ncwoz's WITB

[ncwoz 1,724]

11 hours ago, revkev said:

 

3 years is a lot different than 10 in regards to drivers though. Particularly if the three year old driver were well fit. Chances are you’d see very little gain. But ten years? The difference in technology and fitting capability in that time frame is significant. I’d be stunned if he didn’t pick up 15 yards and some accuracy also.

No argument on the irons - Eye2’s work so long as he doesn’t mind that modern irons are a club and a half stronger.






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Hey revkev, appreciate your perspective, thanks for chiming in. That does make sense, and had honestly overlooked the driver being ~10 years old just because most of the other clubs are creeping up on 30 haha. But just curious if this changes anything for you. First, on 18 holes I probably go driver off the tee maybe 7 or 8 times. Other holes I'll go either 3w or 2 iron trying to stay out of trouble. Second, I can usually go around 300 with the driver without much strain. I could certainly see how the new tech development as well as getting fit might add some distance to my game, but it honestly feels like my inside 150 "skills" (or lack thereof) are what's holding me back most right now. Do you still think that the driver fitting would add a lot of value to the bag?

Also, what would be needed for the trufit fitting? Unfortunately I don't have a ton in the way of hard stats on my swing speed and that sort of thing.

[ncwoz 1,724]

On 6/7/2019 at 8:32 PM, ChasingScratch said:

 

I highly recommend getting fit for a putter. Unless you are putting around 30-32 putts per round, this is a upgrade that can seriously help scores.

 

I went from putting 36-39 putts per round with my previous putter(s) to having 31 putts be my highest with my custom fit putter.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Of course if you hit everything well just save the money and play more golf!

 

 

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That's definitely what I'm thinking might be next, never gotten fit and need an the help I can get in the short game:)

[ncwoz 1,724]

On 6/7/2019 at 7:23 PM, HardcoreLooper said:

Rev - I liked your post because you're correct, and now I'm going to disagree with it.  The cheapest among your options is $200.  I don't know quite where our recent grad lives, but if it's near Grand Rapids, he could buy two five-round discount cards (https://www.sweetdeals.com/grand-rapids/9001484-2019-grand-rapids-golf-card) and have money left for an eleventh round.

You are 100% right that he is costing himself yards with the R9.  But he will be costing himself rounds by spending $200 of his golf budget on a new club.  I remember the days when I had to think long and hard about spending money on greensfees.  So if the R9 doesn't make him want to quit playing golf, my recommendation is to play all of the golf he can right now.  New clubs will come when the well-earned raises change the economics.

 

Dang that's a great deal, thanks for sharing!!

[cnosil 16,751]

Nothing wrong with those clubs.  My personal opinion is that you should manage your budget and  just enjoy playing the game with your current clubs.  If you want to replace some clubs or upgrade,  shop around for some used clubs and compare what you might like to what you currently are playing.   Most golf shops have a used club section and you can find some good deals on clubs that are a year or two old.  

[revkev 22,890]

Rev - I liked your post because you're correct, and now I'm going to disagree with it.  The cheapest among your options is $200.  I don't know quite where our recent grad lives, but if it's near Grand Rapids, he could buy two five-round discount cards (https://www.sweetdeals.com/grand-rapids/9001484-2019-grand-rapids-golf-card) and have money left for an eleventh round.

You are 100% right that he is costing himself yards with the R9.  But he will be costing himself rounds by spending $200 of his golf budget on a new club.  I remember the days when I had to think long and hard about spending money on greensfees.  So if the R9 doesn't make him want to quit playing golf, my recommendation is to play all of the golf he can right now.  New clubs will come when the well-earned raises change the economics.

 

 

I certainly don’t disagree but his question was about clubs. That’s why I answered accordingly. :)

 

I don’t know why you guys think so highly of the R9 - I really don’t - the upgrade in driver technology is huge - for under 100 he could have a G30 for crying out loud - that could be a 5 stroke improvement for a higher handicapper.

 

He’ll hit it straighter than his wedges. :)

 

This does remind me - I thought that tru fit was going to provide a value option at one time. I’m lobbying for that to come back in. Here’s a prime example of why it’s important.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[blackngold_blood 4,612]

Hey revkev, appreciate your perspective, thanks for chiming in. That does make sense, and had honestly overlooked the driver being ~10 years old just because most of the other clubs are creeping up on 30 haha. But just curious if this changes anything for you. First, on 18 holes I probably go driver off the tee maybe 7 or 8 times. Other holes I'll go either 3w or 2 iron trying to stay out of trouble. Second, I can usually go around 300 with the driver without much strain. I could certainly see how the new tech development as well as getting fit might add some distance to my game, but it honestly feels like my inside 150 "skills" (or lack thereof) are what's holding me back most right now. Do you still think that the driver fitting would add a lot of value to the bag?
Also, what would be needed for the trufit fitting? Unfortunately I don't have a ton in the way of hard stats on my swing speed and that sort of thing.

I would say if you are hitting the R9 300 yards without much strain, you are hitting close enough to the middle that forgiveness of newer tech may not be as big of a deal. With that said my vote would be use the money for more rounds or possibly some lessens that focus on the 150 yards and in since that is what is the troubled area.

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[revkev 22,890]

Hey revkev, appreciate your perspective, thanks for chiming in. That does make sense, and had honestly overlooked the driver being ~10 years old just because most of the other clubs are creeping up on 30 haha. But just curious if this changes anything for you. First, on 18 holes I probably go driver off the tee maybe 7 or 8 times. Other holes I'll go either 3w or 2 iron trying to stay out of trouble. Second, I can usually go around 300 with the driver without much strain. I could certainly see how the new tech development as well as getting fit might add some distance to my game, but it honestly feels like my inside 150 "skills" (or lack thereof) are what's holding me back most right now. Do you still think that the driver fitting would add a lot of value to the bag?
Also, what would be needed for the trufit fitting? Unfortunately I don't have a ton in the way of hard stats on my swing speed and that sort of thing.

Yes in regards to driver - you will become more accurate and consistent - that could up your driver usage because you know that you will hit it straight.

Trufit has two modes an expert and a basic - the basic asks some simple questions about your normal drives


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[ncwoz 1,724]

Way late on the putter update here, but I've been the gaming the Evnroll ER2B since the testing opportunity last fall.

I have also realized that the shafts on my irons don't match up . Most have the zz lites, one has the Ping JZ shaft, and one has a Dynamic Gold.

Needless to say, irons are next up on my upgrade list! I think after that I'm going to look either at driver or for something to round out the top of my bag where my 2 iron currently resides.

[greggarner 606]

38 minutes ago, ncwoz said:

Way late on the putter update here, but I've been the gaming the Evnroll ER2B since the testing opportunity last fall.

I have also realized that the shafts on my irons don't match up . Most have the zz lites, one has the Ping JZ shaft, and one has a Dynamic Gold.

Needless to say, irons are next up on my upgrade list! I think after that I'm going to look either at driver or for something to round out the top of my bag where my 2 iron currently resides.

Man, those Evnrolls are sweet.

I recently switched from Ping i5's to i210's and am absolutely thrilled with them. I was initially sad that the i210's don't even have a 2 iron as an option, as was mentioned earlier in the thread, new irons are delofted and so my 3 iron is now easily my old 2 iron. But I'll echo the earlier points in that a driver upgrade is more significant overall. I switched from a Ping Anser (which is newer than an R9!) to a Callaway Epic Flash Subzero and picked up 20 yards with tighter dispersion.  YMMV.

[edingc 8,352]

59 minutes ago, ncwoz said:

Way late on the putter update here, but I've been the gaming the Evnroll ER2B since the testing opportunity last fall.

I have also realized that the shafts on my irons don't match up . Most have the zz lites, one has the Ping JZ shaft, and one has a Dynamic Gold.

Needless to say, irons are next up on my upgrade list! I think after that I'm going to look either at driver or for something to round out the top of my bag where my 2 iron currently resides.

I think a road trip to Sycamore, IL and Sub70 is in your future...

[ncwoz 1,724]

2 hours ago, edingc said:

I think a road trip to Sycamore, IL and Sub70 is in your future...

And let's hope it's sooner rather than later!!

[DarthGator007 41]

I bought a set of Ping Eye 2s as my first "big money" set, back in 98 and to this day they are still the best irons I've ever owned. I truly regret getting rid of them and should have just kept them around. 

[connerp93 87]

On 6/1/2019 at 1:45 PM, ncwoz said:

Well folks, debated not posting but figured I've gotta start somewhere! It's a bit of a hodge podge, but here's my current load out:

Driver: TaylorMade R9 SupterTri (Fujikura MotoreF1 65 shaft)

3W: Callaway X2 Hot (Aldila Tour Green 75 Tx shaft)

Irons (PW-2): Ping Eye 2

Wedges (52 & 60): Mack Daddy 2's

Putter: Ping Cushin

Being that my wife and I still have college loans breathing down our necks I'm on a bit of a budget. This in mind, I'm wondering if anyone has advice on what would be most worth upgrading next? There's not really a club in here I can't stand, and don't want to go buy something that will only be a marginal difference from what I've got. Hit me with what you think!

I can appreciate this, my wife and I were in the same boat a few years back. I agree with the others that a new set of grips can refresh the feel and keep you moving. But when it comes time, the 20 year old irons are probably the place I'd improve. Technology has improved so incredibly much in irons since then and you'll be guaranteed to see benefit from a newer set. You can pick up sets that are 3 or 4 years old for a couple hundred bucks that could be a great fit for you! Good luck mate!

[Chizzle 80]

A lot of good advice.  Just curious what you think or what aspect do you feel you need improvement?  I totally agree with the people saying get a newer (not new) driver.  M1 and newer.  The technology gap is silly.  I switched from a R1 to flash sub zero and gained on average 20-30 yards.  Just for reference, I bought my driver used on callaway preowned website and they have other brand's clubs too.  As for your 150 yrds and in, the shaft may have a thing with it but to put it blunt it's more about your ability and the types of shots you have available in your bag right now.  I agree with everyone and think your irons are plenty.  

If you're thinking you want new or newer clubs just because its "time", I would stay with your current set up until you have the means to get what you REALLY want.  If you feel you need more distance or forgiveness, then it's time to start doing homework.  If it's more about strike, your shot shape, or scoring i think you should use the money for lessons.  New clubs dont fix shanks, chunks, skulls, yanked hook balls, slice way out, or poor course management.  

[ncwoz 1,724]

3 hours ago, Chizzle said:

A lot of good advice.  Just curious what you think or what aspect do you feel you need improvement?  I totally agree with the people saying get a newer (not new) driver.  M1 and newer.  The technology gap is silly.  I switched from a R1 to flash sub zero and gained on average 20-30 yards.  Just for reference, I bought my driver used on callaway preowned website and they have other brand's clubs too.  As for your 150 yrds and in, the shaft may have a thing with it but to put it blunt it's more about your ability and the types of shots you have available in your bag right now.  I agree with everyone and think your irons are plenty.  

If you're thinking you want new or newer clubs just because its "time", I would stay with your current set up until you have the means to get what you REALLY want.  If you feel you need more distance or forgiveness, then it's time to start doing homework.  If it's more about strike, your shot shape, or scoring i think you should use the money for lessons.  New clubs dont fix shanks, chunks, skulls, yanked hook balls, slice way out, or poor course management.  

Great question, I'm not totally sure to be honest. I feel pretty good about my putting, but other than that I'm not sure there's any one part of my game that's miles behind the others. Course management is probably the cheapest to improve though!

I do completely agree with you on only upgrading to something I really want. Even if it's not one of the big dog OEMs, I'm happy to be patient with what I've got now until I can get my hands on clubs that I'm really interested in.

[ncwoz 1,724]

Shoot, I didn't realize how long it's been since I updated my WITB! I guess I'm still a poor(ish) recent(ish) college grad; at least enough so that my wife and my budget still has put some limits on what I'm willing to spend on golf. However, through MGS I've been able to make a few updates to my bag! Through MGS testing opportunities, and learning about club fitting and alternate club manufacturers to the "typical" OEM's, I've been able to see much more change than I otherwise would have been able to. The changes have been very helpful in my handicap dropping from about 19 going into this spring, to a hair over 10 now that our season is wrapping up.

First update was last fall, with the flat stick. I was selected for the Evnroll ER2B test, and it quickly secured it's place in my bag over the Ping Cushin. Over the last year I've only grown to appreciate it more, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon!

Second update was from this past summer, again from an MGS testing opportunity. The Tour Edge Exotics EXS Pro 18° hybrid (with Evenflow Black 6.5 shaft) earned its spot over my previous Ping Eye2 2 iron. The EXS Pro has been MUCH more versatile. The 2 iron I used occasionally off the tee, but more often as a punch out club. The EXS Pro has become a reliable tee shot club, and has also given me more confidence going after par 5's in two.

My most recent change is in my irons. Per some of the recommendations from this thread, I decided to upgrade them next as the Ping Eye2's are lagging almost 3 decades of technology behind (although I recognize they're still a really solid head considering their age). I'd been looking primarily at some Maltby and Sub70 options for the last year or so, and finally pulled the trigger on a set of 4-PW TS-1 heads, with KBS $-Taper 120g shafts. After just one range session, I'm already excited to use these guys on the course next season. I'm hoping my dispersions will be tighter, and I'll be able to improve my approach game accuracy and consistency. And they don't look too shabby if I do say so myself!

I'm not sure exactly when it will be, but I think Driver is the most pressing need to upgrade next. I also have an additional spot open in my bag now that my irons only go up to 4 iron. That will be getting filled by a Christmas present, more updates to come on that in the next few weeks!

[BNewton51 485]

On 6/1/2019 at 2:45 PM, ncwoz said:

Well folks, debated not posting but figured I've gotta start somewhere! It's a bit of a hodge podge, but here's my current load out:

Driver: TaylorMade R9 SupterTri (Fujikura MotoreF1 65 shaft)

3W: Callaway X2 Hot (Aldila Tour Green 75 Tx shaft)

Irons (PW-2): Ping Eye 2

Wedges (52 & 60): Mack Daddy 2's

Putter: Ping Cushin

Being that my wife and I still have college loans breathing down our necks I'm on a bit of a budget. This in mind, I'm wondering if anyone has advice on what would be most worth upgrading next? There's not really a club in here I can't stand, and don't want to go buy something that will only be a marginal difference from what I've got. Hit me with what you think!

My first bit of advice would be search out a site like 2nd swing or another second hand club reseller.  Lots of people get hoodwinked into buying clubs brand new when a million and one of us are out here who buy and trade our clubs in regularly.  Most times, you can find an essentially brand new set of clubs for a fraction of their brand new retail price.  Trust me, I stop buying brand new clubs unless they are an absolute must have (Drivers are the ONLY club I buy new).   Please note, not separately mentioning the 3 wood or any fairway woods as the same logic as drivers applies, though I find Driver would be the first thing to look at before you look at those.  

Secondly, I would tell you that the biggest bang for your buck right now would be to look at Driver (the tech today has far surpassed the R9 - though that's still a great stick) and your wedges.  For the Driver, as long as you get something in the last two years release cycle I think you're gonna see some obvious distance gains there and forgiveness.  I personally prefer the SIM and I do like the Callaway Drivers but you can get some great deals on a TS2-3 driver right now that are pretty amazing sticks in themselves.  As far as your Wedges go... they tend to wear out the most because people use them more than any other club in the bag throughout the course of their rounds.  There are a number of good wedges out there at a very decent price!  

Iron wise, the Ping Eye 2 irons are pretty damn tough to beat man.  Even today, I would argue that those clubs play as nice as anything.  Though you might find some issues if you ever enter a tournament because of compliance on grooves (that's not the norm because none of us are playing for the big bucks so you don't have PGA tour guys out there checking  your equipment). Even saying that, I'd probably tell you of your current bag, those would be the last items I'd be looking to upgrade at this point.  But again when you do, check the resellers for the best deals on whatever brand you prefer.  

Putter wise... To me putters are highly personal.  So you can't really recommend someone to do whatever with them.  If the putter still sinks putts, then I see absolutely no reason as to why I'd consider changing it just yet.  That would be the last to get changed out if it were me on a budget. 

Just my honest opinions brotha.  You can certainly choose to do different, but that would be my approach.  Frankly, these forums are a wealth of knowledge so I'll even enjoy hearing what others say in these posts as well.  

Whatever you choose, hit'em well and good luck with those student loans!  We all got'em and hate them just as much! 

[jkpigott 68]

I concur with those saying don't change for change sake.

Two possibilities from my view - wedges and driver. Would look at new sharp grooves to help save strokes around the green. Good pricing now for Cleveland RTX 4s ($99) with fair amount of bounce options.

On the driver, might look at G410 and Cobra and I would suggest a fitting for either.  Think G410 is around $399 now and will likely drop once G425 comes out. Nice thing with Ping, you can still order the prior years' version of driver once new models come out. I really like my F9 as well. Great ball speed all across the face. They were down to $250 this year after SZ and SZE was released. Same might happen with SZ once Rad Sped released.

[RollingGreens 891]

On 11/24/2020 at 9:33 AM, ncwoz said:

Shoot, I didn't realize how long it's been since I updated my WITB! I guess I'm still a poor(ish) recent(ish) college grad; at least enough so that my wife and my budget still has put some limits on what I'm willing to spend on golf. However, through MGS I've been able to make a few updates to my bag! Through MGS testing opportunities, and learning about club fitting and alternate club manufacturers to the "typical" OEM's, I've been able to see much more change than I otherwise would have been able to. The changes have been very helpful in my handicap dropping from about 19 going into this spring, to a hair over 10 now that our season is wrapping up.

First update was last fall, with the flat stick. I was selected for the Evnroll ER2B test, and it quickly secured it's place in my bag over the Ping Cushin. Over the last year I've only grown to appreciate it more, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon!

Second update was from this past summer, again from an MGS testing opportunity. The Tour Edge Exotics EXS Pro 18° hybrid (with Evenflow Black 6.5 shaft) earned its spot over my previous Ping Eye2 2 iron. The EXS Pro has been MUCH more versatile. The 2 iron I used occasionally off the tee, but more often as a punch out club. The EXS Pro has become a reliable tee shot club, and has also given me more confidence going after par 5's in two.

My most recent change is in my irons. Per some of the recommendations from this thread, I decided to upgrade them next as the Ping Eye2's are lagging almost 3 decades of technology behind (although I recognize they're still a really solid head considering their age). I'd been looking primarily at some Maltby and Sub70 options for the last year or so, and finally pulled the trigger on a set of 4-PW TS-1 heads, with KBS $-Taper 120g shafts. After just one range session, I'm already excited to use these guys on the course next season. I'm hoping my dispersions will be tighter, and I'll be able to improve my approach game accuracy and consistency. And they don't look too shabby if I do say so myself!

I'm not sure exactly when it will be, but I think Driver is the most pressing need to upgrade next. I also have an additional spot open in my bag now that my irons only go up to 4 iron. That will be getting filled by a Christmas present, more updates to come on that in the next few weeks!

Being on the loan budget myself itself great to see the grinding of upgrading a bag. Best of luck going forward 

[ncwoz 1,724]

Winter is cold and boring...so I made some bag upgrades!

First one was the 'ole boom stick. A local shop was running a promotion a few months back where you got the cost of the fitting back in a gift card. Got fit to this setup, then waited a month or so until the 2021 releases started dropping so I could get last year's stuff on clearance. Picked up a Cobra Speedzone 9° with a 70g HZRDUS Smoke Green shaft. During the fitting this setup was super stable and felt like I could get after a swing if necessary without too much lost control. I tended to get pretty erratic with my R9, so I'm looking forward to some hopefully straighter driving this season. Here's some pics!

As an aside, I also learned during the fitting that I was hitting almost 4° down with my driver. Turns out that doesn't help distance lol. So I've tweaked my driver setup a bit and am working to get at least level, if not hitting upwards on the ball.

More updates to come this week, then we'll probably have the 2021 bagged locked in!