Michael Smith Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 Hi guys, I am looking for your expertise here. I am a long time golfer who just got back into the game a year ago. I have been practicing for the last year and have got my handicap down to a 19. I decided for Father's Day that I wanted a new driver so that is what I did last Saturday. I went to my local big box store, Golfsmith, and got “fitted†for a new driver. The fitter had me hit the Callaway X2 Hot 9º, Taylormade SLDR 10.5º, Cobra Bio Cell 9.5º, and the Ping G25 9.5º. I honestly enjoyed hitting all of them and for me, didn't hit any of them bad. The fitter used the launch monitor to check launch angle, club/ball speed, and spin to make sure I had the correct shaft and loft. Spin numbers were close to the same on all of them and I was surprised the SLDR spin numbers weren't lower than the other clubs. I carried the X2 Hot the furthest and since none of them really stood out I went with the X2 for the low price. Mind you I haven't opened/used the club because I may return it based on what is said here. My question is since I am a high handicapper is it not necessary for a more comprehensive fitting then what I received? I read articles on here where guys are being fitted with different shafts, lofts…to achieve the numbers the fitter is after. I just didn't feel like this guy did that. It was more like "let's find you a club you will buy today.†I want to make sure I get the best club for my money. Any advice you guys can give me would be great. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whiskey golf Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 Those large stores will usually use stock options during a quick fitting and those who get fit for all kinds of shafts most likely go to independent fitters who have tons of options and will go really in depth with the fitting. If the numbers were right and you hit the club good then the stock shaft is fine, you don't have to go with an expensive shaft or go crazy with options. Once you play even longer then you may find things that work or don't work and can bring that experience to your next fitting. I would try your new driver on the course a few times and you can return it to Golfsmith within 30 days for a partial refund. You could also find a different fitter and get a second opinion if you think that the first fitting wasn't enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanUsh Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 It may turn out that the fitting and stock options fit you great and you can go out on the course and play. I don't feel a more comprehensive fitting can ever hurt a golfer because you can find out more about your swing that way that can also help your game. Like whiskey golf said sometimes things change when you get out on a course too. It is also important to know what you are looking for when in the fitting so like you said the fitter isn't just trying to sell you something that day. I would say it couldn't hurt to get a second opinion but make sure you and the fitter you go to for any fitting are on the same page. You should have input in your fitting because ultimately you are the one buying the clubs and using them. Bag: Hoofer Vantage Driver: G25 10.5 Aldila NV 65 S 3 Wood: Fly Z+ 3 Wood 13.5* Rescue: XTD ti 18* set to 17* or Pro 23* Irons: Apex Pro 4-PW, KBS Tour S, Standard Length and Loft, 2* flat, Wedges: Mack Daddy 2 50* bent to 51*, KBS Tour S Spin Milled 56* bent to 55* Mack Daddy 2 60* U grind KBS Tour S Putter: Futura X5 MOTO Grips: PURE DTX Green Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Smith Posted June 3, 2014 Author Share Posted June 3, 2014 Thanks for the replies whiskey golf and DanUsh. I think I will go see another fitter on Friday and see if he says anything different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kor.A.Door Posted June 3, 2014 Share Posted June 3, 2014 Find the one that gives you the most consistency, not necessarily the longest, and you should be okay, proper fitting can be helpful, and most everyone here will tell you to go get properly fit, but it is not a necessity to do so. If you like the results of the x2 hot then I wouldn't worry too much about it. It really depends on what you are looking for in a driver. Lefties are always in their Right Mind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbrodeur86 Posted June 6, 2014 Share Posted June 6, 2014 I would - no question but would probably get at least some golf lessons on fundamentals first. Not sure if you play other sports but I play ice hockey (I'm a goalie but do play as a player once in a while) and usually you have to cut your stick so that it goes to about your nose or to your chin on skates. The reason you do this is because if you play with a stick that is too long or too short, you will have a much harder time playing and end up with inconsistent shots. Same for golf. By getting fit to your swing, you have clubs that are made for you. DRIVER: Stealth 2, 9*, Mitsubishi Kai' Li red, 60g Stiff flex, Golf Pride CP2 Pro Midsize Woods: Sim Max 3 Wood, 15*, Fujikura Ventus 6 Blue 65g, Stiff flex, Golf Pride CP2 Pro Midsize HYBRIDS: JPX 850 hybrid 19*, UST Proforce V2 85g, Stiff, Golf Pride CP2 Pro Midsize IRONS: MP-20 HMB 4 iron, Project X LZ 6.5 shaft, Stiff+, Ping Midsize grip JPX 919 Tour 5i-pw, Project X LZ 6.5 shafts, Stiff+, Ping Midsize grips WEDGES: New Level Golf 50*, 55*, 60* M-Type Wedges with True Temper Elevate Tour X-Stiff flex, New Level Midsize grips PUTTER: Heppler Ketsch 35", Ping PP62 Pistol Grip BALL: Pro Pro V1 (2021 + 2023 Versions) BAG: TM19 Select Plus Cart Bag Shoes: Under Armour HOVR Fade 2 SL Spikeless Shoes Tech: NX7 Pro Slope golf laser Rangefinder Frogger Golf Towels, 4 more Yard blue/ yellow golf tees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Smith Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share Posted June 11, 2014 Thanks for all the replies everyone. I ended up going to a different store and getting fit again. I learned two things. The first, I killed the X2 Hot driver again, which reaffirmed my reasons to buy it. The second, I still could not consistently keep the spin numbers down on the SLDR, which kept the distance numbers close to the same as the X2. I also wasn't as consistent as the SLDR. I have a feeling a different shaft might help with this, but I figure I'd buy the X2 Hot driver, save $100 bucks and if and when my game improves I will upgrade to a new driver. Thanks again for the feedback. The MGS forum is awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whiskey golf Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Good to hear, play well with the X2 Hot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbrodeur86 Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 I tried the X2 but was straight pulling everything. I really liked the feel of it but was just straight pulling everything. Glad you like it, it's a very nice driver DRIVER: Stealth 2, 9*, Mitsubishi Kai' Li red, 60g Stiff flex, Golf Pride CP2 Pro Midsize Woods: Sim Max 3 Wood, 15*, Fujikura Ventus 6 Blue 65g, Stiff flex, Golf Pride CP2 Pro Midsize HYBRIDS: JPX 850 hybrid 19*, UST Proforce V2 85g, Stiff, Golf Pride CP2 Pro Midsize IRONS: MP-20 HMB 4 iron, Project X LZ 6.5 shaft, Stiff+, Ping Midsize grip JPX 919 Tour 5i-pw, Project X LZ 6.5 shafts, Stiff+, Ping Midsize grips WEDGES: New Level Golf 50*, 55*, 60* M-Type Wedges with True Temper Elevate Tour X-Stiff flex, New Level Midsize grips PUTTER: Heppler Ketsch 35", Ping PP62 Pistol Grip BALL: Pro Pro V1 (2021 + 2023 Versions) BAG: TM19 Select Plus Cart Bag Shoes: Under Armour HOVR Fade 2 SL Spikeless Shoes Tech: NX7 Pro Slope golf laser Rangefinder Frogger Golf Towels, 4 more Yard blue/ yellow golf tees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighFade Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 Really at this point, you don't need to spend $400 on a driver. I think you should go to a big box store and tell them you want to hit a few drivers and find out the shaft flex they recommend. So, say your swing speed is 90mph with a driver, then they'll put you in a regular shaft. Instead of buying a super expensive new driver, just find one on I the used bin with that shaft flex. You can prob get a decent one for $100. Then.... Once you've practiced a bit, or better yet get a few lessons, you should have a better feel for your normal ball flight, and you can start spending $ on fancy drivers. But there's nothing more depressing than seeing a guy with a driver that costs more than my car, and has dents in the top cuz he is mishitting it. Bottom line, if you can't hit the clubface reliably, it doesn't matter what kind of club you're using. But..... If you're hitting it consistently, and have the $ to spend, the fancy new drivers will definitely last longer, and if fit properly, will be far better than the cheaper ones. There is no spoon. WITB TaylorMade M3 Callaway Diablo 15° Callaway Diablo 18° Callaway Steelhead XR Pro 4-W Mizuno TP-4 50, 54, 58 TaylorMade Rossa Monza Spyder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McaseyM Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 I agree with mbrodeur86 with going with some lessons first. I started with a set my grandpa got me in 8th grade, had them lengthened in college and then when i decided i wanted to try something newer after college, I did a quick fit at a box store and then got clone clubs ( not knock offs). I played with those for a while and when I finally decided to get serious about getting better, finally got some lessons that included a full fitting at the end after i worked on my swing over 4-5 months. the nicest driver in the world won't fix fundamental issues ( but you gotta love the new slogans "Don't change you swing, change your Driver!!") You can do a full fitting, but also look at the previous year models to save money too. I play a Cobra AMP 9.5, but am looking to get an AMP Cell and you can find them for $80 (used) to $130 new. Personally, I have a hard time spending that much on equipment, but if you like it and plan to keep it for a few years, do what works for you What's in my bag: Driver : F9 10.5, Fujikura Speeder 757 TR Fairway F9 15.5° Aldila Rogue White 80X Hybrid: King F7 18° KBS Tour PROTO Hybrid 95 S+ Irons: z585 4i - 6i, z785 7i-PW, Nippon Modus 120X Wedges: CBX 50.11, 55.11, 60.10 TT DG S400 Black Putter: Honey Badger 34" Ball: Q-Star Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.