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Best $200 driver? New Maltby/Tour Edge or Used Ping G400...


Buffly

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Hey gentlemen,

I am a poor golfer (oxymoron). Looking into a new-ish big stick, but can't afford anything much over 2 bills (~$200). 

I am currently gaming a Callaway XR16 9.0 with a Project X LZ stiff shaft at stated neutral settings. I struggle with consistently finding the center of the face in part due to droop and in part L.O.F.T. (lack of friggin talent). I have hit some bombs over 300+ yards total, but I flare a few out to the right and high more than I would like. My swing speed is close to 100 +/- 8 mph depending on the day. Also, I think I would benefit from less spin overall because I hover in the 2700rpm range +/- 600rpm (you can 😂 laugh).

I have heard good things about the Maltby KE4 TC and Tour Edge EXS which both seem somewhat affordable new. However, the Ping G400 LST used seems also in my budget. I am planning on a fitting either way to narrow down some specs, so which driver would you like me to check out?

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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Tommy Armour 845.  $220.  Ive got an older model, the Tommy Armour Atomic and its an awesome driver.  Forgiving and long.

"I suppose its better to be a master of 7 than to be vaguely familiar with 14." - Chick Evans

Whats in my Sun Mountain 2.5+ stand bag?

Woods: Tommy Armour Atomic 10.5* 

Hybrid: Mizuno MP Fli-Hi 3H

Irons: Mizuno T-Zoid True 5, 7 and 9-irons

Wedge: Mizuno S18 54* and Top Flite chipper

Putter: Mizuno Bettinardi A-02

Ball: Maxfli Tour X

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11 minutes ago, 03trdblack said:

Still hard to find this under $200

i hit the absolute lotto and grabbed a G400 LST head for 75, then paired it with an atmos black shaft for 100. 

image.png.926c5dbfc594427870bc33c43f290630.pngSIM2 8º | KuroKage XD 70TX 

  image.png.4f15ae5144722103242556b2db6d1033.pngSIM 3W 14º | Fujikura Atmos Black Tour Spec 9TX

image.png.bce9eebd9a20266703b359d88959bbcb.pngSIM2 5W 18º | Fujikura Ventus Black 10X
Titleist logo | Logo gallery, Golf birthday party, Logo designU500 2i | Fujikura Ventus HB Black 10TX
Titleist logo | Logo gallery, Golf birthday party, Logo design T100 4-PW | Dynamic Gold X7
Vokey Design Vector Logo | Free Download - (.SVG   .PNG) format - VTLogo.com SM6 52* SM8 56* SM8 60* | Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
SIK Golf Partners with GolfPlus to Host Entry Level Professional Events!  DW | BGT Stability Tour

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Second the G400. I’m still playing this driver 3 years later. (This in an eternity for me).




Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver - Ping G430 Max 9° | Ventus Blue TR 
Hybrid - :srixon-small: ZX 16° & 18° | GD Tour IZ S

2 Iron - :srixon-small: ZU65 17° | AeroTech SteelFiber 110icw S

Irons -  :srixon-small: ZX7 MKII  4-Pw | TTDGTI S400, std length  1° flat
Wedges - :cleveland-small: RTX 6 Tour Rack 50° 54° 58° | TTDGTI S400, std length 1° flat

Putter -  L.A.B. Golf Link.1 | LA Golf P135 shaft | Garsen Quad Tour grip
 

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I have g400 max and love it. But it is hard to pick a driver without actually hitting it and seeing how it performs. Too many options that can provide a variety of results.

Driver:  :ping-small: G400 Max 9* w/ KBS Tour Driven
Fairway: :titelist-small: TS3 15*  w/Project X Hzardous Smoke
Hybrids:  :titelist-small: 915H 21* w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype
                :titelist-small: 915H  24*  w/KBS Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype        
Irons:      :honma:TR20V 6-11 w/Vizard TR20-85 Graphite
Wedge:  :titleist-small: 54/12D, 60/8M w/:Accra iWedge 90 Graphite
Putter:   :taylormade-small:TM-180

Testing:   SPGC_logo.jpg

Backups:  :odyssey-small: Milled Collection RSX 2, :seemore-small: mFGP2, :cameron-small: Futura 5W

Member:  MGS Hitsquad since 2017697979773_DSCN2368(Custom).JPG.a1a25f5e430d9eebae93c5d652cbd4b9.JPG

 

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As much of a "fanboy" of Maltby as I am, I'd have to nudge you toward the G400 just because I've hit it in the past and it lives up to ALL claims and hype. and like @cnosil pointed out, you would want to try and hit one to see how it performs and which model is best for your swing.. Or take the anti-Reading Rainbow approach and just "take our word for it" (that reference might be way right field OB 😜). At this point you should probably be able to find one nearly new for your price. 

That said, @Popeye64 did a very informative comparison between the KE4 TC and TM SIM and from my recollection, the KE4 nearly wiped the floor with the SIM. I Play the SIM Max and love it so that might be something to throw into the hat for consideration..? 

 

Good luck man. Let us know what you end up with! 

 

 

   PXG 0311 Gen 5 9°/ Fujikura MotoreX F1 6X
:cobra-small:  F6 3 Wood 14* / Kuro Kage Silver 65X
:cobra-small: F8 6 wood 20* / Fujikura MotoreX F3 6S

:cobra-small: RADSpeed Hybrid 24*
post-76102-0-38507100-1525284411_thumb.jpg TS1 4-GW / FCM Precision 6.5 Rifle
post-76102-0-38507100-1525284411_thumb.jpg  TSW Wedge - 56/12
:edel-golf-1:  EAS 1.0 / Grip master 2.0 

MAXFLI  Tour CG

 

 

 

 

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The Ping will mitigate spin but honestly 2700 rpm is not that big an issue.

Since you won’t be able to get fit I’d go with the most adjustable one that you can find in your price range.

Also once you get it try and check whether shaft length is partially responsible for your inconsistently - It’s easy enough to see where you are contacting the ball on the face of a Ping Driver. If a pattern emerges on your club face you may see that taking 1/2 off or finding a shaft that’s 1/2 longer is a potential nudge in the consistency direction,

Good luck and let us know what you choose. I moved from the G400 LST to the 410 plus. Totally regret it but the guy whom I sold the 400 to won’t hear of trading the two so that I can get it back. :(


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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What more can I say.... Look at my signature!  G400 is staying in the bag. Absolute fairway finder and longer than anything else I have owned. The two other guys I normally play with also have G400's in the bag.  

:titleist-small: Driver, TSi 1 S Flex

:cobra-small: 3 wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex

:cobra-small: 5 wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex 

:cobra-small: 7 Wood, Aerojet Max UST Helium Nanocore R Flex 

:cobra-small: 5 Hybrid King Tec MMT R Flex

:cobra-small: Irons, Tour UST Recoil 95 R Flex (6 - Gap)

:cobra-small: Wedges, Snakebite KBS Hi- Rev2.0 54* & 60*

:cobra-small: Agera 35"

image.png Ultralight 14-way Cart Bag

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21 hours ago, JDHolmes said:

Ping g400 max, best driver two years running. Remarkably forgiving, consistent.

Sent from my SM-G950U using MyGolfSpy mobile app
 

When I tried the max I was getting 3300rpm spin. I can only attribute that to the rear COG that the Max has. 

I am leaning more towards forward COG and/or a stiffer tip shaft than what I have now to lower launch and spin.

I'm not an X flex when I look at my averages. But, the few X flex clubs I have do seem to work well with my "best" swings - usually in the faster range. 

I'm still leaning to the G400 LST, Maltby TC, or even a Taylormade M1/3/5 - probably the M3 due to cost. 

I can't wrap my head around Srixon, Mizuno, Wilson, or Cobra drivers for whatever mental block I have. Titleist seems to hold value well, so I am not sure which 3-5 year old model is the low spin option? 

I have a local big box that I can usually find lots of used options in stock to try before I buy... Just trying to narrow down the options. Who knows, I may end up with a std G400 in X flex at 10.5° turned down to 9.5°? I'm open to playing with it to figure it out. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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quickshipgolf on ebay, scour for deals there.

Follow my golf journey to break into the 80s

Tester for the Titleist TSi Driver

Spring 2020 MGS Tester for the Fujikura Motore X Shaft

Updated 07/15/2022
Driver:callaway-small: Rogue St Max LS - Autoflex
Fairway Woods:callaway-small: Rogue Max St 3HL and 7 Wood
Irons:mizuno-small: JPX 921 Hot Metal 5 to AW - Aerotech Steelfiber i95 Stiff parallel tip
Wedges:ping-small: Glide 4.0 54 and 58
Putter:  :ping-small: PLD Custom Kushin 4

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2 hours ago, Buffly said:

When I tried the max I was getting 3300rpm spin. I can only attribute that to the rear COG that the Max has. 

I am leaning more towards forward COG and/or a stiffer tip shaft than what I have now to lower launch and spin.

I'm not an X flex when I look at my averages. But, the few X flex clubs I have do seem to work well with my "best" swings - usually in the faster range. 

I'm still leaning to the G400 LST, Maltby TC, or even a Taylormade M1/3/5 - probably the M3 due to cost. 

I can't wrap my head around Srixon, Mizuno, Wilson, or Cobra drivers for whatever mental block I have. Titleist seems to hold value well, so I am not sure which 3-5 year old model is the low spin option? 

I have a local big box that I can usually find lots of used options in stock to try before I buy... Just trying to narrow down the options. Who knows, I may end up with a std G400 in X flex at 10.5° turned down to 9.5°? I'm open to playing with it to figure it out. 

Mizuno, in my opinion, is worth a look. I bought the ST 190 G due to being able to hit it on a multi company demo day I attended. The rep didn’t have a line, so I thought I’d give it a go. He also had. Trackman set up, which was an opportunity I’d never gotten. Long story short, I bought the driver and it is still in my bag for year three. I picked up a ST200G as a back up and I haven’t put it in play. I had a couple of rounds in the late summer, early fall where I didn’t miss a fairway with my driver. Include that with when I do miss a fairway, it’s by a yard or two and I’m not tempted to go back to Titleist. 
It’s also plenty long. 

Mizuno ST190, 9 degrees, Fujikura Ventus Black 6S

Mizuno ST190, 14 degrees, Fujikura Ventus Black 7S

Mizuno ST200 , 18 degrees, Fujikura Ventus Blue 7X

Miura CB 301, 4 iron, Fujikura Ventus 9x

Miura CB 301, 5-PW Nippon Modus 120S

Miura K Grind, 52, 54 and 58, Nippon Modus 130s  hand ground by Usher Golf

Miura KM 006 LH 

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I've owned, played, and sold the TM M4, Epic Rogue, Rogue sub zero, Epic Flash, Cobra F7,8, 9, LTD, Ping G25 and G in the last two years and after owning and playing all of them, I sold everything and kept only the Ping G400 (with project X LZ). (It's hard being a "club-ho" with only one driver)

It's not the longest but is the most consistent and for MY game, thats most important. I've owned as many as 14 drivers at one time, always searching for "that" driver. (Yes, i have a variety of shafts for each brand).

I've hit and/or owned everything on the market and, for me, its the one. The others are good, but consistent distance and in the fairway just makes the game more fun. Hitting 300 and having trees blocking the second shot ot taking a penalty shot in tournament play is not good.

I also recommend quickship on ebay. Ive bought many things from them.





Sent from my SM-G950U using MyGolfSpy mobile app

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On 1/22/2021 at 10:27 AM, revkev said:

Good luck and let us know what you choose. I moved from the G400 LST to the 410 plus. Totally regret it but the guy whom I sold the 400 to won’t hear of trading the two so that I can get it back. 😞


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Sorry off topic, but what did you regret about going to the 410 plus?

WITB

TS2 10.5 

M2 3HL

Mavrik Max 5W

Titleist 818 4 hybrid 

Mizuno JPX921 HMP 5-Gap

Mizuno S19 56

Maltby TSW 60

Bobby Grace Shiloh putter

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  • 3 weeks later...
On 1/21/2021 at 11:49 AM, Buffly said:

Hey gentlemen,

I am a poor golfer (oxymoron). Looking into a new-ish big stick, but can't afford anything much over 2 bills (~$200). 

I am currently gaming a Callaway XR16 9.0 with a Project X LZ stiff shaft at stated neutral settings. I struggle with consistently finding the center of the face in part due to droop and in part L.O.F.T. (lack of friggin talent). I have hit some bombs over 300+ yards total, but I flare a few out to the right and high more than I would like. My swing speed is close to 100 +/- 8 mph depending on the day. Also, I think I would benefit from less spin overall because I hover in the 2700rpm range +/- 600rpm (you can 😂 laugh).

I have heard good things about the Maltby KE4 TC and Tour Edge EXS which both seem somewhat affordable new. However, the Ping G400 LST used seems also in my budget. I am planning on a fitting either way to narrow down some specs, so which driver would you like me to check out?

Buffly:

See if you can find a Ping G400 LST with 10.5* loft & regular shaft. Adjust the loft to 11*. Your swing speed of 100  +/- 8 mph doesn't warrant a stiff shaft. Pretty sure you'll be pleasantly surprised with this setup. 

Taylormade SIM MAX 12* Driver

Callaway Great Big Bertha Hawkeye 3, 5 and 7 woods

Top Flite Titanium Intimidator 7 wood

Mizuno JPX-923 Hot Metal, High Launch irons, 6-PW, GW

Taylormade Milled Grind SW, 54*

Cleveland RTX-3, 60* LW

Cleveland Huntington Beach 6 Centre Shaft Putter

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7 hours ago, 57charlie said:

Buffly:

See if you can find a Ping G400 LST with 10.5* loft & regular shaft. Adjust the loft to 11*. Your swing speed of 100  +/- 8 mph doesn't warrant a stiff shaft. Pretty sure you'll be pleasantly surprised with this setup. 

I'll give that a try. I'm going to get fitted regardless of my "thoughts" of what I think I need. 

My experience is that R flex doesn't give me the consistency that S does. I know X flex feels boardy to me unless I swing out of my boots. My last round had 4+ drives of 270-280 and an eagle with a 9.0° and an S flex XR16 driver. 

When I swung R flex the distance was similar to slightly shorter on average. My issue is more of feeling more comfortable with a heavier club in general. Lighter flexes usually also weigh less too. 

Like I said, I will give it a go. 

Golf is simple - people are complicated.

5w Taylormade SLDR S 19* - 220yd, Ping G2 5-U - 190-105, Maltby M+ 54* & MG 60* - 95-75, Evnroll ER8, Titleist 816 H1 4h 21*, Maltby 4 Hybrid Iron 24* - 210-200, Callaway XR16 8* - 235 carry

886809507_image1(5).jpeg.56bc697c3b02b1fb00feb8d4b66389bc~2.jpeg

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On 1/21/2021 at 8:20 PM, Chip Strokes said:

i hit the absolute lotto and grabbed a G400 LST head for 75, then paired it with an atmos black shaft for 100. 

You sicken me.

14 of the following:

Ping G430 Max 10.5 degree

Callaway 2023 Big Bertha 3 wood set to 17 degrees

Cobra F9 Speedback 7/8 wood set at 23.5 degrees

Callaway Epic Max 11 wood

Ping Eye 2 BeCu 2-SW

Mizuno 923 JPX HM HL 6-GW

Hogan sand wedge 56 degree bent to 53

Maltby M Series+ 54 degree

Ping Glide 3.0 Eye2 58 degree

Ping Glide 3.0 60 degree

Evnroll ER2

Ping Sigma 2 Anser

Cheap Top Flite mallet putter from Dick's, currently holding down first place in the bag

TaylorMade Mini Spider

Bridgestone XS

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1 hour ago, Hook DeLoft said:

You sicken me.

i had no idea my wife had a MGS account

image.png.926c5dbfc594427870bc33c43f290630.pngSIM2 8º | KuroKage XD 70TX 

  image.png.4f15ae5144722103242556b2db6d1033.pngSIM 3W 14º | Fujikura Atmos Black Tour Spec 9TX

image.png.bce9eebd9a20266703b359d88959bbcb.pngSIM2 5W 18º | Fujikura Ventus Black 10X
Titleist logo | Logo gallery, Golf birthday party, Logo designU500 2i | Fujikura Ventus HB Black 10TX
Titleist logo | Logo gallery, Golf birthday party, Logo design T100 4-PW | Dynamic Gold X7
Vokey Design Vector Logo | Free Download - (.SVG   .PNG) format - VTLogo.com SM6 52* SM8 56* SM8 60* | Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
SIK Golf Partners with GolfPlus to Host Entry Level Professional Events!  DW | BGT Stability Tour

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If your looking to stay sub $200, I would watch out for the Mizuno ST190. Can be had for 100-125 head only. Then find a few year old aftermarket shaft on the bst or eBay. 

 

 

 

What is in my Sun Mountain C-130 bag or Jones MyGolfSpy bag

Driver:    :cobra-small: Dark speed LS 8* set to -1.5* with an Attas Daaas 4x shaft @ 45”

Fairway: :srixon-small: F85 3 wood with a XPhplexx Agera X @ 42.5”

 :srixon-small: F85 5 wood with a UST Elements Chrome 7F5 @ 41.5"

Driving Iron: :ping-small: Rapture 2-Iron 

Irons: :edel-golf-1: SMS Pros 4-PW with Steelfiber I95s 

Wedges: :edel-golf-1: SMS 50* T grind with Steelfiber i110s

               :ping-small: Glide 4.0 46* zz wedge shaft

               :ping-small: Glide 4.0 E grind 54* zz wedge shaft

Putters: :L.A.B.: Mezz.1 34” 69* lie

              :EVNROLL: EV5.1 black 33.5” 69* lie

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27 minutes ago, Chip Strokes said:

i had no idea my wife had a MGS account

🤣

14 of the following:

Ping G430 Max 10.5 degree

Callaway 2023 Big Bertha 3 wood set to 17 degrees

Cobra F9 Speedback 7/8 wood set at 23.5 degrees

Callaway Epic Max 11 wood

Ping Eye 2 BeCu 2-SW

Mizuno 923 JPX HM HL 6-GW

Hogan sand wedge 56 degree bent to 53

Maltby M Series+ 54 degree

Ping Glide 3.0 Eye2 58 degree

Ping Glide 3.0 60 degree

Evnroll ER2

Ping Sigma 2 Anser

Cheap Top Flite mallet putter from Dick's, currently holding down first place in the bag

TaylorMade Mini Spider

Bridgestone XS

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