What equipment are you thinking about?

[GolfSpy AFG]

I have to admit, I’m rethinking the top end of my bag a bit.

I’m trying to commit to one shape off the tee, a fade, and just clubbing down to 3 wood if I have to draw it.  But I’m not using my 3 wood off the fairway at all.  My bag is currently driver, 15 degree 3 wood, 3 hybrid, 4 utility. Starting to think maybe I need driver, then 13.5 degree 3 wood or mini driver, 7 wood, 4 utility.
Just thinking about it…

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Just now, Getoffmylawn said:

I have to admit, I’m rethinking the top end of my bag a bit.

I’m trying to commit to one shape off the tee, a fade, and just clubbing down to 3 wood if I have to draw it.  But I’m not using my 3 wood off the fairway at all.  My bag is currently driver, 15 degree 3 wood, 3 hybrid, 4 utility. Starting to think maybe I need driver, then 13.5 degree 3 wood or mini driver, 7 wood, 4 utility.
Just thinking about it…

You could do the mini route. That is what Fawcett does. You could go Driver set as a fade. 11.5 mini lofted up to promote a draw. Then a 7w or 5w and then a utility?

[GolfSpy AFG]

9 minutes ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

You could do the mini route. That is what Fawcett does. You could go Driver set as a fade. 11.5 mini lofted up to promote a draw. Then a 7w or 5w and then a utility?

Exactly what I’m thinking

[KC Golf]

10 hours ago, Jim Shaw said:

Good morning spy's.

I finally get to post on this thread as I believe I have all my bag complete.

Throughout the 2023 I have changed every club in my bag with the exception of my driver, mini driver and putter.

It is all about carry distance for me so here are the "tools" I have decided on.

Driver-TM Sim 2 carry's 235 rolls out to 260

Mini Driver-TM Rocket balls 13 1/2 degree carry's 210 rolls out to 235

TM 16 1/2 degree 3 wood with a 5 wood shaft -carry's 200 yds.

PIng 18 degree G430- carry's 190

Ping 22 degree G430-carry's 180

Takomo 301 MB 5 iron- carry's 170 bent to 25 degrees

Takomo 301 MB 6 iron-carry 160 bent to 28 degrees

Takomo 301 MB 7 iron-carry 150 bent to 31 degrees

Takomo 301 MB 8 iron-carry 140 bent to 34 degrees

Takomo 301 MB 9 iron- carry 130 bent to 37 degrees

Takomo 301 MB PW-carry 116 bent to 40 degrees

Vokey 50 degree-carry 100 

Vokey 56 degree-carry 80

Calloway White Hot Putter

When I look at this lineup I feel confident in my choices however I know I need some more distance in my longer clubs so I have started working on developing more club head speed with the driver and mini driver. 

And I am working on getting my splatter pattern tighter on my scoring irons ie 7-PW.

The grind continues. 

Just as a point, all these numbers are on a launch monitor in a controlled environment. 

 

This is very neat.  I find it fascinating that you are using a mini driver as opposed to a 3 or 3+ fairway wood at the appropriate loft.  I would think a more conventional FW is more forgiving and could launch higher with less roll out.  Can you please let me know the way you use it and what you think it adds to your bag?

 

[Jim Shaw]

9 hours ago, Getoffmylawn said:

I have to admit, I’m rethinking the top end of my bag a bit.

I’m trying to commit to one shape off the tee, a fade, and just clubbing down to 3 wood if I have to draw it.  But I’m not using my 3 wood off the fairway at all.  My bag is currently driver, 15 degree 3 wood, 3 hybrid, 4 utility. Starting to think maybe I need driver, then 13.5 degree 3 wood or mini driver, 7 wood, 4 utility.
Just thinking about it…

all my decisions are bases on "carry distances" with the exception of the driver and mini driver, those are distance clubs, unless I have a 245 yd par 3 or need to move it 210 which I can do with my mini driver

[BallsLeon]

Thinking about an utility/driving iron.

Been thinking about how I want to fill out the top of my bag. Looking for something that’s easier to hit off the deck and rough than a fairway wood. Hybrids were my first thought but I haven’t had the best of luck with them.

Yesterday, I got to try out an Apex UW (19°) and a Titliest U505 3 iron (20°). The UW performed about as well as most hybrids I’ve tried, but could be how it was setup felt pretty heavy to me (had MMT regular shaft). However, the 3 iron felt great from the get go despite what I thought would be much too stiff of a shaft (HZRDUS 4th Gen Black, Stiff flex).

Bad news, one of these irons new is more than what I paid for my driver, and the stiff shaft feeling good has me a little confused. So, I’m looking at more affordable brands that I can match the length/loft/lie specs (Sub70, Caley, etc.). As for the shaft, I’m not exactly sure, should be much stouter than regular flex MMT/Tensei blue I’ve been fit too but felt good swinging it. Unlike a stiff Tensei white I never really enjoyed swinging.

Edited October 4, 2023 by BallsLeon
4th Gen, not smoke

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

47 minutes ago, BallsLeon said:

Thinking about an utility/driving iron.

Been thinking about how I want to fill out the top of my bag. Looking for something that’s easier to hit off the deck and rough than a fairway wood. Hybrids were my first thought but I haven’t had the best of luck with them.

Yesterday, I got to try out an Apex UW (19°) and a Titliest U505 3 iron (20°). The UW performed about as well as most hybrids I’ve tried, but could be how it was setup felt pretty heavy to me (had MMT regular shaft). However, the 3 iron felt great from the get go despite what I thought would be much too stiff of a shaft (HZRDUS Smoke Black, Stiff flex).

Bad news, one of these irons new is more than what I paid for my driver, and the stiff shaft feeling good has me a little confused. So, I’m looking at more affordable brands that I can match the length/loft/lie specs (Sub70, Caley, etc.). As for the shaft, I’m not exactly sure, should be much stouter than regular flex MMT/Tensei blue I’ve been fit too but felt good swinging it. Unlike a stiff Tensei white I never really enjoyed swinging.

Caley if you like a lighter shaft or sub70 I f you want something more custom. The 01x is very forgiving 

[Jim Shaw]

12 hours ago, KC Golf said:

This is very neat.  I find it fascinating that you are using a mini driver as opposed to a 3 or 3+ fairway wood at the appropriate loft.  I would think a more conventional FW is more forgiving and could launch higher with less roll out.  Can you please let me know the way you use it and what you think it adds to your bag?

 

good morning, my mini driver is basically for distance, any hole over 500 yds is a real stretch for me to make the green in 2 so I use the mini driver to move the ball as close to the green as possible, I also use it to keep the ball low on punch shots under trees etc. that i can run down the fairway, I rarely use it off the tee, my scoring clubs start with my 161/2 degree TM with a 5 wood shaft. 

[BallsLeon]

5 hours ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Caley if you like a lighter shaft or sub70 I f you want something more custom. The 01x is very forgiving 

Need to do so more hands on research with shafts. Have never tried a recoil, need to swing a few if I can.

Will Caley let you adjust length/lie or anything like that?

Edit: I have actually used Recoil shafts, but can't sure of what their spec was. Probably worth swinging again for comparisons sake.

Edited October 4, 2023 by BallsLeon
correction

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

17 minutes ago, BallsLeon said:

Need to do so more hands on research with shafts. Have never tried a recoil, need to swing a few if I can.

Will Caley let you adjust length/lie or anything like that?

yes they will for sure although I don’t see it on their site. They at least did for the test. Their price is now $119 so a pretty good deal if the shaft works for you. 

[AvgGolferinPA]

Paradym drivers starting to show up on Callaway Pre-Owned.  Hmmmm.

I don't need a new driver.

Birthdays coming up.  Paradym or Paradym X?  And best shaft?  Schedule a fitting?

I don't need a new driver.  Repeat.  I don't need a new driver.  

[J7Hawkins]

12 hours ago, BallsLeon said:

Thinking about an utility/driving iron.

Been thinking about how I want to fill out the top of my bag. Looking for something that’s easier to hit off the deck and rough than a fairway wood. Hybrids were my first thought but I haven’t had the best of luck with them.

Yesterday, I got to try out an Apex UW (19°) and a Titliest U505 3 iron (20°). The UW performed about as well as most hybrids I’ve tried, but could be how it was setup felt pretty heavy to me (had MMT regular shaft). However, the 3 iron felt great from the get go despite what I thought would be much too stiff of a shaft (HZRDUS 4th Gen Black, Stiff flex).

Bad news, one of these irons new is more than what I paid for my driver, and the stiff shaft feeling good has me a little confused. So, I’m looking at more affordable brands that I can match the length/loft/lie specs (Sub70, Caley, etc.). As for the shaft, I’m not exactly sure, should be much stouter than regular flex MMT/Tensei blue I’ve been fit too but felt good swinging it. Unlike a stiff Tensei white I never really enjoyed swinging.

I’ve hit the new Sub70 utility and loved it! The PXG was nice as well but I wouldn’t say it’s better. Ultimately I went with the Srixon Mk II which suited me best, but the Sub70 was a contender for sure!

[ZackS]

12 hours ago, BallsLeon said:

Thinking about an utility/driving iron.

Been thinking about how I want to fill out the top of my bag. Looking for something that’s easier to hit off the deck and rough than a fairway wood. Hybrids were my first thought but I haven’t had the best of luck with them.

Yesterday, I got to try out an Apex UW (19°) and a Titliest U505 3 iron (20°). The UW performed about as well as most hybrids I’ve tried, but could be how it was setup felt pretty heavy to me (had MMT regular shaft). However, the 3 iron felt great from the get go despite what I thought would be much too stiff of a shaft (HZRDUS 4th Gen Black, Stiff flex).

Bad news, one of these irons new is more than what I paid for my driver, and the stiff shaft feeling good has me a little confused. So, I’m looking at more affordable brands that I can match the length/loft/lie specs (Sub70, Caley, etc.). As for the shaft, I’m not exactly sure, should be much stouter than regular flex MMT/Tensei blue I’ve been fit too but felt good swinging it. Unlike a stiff Tensei white I never really enjoyed swinging.

Tour edge has a good utility iron as well. I got a used one earlier to is year as it was just as good as the big name brands I had tried. Takomo also just released one but I think it sold out right way so it would be back ordered right now. 

[cksurfdude]

22 hours ago, AvgGolferinPA said:

Paradym drivers starting to show up on Callaway Pre-Owned.  Hmmmm.

I don't need a new driver.

Birthdays coming up.  Paradym or Paradym X?  And best shaft?  Schedule a fitting?

I don't need a new driver.  Repeat.  I don't need a new driver.  

Maybe see if you can find a Callaway demo day near you to try them out; or a big box store if there's one near you.

Fyi I'm an average bogey golfer and have the X and pretty happy with it. Note tho that this head, while more forgiving, is more draw biased vs the regular Paradym .. so obviously depends on what you're looking for and what works best for you....

[chisag]

9 minutes ago, MarkMac said:

I'm finally considering buying a motorised caddy. Any advice? Is it overkill? I see other golfers with them and, what can I say? I'm jealous. It's a luxury, I know. I don't really need one... I just want one. Should I go for it?

 

... I wouldn't call it a luxury per se and more like do you want your own silent caddy? Depending on how much you play, it pays for itself pretty quickly but the joy of walking unencumbered is hard to put a price on. Regardless if you carry or push, the advantageous on the back 9 are pretty obvious. I have been using a remote cart since the early 90's and after 2 back surgeries it has been a real life saver. 

... But it is like anything else in life. If you can afford it and play at least once a week (ideally more) I just think it is a no brainer. Everyone I know that has one says the same thing "I wish I would have bought mine sooner". 

[cksurfdude]

16 hours ago, MarkMac said:

I'm finally considering buying a motorised caddy. Any advice? Is it overkill? I see other golfers with them and, what can I say? I'm jealous. It's a luxury, I know. I don't really need one... I just want one. Should I go for it?

Have one. Love it!!

Check out the reviews on the MGS main site .. will give you some ideas.

Fyi I have an MGI Zip Navigator - well made, durable and dependable, great battery life, easy to maneuver and control on the course. 

Look around!

Edited October 13, 2023 by cksurfdude

[chisag]

9 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Fyi I have an MGI Zip Navigator - well made, durable and dependable, great battery life, ready to maneuver and control on the course. 

 

... Nice! I would add that we want to use a remote cart so we can ignore it and focus on our upcoming shot. Or our friends. Or nature. I had too many remote carts to mention that just needed constant attention as they wandered down the fairway, slightly turning left or right and with some slope they turned more than slightly. I had to keep and eye on it and adjust the path constantly. But that was the price of not having to carry or push and I was willing to pay it. But the MGI ZIP has a built in gyroscope and that was a game changer. The ZIP maintains its course with no need for adjustments as it tracks dead straight. I would not buy a remote cart with out a gyroscope, but that's me and others MMV ...

[Tom the Golf Nut]

4 hours ago, MarkMac said:

I'm finally considering buying a motorised caddy. Any advice? Is it overkill? I see other golfers with them and, what can I say? I'm jealous. It's a luxury, I know. I don't really need one... I just want one. Should I go for it?

I have the Motocaddy and love it. I wish it had the gyroscope for self correction on slopes. But for me the cart changed my game. Walking is good exercise, not carrying a bag saves you back. Saving $20.00 for cart fees is a bonus. Especially when playing over 75 rounds a year. Which isn’t far off the price of the electric cart in the first year.

Other benefits include: Never having any “cart path only rounds or holes, walking allows you time to plan your next shot while walking up to your ball, and your clubs are right there. No walking back to the cart on the cart path to swap out clubs.

Even if you used a push or pull cart before the electric cart is so much better. I would buy another one if something happened.

[chisag]

22 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

I have the Motocaddy and love it. I wish it had the gyroscope for self correction on slopes.

 

... Previous to owning my ZIP I had a PowaKaddy and a two Mottocaddy's. Really enjoyed them all but the gyroscope is a must for me now. 

[GolfSpy_BEN]

A new rangefinder to replace the one that was left magnetized to the cart a few weeks back. I checked with the course, but it was not turned in. So to the lucky soul who found it, enjoy it and use it well.

[funkyjudge]

2 hours ago, chisag said:

 

... Nice! I would add that we want to use a remote cart so we can ignore it and focus on our upcoming shot. Or our friends. Or nature. I had too many remote carts to mention that just needed constant attention as they wandered down the fairway, slightly turning left or right and with some slope they turned more than slightly. I had to keep and eye on it and adjust the path constantly. But that was the price of not having to carry or push and I was willing to pay it. But the MGI ZIP has a built in gyroscope and that was a game changer. The ZIP maintains its course with no need for adjustments as it tracks dead straight. I would not buy a remote cart with out a gyroscope, but that's me and others MMV ...

I am with you 100% there, Sam. The Motocaddy Remote model that I have (Remote 7) not only likes to wander and veer off to the side on even slightly sloping terrain,  it also has an Uber-sensitive remote. The remote is so bad that I have not used it in the last several months (probably at least 25-30 rounds of golf). I just set the speed dial at 5 or 6, depending on how I am feeling and what pace I’m walking at that day, and hit “stop” when I get close to my ball. This requires a bit more attention to the cart’s handle to make small directional adjustments, which can be a PITA, but it beats having the cart making sharp 90 degree turns and sometimes almost tipping over when minor adjustments are all I am trying to do when using the remote.

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Not really a “thinking about” so much as appreciation for the beauty that is this:

I don’t need em’ but golly I want to swing em’. This might be the cleanest set of irons Taylor Made has released. Just absolute

[Parshooter36]

On 10/12/2023 at 9:29 PM, Ben Joest said:

A new rangefinder to replace the one that was left magnetized to the cart a few weeks back. I checked with the course, but it was not turned in. So to the lucky soul who found it, enjoy it and use it well.

I did the same thing the 1st time I used my new V5.  Since then I started putting my keys in the pouch where my rangefinder goes so I cannot leave the course until check that pouch.  It has saved me several times!

[Jim Shaw]

On 10/12/2023 at 1:07 PM, MarkMac said:

I'm finally considering buying a motorised caddy. Any advice? Is it overkill? I see other golfers with them and, what can I say? I'm jealous. It's a luxury, I know. I don't really need one... I just want one. Should I go for it?

a little late to the party on this one however 5 years ago i got an "e-wheels" I play a fairly hilly course and my thought was it would help my legs stay stronger through the round by not having to push a cart, in reality it really helped my shoulders feel better. Long story short, yes get one, you will love it. 

[chisag]

13 hours ago, Ben Joest said:

Not really a “thinking about” so much as appreciation for the beauty that is this

 

... I don't like black irons on the course at all, including wedges. But they sure look purty in pictures or on the shelf in golf stores. Gotta agree with you the these are stunning. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

4 hours ago, chisag said:

 

... I don't like black irons on the course at all, including wedges. But they sure look purty in pictures or on the shelf in golf stores. Gotta agree with you the these are stunning. 

I'm the exact opposite haha

Give me black clubs and wedges all day long!

[ZoonORama]

I decided to order a new 60 degree wedge. It arrived today, as a box of parts - lol. Apparently I forgot to check the “free assembly” option when I checked out. So trimming the shaft, breaking out the epoxy to assemble and then the acetone for the ferrel. Should be ready tomorrow to try out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Preeway]

Really?

[Shlax]

Not thinking seriously about any new piece of gear right now. However, I went at my local golf store to buy gloves (always a good excuse to go there) today around 2 PM and the store was completely empty. The end of the season is a week or two away in my area and it sure feels like it.

Next thing you know, I’m in the hitting bay with a fitter… I have a gift to put myself in dangerous situations. From the start, I was honest about having no intention of buying anything. He did not care and simply wanted to kill time and when he saw that I was a certified gear nerd and knew what I was talking about, he gave me know the full experience! It lasted almost 1h30!

I tried the Mizuno Pro 223, Mizuno, Mizuno JPX923 Forged, Titleist T100S, Titleist T200, Callaway Apex MB and Ping Blueprint and alternated all possible steel shafts.

Also tried the TaylorMade Stealth Plus 3-hybrid as well as some drivers: Srixon ZX5 MKII LS, TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus, Ping G430 Max & LST and Wilson Dynapowr Carbon. I tried a few shafts on the Stealth 2 Plus and the G430.

Needless to say, I walked a very dangerous line. My top scorers were the Srixon ZX5 MKII LS and the Mizuno JPX923 Forged/Titleist T100S. My iron stats irrespective of the shaft model were virtually identical. If I had to choose a shaft, I would only have to go about feel. In my case, KBS $-Taper 130X was the winner followed closely by the Nippon Modus 130X and the Project X Rifle 6.5.

I succeeded in leaving the shop unscathed with 2 gloves and a huge 20$ hit to my wallet. This experience was as good as it gets for any gear nerd!

[Dead Solid Bogey]

I have budgeted for new wedges… Including the cost for a fairly costly upgrade in shafts. Waiting for my fellow diligent, detailed, and dedicated spies to  test the Edison wedges. Will contrast and compare reviews/results between them and the Indies. I have given up on the big name brands, nothing but decades of disappointment.