Hacker Rod

My bag as of 7/17/21: Tour Edge Exotics EXS PRO, 9.5* playing at 8.5*, HZRDUS Smoke Yellow XS TaylorMade Original One Mini Driver/2W 13.5*, Elements Chrome XS Callaway Super Hybrid 17*, Aldila Rogue 95 MSI XS Maltby KE4 Tour FDI Utility/DI 20*, Fujikura Vista Pro Stiff or Maltby KE4 Tour TC Hybrid 20*, KBS Tour Steel XS Mizuno JPX 919 Hot Metal 5-PW, Project X LZ Tour Stiff Mizuno JPX 919 50* GW & 55* SW, Project X LZ Tour Stiff Titleist Vokey SM7 60*/D LW Evnroll ER5 Hatchback 33" Sun Mountain C130 Yes, that's seven different club manufacturers ... no blind loyalty here! Seriously pondering a TM 300 Mini Driver to replace the Original One.

I don't think you can easily categorize the player who successfully bags a Mini Driver. I'm a mid-capper, and I've carried one for years (three different models). It's my go-to when the driver isn't behaving. Or more accurately, when my driver swing isn't behaving. Maybe it's not supposed to work for me, but it does. In fact, the Original One works so well for me, I'm already pondering adding the new 300. I'm quite certain it's just a matter of time.

My Original One is my third TM mini driver. I don't know what it is about them that just works for me, but they have been great for my game. A bit harder to hit off the deck than a traditional 3-wood, of course, but a fantastic driver alternative off the tee. I don't need the new one, but I'll be taking a serious look anyway.

I carry a 9.5* driver and a 13.5* Original One. I've been blessed with good distance, so I have rounds when I only pull the driver a couple times. (And sometimes I regret using it that much.) Despite what the stats say should happen with a golfer in my handicap range, I am far more consistent with my Original One. I mean, it's not even close. When the driver is working for me (okay, when my swing is working for the driver), I'll use it on longer holes and take the extra 20 to 30 yards, but I could leave the driver at home, and I'm confident my score wouldn't suffer from it. In fact, it might be good for me. The benefit of the mini is that if I can hit it off deck if I need to, although in most cases I'm better off just hitting the Super Hybrid.

It's a TaylorMade Original One mini driver, isn't it?

Rod/Kalamazoo, MI/USA Currently gaming the Evnroll ER5 Hatchback I'm most interested in the Tomcat 14 because I've been curious about extreme MOI putters for some time, and the Tomcat's alignment dots make it even more intriguing.

Rod/Portage, MI Currently play CBX 50*, 54*, 58*, occasionally Vokey SM7 60* Prefer 58-degree tester but I would gladly put any loft into play

I'm in west Michigan, too. Kalamazoo. You?

Greetings, all. I've been doing a lot of equipment research the last few weeks as I plan to upgrade most of my bag over the next year or two. I love golf, but a brutal work schedule combined with Michigan weather only allows me to get out a half dozen or so times a year. I've played just 4 rounds thus far in 2018. If I kept a handicap it would be considered high. I'm above average in distance, and my irons are probably the strength of my game. It's erratic tee performance and my inconsistent short game that really let me down, and I know I need to play more for the latter to really improve. I'm convinced that with updated equipment and a little more time on the course, I'm capable of breaking 90 occasionally, if not consistently. My bag overhaul will begin with new irons and wedges. My Cobra S2 Max's have served me well over the years, at least I think they have, but my miss is a pull/hook, and the Cobra's generous offset exacerbates that issue. On the short list to replace the Cobras are the JPX 919 Hot Metal and/or Forged, Srixon Z585, Cobra King FTB, and P790's. I had the AP1 and AP3 on the list, but I'm turned off by the 43-degree wedges. I also intended to demo the Ben Hogan PTx, but they're currently listed as "out of stock" on the website. They have not responded to my email, which is a huge turnoff for me. Right now the CBX is the only model wedge I'm considering. That's where I'm hoping to see the biggest return on my investment. My current bag: TE Exotics XCG6 10.5 TM SLDR Mini Driver/3W 14 TE Exotics Trilogy 3W 15 Nickent 4DX IronWood 20 Cobra S2 Max 4-GW (graphite, stiff) Cleveland 588 RTX 56, 60 Original Rife 2-Bar Putter Yes, that's 15. I hit the Mini Driver like a driver, so more often than not the XCG6 stays at home. Feel free to chime in if you think I'm overlooking anything else I should be considering. I have zero prejudices, and zero brand loyalty. As you can see from the mishmash of clubs already in the bag, I'll play whatever helps my score.

My bad for not being clear ... I meant with SmacWraps. The P790 is $1,500, and I assume it's a no-charge option on The JPX. The Z585's jump to $1,650. The Cobra's are $1,370.

Sorry - should have specified with SmacWraps. I haven't priced them locally, but they configured to $1,650 on Srixon's website.

I have no issue with the aesthetics of the 585. I do have an issue with the price, however. Quite salty compared to JPX 919 Forged, Cobra Forged Tec Black and P790.