3 Wood Options

[fixyurdivot]

Having recently come from a Warbird 3w with stock Graphalloy shaft to my current G400 SFT with Alta CB shaft, it's been a very positive shift in hit-ability and accuracy. My only complaint with the current club is distance which is producing 185-195 carry and generally not any roll. I've had a good many holes that need that carry to be 10-20 yards longer to avoid front ball catching aprons or clear water.  The added distance from the new KBD TD driver shaft will help this a little, but I still feel like I'm not getting enough out of my mini-boom stick...but maybe I am??   

Unfortunately at my recent TS fitting, we could not test my G400 with the Diamana Thump 65R shaft that produced best results with the TSi2 3w (15*).  That was yielding about 10 yards additional carry. Yea, I know, "go buy the TSi and that shaft and call it a day", but I'm not ready to jump there yet.  First, I'm not so sure my G400 with an upgraded shaft won't get me there, second, that's a hefty price, and finally, there are so many other 3w make/models to consider.

I've not messed with the G400's loft setting, and only played it at nominal 16*.  It can be adjusted to 15*.  I see that a number of mfg.'s are offering much lower lofted 3w's (13*) and larger volume heads. While I do use my 3w off the tee, my primary use is fairway.  The G400 was available in the "Stretch" version and a nominal 13* that can be changed to 14*.

But is reducing loft the best direction?  Many argue (like drivers) that based on swing speed and AoA, more distance can be gained by playing a higher loft and getting more ball height.  My fitting data had my current 3w ball height at 77 ft. and the TSi/Thump at 79 ft.

Anyone been in the same boat; looking for some additional 3 wood distance?  What did you test and what did you end up with?

 

 

 

[RickyBobby_PR]

I couldn’t hit 3w off the deck to save my life and used a 5w to get help with the launch and make it easier to hit. During a trip to ust I was fit into the 3hl from TM and it made it much easier to hit and gave me the distance to fill that gap in my bag. The 16.5-17 loft works well for me. I’ve also gone with 3w length shaft in a 5w which worked well during a g400 fitting.

Your peak height seems low for a 3w. Do you now what your launch, spin, aoa and descent angle were from your titleist fitting as well as your current setup?

going less loft off the deck can be detrimental if one doesn’t have the swing speed and right approach to hitting the ball as it won’t get in the air 

[GolfSpy_BNG]

I know this may not help but I went from a bunch of different 3 woods to a Srixon F85 5 wood with an Elements Chrome 7F4. Even at the shorter than standard 5 wood length, I still manage more distance (both carry and total) than any of the 3 woods I had before it.  

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Super hybrid

[RollingGreens]

3 hours ago, fixyurdivot said:

Having recently come from a Warbird 3w with stock Graphalloy shaft to my current G400 SFT with Alta CB shaft, it's been a very positive shift in hit-ability and accuracy. My only complaint with the current club is distance which is producing 185-195 carry and generally not any roll. I've had a good many holes that need that carry to be 10-20 yards longer to avoid front ball catching aprons or clear water.  The added distance from the new KBD TD driver shaft will help this a little, but I still feel like I'm not getting enough out of my mini-boom stick...but maybe I am??   

Unfortunately at my recent TS fitting, we could not test my G400 with the Diamana Thump 65R shaft that produced best results with the TSi2 3w (15*).  That was yielding about 10 yards additional carry. Yea, I know, "go buy the TSi and that shaft and call it a day", but I'm not ready to jump there yet.  First, I'm not so sure my G400 with an upgraded shaft won't get me there, second, that's a hefty price, and finally, there are so many other 3w make/models to consider.

I've not messed with the G400's loft setting, and only played it at nominal 16*.  It can be adjusted to 15*.  I see that a number of mfg.'s are offering much lower lofted 3w's (13*) and larger volume heads. While I do use my 3w off the tee, my primary use is fairway.  The G400 was available in the "Stretch" version and a nominal 13* that can be changed to 14*.

But is reducing loft the best direction?  Many argue (like drivers) that based on swing speed and AoA, more distance can be gained by playing a higher loft and getting more ball height.  My fitting data had my current 3w ball height at 77 ft. and the TSi/Thump at 79 ft.

Anyone been in the same boat; looking for some additional 3 wood distance?  What did you test and what did you end up with?

 

 

 

I went from an aero burner 3wood. To the m3 3 wood. I finally ended up with the TS3 3 wood with a Fuji speeder shaft. It’s actually 16 deg like yourself. I originally tried to lift it down but wasn’t in love with the numbers and the overall feel. My yardage decreased and I had a harder time getting the spin down. Playing it straight up I’m averaging 225-230 carry with up to 15 yards of rollout 

[fixyurdivot]

3 hours ago, blackngold_blood said:

I know this may not help but I went from a bunch of different 3 woods to a Srixon F85 5 wood with an Elements Chrome 7F4. Even at the shorter than standard 5 wood length, I still manage more distance (both carry and total) than any of the 3 woods I had before it.  

I don't have fitting data numbers on my G400 5w (also an SFT), but my on course and range numbers show it only about 10 yards shorter than the 3w. That's why I'm asking/looking... really hope to find the added distance. I've been hunting for some used shaft options, maybe something close to the Thump 65 profile, that I can test and not bust the bank.  But that got me to wondering whether the G400 SFT is more the limiting factor and that I might need to consider one of the 3+ make/models? 

[fixyurdivot]

3 hours ago, rbsiedsc said:

Super hybrid

My last look/testing of hybrids was with the G410 and, for some reason, they just don't work for me.  Which specific make/model are you thinking?

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

2 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

My last look/testing of hybrids was with the G410 and, for some reason, they just don't work for me.  Which specific make/model are you thinking?

Callaway super hybrid. Check out the unofficial  review thread

[GolfSpy_BNG]

9 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

I don't have fitting data numbers on my G400 5w (also an SFT), but my on course and range numbers show it only about 10 yards shorter than the 3w. That's why I'm asking/looking... really hope to find the added distance. I've been hunting for some used shaft options, maybe something close to the Thump 65 profile, that I can test and not bust the bank.  But that got me to wondering whether the G400 SFT is more the limiting factor and that I might need to consider one of the 3+ make/models? 

It is possible that the Thump shaft just agrees with you

[RickyBobby_PR]

34 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

I don't have fitting data numbers on my G400 5w (also an SFT), but my on course and range numbers show it only about 10 yards shorter than the 3w. That's why I'm asking/looking... really hope to find the added distance. I've been hunting for some used shaft options, maybe something close to the Thump 65 profile, that I can test and not bust the bank.  But that got me to wondering whether the G400 SFT is more the limiting factor and that I might need to consider one of the 3+ make/models? 

It sounds like either strike is the issue or you don’t have enough speed to get the ball in the air and on the right launch with the right spin. Not sure if it’s the head or the shaft

[fixyurdivot]

4 minutes ago, blackngold_blood said:

It is possible that the Thump shaft just agrees with you

Well the Thump, like the KBS TD driver shaft, is not a counter-balance design.  That the fitter moved me away from these (Alta CB's) suggests something. I'm still doing a little research on the whole CB shaft thing... and, as seems typically the case, a good start can be found in our thread archives.  It sounds like CB's are best suited for smooth transition swings.

Counter balance shafts anyone? - Boom Sticks - MyGolfSpy Forum

Counter Balanced Driver Shafts are Hot..Again! - True Fit Clubs

[RickyBobby_PR]

Just now, fixyurdivot said:

Well the Thump, like the KBS TD driver shaft, is not a counter-balance design.  That the fitter moved me away from these (Alta CB's) suggests something. I'm still doing a little research on the whole CB shaft thing... and, as seems typically the case, a good start can be found in our thread archives.  It sounds like CB's are best suited for smooth transition swings.

Counter balance shafts anyone? - Boom Sticks - MyGolfSpy Forum

Counter Balanced Driver Shafts are Hot..Again! - True Fit Clubs

I normally don’t like the cb shafts in the fw I tried a hzrdus yellow in one and the feel was off. Smothering with a medium to stiff tip usually works better. 

[fixyurdivot]

2 minutes ago, RickyBobby_PR said:

I normally don’t like the cb shafts in the fw I tried a hzrdus yellow in one and the feel was off. Smothering with a medium to stiff tip usually works better. 

Any suggested prior year make/model options that would be similar to the Thump 65?

Also, when you say "strike" issue, are you meaning where on the clubface I'm contacting, AoA, etc.?  Based on my range/course contact marks, I tend to catch them just slightly toe side of center.

[RickyBobby_PR]

19 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

Any suggested prior year make/model options that would be similar to the Thump 65?

Also, when you say "strike" issue, are you meaning where on the clubface I'm contacting, AoA, etc.?  Based on my range/course contact marks, I tend to catch them just slightly toe side of center.

Staying in the 65-70g weight would probably be the way to go and for shafts something like evenflow riptide, Fujikura vistpro, tensei blue.

if you could find an Accra tz5 or 6. I have the 5 in my m5 head and that’s not leaving the bag

Regarding strike both aoa and where on the face. You are going to give up some yards out on the toe with the fw and launch. 

[ZenGolfer]

6 hours ago, fixyurdivot said:

Having recently come from a Warbird 3w with stock Graphalloy shaft to my current G400 SFT with Alta CB shaft, it's been a very positive shift in hit-ability and accuracy. My only complaint with the current club is distance which is producing 185-195 carry and generally not any roll. I've had a good many holes that need that carry to be 10-20 yards longer to avoid front ball catching aprons or clear water.  The added distance from the new KBD TD driver shaft will help this a little, but I still feel like I'm not getting enough out of my mini-boom stick...but maybe I am??   

Unfortunately at my recent TS fitting, we could not test my G400 with the Diamana Thump 65R shaft that produced best results with the TSi2 3w (15*).  That was yielding about 10 yards additional carry. Yea, I know, "go buy the TSi and that shaft and call it a day", but I'm not ready to jump there yet.  First, I'm not so sure my G400 with an upgraded shaft won't get me there, second, that's a hefty price, and finally, there are so many other 3w make/models to consider.

I've not messed with the G400's loft setting, and only played it at nominal 16*.  It can be adjusted to 15*.  I see that a number of mfg.'s are offering much lower lofted 3w's (13*) and larger volume heads. While I do use my 3w off the tee, my primary use is fairway.  The G400 was available in the "Stretch" version and a nominal 13* that can be changed to 14*.

But is reducing loft the best direction?  Many argue (like drivers) that based on swing speed and AoA, more distance can be gained by playing a higher loft and getting more ball height.  My fitting data had my current 3w ball height at 77 ft. and the TSi/Thump at 79 ft.

Anyone been in the same boat; looking for some additional 3 wood distance?  What did you test and what did you end up with?

 

 

 

IMO, the best 3-wood is a 5-wood.

[fixyurdivot]

24 minutes ago, BadgerGolfer said:

IMO, the best 3-wood is a 5-wood.

Seems a good number of folks share your opinion.  If I can find a 5w and shaft that gets me the yardage I describe above that would work too.

[RickyBobby_PR]

3 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

Seems a good number of folks share your opinion.  If I can find a 5w and shaft that gets me the yardage I describe above that would work too.

If you can find a 2016 Tm 3hl i think it what you looking for. Some other good options are titleist 917 16.5 or even a ts2 Tm m5 5w (this is a hot face). I don’t have any experience with the Callaway or Cobra models to recommend any. 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

I picked up a TaylorMade SLDR and didn't see a big difference from what I was using at the time. Then I came across a TaylorMade SLDR HL (High Launch) and that made a big difference. This is non adjustable but at 17 degrees. I also carry the SLDR 5 wood which is at 19 degrees and this club is my normal go to for the long fairway shots except on certain long par 5's. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in the Sub-70 3 wood. 

[ZenGolfer]

2 hours ago, fixyurdivot said:

Seems a good number of folks share your opinion.  If I can find a 5w and shaft that gets me the yardage I describe above that would work too.

Yeah, Ive always hit a 5-wood just as far, if not farther than a 3-wood anyways and with more height.  I just think that for most weekend golfers with average swing speeds, they simply dont swing the club fast enough to get the ball up in the air, especially when hitting off the turf with a 3-wood.

[Headhammer]

I had the Cleveland Hi-Bore 3 wood in my bag for years and never hit it consistently, to the point that it mainly became a driver. Last year as part of the Cobra Connect Challenge I added the SpeedZone 3 wood and now it is the most consistent club in my bag. I can hit it 235 off the tee and and 220 from pretty much any lie. I really wish the SpeedZone driver had the same face as the 3 wood, that would be something.