2024 What is safe in your bag? What's on the chopping block?

[ZackS]

Since I am involved in the Takomo iron test and I have been testing some different balls. So the ProV1 and my iron are on the block waiting for my judgment, haha. The rest of the bag is safe for now. 

Edited June 2, 2023 by ZackS

[Merlin1313]

For the first time in a LONG time- everything is safe- EXCEPT my putter. I can definitely relate to what Scottie Scheffler was saying about the cup seemingly getting smaller. I've been having all kinds of problems with it. Not sure what's going on - could be operator error or maybe it's contract doesn't need to be renewed.

[GolfSpy_APH]

Updated title to 2024, but lets hear it. Fall is here or coming very soon for many and now is the time to start dreaming about bag setup for 2024. 

Driver - Paradym TD is safe. Shaft may tinker a bit, but without question the head is locked in. 
3 Wood - Cobra F7 and Motore F1 Shaft is safe
Irons - Titleist T Series all safe and sound
Putter - LAB MEZZ Max is for sure safe (although I could be talked into try a LINK)

Wedges are still up in the air a bit - Thinking new Glide wedges, but tbd. 

Long game clubs are also a unknown at the moment. Wouldnt mind a new Crossover or FliHi I think, or maybe find a good hybrid that I finally get along with consistently. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

My bag got a complete and total overhaul this year with the Cobra Challenge plus winning a Scotty putter, so here we go! Really only one spot in the bag that is still up for grabs/possible replacement coming.

Driver - Cobra Aerojet Max/Titliest TSi3. Neither of these drivers has pulled ahead of the other as a clear winner. I had a really good driving day with the AJ Max last week, but looks wise prefer the shaping of the TSi3. Both feel really good, both sound really good. This will probably be an ongoing back and forth unless I can get a consistent draw ball flight out of the AJ Max like I was getting last week. May look at upgrading to a Ventus shaft next year once I determine which head I will be staying with.

Fairway Woods - Cobra Aerojet Max 3 & 7. Both are safe, both are rockets. Never have been able to hit a 3 wood off the deck as well as I do with the Cobra

Hybrid - Cobra King Tec 3H. Again, 100% safe club going into next year. Hitting 230s controlled draws with it the last few times out off the tee. Really good off the turf. 

Irons - Cobra Aerojet 6-GW. No reason to upgrade these irons as they have helped my game quite a bit in terms of ball striking and forgiveness. No real plans to change irons until my game warrants a move to the Players Distance/Players category.

Wedges - Cobra Snakebite Black. Locked in the bag. Spin monsters with good control and predictable distances. 

Putter - Scotty Cameron Super Select Newport 2.0. Limited on course use as I've only had it a few weeks, but nothing about this putter gives me reason to believe I'll want to game anything different for the LONG TERM future. Most likely going to sell my Spider Tour Platinum I like it so much.

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Current Configuration and their status

Driver: TSR 3 - Safe, shaft TBD

3W: Paradym TD - Safe

3h: Ping G430 - Beyond Safe

4u: Callaway X-Forged UT - Safe

5-7: Titleist T200 - 5&6 are locks, jury is still out on the 7

8-PW: Titlesit T150 - May never leave the bag

48: Vokey SM9: safe, not going anywhere

54,58: MG3 - The only way these go anywhere is if they get replaced by MG4's, no current plan to change

Putter: Alternating between Odyssey White Hot Versa Double Wide and a Scotty Cameron Super Select GOLO 6 - Dead men walking, the LAB has been ordered and should arrive within the next month.

Ball: Last round played with a Bridgestone B XS - No ball is safe in my bag and is subject to the whims of a tyrannical ruler. 

Glove: Footjoy - 2 Red roosters should be arriving toward the latter part of this year

Bag: Jones Trouper My Golf Spy stand bag - It has my name on it, not going anywhere

Grips: Lamkin UTx and Golf Pride MCC - Given the recommendation of folks whose opinions I respect, I will try the Lamkin Sonar + in the new year.

 

[NubianRugby]

I bought a new set of clubs (minus driver & putter) for the first time in 25 years and I doubt I'll ever buy another. I also just (as in I got them on Friday) replaced my driver and putter.

The one club in my bag that provides me ZERO value is my 3-hybrid. It's the first hybrid I've ever owned and I hate it. Can't get the club on the ball and even when I do it's adventure; snap hooks, big sweeping draws, majestic high fades, ugly slices, and dead arrow straight worm-burners are all a possibility. I hit my 3-wood 220-240 off the deck and (on a good day) I'm hitting my 4-iron 200-220, there's no reason for this club to be in my bag. It is in danger, I may remove it and not replace it with anything.

The only thing I might be looking at over the winter is new golf shoes. I have old man, waterproof, Footjoy golf shoes and I'm thinking about getting something a little more modern for when I'm feeling fancy.

Edited October 16, 2023 by NubianRugby

[Preeway]

Driver- PXG Gen 5 driver is on the chopping block. Will be getting either the TSR 2 or 3 this winter using the existing Ventus Blue shaft.  
 

3wood- Really more of a 4 wood with the 16.5° loft. This club is going nowhere for now  

Driving Iron- My Mizuno FliHi 3i is stellar and one of the most used clubs in my bag. 100% safe.

Irons- I’m very happy with my JPX 921 Tours so those aren’t changing in the next 12 months.

Wedges- Love my Cleveland wedges but strongly considering buying a Mizuno T24 50° to replace my 52°. Just too much drop off from my PW to the 52° in distance.

Putter- My Bettinardi putter is on life support but the prognosis is improving. My last 5 rounds have been stellar so we will see how they fares as we end the season. Very good chance a putter fitting is in my future this winter. 

Edited October 16, 2023 by Preeway

[bens197]

TSI driver met the bench last month after some depressing results. 
 

I don’t know what I am going to do with it but until then, everything else is safe. 
 

I am very satisfied with my existing setup. 

[CLenahan]

My (very) old TM RBZ stage 2 3 wood is on the block, getting thoruoughly outpaced by my ST-Z 5 Wood and Driver, I haven't used it in months.  Honestly, it's dead, I'm just filling the spot in my bag till I find a replacement.

[Shrek74]

Sadly, not sure anything's safe in my bag at this point. Not even the bag itself.

Things are changing with my swing with lessons from a swing coach that did wonders for my dad and is already making strides with me after just 2 lessons (3 more before next season starts, plus putting a net and mat in the garage for the off-season). So next Spring will be an entirely new golfer (hopefully) and thus possibly all new gear. Plus it's my 50th b-day next May, so the whole "do what I want" may take place along with the new and improved swing. I'll do a a few fittings with different people/companies and make my decision after all that is done.

But really most everything in my bag have been stop-gaps in one way or another due to changes and such (inexpensive, "new to me" clubs, etc). Even my shoes are gone as both pair of Skechers leave my feet "bruised" and sore even after 18 holes RIDING. Payntr and Ecco are on my short list.

The ball likely won't change as I really do like the Maxfli Tour I've been playing for a few years now. I have a couple dozen Vero X1's that I picked up at a discount to test, so that might be interesting. But they will need to really do some good stuff to knock the Tours out of the bag.

So time will tell what may or may not stay. But it's very likely that my bag will be very different than what's shown in my sig.

[Big moose]

My balls

[Byrnzee]

As we look forward to 2024, here's a list of what's safe and what's not in my bag:

Driver:  Ping G425 Max --> safe

I'm a big fan of this driver. Got it at the start of this season and it's quickly become one of my favorites I've ever owned. Although I still don't love the sound, it's hard to argue with how forgiving and consistent it is. Will likely stay in the bag for a few years.

Fairway:  Titleist 915F --> in danger

I personally have never really liked hitting a 3 wood. I don't love how it looks at address, it's wildly inconsistent, and I can usually find another club that does the job about as well as I would expect my 3 wood to perform. Will likely continue with my Hybrid/Driving Iron combo for next year and remove the 3 wood altogether.

Hybrid/Driving Iron:  Ping G425 3 Hybrid/Ping G425 Crossover 2-iron --> safe... for now

As mentioned above, I've recently ditched my 3 wood and added a driving iron to the bag. The driving iron has been great for off the tee consistency, while I use the hybrid for longer Par 3s and approaches on Par 5s. I may try to turn down my hybrid by a degree or so to compensate for the gap between my hybrid and my driver, but it has rarely been a problem on the course.

Irons:  Mizuno MP-54 (4-P) --> safe... for now

I love my irons and I don't foresee myself getting rid of them unless I decide to take the leap and get fitted for new ones. That most likely won't be a 2024 purchase, so I would say these are very safe for the time being.

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM6 50.12F, SM7 54.08M, SM7 58.08M --> safe

Although I could probably use new wedges, I don't see myself spending hundreds of dollars on a new set anytime soon. My wedges have worked well this season and besides missing some of the spin of a brand new set, I'm happy with their performance.

Putter: Scotty Cameron California Del Mar --> safe (forever)

I was finally able to purchase my dream putter this year and I don't see myself changing it up anytime in the near future. I love the look, the feel and the performance. 

Ball: Bridgestone Tour B XS --> undecided

I would say my ball is the part of my bag that is most open to change. I have enjoyed gaming the same ball for consistency purposes, but as long as you have a decent ball, there are several out there that work great. 

[Cheezmeister]

3 wood never used tried various, Rescue club always to the rescue!

[ole gray]

My bag is set for 2024 and beyond except for a LAB Mezz 1 Max Broomstick Putter that is on order.  For the first time in years, I am extremely fond of ALL my stuff. Well, maybe a new bag or GPS watch in a year or so but otherwise I'm happier than a skinny Oppossum in a persimmon tree.  You can see my gamers in the signature below. 

[Preeway]

1 hour ago, Byrnzee said:

Ball: Bridgestone Tour B XS --> undecided

I would say my ball is the part of my bag that is most open to change. I have enjoyed gaming the same ball for consistency purposes, but as long as you have a decent ball, there are several out there that work great. 

Ooh! I didn’t even think about the ball I play. I started off the year playing the new Mizuno RB Tour and really liked it. I played it side by side with the Srixon Z-Star  and found myself really liking the performance from the Srixon a little more so I switched over around May. Then Srixon had their Fathers Day sale (buy 2 get 1 free) and I loaded up. I’ve gone back recently to give the Mizuno brand another go after reading the recent MGS ball review only this time playing the RB Tour X. I’m really liking their performance and will definitely close out the season playing the Mizuno but I plan to put the Tour X and the to the test, head to head, starting next spring. Only one will make the cut by the end of April. 

[chisag]

4 hours ago, Jnoble89 said:

My bag got a complete and total overhaul this year with the Cobra Challenge plus winning a Scotty putter, so here we go!

 

 

... Right there with ya Pard, but not quite an over haul. Here's what is safe: I was expecting the King Tour irons to stay in the bag after the challenge but they were the only sure thing. I was a little surprised by the fairway woods because I was happy with my Sim2 fw's but after playing the 5 and 7, I just bought an Aerojet 3 wood because they are so easy to elevate from the fairway and it was a good purchase. So the 5 wood is out for now. The Sport-60 Cobra putter was a huge surprise and I never expected it to stick around but the SIK face has been working really well so it's here to stay. Right now the crown jewel of my bag is the Stealth2 HD with a Ventus Red Velocore shaft and I am driving the ball better than I have in a very long time.

... The Taylor Made MG4 51* and 58* are also firmly in the bag. But I just won the Ryder Cup contest and have Vokey SM9 50* - 54* - 58* so a new wedge set up might have a chance of replacing the MG4's OR if I love the gapping I can add a MG4 54*. I have also been playing the DHy 19* taking the place of my 22* Sim2 Hy and my 19* King Tec hy and has been so good I ordered a DHy 22* and will take my King Tour 4 iron out of the bag to see if the Dhy 22* has a new home. 

[Shlax]

Driver (Callaway Rogue ST Max LS) is in jeopardy. I will likely try a different shaft than my current Aldila Rogue White 130MSI 70X and maybe try going back to a stiff flex and/or 60g before deciding upon any definitive change.

Struggle with overspinning and poor carry for my ball speed.

I got to hit the Srixon ZX5 MKII LS last weekend and the spin was in a stupidly low spot, at least in comparison to what I’m used to (i.e., 1900-2000 rpm compared to 2600-2700 rpm). That’s what I’m looking for.

52° and 56° wedges are also likely going to be changed for 50° and 54° wedges with a stiffer and heavier shaft.

[Parshooter36]

I have no plans to change anything for next season.  Plans change though, we'll see if anybody comes out with a must have club next year.

[ZackS]

14 hours ago, Preeway said:

Ooh! I didn’t even think about the ball I play. I started off the year playing the new Mizuno RB Tour and really liked it. I played it side by side with the Srixon Z-Star  and found myself really liking the performance from the Srixon a little more so I switched over around May. Then Srixon had their Fathers Day sale (buy 2 get 1 free) and I loaded up. I’ve gone back recently to give the Mizuno brand another go after reading the recent MGS ball review only this time playing the RB Tour X. I’m really liking their performance and will definitely close out the season playing the Mizuno but I plan to put the Tour X and the to the test, head to head, starting next spring. Only one will make the cut by the end of April. 

Have you seen durability issues with the Mizuno? I tried a sleeve early in the year and the. Cover didn’t seem very durable but I like the performance. I use the Srixon Z Star Diamond and liking it. But did notice the RB Tour X was very comparable in the ball test. 

[Preeway]

27 minutes ago, ZackS said:

Have you seen durability issues with the Mizuno? I tried a sleeve early in the year and the. Cover didn’t seem very durable but I like the performance. I use the Srixon Z Star Diamond and liking it. But did notice the RB Tour X was very comparable in the ball test. 

The 2023 model of the Mizuno RB Tour is significantly better than the 2022. If you bought a sleeve early in the year you might have been playing the 2022. The 2023 didn't hit the shelves until March and I had to ask specifically which box was the newer model because they were so similar.

[Berg Ryman]

What's on the block? My driver swing! I can't find center of the clubface or anything right now and have a huge topping problem.

The only potential club out of the bag might be my Zipcore wedge, but that's because it's raw and it might be time to replace or maybe I'll talk to @GolfSpy_APH about how he cleaned up his raw Sub70's so nice.

I'd love to try different stuff, but with the investment I made over the past two years, I'm sticking it out because I know they work, it's me who can't.

 

[cksurfdude]

Nothing (safe) & Everything (subject to change).

I like to tinker and experiment .. as my swing evolves shouldn't my equipment also?

For me a big part of the sport, that I enjoy, is learning about and understanding your clubs and how they work.

That said...

Two of the clubs in my bag that I really like are also the oldest ones! ... 7W - Tour Edge Exotics EXS and Putter - EvnRoll ER5. But....

Two other clubs that also have a few years on them and are actually probably safe for a while are the two higher lofted wedges - Cleveland CBXs. Just so stupid easy to use and confidence-inspiring out on the course.

Also safe for now .. since I went through an extended process to select them .. are the Sub 70 irons (6-G). Pretty happy with the way these feel and perform for me.

But you know you can always look for me in the CHA thread!!

[Shlax]

12 minutes ago, Berg Ryman said:

I'd love to try different stuff, but with the investment I made over the past two years, I'm sticking it out because I know they work, it's me who can't.

I'm in the very same boat.

Had a honeymoon phase with my driver last season where I couldn't miss a shot and my drives went for miles whereas this year, I've thought about snapping it over my thigh more than I'd like to admit.

"It's the archer not the bow" is absolutely right. In my case, the archer's twin brother who usually works in the stables has been covering his shift it seems like.

[Divescribe]

Safe: most of my clubs

Chopping: my 58 wedge. I have lost distance in the last 1 1/2 years as arthritis reared its ugly head (both hips, spine, SI joint and both thumbs and first fingers). The arthritis caused a lack of torque and my index went from 14 to 19. My wedge was great to high high and stick at 70 yards. I now find I can use my 50 wedge from anywhere. Any flight pattern to 90 yards. I have a 3 and 7 wood in the bag and thinking of adding a 5 wood as I need more distance clubs.

[PrismFlopper]

My driver, SW, possibly GW, and putter are all on the list to be replaced hopefully this year. Putter doesnt have any big issues but looking for a little something different. Driver is gonna be a lesson to just clean up the swing, then fit for a new one. My woods are a big problem but they are like 20 yrs old and just need something a little more updated.

[Golf2Much]

It's funny thinking about it.  When this was initially posted just over a year ago, I would have said just about everything was set.  My cart bag was still in decent shape.  My Ping G400SFT was working it's magic.  I was going back and forth with a Callaway Epic and Mizuno three woods.  My Callaway Heavenwood dialed down to a 5 wood was never leaving.  I had a Ping G 7 wood and 5 hybrid.  My Ping G30 irons were functional.  My Edison wedges were great and I'm always looking for my next putter.  The putter then was an Evnroll Outback.

Fast forward to this year.  My G400 SFT driver cracked in the hostel and through great Ping customer service it was replaced with a new G430 Max.  I still haven't totally committed to either three wood.  The Callaway Epic Heavenwood IS NOT going anywhere.  The Ping 7 wood and hybrid are still there.  I was picked to do the MGS review of the Callaway Paradym X irons which are still in the bag.  The Edison wedges are a staple (though the 60 degree lob wedge is in and out).  After the first of the year I got a LAB DF 2.1 putter and my constant search for the perfect putter is complete!  Speaking of bags, I did get a new Ping Pioneer cart bag as well as the Jones MGS special carry bag.  

It just goes to show you, when faced with adversity (broken driver) you adapt.  When faced with an opportunity (testing the Paradym X irons) you take it.  When you find the perfect fit (Edison wedges and LAB putter) you keep it!

[chisag]

5 minutes ago, Golf2Much said:

It just goes to show you, when faced with adversity (broken driver) you adapt.  When faced with an opportunity (testing the Paradym X irons) you take it.  When you find the perfect fit (Edison wedges and LAB putter) you keep it!

 

... There is no question that if your clubs fit you, there is absolutely no reason to change. But this is basically a Golf Equipment Forum and as much as we should know better:

[Golf2Much]

18 minutes ago, chisag said:

OOOOOO...a flame!

 

[CdngolfFan]

Chopping block - Titleist 906 F4 3wood.  Not bc it isn't a great club but it IS pretty old and I'm sure the new one is better.

Titleist 695 CB irons.  I'm playing off 4 hdcp and I'm not sure I couldn't benefit from a T100 or T150.  

 

Everything else is safe in the cross section of it's effectiveness vs affordability of replacement.  Replacing the 3wood shouldn't be too much of an issue, even with a shaft fitting.  The irons are gonna run me 2K, even used.  By the time you get the set, get them reshafted (bc let's face it, good luck finding them spec'd out the way you want), add grips and bending lofts and lie angles ... I'm guessing 2K.  

 

Would love a putter change to a SC Phantom X 5.5 but ... Life is expensive right now.  Sadly. 

[Adamman84]

Not on the Chopping Block:

Irons (Ping i230's)

Wedges (Fourteen RM-4 50, 54, 58)

Putter (Sub70 AL-5 Armlock)

Driving Iron (Ben Hogan UiHi 3 iron)

Driver (Ping 430 Max)

 

Chopping Block:

Fairway wood - Currently I have access to a Ping G425 LST 3 wood, a Ping G320 LST 3 wood and a Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond 5 wood set at 17 degrees with a 3 wood shaft (so basically a 4 wood). All 3 clubs are fantastic but my consistency with them is very all over the place. Some days I can blast them off the tee and off the deck without any issue, other days I can't hit any of them and have zero confidence in them. 

Its not the club, its 100% me so I am going to be working with a swing coach to fix that but I also want to explore the possibility of something that gives me a bit more confidence. I hardly need a 3 wood off the deck (I think I hit it one time off the deck in over 150 rounds of play this current season), it ends up being an off the tee club but I tend to lean more towards my Driving Iron if the driver is getting spicy. The 4 wood idea seems to be the ticket, I just want to try a few other brand to see if they fit that slot better wit the new lines coming out next year.

I might end up not needing a fairway wood at all, so the idea of a mini driver is also on the table for that extra off the tee option...but we shall see