What equipment are you thinking about?

[RetiredBoomer]

2 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

Love it. Totally agree. I have too many wedges as it is - there I said it - and been thinking about adding an ES21 60° to go with the 54 that I really like. 

So today I found one Like New on Callaway Pre-owned and heck yeah now it's on the way to me!

I could easily bag six wedges if cart bags were made with more full-length dividers than 14 or 15.

Presently, however, I have relatively wide, six degree gaps from 9-iron down--

40, 46, 52, 58 and that's it--just three wedges after 9-iron.

That's because I always have at least a two-club overlap where my fairway woods meet my irons.
Having both shots available for that critical distance,
especially on long par 3s or tight driving holes on our course,
is more important to me than having  level gapping from top to bottom of the set.

This is not a universally agreed upon tactic, obviously. 
Those of us who overlap lofted fairway woods with longer irons are not that common. 

RevKev  comes to mind first,
he being a very good player having no need for long and even middle irons at all. 

Then, there are the many, many hybrid players who've replaced BOTH long irons AND high-loft fairway woods with that type of club.

The "standard set configuration" is totally dead, and because of that,
we're always considering new equipment, more than ever before.  

[TheBirdieMasterLOL]

I'm thinking about getting the Newton Motion Fairway Wood Shaft, because I love the one in my driver.

[BlaizerMayfield]

28 minutes ago, TheBirdieMasterLOL said:

I'm thinking about getting the Newton Motion Fairway Wood Shaft, because I love the one in my driver.

Are they pretty effective?

[cksurfdude]

10 hours ago, RetiredBoomer said:

That's because I always have at least a two-club overlap where my fairway woods meet my irons.
Having both shots available for that critical distance,
especially on long par 3s or tight driving holes on our course, is more important to me than having  level gapping from top to bottom of the set.

Currently (at the high handicap end of the player range) I actually do something similar - have a 7W / 21° that I like and a 21° hybrid that gets a lot of use.

Don't have numbers on each but, in general, the wood flies a little higher and spins a little more vs the hybrid which, in general, will give me a little more runout.

...

6 hours ago, BlaizerMayfield said:

Are they pretty effective?

There is a member test thread going on the Newton shaft; check out...

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/62434-newton-driver-golf-shaft-review-2024/

 

[RickM71]

Over the past year, I've gradually replaced almost all of my old clubs that were either mine, or extras from my dad who is the real club collector.  The only clubs left that I haven't replaced are my sand wedge and my putter.  The sand wedge is  a 56/11 Cleveland RTX3 that I've actually really liked.  Growing up, I was never good with high loft wedges.  I'd either chunk them or skull them.  This particular Cleveland, for whatever reason, I don't seem to have nearly as much trouble.  He also had a matching 50 degree, but my Mizuno gap wedge that matches my irons is a 49 degree.  I had the Cleveland 50 bent to 52, but I find that I can adjust my gap wedge for 90-110 yard shots and the 56 degree is good to about 85 yards, so I'm not seeing a need to carry the extra club right now. 

I assumed newer is better and looking at the highly rated clubs, I figured I'd give something newer a try.  I also was thinking that for gapping, I'd be fine with a 54 and 58 as opposed to 52 56 60.  But I'm not great with wedges, so I'm still open to options.

I picked up a Taylormade Milled Grind 3 58 SB (11).  I hit it indoors really well. Very straight.  I took it to the chipping green and had a really hard time controlling distance.  Out of the light rough I was decent, but they have a very tightly cut approach area and I really struggled.  Even with 11 degrees of bounce, I found the leading edge really dug in unless I opened the face a bit.  If I opened the face, I had more trouble judging distance.   Many of the shots came out really low with tons of spin.  I'm guessing with practice I could learn to control it better, but I just did not feel comfortable looking down at it.  I played one round with it.  Out of the 5 times I used it, 2 were horrible and 3 were not great.  

My dad offered me a set of Cleveland CG14 wedges he played until he recently replaced them, as they are 50/54/58, so I can see how I like them and the gapping.  Off a mat, the 58 hits very similar to the Taylormade MG3 as far as distance on full shots, but had slightly less spin - likely from worn grooves (even though the zip grooves are now illegal I think).  What was odd with the CG14 was the 50 degree wedge goes about 10 yards shorter than my Mizuno 49 degree gap wedge.  It actually made for good gapping.  I have a feeling that the Taylormade MG3 will have much better spin out of rough and wet surfaces, but I just don't see putting in the effort to get used to it based on my initial experience. 

Here's the launch monitor date for the 58 degree wedges:

And here's the data for the CG14 50 and 54 compared to my 49 degree Mizuno gap wedge.

What I'd ideally do is find someone in the Chicago area who can give me a good lesson on wedges, and also do a wedge fitting at the same time.  Although I have to say that my experience with lessons has been very mixed - probably because I'm too stubborn and my habits are too ingrained. 

For now, I'm just going to stick with my 56 Cleveland that I'm comfortable with, even though I was hoping something newer would be better.   

Edited August 29 by RickM71

[TheBirdieMasterLOL]

On 8/25/2024 at 10:21 PM, BlaizerMayfield said:

Are they pretty effective?

Yes they are great. I would also highly recommend the Sacks Parente Putter Line (Sacks Parente is the company that started Newton Motion). They make the best putters I've ever used (and I've used Taylormade Spiders and Scotty Camerons), and the fitting process with them is insanely interesting and fun. When I got fit with them, we found that I'm a very upright putter, so we changed the lie angle on my putter to 74*. We also saw that I stand directly over the ball, so much so that my eyes are actually past the line of the ball. We discovered that a center-shafted putter would be the best it for me, and I've lowered my putting average by almost 4 strokes since getting one.

[cksurfdude]

6 hours ago, RickM71 said:

Over the past year, I've gradually replaced almost all of my old clubs that were either mine, or extras from my dad who is the real club collector.  The only clubs left that I haven't replaced are my sand wedge and my putter.  The sand wedge is  a 56/11 Cleveland RTX3 that I've actually really liked.  Growing up, I was never good with high loft wedges.  I'd either chunk them or skull them.  This particular Cleveland, for whatever reason, I don't seem to have nearly as much trouble. 

Maybe take a look at Cleveland's CBX series of wedges - wide vee sole, very hard to chunk, very easy to hit.

[RickM71]

6 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Maybe take a look at Cleveland's CBX series of wedges - wide vee sole, very hard to chunk, very easy to hit.

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm going to take a look at those. I'm going to be at PGA Superstore Saturday as my daughter has a golf lesson there. Perfect chance to check them out. 

[sevegolfs]

3 hours ago, RickM71 said:

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm going to take a look at those. I'm going to be at PGA Superstore Saturday as my daughter has a golf lesson there. Perfect chance to check them out. 

Just as an fyi, I've had a driver fitting, and a quick 15 minute "putting stroke" fitting at PGAS and they've both been great. Ended up buying the driver that I hit best, and eventually after finding a discount on a particular putter, ended up buying a putter that more closely matched what the fitting suggested. 

[Grip]

I'm still pondering on getting a blade putter. I currently use a Sacks Parente Series 54MH Mallet Putter and love it, except for when the ball is up against the fringe. In my mind, a blade putter would come in handy for this situation. I'm considering a Cleveland HB SOFT 2 Model 1? Oh! and a Mini Driver...no idea on which one I would even consider at this point .

[RickM71]

12 minutes ago, sevegolfs said:

Just as an fyi, I've had a driver fitting, and a quick 15 minute "putting stroke" fitting at PGAS and they've both been great. Ended up buying the driver that I hit best, and eventually after finding a discount on a particular putter, ended up buying a putter that more closely matched what the fitting suggested. 

I've seen they have free putter feetings on Saturdays. I will probably do that one of these days as I've never had a putter fitting before.  I'm not a great putter. I wish it were as simple as changing putters. 

Looking more at the CBX wedges, they look like they'll be a great match for me, especially given tat I've liked the rtx3 wedges. It turns out my dad has a golfing buddy who is playing the CBX in a 54 and 60, which may give me a perfect opportunity to test them out outdoors. I think with wedges in particular, hitting indoors doesn't mean too much. So thank you again for the suggestion @cksurfdude

[sevegolfs]

10 minutes ago, RickM71 said:

I've seen they have free putter feetings on Saturdays. I will probably do that one of these days as I've never had a putter fitting before.  I'm not a great putter. I wish it were as simple as changing putters. 

Looking more at the CBX wedges, they look like they'll be a great match for me, especially given tat I've liked the rtx3 wedges. It turns out my dad has a golfing buddy who is playing the CBX in a 54 and 60, which may give me a perfect opportunity to test them out outdoors. I think with wedges in particular, hitting indoors doesn't mean too much. So thank you again for the suggestion @cksurfdude

That's exactly what I ended up doing on a Saturday morning after just "coming in to browse" lol... at the time I had a putter that was face balanced (0* of toe hang). But based on my stroke, ideally I'd have a putter with 30 degrees. Ended up buying a putter a few months later with 36* and am pretty happy with it. 

[RickM71]

46 minutes ago, sevegolfs said:

That's exactly what I ended up doing on a Saturday morning after just "coming in to browse" lol... at the time I had a putter that was face balanced (0* of toe hang). But based on my stroke, ideally I'd have a putter with 30 degrees. Ended up buying a putter a few months later with 36* and am pretty happy with it. 

I've always gone with face balanced putters as I've liked the idea in principle. I used a Zebra putter growing up. I've used a few non face balanced putters at times and always seem to go back to face balanced. I think it is just what I'm used to looking at. Given that I'm not a good putter, I don't know why I stick with it. Again - switching putter styles probably won't turn me into a good putter, but I'd take just being less bad. 

[Lefty11]

I've been considering irons from Mizuno, Vice, and PXG. After weighing my options, I think I'll go with PXG since they offer a wide selection of clubs for left-handed players.

[Erin B]

30 minutes ago, Lefty11 said:

I've been considering irons from Mizuno, Vice, and PXG. After weighing my options, I think I'll go with PXG since they offer a wide selection of clubs for left-handed players.

Man, I left PXG for New Level. I like PXG but my New Levels are and for a lower cost. I’m also tracking Sub70. I’m gonna by a set of those I think. 

Can’t seem to get the dark speed out of my mind. That and the GT4

Edited August 29 by Erin B

[Shankster]

On 6/21/2024 at 5:52 AM, downlowkey said:

Have you ever hit their original UW release? When folks put them on digital L/L machines, the actual loft was often 2-3 degrees less than the stamp. If you could track down a 17* head that’s actually 14* and laced to a telephone pole, odds are pretty decent that you wouldn’t have to worry about launching that setup too high.

Well no kidding.  Thanks for the information good buddy.

[downlowkey]

1 hour ago, Shankster said:

Well no kidding.  Thanks for the information good buddy.

Anytime, muchacho. An elephant-like memory for obscure golf knowledge occasionally comes in handy. Good luck on your stinger hunt.

[Lefty11]

21 hours ago, Erin B said:

Man, I left PXG for New Level. I like PXG but my New Levels are and for a lower cost. I’m also tracking Sub70. I’m gonna by a set of those I think. 

Can’t seem to get the dark speed out of my mind. That and the GT4

@Erin B….
How many clubs do you have stashed at your place, my friend? I’m starting to think you might be running a secret golf shop! 

Edited August 30 by Lefty11

[jclab20]

Always Irons. I would absolutely love a set of TM or Titleist irons. Bit more biased towards titleist because I recently got vokey wedges and they were worth every bit. The feel is just insane compared to entry level wedges.

[RetiredBoomer]

I may have already mentioned it.

I'm not even looking at the adds for the 2025 releases.

 

[Grip]

Maple Hill Golf: Flash Deal Bettinardi Closeout Putters As Low As $197.77 ea, (BB Series & Studio Stock 17 Models) -- While Supplies Last

Shop Closeouts https://maplehillgolf.kly9.io/34HfX4Ns

[Lefty11]

When are we ever not eyeing the latest shiny new club?

[Grip]

Need to label your clubs? I've been using these for some time. It's inevitable that you'll leave your wedge lying on or just off the green...they have tags too.

https://stinkylockers.com/golf/

 

[RetiredBoomer]

I'm henceforth going to make a very serious effort to stop obsessing about golf equipment.

There's one thing that EVERY major OEM has in common.
NONE of them reach out to potential customers and ask them what they might want.
They decide what to make all on their own,
decide how much customability it will have,
and then try to sell it.

Obviously, this is the successful business model or they'd try something else.
It's just not what I like to see.  Long past time to stop worrying about it, however.
I'll just play with what I've got
since I'll never get to own an OEM. 

 

 

 

[Shapotomous]

7 minutes ago, RetiredBoomer said:

I'm henceforth going to make a very serious effort to stop obsessing about golf equipment.

There's one thing that EVERY major OEM has in common.
NONE of them reach out to potential customers and ask them what they might want.
They decide what to make all on their own,
decide how much customability it will have,
and then try to sell it.

Obviously, this is the successful business model or they'd try something else.
It's just not what I like to see.  Long past time to stop worrying about it, however.
I'll just play with what I've got
since I'll never get to own an OEM. 

 

 

 

I believe OEM's do get input from potential customers and do not design in a vacuum.  For example join Team Titleist and you can participate in focus groups and product testing.  They already know the large majority of golfers .want more distance and less dispersion.  They get a lot of feedback from focus groups on what that package looks like in a club....and sounds like.  There are plenty of changes from one release to the next improving on an aspect that was dinged in opinion surveys of a previous model.

Much like a victim of Carl Spackler slicing a hamstring, if i didnt obsess over equipment i might quit the game!! 

[MissionMan]

3 minutes ago, Shapotomous said:

I believe OEM's do get input from potential customers and do not design in a vacuum.  For example join Team Titleist and you can participate in focus groups and product testing.  They already know the large majority of golfers .want more distance and less dispersion.  They get a lot of feedback from focus groups on what that package looks like in a club....and sounds like.  There are plenty of changes from one release to the next improving on an aspect that was dinged in opinion surveys of a previous model.

Much like a victim of Carl Spackler slicing a hamstring, if i didnt obsess over equipment i might quit the game!! 

I’m attending a white ball test for the new Prov1 and Prov1x on the 12th Sep so I can vouch Titleist getting input from every day golfers. We’re playing 9 holes on a premium course with the test white box balls so we can give our feedback. 

[Woodrow72]

Due for a new set of irons , just haven’t decided which brands to test, leaning toward  trying -Srixon-Titleist-Ping -TM 

[Off Map Oscar]

I've got a sim2 3 wood and driver.... and some spare wedges.  I'm debating just making a full 2nd bag for travel. 

 

What's a good set of irons that can be found used for 400

[ZJeb67]

Hoping to get some golf spikes with a wide toe box.  
The dogs are barking after the last 36 holes with the current shoes

[Lefty11]

I’m exploring new irons, a putter, and a driver, as my equipment needs an upgrade.