Sometimes newer isn't better (at least for me)

[chershey]

So back around October of last year, I picked up a used XR16 Sub Zero driver after testing out a friends and fell in love. It was longer than my Ping G LS Tec, seemed really easy to hit and gave me some of the best launch monitor numbers I've ever had:

 

 

I also really liked how the smaller head looked behind the ball. I was having more fun playing this driver than any I had ever had, but I also knew the EPIC SZ was coming out soon and thought, "If I'm getting drives like this out of the older XR16 SZ, just imagine what all that technology in the new EPIC SZ is going to give me!"

 

I pre-ordered the EPIC SZ without any testing and put it in play. The first round was decent but not spectacular. It wasn't any better than the older driver, but because I had built this new driver up in my head so much, it seemed better. Then we went through a dry spell, with no rain, and I hit a few drives that seemed like bombers because of all the roll out I was getting on the fairways. I had two drives that registed over 300 on my Gamegolf tracking device and was pumped. It seemed to affirm that this new driver really was the greatest thing since Guiness was created (was sliced bread really that big a deal!). Unfortunately, we have now gotten a lot of rain and reality has started to set in. Because I'm not getting the roll out anymore, my driver numbers have started to go way down. Here's my Gamegolf driving statistics with the EPIC SZ since I put it in play:

 

EPIC SZ Driving numbers

 

Now, when I was playing with the XR16 SZ, we were in a rainy season, so I wasn't getting a ton of rollout, but take a look at my overall driving numbers below:

 

XR16 Driving numbers

 

Not only was I longer with the older driver but I also was hitting more fairways. The last couple of days, I took both drivers out to the range and, sure enough, it looks like I'm carrying the XR16 SZ further, with a better trajectory. What I've proven to myself is that sometimes you just have to accept that you aren't going to gain something everytime an amazing looking new driver comes out. Just enjoy what you have and spend your time and and money playing the game. The older driver is being put back into play this Saturday, so I will let you know hot it goes.

[null]

If your equipment fits you, it's going to be hard to find something that beats it.

 

People who see an huge gain from one release year to the next really just had a poor fitting Driver to begin with

[yungkory]

Those numbers look like implied smash factors -- or are you just a God? I'd kill to have 1.45+ every time.

 

This is my one gripe about launch monitors. Why would it imply that I'm being that efficient? Seems like an easy way to be misfit into your driver. If you're not finding the middle, is it your swing, or could something be tweaked? It's really what is keeping me from getting an iron fitting - I don't think there are any Mizzy reps who do range fittings in Hawaii I want to see the ball fly! Not go into a tarp!

[null]

Those numbers look like implied smash factors -- or are you just a God? I'd kill to have 1.45+ every time.

 

This is my one gripe about launch monitors. Why would it imply that I'm being that efficient? Seems like an easy way to be misfit into your driver. If you're not finding the middle, is it your swing, or could something be tweaked? It's really what is keeping me from getting an iron fitting - I don't think there are any Mizzy reps who do range fittings in Hawaii I want to see the ball fly! Not go into a tarp!

He's likely hitting on a simulator that doesn't measure club head speed and the 1.45 smash factor is a number that is preset within the software by the store.

 

Only look at ball speeds when this is the case

[Canucklehead]

I've got the Callaway RAZR fit (2012) and nothing has been able to outperform it yet.

 

Also, can we expect an Epic SZ to hit the classifieds section sometime soon? 😂

 

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[yungkory]

He's likely hitting on a simulator that doesn't measure club head speed and the 1.45 smash factor is a number that is preset within the software by the store.

 

Only look at ball speeds when this is the case

 

So it takes ball speed and then estimates club head speed based off of that 1.45?

[chershey]

So it takes ball speed and then estimates club head speed based off of that 1.45?

Yep, it's a GC2 launch monitor without an HMT. The HMT is required to measure clubhead data. The new GC Quad has an integrated HMT so it's not an issue. I get tired of arguing with people working at golf stores that don't understand that it's not the real swing speed.

 

 

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[chershey]

I've got the Callaway RAZR fit (2012) and nothing has been able to outperform it yet.

 

Also, can we expect an Epic SZ to hit the classifieds section sometime soon?

 

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Haha, yep, most likely! The decision will be made on Saturday after my round.

 

 

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[null]

So it takes ball speed and then estimates club head speed based off of that 1.45?

 

Yup - smash factor = Ball speed / Club Speed

 

So Club speed = Ball Speed / Smash Factor

 

or in this case, Club Speed = Ball Speed / 1.45

[yungkory]

Yup - smash factor = Ball speed / Club Speed

 

So Club speed = Ball Speed / Smash Factor

 

or in this case, Club Speed = Ball Speed / 1.45

 

Yeah, I knew the conversion from my fitting, just didn't know GC2 was ball data only - interesting! So the question still remains -- is that data alone enough to warrant a purchase for you guys? Wondering if I'm the only one who doesn't trust it as much as an open range. I've mentioned this in the fitting thread before, but maybe this will get more replies since it's not in a category towards the bottom of the forums.

[Canucklehead]

Yeah, I knew the conversion from my fitting, just didn't know GC2 was ball data only - interesting! So the question still remains -- is that data alone enough to warrant a purchase for you guys? Wondering if I'm the only one who doesn't trust it as much as an open range. I've mentioned this in the fitting thread before, but maybe this will get more replies since it's not in a category towards the bottom of the forums.

I do take simulator/net fittings with a grain of salt. Actually seeing the ball flight makes a world of difference in my decision

 

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[chershey]

Today's round of golf confirmed that I can hit the XR16 SZ just as well, if not better than the EPIC SZ. There will be an EPIC offering on the classifieds soon.

[chershey]

Yeah, I knew the conversion from my fitting, just didn't know GC2 was ball data only - interesting! So the question still remains -- is that data alone enough to warrant a purchase for you guys? Wondering if I'm the only one who doesn't trust it as much as an open range. I've mentioned this in the fitting thread before, but maybe this will get more replies since it's not in a category towards the bottom of the forums.

An open range with a launch monitor is definitely the best way to make a decision in my mind. A demo day is a great place for that option if you can find one. One good thing about the fitter in my area is that they have demo clubs they will let you borrow for a few days so you can hit them outside. That way if they fit you into a driver, you can confirm that you hit it as well outside as you did inside.

[TBT]

Do both drivers have the same shaft?

 

If not have you tried swapping shafts to see if that's the bigger issue?

[chershey]

Do both drivers have the same shaft?

 

If not have you tried swapping shafts to see if that's the bigger issue?

Yep, when I tested between the two drivers, I used the same shaft in both.

 

 

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[chershey]

So I did some testing today to figure out why I'm getting better results on the course with the XR16 SZ vs the EPIC SZ. Using my ES14 launch monitor, that really only measures ball speed and clubhead speed, I hit both drivers side by side, swapping out the same shaft between heads. With the XR16 SZ I was getting ball speeds right inline with what I saw on the GC2 launch monitor (152-156). With the EPIC SZ, I was struggling to get my ball speed into the 150s. Weird. My jailbreak technology must be broken! What it has to come down to is that I'm striking the XR16 SZ better for some reason. Maybe it's the smaller club head. I'm not sure, but I'm definitely sticking with the XR16.

[Jmikecpa]

Got fit over the winter and ended up with all new Titleist gear. They are not bad clubs but right now they are all gathering dust in my golf room in favor of older gear that I have played with. I have the 816 DBD drive and 816 FW along with an X2Hot pro hybrid. Irons are Apex Pros from 2014 and the wedges are the only newish thing in my bag right now. I went back to the older stuff and have not played this well all year.

 

 

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[McaseyM]

I found out the hard way on this one. My last hybrid was a cobra AMP 3 at 19 degrees with the stock "Aldila" made for Stiff shaft in it, and I could bomb it. At the time I was upgrading my driver and fairway wood so decided to "upgrade" my hybrid to something shiny and new, so I picked up my current Wilson FG Tour M3 adjustable, then. upgraded the shaft to a RIP Phenom Tour X ( since I play x stiff in my irons). While this hybrid is very good, it's still not my old cobra AMP.

 

 

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[Stillnumber1]

You all remember this thread the next time your eyes get locked onto another woman. It just might cost you a lot of money, you'll end up confused, and you will soon likely just want to go back to the old one. At least your driver will take you back.

[Jmikecpa]

You all remember this thread the next time your eyes get locked onto another woman. It just might cost you a lot of money, you'll end up confused, and you will soon likely just want to go back to the old one. At least your driver will take you back.

Married 16 years and with my wife for 21 and am 40 years old. The wandering eye has passed me by a long time ago

 

 

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[Aladage]

I agree. New isn't always better. I still play the JPX 850 driver because it's really close in numbers to everything new.

 

 

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[cksurfdude]

......

What I've proven to myself is that sometimes you just have to accept that you aren't going to gain something everytime an amazing looking new ______ comes out. Just enjoy what you have and spend your time and and money playing the game. The older ____ is being put back into play......

 

First - totally agree on Guinness!

 

But on the club topic:

Just did basically the same thing with my XR 4-hybrid. Got it earlier this season and really like it .. in fact, liking it more and more each time I get out. Finding I'm using it more and more for a variety of shots .. eg. truly becoming a "utility" club for me.

 

So... I see a Steelhead XR 4H, like new and with an additional discount on CallawayPreOwned, with a Recoil shaft. Have Recoils in my irons so figured this was a no-brainer clubhead plus shaft two upgrades in one.

 

Played it once (no, didn't bother to take both to the range to hit side by side) and sent it back (90% store credit).

 

The older XR is staying and playing for a while!

 

Oh, PS:

Based on that almost started a "Club Ho's Regrets" thread but looks like this is it now!