my lessons and at either one of my two clubs I'm a member of or at any of the 25 reciprocal green fee clubs I play at. I 💖Golf
@@Iamwrongbut I'm not rich by any means. I live on a pension. I just don't go on foreign holidays, I don't have broadband, I don't have sky TV subscription or watch Netflix, I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't buy expensive joints of meat for Sunday lunch because I'm a vegan, I don't buy new cars (mine is 19 years old) but I do spend a lot of my expendable income on golf which keeps my Parkinsons disease from progressing at a faster rate and keeps my mental health solid and my mind away from anxiety I suffer from my partner of 32 years having a heart condition that puts her at risk of sudden death. So in life we pays our money and takes our choices. One of the reasons I love James' channel and outlook so much is that he is one of the only ones on TH-cam that ever talks about why we might buy the equipment we do and that's to maximize our enjoyment of the game. And if you read the first part of my comment you'll see that I didn't lose much on the trade in. That's also because since taking up golf many years ago I've made a lot of incredible friends who are happy to help me out because of the good deeds I have done for them. Golf is a whole lot more than the 210 minutes you spend on the course losing balls.
Of course it doesn't make a difference. Go and hit a Ping G20. I guarantee it'll be as good as your current driver or better. But is that why we buy new clubs ? It's the same as new anything, we just want shiny things.
For the average say 18 hcp player. Not much difference year to year. A decade shows some change. I’d rather put funds in the short end of the bag and lessons and practice.
Dear JR, you are a pro golfer. You play golf or train every day. You are reasonably young still so your physical condition has probably not deteriorately drastically over the past 10 years. You probably have a record of your scorecards of 10 years ago. How do they compare with your scorecards today? How many strokes per round have the millions of dollars invested by the equipment companies in new "hi-tech", be it putters, irons or woods saved you? If they are not saving you strokes, what chance is there that they are doing anything at all for the average hacker?
Its pointless buying a new driver, because trampoline effect is limited by the rules the rules havent changed in a few years. So the only reason to buy a driver is if youve broken your old one. You cant get any more performance from a new one.
![ILLSLICK X YOUNGOHM - We're The same [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yUJNkobYR0E/mqdefault.jpg)
My philosophy is to buy the prior years model of a club line. Current driver is a Tsi 3 which was a demo. After on course evaluation, I purchased it at a 40% discount and I love it!
It’s been my philosophy for a number of years too. However I really didn’t get on with the SIM and got swept away with the TM Stealth hype, so invested in one. It’s actually as good a driver as I’ve owned and will keep it for at least another year 😎
Heck, PXG has two drivers under $200. One is $119 right now. Did they really make a mediocre driver? I kinda doubt it. Probably just thinning inventory.
@@-Thunder I have a buddy who hits the 0811XT and Loved it more than his 425 LST. I Just bought the 0811X for $189 to finally replace my TM M1 that's still in in my bag.
@@caseythurston2979 Good to know. I'm near PXG and think I'm going to get a fitting for $25. $189 is a steal.
I have the M6. I love seeing it on videos to confirm that it’s not the driver, it really is me.
Buying the new model every year is a waste of money , any marginal gains are not noticeable by most golfers, maybe every 5 years you might notice ?. Better value in using 1-2 year old clubs and upgrading them as the older models fall in price. - Mark
That’s all I do mate. If your buying a new driver it works out around £100 per yard😅 don’t know anyone who has money to spend like that haha. Am currently using the taylormade m4 and I absolutely love it if I was to upgrade I might actually gain for money BUT if something is working I do not change incase I destroy my game of the tee box
@@mugz_1437 £1 per yard should be the price formula, JR should pay more than me for the same club :) . I also don't change clubs much, still using my Wilson Di7 irons and a Zebra putter , driver is a Cleveland HB Turbo and I'm still in single figures aged 60. It's how you hit it that counts much more than what you hit.
I bought my M6 last year when they released the SIM2. I hit my M6 LONGER than the SIM2, better dispersion front to back, and saved myself 300!
Agreed
My son played ice hockey for years and instead of sitting around at his practice I went to the local golf shop and tested drivers. I did that literally for weeks and after all of that I really couldn't find any measurable difference between any of them. 15 handicap so save your money and buy a few year old leftover model.
Have a brand new PXG driver which I love however have a Sldr in the bag at the moment. May not for as far but just more consistent with it. So shows don’t have to spend a load of money for good results.
M6 is the best driver I've ever owned. Absolutely loved it and never had a driver as good as that since
The short answer is YES! I'm almost 59 and have a Ping G30 driver I bought used in 2019. I consistently hit it 280+ with an occasional 300+ and mostly straight.
Haven't watched the video, I say yes it is. Save the money
I have the sim2 and won't be swapping that out anytime soon it's a fabulous driver
First class review as usual James, I would rather get a Taylormade SIM which you can pick up for about £240.
James. Love your content.
In a driver, I'm not looking for any more yards...if I get some, that's a bonus. What I'm looking for is more fairways hit and how it performs off-center.
Currently gaming the Stealth but prefer the M6 in looks and sound
Would the “new” M4 driver not have been a more appropriate test as the cheaper option ? Or a three way test, M4, M6 and Stealth.
Just upgraded from an R11 to a Sim2 Max. Still don’t feel a huge difference on good strikes (sound and feel definitely different), but I feel like you can get away with slight off centre strikes more. Definitely love the upgrade, but it does make me think I made the right decision not to opt for stealth
Thanks for your concern about the cost of golf equipment. Your info helps me make informed decisions about. Buying golf equipment
Great review James,that should but probably won't be food for thought for all of us with regard to changing clubs too regularly
Since the R&A, and USGA in America, has set limitations on maximum golf ball performance we're only talking about ball performance on the margin. I think most golfers are looking for the club-shaft-ball combination that will maximize their distance given their lower club speed...A good video to illustrate how little the difference in performance a few years makes...
Just bought a second hand m6 for 60 euro. Absolute steal. Huge upgrade from my 3rd hand Impex driver from 2002!
Great content as usual James 👍⛳
I went a few weeks ago and tried the stealth driver up against my 2017 m1 driver and I'm my opinion i preferred the look and sound of my m1, just looks so much bigger at address so confidence is up right away standing over the ball.
Performance wise my m1 spun lower and was longer on carry and Total distance.
I find if ya swing is getting better then upgrade your shaft it's cheaper than a new driver Once a year 👍
I have always played Taylormade golf clubs and I think the M6 is one of the best drivers Taylormade has ever came out with.
Some of us struggle with the idea of buying something older, because we want the newest. I buy titleist. This year I bought a stealth. It was my first non titleist driver since the 975 D driver. I have already put it up for sale and ordered a new titleist. I typically get a new titleist every 2 cycles. So around every 4 years. I appreciate that they don’t come out with a new one every year.
As far as this test. Most of the drivers don’t go much further. But the newer drivers have become more forgiving. I ordered the new titleist because it was long, consistent, good looking, and adjustable
I use the 2018 Callaway Rogue and it’s freaking amazing. Can’t imagine the new Rogue ST performs even 5% better. Marginal gains in technology each year are so small because of the limitation on smash factor by the PGA.
I'm not sure if the 2018 has a LS model, which is low spin. It made a huge difference in my total distance.
@@h.l.4723 they do. It’s called sub zero I believe
New drivers are focusing on balance the face...less distance lose for off-center hits...hence more forgiving. Callaway Rouge ST and TM Stealth are probably the best drivers in 2022
You should start thinking about buying new clubs every 5 years. I hit my m4 driver as far as the new stealth. It was a no brainer for $300 less
Stop the clock. PXG are doing 0211 for 130 notes, fitted!
Great result for the M6 James and two great drivers going head to head
Encouraging someone to buy clubs off eBay and not get fit isn’t a great idea for ANY golfer.
Not surprised at the results. I game an m5 10.5 with a Ventus black 6x. Played with a guy who had the stealth plus in 9.0 with a GD XC 6TX and we were almost neck and neck. He swung much harder that me and his shots were ballooning. The only difference in these clubs is the forgiveness and the face. That’s it. Nice video.
Where was this video 2 weeks ago. Lol great video. Ty
I went from the m2 to the stealth with the stealth I'm hitting longer
OMG I'm picking up my new fitted Stealth tomorrow 🎉
Yes. Drivers have been maxed out forever. The difference is in a good fitting and swing changes. If you get fitted then change your swing 6 months later you may do better with a different head/shaft/adjustment.
Hi James, great vid on drivers, I have brought a Cobra Radspeed, got a great price and my main aim was to get a little more distance, but good distance when I don't find the middle, no good sending it longer, if the balls not where you need it to be.
Flattened the face on my Jetspeed so finally upgraded to a SIM2. Probably going to use the SiM for another 9 years as well!
Picked up an m6 for 120 today very pleased
It would be interesting if you tested shafts. In my opinion, having the the correct shaft for your swing is probably more important. I found that for me getting fitted by a pro show has huge experience as a must. I went from a 65g regular flex Tensei on a Cobra Speedzone head to a 60g Evenflow Riptide shaft on A Srixon ZX5 head more controllable. I am a high handicapper but this exercise highlighted that fact that you don't need the latest toy off the rack.
i tell ya what... that m5 tour driver head was so, so good! i wish TM would make another tour head in the stealth. a little smaller head, with more penetrating ball flight, and less spin.
Currently play an M6 and have for 3years and love it. But have just ordered a new Titleist TSR2, results for that are further and straighter for me. But it's taken that to get me to change.
Dry winter? We've only just got into Autumn 🍁🍂
I have the m6 driver and woods I’ll be playing them for the next 3 years
Would love to see a review of a new driver Vs a 10-15 year old version.
My driver is 16 years old, and I do wonder how many yards I'm missing out on.
Trialed the Stealth, still hitting my M6 further and straighter. No value there for me.
It's all about how bad are the bad ones? The new equipment seems to give better results on bad strikes in my opinion. Great comparison.
J R there a few pga and European players still using the M6 and the M5 is still really good…
If you're able to try before you buy is the best way to get into another driver, ,I've been hitting and R11 driver since it's debut, ,recently tried sim max driver for a couple rounds and couldn't hit it well at all, ,hit a stealth at a reputable golf shop and did not care for the feel off the face,, I tried the sim2 max D and have been playing it since
I love my M6 and though I'm sure the Stealth is another great TM driver, my beloved M6 will be in my bag until it's dead.
Very interesting (and affirming) video. The "rebound effect" in drivers has been maxed out now for several years, so the only thing left to improve is spin rate and forgiveness. The lower spin rate showed up in the Stealth, but (surprisingly?) it didn't improve distance. Could be the other club was more forgiving on slight mishits. Anyway, I like my 2017 M1, see no reason to change.
Cracking video James, I’d go M6 all day long, plenty of beer money in that difference 😉
Reflo gear looks mega too 🤟🏽
What you say at 7:04 - that's what it's about!!
My main concern when I step on to any tee is to hit the ball into the fairway!
Great video. Love the channel.
Honma driver 2019 works for me.
Most would benefit from cheaper clubs and lessons. Great temptation to try to buy one's skill. But that's harder and less fun.
I don't see that many people at my club using Stealth drivers. There was plenty of chat about them earlier in the year but when people went and got fitted they ended up coming back with other brands as they were easier to get on with.
Those who did get them have frequently been trying to offload them as the 'gimmick phase# has worn off and they have switched or reverted o older drivers that are easier to play with for your average golfer.
I replaced my Cobra King LTD black for a Radspeed this year. Main difference I see is forgiveness, not really distance. I also just bought a PXG 0811 XT driver since it was on sale for $189.99. Just cause 🤙
I’m currently gaming , been gaming all summer the Nike covert 2.0 driver found it on eBay in fantastic condition for $89 which is good since only played 5 times, unable to play whole 18 because of injury to my forearm. Point is no use spending loads of money when hardly playing.
Love the club comparisons. I would be interested to see up-charge shaft comparisons...not many do this except TXG.
With the heads maxing out the difference makers may be more the shaft change in future.
I am especially interested in Ventus Red and Blue, Diamana BF(blue force), Graphite Design tour AD Di and AD VR against each other
Maybe even comparison of up-charge shaft against stock shaft.
There have been quite a number over the years. Tom Wishon is a club manufacturer and fitter. He thinks shafts are primarily timing devices. Different weights and flexes offer the chance to find a feel that really works for you. He says People with very late releases see the biggest differences. Some people see no difference or do better with the exact opposite of conventional wisdom. Definitely look him up on YT imho. (That said, graphite technology has gotten much better over the years)
@@-Thunder good insight, I'm a late releaser what shafts help that? tia
Great video. How often do you practice? The swing looks great!
Still happy with my LTDx - see no reason to change every year
Well done James! Cheers
Well, looking at PXG you can get a 0211 Driver brand new for $119 or a brand new Gen 4 Driver for $189. I have an 0211 I got fitted for last year and I love this thing.
I got fitted for a PXG 0211 Driver struggling for consistency with it ,back to 2017 M2
My driver is 19 years old. I went for a fitting at Mizuno, was impressed enough to buy the STX with a firm shaft and 10.5 degrees. I cannot hit it! The pro shop where I got it have now tried 4 different shaft and ever loft and lie, but to no avail. Was it worth it. Not yet, I am waiting for Mizuno to get back to me about this. Meantime the 19 year old MP600 is still working well.
M6 was the best looking driver TM have made IMHO also the woods and hybrid are quality 👌
Forgiveness is one thing to consider with newer but honestly I just look at the new shafts. Those tend to be the bigger difference.
I bought a new driver head for $300 and just added it to my shaft. You notice a difference. There no doubt about it
Hi James. Great content as usual..
Something important that isnt mentioned in these types of reviews is the lifespan of clubs? What do the manufacturers say. I’d love to see a comparison between used 5 year old driver & 7i (350+ rounds played plus range practice) versus their new equivalents.. that’s what we should be considering I think?
I'd be interested in this, as I am still using my 2007 Taylormade Burner.
I currently have a TM AreoBurnner, I’m planning on getting something new this year. For me distance is important but I’m looking for overall forgiveness. I want my bad shots to be a bit more consistent. Similar to what you saw with the TSr3
There is an argument to always be buying the model from 2 or 3 years back at least because you get them at a sensible price and you can discount releases that were duffers e.g. Titleist 917 all reviewers were saying was shorter and not that great, but didn’t say it publicly until the TS was released 2 years later.
I was in need of a new driver this year and went with the Stealth. I love it, but I do still wonder if I should've just waited and bought a year or 2 older club. Knowing what I know with the Stealth, I'd recommend it.
Brilliant to see you pick up my suggestion from last week to test the Stealth against the M6, as I suspected there isn't a great deal of difference between them. Also good to see a very unbiased test, top work James
Hi James, great content, the best driver for the money you have bought recently is the 975 2003 £20, I still hit the 975 250-260 carry, I'm old, would love to see you in the sim with the 975 to see what distances you could get out of it.
Sorry mate you have already done a comparison back in 2018, great video too.
Hi James
What were the shafts that you used for the test?
I agree that you do not have to buy a new driver when they change! As you found, a lower handicapper will see little difference, where a higher handicap player will see little to no difference!
I would always start with ensuring that the shaft that you are using is still fit, for the speed that you are swinging at.
This does change as you age or get better.
Personally, I have just upgraded from the Titileist TS4 to the TSI4 and looking at the data between TSI & TSR, for a very good golfer, there is little difference, only the Marketing.
I have also maintained my shaft from the TS4 but feel age is catching up with me! Distance has dropped due to back issues & not swinging at a speed I used too.
So, in essence, Marketing of new club heads are very inviting, but talk to your club fitter in regards to the shaft you are using!
It will cost you less to change the shaft, than buy a new club!
Thanks for another great review.
We gotta give @Sas golf some credit! He did the same video!!
Which course are you on today James? It looks lovely, and I don't recognise it as your usual Woolley Park base!
We're doing a weekender up your way in March, and we're planning to play Woolley Park and Silkstone, based on local reviews and some recommendations from pals who have played up your way. We'll be travelling up from Warwickshire.
I think a good comparison would be your bad shots in the simulator and how the ball reacted. Thins and high on the face shots would be more of a deciding factor in any club selection. It seems that forgiveness has been the goal of club manufacturers lately. We probably hit the distance plateau three or four years ago. But clubs like the new Rogue and TsR have tried to minimize the penalty for less than optimal strikes on the club face. This would really be the only reason why I would consider switching clubs.
The only difference is the newest drivers have higher ball speeds across more of the face. Not a dramatic difference. Nothing that's going to drop 10 shots off your game.
Lessons over the more $$ driver. Anyday!! I did this with cobra, and my F9 is still in my bag
Feel like this video was taylor made for me (pun intended). I have the M6 and Stealth+. I didn't buy the Stealth+ but actually won it in a giveaway. Been struggling to hit the Stealth+ as consistent as my M6. A part of me really wants to keep going at it and perfect it while another part says trade it in, see if the regular Stealth is more forgiving or just go back to the M6.
I dont think that the results would be much different regardless of the manufacturer , ie older Cobra, older Callaway, etc would be very similar to their newest versions - however, the problem is FINDING older clubs that are in GOOD CONDITION !! Most of the retail places do not carry or carry VERY LITTLE older product, and if they do, they are tester clubs that have been beaten up badly. I have little faith in Ebay or online sources for finding older drivers (or any club really) that are in decent shape and selling at a 3-4 year old FAIR price. If they appear in "new" condition, I worry about fakes as well. Still, great video. If you can find the older drivers in good shape, they are certainly worth it .
I don’t think it’s about more gains off a great shot, it’s about how a new driver with new tech means an off centre hit is not as bad as it was on an older driver. Hitting the sweet spot is a rare thing for a lot of us average golfers so improvements in distance and direction elsewhere off the face is important. Plus I love new and shiny stuff!!!!
Shiny new stuff is always a fine reason if you have the cash. They've been working on the sweet spot for a long time. It's always max distance vs. forgiveness. You just can't get both at the same time due to physics.
I got fitted for the stealth plus this year and averaged 8 yards more than my 2017M1 not worth the money for me ( 5hcp )
I went from the M6 to Sim 2 and gained about 15yards. It may be the shaft, who knows.
Golf Galaxy in the States is selling brand new M6 drivers for $299.00, as are other major golf retailers. After that test, seems like the M6 is the better bargain considering we don't even know what the new 2023TM driver will cost. Imagine an "improved" version of the Stealth at $50.00 more. No brainer
Great video, I would love to see the m2 vs stealth.
Every year I want to buy a new driver but I think to wait until next year and buy this years driver, but the new driver looks so good but expensive so I think to wait again.
I updated from SIM2 to Stealth Plus James. Didn't lose much on the trade in. And why did I change?.... Because I wanted to. Stealth Plus does outperform the SIM2 on dispersion but other than that no difference apart from the feel and sound of the Stealth Plus is more to my liking.
But other than that and the extra 15 yards I get from having more confidence with the Stealth Plus and so I can swing harder there's not much difference. Oh and I can hit the ball both ways (fade and draw) compared to the SIM2. But apart from that no difference. I use the Stealth Plus during my lessons and at either one of my two clubs I'm a member of or at any of the 25 reciprocal green fee clubs I play at.
I 💖Golf
Love this comment 🤘🏼
@@JamesRobinsonGolf and I love your channel James.
Content every single day means you are The Master. ☮️
So if you’re rich, do whatever you want is what I’m reading
@@Iamwrongbut I'm not rich by any means. I live on a pension. I just don't go on foreign holidays, I don't have broadband, I don't have sky TV subscription or watch Netflix, I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't buy expensive joints of meat for Sunday lunch because I'm a vegan, I don't buy new cars (mine is 19 years old) but I do spend a lot of my expendable income on golf which keeps my Parkinsons disease from progressing at a faster rate and keeps my mental health solid and my mind away from anxiety I suffer from my partner of 32 years having a heart condition that puts her at risk of sudden death.
So in life we pays our money and takes our choices. One of the reasons I love James' channel and outlook so much is that he is one of the only ones on TH-cam that ever talks about why we might buy the equipment we do and that's to maximize our enjoyment of the game. And if you read the first part of my comment you'll see that I didn't lose much on the trade in. That's also because since taking up golf many years ago I've made a lot of incredible friends who are happy to help me out because of the good deeds I have done for them. Golf is a whole lot more than the 210 minutes you spend on the course losing balls.
@@chrissellings good for you man. I am a golf loving vegan too and you seem like a cool dude. Best of luck managing your disease.
would rather take better dispertion then distance, happy with the distance that I hit my driver...
I purchase new clubs because I like new/shiny 😁
AG were selling the M6 new for £299 recently.
Of course it doesn't make a difference. Go and hit a Ping G20. I guarantee it'll be as good as your current driver or better. But is that why we buy new clubs ? It's the same as new anything, we just want shiny things.
Stealth still has a $600 MSRP here in the States.
Custom fit is the only way to go
I'd buy a benross for 30 quid of eBay and with the difference put the heating on for a fortnight.
As a beginner would you go m4 or m6 used?
Change the shaft and keep the head ;)
Sticking with my stealth for at least 2 years 🏌♂️🙂👍
For the average say 18 hcp player. Not much difference year to year. A decade shows some change. I’d rather put funds in the short end of the bag and lessons and practice.
Scam to text you back I think
Yes
M6 all day
Dear JR, you are a pro golfer. You play golf or train every day. You are reasonably young still so your physical condition has probably not deteriorately drastically over the past 10 years. You probably have a record of your scorecards of 10 years ago. How do they compare with your scorecards today? How many strokes per round have the millions of dollars invested by the equipment companies in new "hi-tech", be it putters, irons or woods saved you? If they are not saving you strokes, what chance is there that they are doing anything at all for the average hacker?
I'd get an M2 with an upgraded shaft
Its pointless buying a new driver, because trampoline effect is limited by the rules the rules havent changed in a few years. So the only reason to buy a driver is if youve broken your old one. You cant get any more performance from a new one.