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DStar

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DStar last won the day on April 19 2022

DStar had the most liked content!

About DStar

  • Birthday 09/22/1973

Contact Methods

  • Twitter
    @DStar_Putters
  • Instagram
    @dstar_golf

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    Malvern UK
  • Interests
    Starting golf again, mountain biking, gardening, home renovations...and tinkering on the CNC's :-)

Player Profile

  • Age
    40-49
  • Swing Speed
    111+ mph
  • Handicap
    11.6
  • Frequency of Play/Practice
    Weekly
  • Player Type
    Competitive
  • Biggest Strength
    Short Game
  • Biggest Weakness
    Driver/Off the Tee
  • Fitted for Clubs
    No

Recent Profile Visitors

4,616 profile views

DStar's Achievements

  1. Stage Two of the SuperSpeed Review – Official MGS Forum Review by DStar - September 2023 Intro So, after a few extra weeks due to some personal issues at home, I’ve completed the 10 week program. What do I think? On the whole I’ve found the process very interesting, if a little hard to maintain at times. The process is simple enough, follow the instructional videos and information provided by SuperSpeed. I did find it tricky getting to grips with the ‘step’ in the first part of the process and then again with the ‘heel’ section in the second section. But I stuck at it and managed to feel I was doing it correctly in the end. There seemed to be a bit of a flat spot where I thought I’d peaked but that passed and I managed to achieve some impressive figures. Physical Product (18 out of 20) On the whole, I found the set of sticks & PRGR personal monitor really well built and the quality has really impressed me. The grips have lasted well and the batteries have not needed changing in the PRGR yet. I think the only thing I would like to see is a ‘nicer’ grip (something like a GolfPride Tour Velvet for example) as the cost of the kit is quite high and feel that would improve the initial impression. Program (15 out of 20 points) I found the instructions easy enough to follow. I did find the process was a little repetitive (read a little boring) when I hit a plateau as I felt like I was not gaining anything but just repeating the same thing over & over. Turns out, this is the idea!! I had a little help from Tyler Standifird with regards to the graphs I was seeing based on my results but he was super helpful. I was using Google rather than Excel for my charts. This is something that could be addressed as many people use Google rather than Microsoft. I think the plan does work but doing 10 weeks in a row proved to be tricky for me as I had a few family issues that needed all of my time. I guess, if you’re doing the program at your own speed, it does still work. It did for me! Does it need to be 10 weeks? I think so, just not 10 weeks in a row. On the whole, the items in the kit are all you need. As said, a better grip would be nice and maybe a case for the PRGR but that’s not the end of the world. I think 3 times a week is, normally, pretty easy to do but life does get in the way sometimes. It can become a little monotonous but doing the same thing makes it easier to do as you know what is required. Simple instructions makes for simple exercises. I will be looking to see if there is a follow up as I’d like to keep working on my speed. Longer drives = shorter shots in, what’s not to like with that! Performance (38 out of 40 points) The results from the routine have definitely paid dividends. Ive seen an increase from 105mph to around 113/114mph so around 10%! This is much better than I thought it would be after the initial few weeks but proves that the methods do work if you stick at it. My distance gains have been hard to measure as I’ve not been using driver much as it has become a bit waywards. I don’t think this is down to the training as all my other clubs have not been affected. I have been using my 3W off the tee and I do feel like I’m hitting it well and have gained yards. My overall game doesn’t feel like it’s changed too much as I’ve not had a great deal of time to play this summer due to various things out of my control but my playing partners have mentioned I have a faster but more controlled swing. The training is definitely something I will try and keep up with and I use the sticks as part of my pre-game warm up so that will stay too. Keep it or Re-Gift? (20 out of 20 points) I’ll definitely be keeping the set. The sticks have become a valuable part of my pre-game warm up and the PRGR is really helpful when practicing to see how much/little effort I’m putting in on any given day. It’s also going to earn me a beers as a couple of my playing partners really want to give it a go so I think I’ll be loaning it out. Based on my results, there’s quite a lot of interest in the process and I’ve had many conversations with fellow players ( and the club pro) about the products and methods. Conclusion If you want to gain some speed and are happy to put the consistent effort in I would highly recommend the SuperSpeed system. It worked for me so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for you - IF you are prepared to put the time in. I had started to think I’d plateau’d but saw some really good gains towards the end of the program. Final Score: 91 out of 100
  2. Just about to start the last week session for level 2. I feel like I've peaked a bit at around 112-114mph post train driver swing speed so I've gained around 4-6mph so far. I did manage to test the PRGR against the GC2 at my club and was really pleased with the readings from both units. Had only around 1-2mph difference between the 2 although distances did vary quite a bit but that could be down to ball strike. From a game point of view, I've been focusing on dispersion rather than all out distance as I've been struggling with keeping the ball in play. As a result I've not been using the driver on the course - only 3 wood and new JPX921 HM 4 iron. BUT...both clubs going much further that previous to this training. I'm now getting 280-290y regularly with the 3 wood off the tee (and one miracle shot from behind a tree, light rough to 10 yards short of the water on a par 5 - 275y with a cut to shape in onto the fairway!!). I do feel a bit faster but I think my swing has become more 'managed' for the speed I'm swinging, if that makes sense. One week to go and I'll post my results.
  3. The '5 weeks done' update. Due to a bit of bother at home recently (my wife has been unwell and I've been working, helping her, dealing with 2 kids, cooking etc...) I have fallen behind by a week or 2 so apologies for that. Things are on the up at home again and I'm back to the routine of Mon/Wed/Fri swingspeed work. I've completed the 1st 5 weeks now and am now into the 2nd week of Level 2 and this is how things are looking. I've noticed a little bit of an increase, which is encouraging, so with the extra steps added in to the next 5 weeks I'm sure there will be more improvements to come. The testing is good fun, trying to beat the previous speeds but I've noticed that after a tough day at work there is a bit of a drop in performance. I'm doing the testing at roughly the same time each day. Weather conditions have also been seen to make a difference. Let's play 'guess the swing speed': 20230801_205806.mp4
  4. Awesome, great work Titleist & MGS. Cut will be +1 Highest round will be 82
  5. Sooooo, I was planning on getting new irons for my 50th in September. Went to the range at my local Mizuno dealer a while ago who had an old JPX921 SEL demo club - gave it a whirl and it was great. Tried a couple of shafts and best one was a Nippon Tour 120 in X-stiff. Browsing eBay a few days ago and boom! Brand new JPX921 SEL 6-PW with HotMetal 4 & 5i for sale from a reputable seller - Nippon Tour 120 X-stiff shafts. Bargain price, was a cancelled customer order as all serial numbers match. Not sure on the HM's but I'll give them a go. They are very nice looking as a set
  6. I've found a set of new JPX921 SEL for sale but the 4 & 5 irons are JPX921 hot metals. Has anyone had success blending the older 921's? They're a very good price and have the right shaft for me so it's very tempting....
  7. A massive thanks to MyGolfSpy and @SuperSpeed for the opportunity to take part in another product testing - I must be doing something right!! Hopefully that will continue with this one and you, the readers, find my review interesting and informative - I’ll do my best for you I’m super-excited to see if this training aid can help add that extra speed and distance I’m looking for and I know it’s something many players strive for so I hope this review will give you, the MGS readers, some valuable information to help you choose if this is for you. Who is DStar? Hi, I’m Steve and I’m nearly 50!! How on earth did that happen? I swear I was 40 a couple of years ago….. I’m happily married to Hannah and we have 2 amazingly bright/funny/annoying daughters - Faith (11) and Phoebe (8). I live in a lovely little town called Malvern in the heart of England, a town made famous by its water, Morgan Motors and The Hills. I’m a CNC programmer by trade which means I have access to some very cool machines and have dabbled at making my own putters and markers - it’s pretty cool to be able to make something I can use when out on the course. My Golf Background I’ve only been playing golf properly since the start of 2021 after a break of over 20 years. I played as a junior with my dad then took a break to play football and ride mountain bikes - Golf did not provide the adrenalin rush I was after back then. I’m now playing off 11.6 after starting on 24 so my game is coming on well but inconsistency is my main problem. I’m practising as much as I can and would love to get to single figures by the end of this year - that’s my goal. I’m quite a physical player, high swing speed around 110mph with the driver and like to attack the pin - maybe I should play the percentages more but I just can’t help it! I enjoy the long ball and have a reputation amongst my playing partners as being one of the longest drivers of the ball in my club. I’d like to think that after this test I’ll be Numero Uno! I’m hoping to add speed & distance but not at the cost of poorer dispersion - I’d like to be on the fairway too (not too much to ask is it?) I’ll be adding regular updates so keep checking back. If anyone has any questions or ideas please post them and I’ll do my best to answer or help. Unboxing and 1st impressions. The kit arrived really quickly and in perfect condition. No protective outer box, just the retail packaging with the PRGR tucked safely inside in it's own box. The obligatory unboxing photo's: All of the items were nicely wrapped with bubblewrap on the end weights. One thing I would like to see from retailers is less use of plastic. The design of the packaging seems like it would d o a great job of protecting the clubs so I think there is no need for the plastic wrapping on the shafts & grips or the bubblewrap. I have done a base setting after following the recommended warm up procedure which can be easily found on the Superspeed website along with the process we will be following for Level 1 & 2 of the training program. I was a little disappointed to see my swing speed was a little down at 105mph but I have high hopes of pushing that back up to around 110mph after a session or 2 as I've not been playing much due to a new job and some pressures at home. Really excited to get going with this test and have a 10 week program to follow! Keep an eye out for updates. The "2 week in" update: So, I've been doing the level 1 tracking for just over 2 weeks now and thought it would be worth adding in some more info for you guys. I've been following the recommended warm up routine ( https://train.superspeedgolf.com/warm-up/ ) before every session (bar one when I was short of time) and I think it's a good warm up. I've taken a few of the exercises to the course with me as a pre-game routine and I do feel better. The movements really help loosen up the muscles for the hard work ahead. Going through the level 1 process is quite hard work and really tests dexterity as well as balance. Using both hands mixes things up and then throwing in a step really does make you think and work. I have noticed quite a few non-reads off the PRGR but that may be because I'm not hitting a ball. I'm keeping the same process throughout the test but will take the PRGR to the practice ground to see if there is more consistency. I've not seen much change in my swingspeed yet but this is a 10 week process and I'm confident that I will gain speed as I'm starting to 'feel' faster. I'll update again in a couple of weeks but please fire away if you have any questions The '5 weeks done' update. Due to a bit of bother at home recently (my wife has been unwell and I've been working, helping her, dealing with 2 kids, cooking etc...) I have fallen behind by a week or 2 so apologies for that. Things are on the up at home again and I'm back to the routine of Mon/Wed/Fri swingspeed work. I've completed the 1st 5 weeks now and this is how things are looking. I've noticed a little bit of an increase, which is encouraging, so with the extra steps added in to the next 5 weeks I'm sure there will be more improvements to come. The testing is good fun, trying to beat the previous speeds but I've noticed that after a tough day at work there is a bit of a drop in performance. I'm doing the testing at roughly the same time each day. Weather conditions have also been seen to make a difference.
  8. I've got 2 that I made. 1st one comes out every now and then but my 2nd version is going well and I can't see it changing any time soon (and if I did change it for one made by someone else I'd get so much stick from my playing buddies )
  9. Played my 1st ever match play on Friday. My partner is a solid 7HC so I have a good one! We worked very well together - I won 1st, Will won 2nd, me the 3rd. We were 4 up after 5 Our opponents rallied a bit but we ended up winning 6 & 5. I won the 13th with a perfect drive over the trees, 50° to 8' and rolled in the birdie (with a shot). Onto the next round
  10. What a great bunch! Good luck with the testing gents, this'll be good
  11. Thanks Jamie, good to hear that you're pleased with them. I'll have a read through your review
  12. As it's a big birthday this year I'm going to treat myself to set of fitted irons. Being a lefty makes it a tougher task as there's not many local pros that keep much LH in stock for demo/fittings. I had a day away with my daughter and, upon leaving, spotted the UK Sub70 fitting centre over the road. I've heard of them but never seen any in the flesh so popped in for a quick chat. Based on what I told the guy there regarding swing speed/handicap etc, I'd be looking at the 659 irons. As a CNC programmer by trade I really like the look of them with the visible milling patterns. Does anyone here have them, compared them against the big brands? I'll definitely be going back for a trial session soon to see how they stack up.
  13. I've tried 2 shafts in my putters, both KBS. Started with the CT Tour (as it was the cheaper option) in my original putter which felt nice - smooth, worked well. I then changed that for a matt black OneStep which felt even better and now it's installed in my current, slightly heavier, putter I've noticed less mishits on long putts and feel is improved. The OneStep also looks great and have had many people ask me about it.
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