What Equipment Have You Tested?

[GolfSpy AFG]

On 9/2/2022 at 7:20 AM, GolfSpy_BOS said:

Currently testing the new Ventus TR Red 6x in my epic max LS. Two range sessions have shown promise (although my Rapsodo wasn’t working… might be an issue since I got a new phone) so I have no hard data. 
 

Visually it looked equal in speed and launch but seemed to be a little straighter, which would be exactly what I’m trying to get out of it. 
 

Im playing 18 tomorrow so it’s going to get pressure tested real soon!

How is the Red working out for you so far?

I'm in a Blue 6s right now, and I love it, but I do wonder if a Red would be a better fit.  My swing speed is slowly creeping up too.  I am doing a driver and FW fitting at the end of the month and definitely intend to look at Red versus Blue.

Do you notice a discernible difference in ball flight?  In other words, are you getting the "High Launch" the Red claims to offer?

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Tried two things today at DSG 

Evnroll zero. Interesting putter but the feel was meh. Would need to go to an actual course to try. 
 

stealth and stealth plus with Kai’li white 60x 9* std setting. The plus was so hard to elevate and control. The feel was terrible using their maxfli rocks. The std stealth was better but the feel was still horrible. Ball speeds lower than my current setup. I was very drawy  with both. 

[GaryF]

Has anyone done any side-by-side comparisons between Callaway STMax, Mavrik and/or Epic 5w or 7w?  Very curious if the differences are even noticeable. I’ve always gone the hybrid route and have never played fairway woods, but there are a few holes I’d like more distance on a second shot.  A few days ago I went to the range with my wife’s STMaxD 7w (cypher men’s sr shaft) and really liked it - was hitting about same distance as my 3h but with higher trajectory.  Today I hit a demo ST Max 5w with regular flex and really liked.  Nice mid-high slight draw trajectory with about 190 yd carry, 205ish total.  But the price differential between STs and the Mavrik and Epic is substantial. 

[Quigleyd]

I think I have tried almost everything. Currently working with the ventus black TR. Some good and some bad there. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

As many know I am in the market for a new driver. I really wanted to look a little more seriously about going down the Titleist route, however they are near impossible to find in LH here. So instead today I did a head to head with the Epic Max LS (demo on for a huge sale), Rogue Max LS, Stealth and gamer Mavrik Sub Zero. I do wish I had the time to try out a few more, but it was pretty clear what I preferred and what worked well for me. The Stealth no doubt is a good driver, that being said it isn't for me. The shape, face and feel just didn't correlate well for me and although I had good strikes with it, I couldn't say that it out performed the Mavrik SZ. Rogue Max LS was a interesting one. I love the feel, love the look and was one that I really wanted to make work. However again I could't quite see the different between the Mavrik. More forgiving yes, but not something that was drastically better. The Epic Max however seemed to tick all the boxes. So that is what I ended up coming home with. The nice thing is with it being a demo and the price being as good as it is it leaves room for a new one to potentially make its way into the bag later on next year if I get the itch for something new. 

[JFish350]

My wife and I stopped a our local Golf store called “Redtail”. The locals know what it is. They have trackman so you get numbers to see what’s what. My wife is looking for irons and a driver. I am looking at drivers. I hit the Ping G425 in 10.5* and 9* and the Stealth 10.5. It’s what the fitter guy gave me. The one I liked the best but took the most concentration to hit was the 9* 425. It also had the best numbers. It was also the one I topped 4 times in a row. I took a small break, talked to the wife, the fitter graded the 10.5* 425 and went back to work, All seemed fine. Hit the Stealth 5 more times and went back top the 9* 425. The one number I didn’t get was spin rate which I think is probably the best number to have when hitting drivers. I could be wrong though. The 9*425 had a longer carry, lower ball fight which gave to run of course. I could almost work it just a touch, but I have this over the top thing working against me. When I remember that the ball went where I wanted. 

Next up in two weeks is Sub70. We will be there for fittings. 

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Just now, JFish350 said:

My wife and I stopped a our local Golf store called “Redtail”. The locals know what it is. They have trackman so you get numbers to see what’s what. My wife is looking for irons and a driver. I am looking at drivers. I hit the Ping G425 in 10.5* and 9* and the Stealth 10.5. It’s what the fitter guy gave me. The one I liked the best but took the most concentration to hit was the 9* 425. It also had the best numbers. It was also the one I topped 4 times in a row. I took a small break, talked to the wife, the fitter graded the 10.5* 425 and went back to work, All seemed fine. Hit the Stealth 5 more times and went back top the 9* 425. The one number I didn’t get was spin rate which I think is probably the best number to have when hitting drivers. I could be wrong though. The 9*425 had a longer carry, lower ball fight which gave to run of course. I could almost work it just a touch, but I have this over the top thing working against me. When I remember that the ball went where I wanted. 

Next up in two weeks is Sub70. We will be there for fittings. 

which fitter did you see?

[JFish350]

1 minute ago, Vegan_Golfer_PNW said:

which fitter did you see?

I think his name is Joey. 

[Slashski]

The the Tsr 2 and 3. The 2 is very forgiving and the looks at address are a big improvement from the tsi2. I didnt hit the tsr3 very good so im gonna keep the tsi3 in the bag for awhile.

[Sluggo42]

I played a few rounds with a Rogue ST Max D. On a Tensi white. It was a little shorter than my MavriK SZ, but, it was in the middle all day long. Very nice…

[cnosil]

Did some testing with my driver for an MGS lab and then did some number comparisons of data on the GCQuad.   Normal on the course driver speed was in the 103-105 range, a back it off an try to hit the fairway speed was 93-96, and swing as fast as I could put me in the 110-112 range.

 

After looking at the numbers, it was apparent that the swing as fast as I can might be the best on course option.   Low speed had the side effect of spin that was too low and some balls that had poor results but it did have a little tighter dispersion.  The swing as fast as I can swing did have a bigger dispersion, but not much more than my normal swing and I was getting about 15-20 more yards out of the drive. 

[ejgaudette]

1 minute ago, cnosil said:

Did some testing with my driver for an MGS lab and then did some number comparisons of data on the GCQuad.   Normal on the course driver speed was in the 103-105 range, a back it off an try to hit the fairway speed was 93-96, and swing as fast as I could put me in the 110-112 range.

 

After looking at the numbers, it was apparent that the swing as fast as I can might be the best on course option.   Low speed had the side effect of spin that was too low and some balls that had poor results but it did have a little tighter dispersion.  The swing as fast as I can swing did have a bigger dispersion, but not much more than my normal swing and I was getting about 15-20 more yards out of the drive. 

Full send away. I think this has been seen by plenty of golfers that when trying to go full speed you have to be in better sequence and thus dispersion is just about the same. Plus I personally feel it makes the game more fun!

[cnosil]

14 minutes ago, ejgaudette said:

Full send away. I think this has been seen by plenty of golfers that when trying to go full speed you have to be in better sequence and thus dispersion is just about the same. Plus I personally feel it makes the game more fun!

 I would have said that about normal speed versus the slow my swing down approach.  Even though I know and it is what is continually said across the golf world but taking less club or trying to guide the swing doesn’t really help dispersion or guarantee hitting the fairway it was nice to see actual numbers and how the ball reacted to the different swings.   I think the issue with most golfers is that they typically look at one shot or one round where they did or didn’t hit a fairway and that becomes their basis for all.   Kind of like saying how far they actually carry a drive.    

[ejgaudette]

22 minutes ago, cnosil said:

 I would have said that about normal speed versus the slow my swing down approach.  Even though I know and it is what is continually said across the golf world but taking less club or trying to guide the swing doesn’t really help dispersion or guarantee hitting the fairway it was nice to see actual numbers and how the ball reacted to the different swings.   I think the issue with most golfers is that they typically look at one shot or one round where they did or didn’t hit a fairway and that becomes their basis for all.   Kind of like saying how far they actually carry a drive.    

Well I did bounced a drive off a sprinkler head one time that went 320, so basically I always hit bombs

[Grand Stranded]

Not so much a question about what I’ve tested, but rather what I should test/try.

I’ve been playing the same original set of CBX wedges for way too long I think. They have the stock Dynamic Gold shafts, about 110grams.

I’m playing MMT 60 A flex shafts now in my irons. I ordered a couple PXG wedges with the MMT’s also. Does it make sense to get the same shafts in my new wedges, or should I look to get similar to what I’ve been playing for so long?                        
I’m open to suggestions on a different wedge shaft. For what it’s worth, I’ve been told many times by friends that I have the game of a single digit player until I’m within 20 yards of the green with a wedge in my hand. Then I become a 20+. Ironically my sand game is well above average, chipping and pitch shots not so much.
To say I’m inconsistent is being kind. The tight lies we play off have wrecked havoc with what was a pretty good short game up on Long Island.

Edited October 14, 2022 by Grand Stranded

[GolfSpy_APH]

I think for me this off season I am going to dive a bit more into golf ball testing and what will work best for me. This means both budget and game. Vice seems at least for the moment the best bet, but I am going to give Sugar a try despite its awful LAB rating and a few other DTC brands that are here. The majority of golf balls here cost 50 CFH or more per dozen with Pro V1 at 70 CHF or more (CHF and USD are about the same right now). I did try a local provider who made the putters (I did a article HERE) which you can chcek and said I would update on the golf ball. Well it was bad in terms of feel, super clicky, hard and just not appealing at all. So even though they are super cheap ... well they are super cheap. 

[edingc]

Finally got to hit my new $93 PXG 0211 3 hybrid. First couple swings weren't great but after getting used to it, I can say that it will be replacing the Epic Flash in my bag without much further thought.

Didn't feel quite as fast as the Epic Flash, probably due to the head feeling slightly more dense/less springy, but the ability to go flatter than the Flash more than makes up for that. Some swings that would be dead hooks with the Epic Flash were just hooks with the PXG. Sole rails are a nice touch too.

I also really enjoyed the feel of the Tensei White AV Raw shaft. Very subtle kick under the hands which meshes well with my irons and is generally a good profile for me. No issues with height either.

Unbelievable deal.

[GolfSpy_APH]

Vice Tour golf balls. 

2 rounds in they are pretty solid. They are not a crazy good feel and it is clear the cover is on the cheaper end. However I really dont feel I have lost much in terms of spin or performance. I get too check up and stop on approach or chips. The flight is controllable and predictable and off the putter with the soft face of the whitehot microhinge face it doesn't feel clicky or mushy so at least until I look at a more bulk order with vice these will do the trick and I am quite happy with them. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

Going to do some shaft testing with TSI. Wanted to go today, but just don't have the energy. 

Been a long couple days and rather make sure I'm feeling fresh if I'm going to do any proper testing. 

[Hoganman1]

I've been thinking about buying a SIM2 driver. Yesterday our pro found an old demo for me to try. It was good, but really no better than my Ping G400. I think despite all the hype  new OEM offerings aren't much better that the older models for the average player. They've pushed the technology as far as the USGA and the Royal & Ancient will allow. Maybe some people are able to gain thirty more yards with the "latest and greatest" offering, but I never have. Granted at 72 I'm fighting the calendar and my swing speed diminishes every year. If you are able to gain substantial yardage off the tee by trading your 2021 model driver for the 2022 model, I'm thrilled for you. I've just come to realize I have to be content with  getting it out there close to 200 yards in the fairway. 

[GaryF]

29 minutes ago, Hoganman1 said:

I've been thinking about buying a SIM2 driver. Yesterday our pro found an old demo for me to try. It was good, but really no better than my Ping G400. I think despite all the hype  new OEM offerings aren't much better that the older models for the average player. They've pushed the technology as far as the USGA and the Royal & Ancient will allow. Maybe some people are able to gain thirty more yards with the "latest and greatest" offering, but I never have. Granted at 72 I'm fighting the calendar and my swing speed diminishes every year. If you are able to gain substantial yardage off the tee by trading your 2021 model driver for the 2022 model, I'm thrilled for you. I've just come to realize I have to be content with  getting it out there close to 200 yards in the fairway. 

I’m always suspicious when I read a review and the person raves about the extra 30 yards, yet they list themselves as a frequent, competitive player with a 10 or less hdcp.  I just don’t believe those kind of gains unless they have a major swing flaw or restricted swing, which the fitter also helps fix.  And depending if at a store, people should be aware of the sim system setup, and ensure elevation is set at sea level.  

This past year, I’ve gained quite a few yards with driver by working on increasing my flexibility and then the amount of backswing rotation.  While I don’t have exact numbers, am pretty sure I’ve gained 20 yards of carry, and now consistently carry 210-220.  This is with a 6 year old driver which I would be very hard pressed to replace.  

[revkev]

Hoganman1 that G400 was a great driver - I wouldn't suspect you'd be able to get much more distance with something else. What you might get is more forgiveness.  Assuming you've been properly fit for driver any reasonable study that I've seen suggests there is often something to be gained about every 5 years ago.  Perhaps not much yardage but dispersion or forgiveness.  I don't have my G400 anymore but I'm guessing that I would hit it close to as far as the Stealth - but there's no way it was as forgiving.  I picked up 5 yards over the SIM Max that I had according to shotscope averages season to season - it's not because the longest drives were longer, it's because the shorter drives were fewer and I was hitting about 7 percent more fairways (more fairways, more roll out.)

 

I played with a guy who builds his own clubs yesterday.  He has maltby irons - very nice.  I hit his 3 wood a couple of times and he's going to build one for me - it's essentially a 4 wood with a 3 wood shaft.  I was really able to launch it high off the turf.  Clearly longer than my 5 wood - He thinks he can build me one for a touch over $100.

 

 

[GolfSpy_APH]

On 11/2/2022 at 1:46 PM, Hoganman1 said:

I've been thinking about buying a SIM2 driver. Yesterday our pro found an old demo for me to try. It was good, but really no better than my Ping G400. I think despite all the hype  new OEM offerings aren't much better that the older models for the average player. They've pushed the technology as far as the USGA and the Royal & Ancient will allow. Maybe some people are able to gain thirty more yards with the "latest and greatest" offering, but I never have. Granted at 72 I'm fighting the calendar and my swing speed diminishes every year. If you are able to gain substantial yardage off the tee by trading your 2021 model driver for the 2022 model, I'm thrilled for you. I've just come to realize I have to be content with  getting it out there close to 200 yards in the fairway. 

G400 was and is so good. Truly regret ever selling mine

[TylorJudd]

I was fitted recently for the Titleist TSR3 Driver and my goodness that is something sweet. I also have the Taylor made Stealth a wallop and they are both INCREDIBLE. I noticed some distinct differences though and how they performed for me. The Taylor made Stealth is like a Lamborghini, it's esthetic is killer. It looks mean, it looks ready, it wants to attract a certain crowd and it has swagger to boot. I was hitting Pro V1 with both. The stealth is explosive, and forgiving simultaneously. It can pound a ball. But, it felt too explosive. It was like a dog foaming at the mouth trying to chase prey. It felt like it was faster than me and it had an endless pit of gun powder to blast the ball off the face. It felt untameable. My dispersion was close with both but the Taylor made felt "wild" for a lack of better terms. So see that red faced monster and feel you're not driving this car, it is. But my distances were ~314 with ~297 carry so I wasn't complaining. Much of that I suppose could be argued to a less experienced fitter, or a shaft that didn't fit my swing profile, or perhaps the launch monitor acting up but the feel is something that can't be quantified or measured and that's where these two differ greatly.

Insert the TSR3. This thing looks like a Ferrari, refined, elegant, classy, understated, and a bad ass without asking. Like a child who has loads of family money that just drips opulence. I had never hit a Titleist at this point in my life and it was not disappointing. This thing is FORGIVING! It is there to do one thing, hit great shots and it does it with such ease and grace. You feel in control entirely, the dispersion is tight, the distance is a few yards shorter than the TM Stealth, but negligible. It swings so beautifully, it's the right speed, and the right package. Honestly, it was like a perfectly paired waltz. No misteps, no questions. This is a statement piece from Titleist like they've been making clubs for 100 years and they don't mess around. All Titleist clubs have this elegance about them and it's not undeserving and the new TSR line sits atop that equipment list. You can't not have confidence with this club, it's so good it feels like it can't be undone by technological advancements. It has immense feel and performance.

Now I played a Cleveland launcher driver for a LONG time, too long honestly and Cleveland shouldn't be mentioned beside Titleist, and more recently a Callaway X2 Hot so maybe it's just the big jump I'll leave that up to you but what I can leave you with is the TSR lineup is the real deal. They will cost you your first born but honestly, children aren't as much fun!

Edited November 21, 2022 by TylorJudd

[GolfSpy_APH]

I know I mentioned it somewhere else but I recently got one of my favorite (or at least I thought it was) putters in the Ping Fetch. However after a good amount of practice with it and my last round well it has left me disappointed. Not because it is bad, but the StrokeLab shaft has made such a big change I don't know if I will ever be able to move away from it. I really want to try swapping the shafts around and see if I then get the feel of the Ping face which I really like in combination with the shaft I have gotten used to to make a perfectly unique putter and one that suits me a little more. 

I found it tricky on the greens and left so much short it wasn't even funny. 

[Bobbers]

47 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

I know I mentioned it somewhere else but I recently got one of my favorite (or at least I thought it was) putters in the Ping Fetch. However after a good amount of practice with it and my last round well it has left me disappointed. Not because it is bad, but the StrokeLab shaft has made such a big change I don't know if I will ever be able to move away from it. I really want to try swapping the shafts around and see if I then get the feel of the Ping face which I really like in combination with the shaft I have gotten used to to make a perfectly unique putter and one that suits me a little more. 

I found it tricky on the greens and left so much short it wasn't even funny. 

I've enjoyed swapping the standard Edel shaft for the BGT Stability Tour shaft.  Similar concept to the StrokeLab.  Just a thought and yes, I like the Fetch model as well.

[EasyPutter]

2 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

I know I mentioned it somewhere else but I recently got one of my favorite (or at least I thought it was) putters in the Ping Fetch. However after a good amount of practice with it and my last round well it has left me disappointed. Not because it is bad, but the StrokeLab shaft has made such a big change I don't know if I will ever be able to move away from it. I really want to try swapping the shafts around and see if I then get the feel of the Ping face which I really like in combination with the shaft I have gotten used to to make a perfectly unique putter and one that suits me a little more. 

I found it tricky on the greens and left so much short it wasn't even funny. 

Crazy thought but, why not get another StrokeLab shaft for the new putter and maybe (good thing wives can't read this hehe) a shaft for every club in the bag? (They can't right? ) 

[TylorJudd]

This is first Ive ever heard of a putter shaft upgrade, and graphite to boot. I'm literally obsessed and just happened to have taken the shaft off my Scotty last week.... 

[GolfSpy_APH]

1 hour ago, TylorJudd said:

This is first Ive ever heard of a putter shaft upgrade, and graphite to boot. I'm literally obsessed and just happened to have taken the shaft off my Scotty last week.... 

The Strokelab is a hybrid and makes it a bit more counterbalanced. 

I reviewed the putter a few years back and loved the shaft, but the face was or is still a little on the soft side. Hence why I want to try the change. 

I do love pings adjustable putter length grip and the grip on the ping putters.

 

[cnosil]

8 hours ago, TylorJudd said:

This is first Ive ever heard of a putter shaft upgrade, and graphite to boot. I'm literally obsessed and just happened to have taken the shaft off my Scotty last week.... 

putter shafts have been a hot topic fairly recently.   If you really dig into putters, you will find that there have been putter shaft “upgrades” for a while.   Tiger used a head speed shaft in his putters and when they stopped making them True Temper made the YSC shaft which is a softer tipped steel shaft specifically for Cameron.  TP Mills was famous for the pencil shaft in his putters.   UST then created the Frequency Filtered shaft.  Since then manufacturers have created various shafts to better handle the heavier head trend such at the KBS CT putter shaft and the one step.   Graphite also has started to come to putters.  The odyssey stroke lab which was used to move weight out of the shaft and into the head and grip.    BGT and their stability shafts kind of started the big buzz with graphite shafts and all the manufacturers seem to be following suit:  LA Golf, PXG, Accra, MMT, Fujikura, etc.  have a shaft in the market.  UST is releasing a shaft this year that will be offered in more affordable Cleveland putters for minimal upgrade cost and the shaft is rumored to be on the $100 range if purchased aftermarket.   There are limitations in tip sizes, shaft bends, and over the hosel configurations unless the shaft leverages a steel tip or is specifically reinforced like the LA Golf SOHO design.