What Equipment Have You Tested?

[Rob Person]

Actually not sure which "soft" they were. Have to double check. 

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Tried the Ai Smoke Max at DSG during my walk today (needed to pick up spikes anyways). It wasn't my preferred loft or shaft/flex but gave it a go. Sounds so much better than my Epic Max LS and misses, especially heel side seemed better. Toe side were still wonky. Lofted down (didn't play with weight, kept it neutral) and that helped a little. I know these weren't the best balls (I think Titliest tru soft or something) and it was on a GC3 but I was still carrying some 270ish with 10-12 yards of roll. May have to try this in a fitting bay.

[Notjackdaniels22]

I haven't officially demo/tested anything yet with enough time to truly get a good combo for me...

In saying that, I hit a few balls with the new Cobra Darkspeed irons, and both iterations of the Callaway Smokes. 

While I liked the ball flight/shape from the smokes better, especially the HL variant (I'm a fairly noob golfer < 6 months playing pushing to break 100), I liked the feel of the Darkspeeds a ton more. Added note to that, I was fully warmed up hitting the Smokes, and had just gotten out of the vehicle after 50 minutes in a vehicle, wearing jeans and hey dudes on wet grass hitting the Darkspeeds so my shot was far from optimal.

*my warmed up swing speed is about 78-85ish on a 7i, and avg distance of 150-165ish with my current Sim Max set*

The Darkspeeds were purely effortless distance and launch for me hitting barely warm up shots. 

I saw a lot of "professional" review articles and YouTube videos saying some people may not find the height/launch on the Darks to be enough... but it was more than enough for me plum cold hitting. 

I'm going to try the new Taylormade Qi irons tomorrow, and maybe a few others, at a real fitting. *note for the veterans in the group, Taylormade is offering up 150% trade value again on the new stuff, and an extra 10% (total of 25% discount) with your id.me verification site wide I believe. I have a pretty decent set of Sim Max irons and with the extra trade value and id.me discount, a set of 4-PW is down to under 400 bucks! Worth checking out if you got your eye on them! 

In saying ALL that, has anyone here hit the Qi yet?! There aren't any dealers or demo/fittings events near me for a while for TM, Cal, or Cobra. Which is disappointing because I would love to hit the Cobras more because my first impressions were so solid. I just feel I can't pass up the possibility of brand new irons for less than 400 bucks custom built for +.5 and 1 up. 

I'd also like to hit some Srixons, but apparently they don't exist in this state whatsoever...

I'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts on any new models you have hit iron wise! Especially in the game improvement section, if you have.

Cheers y'all!

Edited May 26 by cactusboy505
Add clarity to info

[CanadaMike]

I have been playing around with some of the new Vice golf balls and I have to say I am very impressed. While their price point has crept up slightly over the past few years I believe their quality has also increased. I haven't done any thorough "ball lab" style tests but anecdotally the balls I have received feel consistent and of high quality. In doing some head-to-head tests between the Vice Pro Plus, Pro V1x, and TP5x I did not notice a difference in length or spin between these balls. Given I will need many more shots to make a definitive statement so far my opinion is that they are worth the buy and also offer a nice variety of colours and styles (my favorite is the drip). If you haven't tried out these balls I would definitely recommend giving them a shot if you are looking for a more affordable golf ball.

[PrismFlopper]

So I tested out a 2 iron and it was just in the simulator but wasn’t quite doing what I was looking for. I carry a very old cobra forge tec 3 wood that I hit reliably around 250 with is a great distance. Not im looking to either upgrade that or find something in the 275-290 range. Im not complaining but there is like a 70-80 yrs gap between the 3 wood and driver that I’d rather not try to choke down on one of them to make. Even if I could just get rid of the 3 wood for a newer club that could be in the 270 yd range I’d be happy.

[Donn lost in San Diego]

I went to a Club Champion but the guy I was looking for wasn't there, but I stayed and spent an hour putting.  Think I fell in love with Edel EAS 4 Torque, and EAS 5, and a face balanced one from Never Compromise, the Reserve 4.  

[cksurfdude]

On 6/10/2024 at 2:26 PM, Donn lost in San Diego said:

Think I fell in love with Edel EAS 4 Torque

Have I got a deal for you... (says the dude from NY that you've never met )

Actually have an EAS 4.0 for sale. Of you decide you want to go that route DM me, we'll talk!

[Donn lost in San Diego]

5 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

Have I got a deal for you... (says the dude from NY that you've never met )

Actually have an EAS 4.0 for sale. Of you decide you want to go that route DM me, we'll talk!

I'll message u later this morning I'm interested 

[SDGolf619]

I tested the 2022  Callaway Epic 4 22* Superhybrid with the adjustable Steelfiber shaft. With the weighting and titanium head, it goes as long as my 21* Sim Max 3H. Super forgiving and mis-hits were very straight. My back was stiff and hitting off of a compressed, older mat in the Golf Mart, so getting an optimal strike was tough but those factors showed how forgiving they are. I ordered the 18* 3H and 22* 4H and plan on turning them down 1* and replacing my 5W and 3H since I can't seem to hit woods as consistently as I can my hybrids.

[xylostarjames]

I've been testing out the TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver (10.5 deg, stiff shaft) lately. It's been hitting bombs off the tee! Especially dialing it in with a slight fade has been money. Anyone else get a chance to hit one? By the way, if you're looking to add a touch of class to your home interior, consider installing some gold door handles. They can really elevate the look and feel of any space.

Edited July 1 by xylostarjames

[SDGolf619]

The Callaway Epic 3 and 4 Superhybrids are rocket launchers. There is no longer a need for a 5 wood in my bag since turning down the 18* to 17* still launches the ball high and I can hit it around 210 and it's the length of a normal 3H. I used to play a 3W that went about 220, switched to 5W, which went around 210, but I was still having problems hitting them off the deck and these clubs seem to be the solution.

[kam89]

 

 

 

I have been using a rivl 60 degree wedge for a few months now and I'm honestly in love with it. The bounce seems perfect for my flop shots. I get plenty of spin and the shaft and head are very light. I prefer this due to the heavier heads feeling like they are helping pull through. It has a nice pop off the face maybe not quite as responsive as my vokey but very close. The micro milling also seems to help generate spin and make the face seem just a little softer on impact I love it personally would like to get the whole set.

[Berg Ryman]

On 5/21/2024 at 4:37 PM, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

Tried the Ai Smoke Max at DSG during my walk today (needed to pick up spikes anyways). It wasn't my preferred loft or shaft/flex but gave it a go. Sounds so much better than my Epic Max LS and misses, especially heel side seemed better. Toe side were still wonky. Lofted down (didn't play with weight, kept it neutral) and that helped a little. I know these weren't the best balls (I think Titliest tru soft or something) and it was on a GC3 but I was still carrying some 270ish with 10-12 yards of roll. May have to try this in a fitting bay.

DO IT... DOOOOO ITTTTTTT

[cburins]

Hey Spies, 

Has anyone tested or uses Krank Golf fairway woods? I'm sure everyone has some sort of curiosity with DeChambeau's recent win. I don't think they sell these at any local retailers here in Canada and was just curious what they're about! 

There's a pretty great deal going on right now - $150 off with all fairway woods and driver. 

[Link4213]

On 4/22/2024 at 7:04 AM, Golf88 said:

Just bought the ping g430 10K 9 degree w/ tour stiff shaft.  Pretty good so far.    Upgrade for sure from my stealth 2 but I still prefer my Rogue LS.  However, I do notice about a 5-10 yard bump from my Rogue with a higher ball flight.  I tried my buddies Qi10 on the range and I did find it to be a huge upgrade from last years stealth 2.  I may venture to get one because I was liking the ball flight, accuracy and distance.

 

I just purchased the new copper 790 irons 5-PW and mini driver copper. Should be here this week.  I'm a little nervous because they appear to be more a players irons than im used to. I've always traditionally used a game improvement iron. 

I just bought the Ping G430 as well. It is a huge upgrade in accuracy from my Cobra F9. I also tested the Qi10 and found both drivers produced very similar numbers on Trackman, though the Qi10 appeared to have more draw bias. Good luck in your club testing!

[sp0rtsfan86]

We had callaway demo day at our course. I tried out hybrids and a few irons. I loved the apex although I'm still not sure if it was a perfect match. I think I'm going to do a bit of looking around and seeing If I like any irons.

[Chas c]

I tested so many irons yesterday, went to a Club Champion for a fitting - didn't walk away from anything since my current shot is a huge slice no matter what, but I LOVED the aerotech steelfiber shafts with the Mizuno 923 Hot Metal heads- they felt great. Really like the AI Smoke heads on a KBS Tour Lite shaft as well - really considering ordering some, since I can get them new for a pretty decent price and trade in my current set. Oh, and I discovered I'm playing irons that are .5 inches longer than standard, and I need shafts that are .25 to .5 inches shorter - explains why I like choking up on the grips and my lie angle looks screwed at address.

[cksurfdude]

On 6/30/2024 at 7:25 PM, Chas c said:

Oh, and I discovered I'm playing irons that are .5 inches longer than standard, and I need shafts that are .25 to .5 inches shorter - explains why I like choking up on the grips and my lie angle looks screwed at address.

wow that alone was well worth the price of the fitting! Great when you find out things like that .. now you can eliminate that equipment variable 

[jaskgolf]

Started playing the callaway paradym irons with DG X100 shafts after a 20+ year hiatus from golf.  Distances took some getting used to because these things go extremely far.  I was surprised that the X100 worked for me - much better than the S300 I had in my old set.  Just ordered the Paradym Triple Diamond driver as well.

[That’s Mr. Dirt]

Single length irons.  I’ve been doing research on these clubs for quite a while, even before Bryson showed up. So, I pulled the trigger one year and bought a set, kind of spending. Went to the range, per their suggestion, to get used to them. They felt good, but I just couldn’t make a connection with them. I understand the principal and I wholeheartedly agree. Having one set up, one ball placement, one swing is a great feeling/idea. Most of my shots were good, not great. I still have the clubs because I think as I get older, I will relegate myself to the single club so I don’t have to keep remembering where the hell do I place my clubs in my stance, blah-blah-blah.

[marcva]

I bought a tour aim alignment plate for range work. Nice see a projected direction for the ball. Still tinkering with it to understand how best to align my stance. I'll write up a review when I have more time with it.

[SDGolf619]

On 6/16/2024 at 8:14 AM, SDGolf619 said:

The Callaway Epic 3 and 4 Superhybrids are rocket launchers. There is no longer a need for a 5 wood in my bag since turning down the 18* to 17* still launches the ball high and I can hit it around 210 and it's the length of a normal 3H. I used to play a 3W that went about 220, switched to 5W, which went around 210, but I was still having problems hitting them off the deck and these clubs seem to be the solution.

Just wanted to do a follow up since I have played these for over a month and they have performed amazingly well. I was skeptical but have been very surprised and there's no need for a 5W when I have a 17* Superhybrid that carries nearly the same distance. Off the tee, fairway or rough these clubs are so stable and forgiving. Plus, the versatility that makes losing a few extra yards compared to a longer wood that you may not even pull out of the bag during a round. Plus, the gapping from my 4i to the 4H is about perfect.

I can't recommend these clubs enough to anyone looking for an alternative to fairway woods. 

[Yorkie07]

Mizuno 245 irons. Had some old TaylorMade M5 irons with graphite shafts I bought off the rack. Decided to get fit and decided whatever the number said id go with. That said, I love the clean blade look . Hit everything from the new Smoke irons, Titleist, ping and the numbers on the Mizunos we're so much better. Also love the clean look of "almost blades". Have played multiple rounds with them now and have never hit the ball better. 

[cnosil]

Got to try some new equipment today.   

Vice VGP02 putter - definitely heavy with a 395 gram head.  The one thing I noticed was that it seemed very hot off the face.  

Titleist GT3 Driver - Tried it out but the setup wasn't for me.   I'd be willing to try some of the other heads and shafts to see if they might be better. 

Titleist GT Fairway - This club was simply amazing.  Great ball speed and easy to hit.   

[yungkory]

52 minutes ago, cnosil said:

Got to try some new equipment today.   

Vice VGP02 putter - definitely heavy with a 395 gram head.  The one thing I noticed was that it seemed very hot off the face.  

Titleist GT3 Driver - Tried it out but the setup wasn't for me.   I'd be willing to try some of the other heads and shafts to see if they might be better. 

Titleist GT Fairway - This club was simply amazing.  Great ball speed and easy to hit.   

GT3 spin numbers low, or was it a left/right thing? I'm waiting for my Truespec to get the heads in so I can go down there and give them a whack next to the other releases from earlier this year. 8/1 seems like forever away

[GolfSpy_APH]

Have my Accra TZ 85i shafts installed and will be giving them a first run shortly. 

Then have a new Helix proto type shaft. Was curious to see that it is made by Mitsubishi Chemical. I really don't know much about it at all as it was just sent to me. Has the Cally adapter on it so will toss it into the Paradym TD and see how it goes!

Range is closed so first tee should be entertaining!

[cnosil]

9 hours ago, yungkory said:

GT3 spin numbers low, or was it a left/right thing? I'm waiting for my Truespec to get the heads in so I can go down there and give them a whack next to the other releases from earlier this year. 8/1 seems like forever away

It was Phillips at HQ driver so I didn’t get to play around with the adjustments.   Tried the Ventus, GD, Newton, and one other shaft that I don’t remember and spin was definitely high.  The balance of the club also felt off I was a bit cautious as well since the tees were a little high for my preference and I didn’t want to skymark his driver .    Additionally I really wasn’t getting much more ball speed that the 4 wood unless I hit the ball well.    

[BradM]

Anyone tried the Maxfli Tour balls? I’ve read they are good, but never given them a shot.  I typically play more “premium” balls that fit my need for lower spin, so interested in anyone’s opinion. Price seems right.

[jbern]

4 minutes ago, BradM said:

Anyone tried the Maxfli Tour balls? I’ve read they are good, but never given them a shot.  I typically play more “premium” balls that fit my need for lower spin, so interested in anyone’s opinion. Price seems right.

There are tons of forum members who rave about the Maxfli Tour balls!

I also have too much spin with almost all clubs. I decided to go with the Maxfli Tour S and it seems to have hit a sweet spot for me in terms of price, feel, spin and distance. I compared it to a Vice Pro and the new Titleist AVX during the '23 Titleist white box testing and the Tour S came out on top for me.

[SDGolf619]

1 hour ago, BradM said:

Anyone tried the Maxfli Tour balls? I’ve read they are good, but never given them a shot.  I typically play more “premium” balls that fit my need for lower spin, so interested in anyone’s opinion. Price seems right.

I have been playing the Maxfli Tour for the last year or so. I signed up for Dick's SMS texts and they send a "buy $100 or more and get $20 off" coupon a couple times a year. I have used the coupon twice on the 48-pack of Maxfli's and it works despite them saying it's not for sale items. With the coupon, the balls end up being $96 or $2 per ball. You can't beat this for a multi-layered ball with a quality cover. I recommend trying a dozen and I am sure you can test them in Dick's or Golf Galaxy on one of the simulators.

I have not tried the Maxfli Tour X, but since I find ProV1X to be too firm, I think the standard Maxfli Tour is perfect for me.

Edited July 25 by SDGolf619