Berkeleybob’s WITB – 2024 - Update

[berkeleybob]

Heyo!

Almost four years have passed since my first WITB posting here, and it’s time to push out an update. It's a bit comprehensive, but I like to keep a record if only as a point of reference. Besides, it’s only February, and I’m feeling pretty good about the upcoming season.

Currently I'm carrying six different club brands, probably the most variety my bag has seen in a long time. 

What’s Remained

Wedges: Cleveland CBX 2 50°, 54°, 58°

I’m very comfortable with this line of wedges. They’ve been a tremendous help with my pitching and shots around the green. Lately I’ve been able to trust myself to make the green with lob shots using my 58 degree wedge. 

Hybrid: Ping G410 4/21° Alta CB 70 Red stiff

It’s been a very reliable club in the rough and on the fairway.

Earlier Change and Addition

Putter: Kirkland Signature KS 1 Blade – replaced Ping Karsten Series Anser Blade

The Ksig is a complete improvement from my last putter. It has been great with putts longer than 20 feet. I’ve been able to keep the ball close to the hole, and on occasion I’ve been able to sink it. 

Utility: Sub 70 699-U V2 5/23° Project X 6.0 graphite stiff – replaced Mizuno JPX 900 Forged 5-iron with Project X LZ 5.5 steel shaft

I did an unofficial review of this club. It filled a distance gap in my bag nicely.

New Additions

Irons 6-PW: Sub 70 699 V2 6-PW with Project X 6.0 graphite shaft – replaced Mizuno JPX 900 6-PW with Project X LZ 5.5 steel shaft

This was a planned change to my bag in 2024. I had been struggling with my Mizuno JPX 900s. They were a good set, and I considered changing out the shafts. But I wanted try a hollow-body iron, and for the first time I chose graphite shafts for my irons.   

The timing to receive the delivery of these clubs made it so that I literally unwrapped them the night before my morning tee time. I couldn’t really gauge their distances. I might write something up after getting a better idea of how all the clubs feel and perform in front of a launch monitor. I can tell you that there's a notable difference for the better in distance and dispersion.

Driver: Cobra Aerojet 10.5° with Mitsubishi Kai’li 60 shaft – replaced Ping G410 Max 10.5° with Tensei CK series Orange 60 shaft 

I wrote a bit about my experience and journey to get this club.

Fairway: Callaway Rogue ST Max 15° with Tensei AV series Blue 65 – replaced Ping G410 3-wood 14.5° with Alta CB 65 Red

This was a surprise addition to the bag. The distances among my 3 and 4-hybrids and my 3-wood were becoming murky, so I’ve removed my 3-hybrid and will try a different setup at the top of my bag. I can say that the Rogue ST feels easier to hit when my swing isn't working as well as I'd like. First look on the launch monitor tells me I've got a decent distance on it. I'll see what the gapping looks like with my 4-hybrid.

Ball: Callaway SuperSoft

It reminds me of when I used to game Callaway HX Hot Bites. This plays well enough, and I’m currently looking for a urethane-covered ball that is budget-friendly. 

I just received this 2-ball variety pack in the mail. I'm mostly interested in the Vice Pro and Pro Soft version. 

If I go by Vice's information on their site, the Pro Plus not really for me. But you never know. I expect the Tour and Drive balls to be typical distance balls (surlyn cover), but I'll give them a try on my Putt-Out.

Bag: Sun Mountain 3.5 LS

It's a good bag, well made and fits perfectly in my push cart (Rovic Clicgear RV1S) with enough pockets to handle my needs. 

Odds and Ends

Range Finder: Blue Tees 2 Pro

My Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized was stolen, and I needed a replacement. This one does quite nicely.

Grooveit miniG Club Brush

This is probably the best club brush I’ve ever used. The nylon bristles are stiff enough to scrape dirt out of the grooves of my irons and wedges but still soft enough to use on my hybrid and woods. It uses a very strong magnet to attach itself to my bag, so I no longer have that dangling retractable string that gets longer with each use.

And that’s it. Here’s hoping for a good year of golfing going forward.

—

Or so I thought. I have a feeling that my home WiFi system is listening to my dreams, because I happened upon a nice deal for acquiring a certain club that I have coveted thought might make a good addition to my bag. So without further ado …

Update

Putter: Cobra Grandsport 35 – replacing Kirkland Signature KS 1

I’m not sure why I’ve been drawn to this club. I prefer a blade over a mallet, and my current KS 1 works fine, but putting with this on the mat is already showing lots of promise.

Balls: Wilson Staff Model and Vice Pro White/Ice Blue

The Staff Model has dropped in price, in my case, to $30/dozen. I received an extra discount on the Vice balls and opted for the white and ice blue version of the Pro version.

Edited April 10 by berkeleybob

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Very nice

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Great looking setup for 2024, Bob! You'll have to let me know how the 699 V2s work for you! Sub70 is squarely in my sights when it comes time to upgrade my irons in another couple years from the Aerojets.

[berkeleybob]

8 minutes ago, GolfSpy_KFT said:

Great looking setup for 2024, Bob! You'll have to let me know how the 699 V2s work for you! Sub70 is squarely in my sights when it comes time to upgrade my irons in another couple years from the Aerojets.

Sure thing. I’d like to do a write-up about them, but I would really like hit them outside again beforehand. Until then, I’ve got nothing but good things to say about Sub 70.

[Josh Parker]

Sweet setup! 

[TSauer]

Helluva setup, I love the diversity and the layout! I am a sucker for good photos, and you killed it there. Well done 

[Michael.Sandoval33]

1 hour ago, berkeleybob said:

Heyo!

Almost four years have passed since my first WITB posting here, and it’s time to push out an update. It's a bit comprehensive, but I like to keep a record if only as a point of reference. Besides, it’s only February, and I’m feeling pretty good about the upcoming season.

Currently I'm carrying six different club brands, probably the most variety my bag has seen in a long time. 

What’s Remained

Wedges: Cleveland CBX 2 50°, 54°, 58°

I’m very comfortable with this line of wedges. They’ve been a tremendous help with my pitching and shots around the green. Lately I’ve been able to trust myself to make the green with lob shots using my 58 degree wedge. 

Hybrid: Ping G410 4/21° Alta CB 70 Red stiff

It’s been a very reliable club in the rough and on the fairway.

Earlier Change and Addition

Putter: Kirkland Signature KS 1 Blade – replaced Ping Karsten Series Anser Blade

The Ksig is a complete improvement from my last putter. It has been great with putts longer than 20 feet. I’ve been able to keep the ball close to the hole, and on occasion I’ve been able to sink it. 

Utility: Sub 70 699-U V2 5/23° Project X 6.0 graphite stiff – replaced Mizuno JPX 900 Forged 5-iron with Project X LZ 5.5 steel shaft

I did an unofficial review of this club. It filled a distance gap in my bag nicely.

New Additions

Irons 6-PW: Sub 70 699 V2 6-PW with Project X 6.0 graphite shaft – replaced Mizuno JPX 900 6-PW with Project X LZ 5.5 steel shaft

This was a planned change to my bag in 2024. I had been struggling with my Mizuno JPX 900s. They were a good set, and I considered changing out the shafts. But I wanted try a hollow-body iron, and for the first time I chose graphite shafts for my irons.   

The timing to receive the delivery of these clubs made it so that I literally unwrapped them the night before my morning tee time. I couldn’t really gauge their distances. I might write something up after getting a better idea of how all the clubs feel and perform in front of a launch monitor. I can tell you that there's a notable difference for the better in distance and dispersion.

Driver: Cobra Aerojet 10.5° with Mitsubishi Kai’li 60 shaft – replaced Ping G410 Max 10.5° with Tensei CK series Orange 60 shaft 

I wrote a bit about my experience and journey to get this club.

Fairway: Callaway Rogue ST Max 15° with Tensei AV series Blue 65 – replaced Ping G410 3-wood 14.5° with Alta CB 65 Red

This was a surprise addition to the bag. The distances among my 3 and 4-hybrids and my 3-wood were becoming murky, so I’ve removed my 3-hybrid and will try a different setup at the top of my bag. I can say that the Rogue ST feels easier to hit when my swing isn't working as well as I'd like. First look on the launch monitor tells me I've got a decent distance on it. I'll see what the gapping looks like with my 4-hybrid.

Ball: Callaway SuperSoft

It reminds me of when I used to game Callaway HX Hot Bites. This plays well enough, and I’m currently looking for a urethane-covered ball that is budget-friendly. 

I just received this 2-ball variety pack in the mail. I'm mostly interested in the Vice Pro and Pro Soft version. 

If I go by the Vice's information on their site, the Pro Plus not really for me. But you never know. I expect the Tour and Drive balls to be typical distance balls (surlyn cover), but I'll give them a try on my Putt-Out.

Bag: Sun Mountain 3.5 LS

It's a good bag, well made and fits perfectly in my push cart (Rovic Clicgear RV1S) with enough pockets to handle my needs. 

Odds and Ends

Range Finder: Blue Tees 2 Pro

My Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized was stolen, and I needed a replacement. This one does quite nicely.

Grooveit miniG Club Brush

This is probably the best club brush I’ve ever used. The nylon bristles are stiff enough to scrape dirt out of the grooves of my irons and wedges but still soft enough to use on my hybrid and woods. It uses a very strong magnet to attach itself to my bag, so I no longer have that dangling retractable string that gets longer with each use.

And that’s it. Hear’s hoping for a good year of golfing going forward.

Loving the bag here! It's crazy that through all my searchings, I considered a lot of these options as well (The Zipcore Wedges, Sub70 U/699 V2's, and the Aerojet.) All look amazing and I can't wait to hear how the 699's treat you.

I'm thinking  that we have a similar mindset as to how we see the game as of now.

Edited February 15 by Michael.Sandoval33
Hear*

[tdroma98]

Nice set up @berkeleybob!!

[GolfSpy_APH]

2 hours ago, berkeleybob said:

Heyo!

Almost four years have passed since my first WITB posting here, and it’s time to push out an update. It's a bit comprehensive, but I like to keep a record if only as a point of reference. Besides, it’s only February, and I’m feeling pretty good about the upcoming season.

Currently I'm carrying six different club brands, probably the most variety my bag has seen in a long time. 

What’s Remained

Wedges: Cleveland CBX 2 50°, 54°, 58°

I’m very comfortable with this line of wedges. They’ve been a tremendous help with my pitching and shots around the green. Lately I’ve been able to trust myself to make the green with lob shots using my 58 degree wedge. 

Hybrid: Ping G410 4/21° Alta CB 70 Red stiff

It’s been a very reliable club in the rough and on the fairway.

Earlier Change and Addition

Putter: Kirkland Signature KS 1 Blade – replaced Ping Karsten Series Anser Blade

The Ksig is a complete improvement from my last putter. It has been great with putts longer than 20 feet. I’ve been able to keep the ball close to the hole, and on occasion I’ve been able to sink it. 

Utility: Sub 70 699-U V2 5/23° Project X 6.0 graphite stiff – replaced Mizuno JPX 900 Forged 5-iron with Project X LZ 5.5 steel shaft

I did an unofficial review of this club. It filled a distance gap in my bag nicely.

New Additions

Irons 6-PW: Sub 70 699 V2 6-PW with Project X 6.0 graphite shaft – replaced Mizuno JPX 900 6-PW with Project X LZ 5.5 steel shaft

This was a planned change to my bag in 2024. I had been struggling with my Mizuno JPX 900s. They were a good set, and I considered changing out the shafts. But I wanted try a hollow-body iron, and for the first time I chose graphite shafts for my irons.   

The timing to receive the delivery of these clubs made it so that I literally unwrapped them the night before my morning tee time. I couldn’t really gauge their distances. I might write something up after getting a better idea of how all the clubs feel and perform in front of a launch monitor. I can tell you that there's a notable difference for the better in distance and dispersion.

Driver: Cobra Aerojet 10.5° with Mitsubishi Kai’li 60 shaft – replaced Ping G410 Max 10.5° with Tensei CK series Orange 60 shaft 

I wrote a bit about my experience and journey to get this club.

Fairway: Callaway Rogue ST Max 15° with Tensei AV series Blue 65 – replaced Ping G410 3-wood 14.5° with Alta CB 65 Red

This was a surprise addition to the bag. The distances among my 3 and 4-hybrids and my 3-wood were becoming murky, so I’ve removed my 3-hybrid and will try a different setup at the top of my bag. I can say that the Rogue ST feels easier to hit when my swing isn't working as well as I'd like. First look on the launch monitor tells me I've got a decent distance on it. I'll see what the gapping looks like with my 4-hybrid.

Ball: Callaway SuperSoft

It reminds me of when I used to game Callaway HX Hot Bites. This plays well enough, and I’m currently looking for a urethane-covered ball that is budget-friendly. 

I just received this 2-ball variety pack in the mail. I'm mostly interested in the Vice Pro and Pro Soft version. 

If I go by Vice's information on their site, the Pro Plus not really for me. But you never know. I expect the Tour and Drive balls to be typical distance balls (surlyn cover), but I'll give them a try on my Putt-Out.

Bag: Sun Mountain 3.5 LS

It's a good bag, well made and fits perfectly in my push cart (Rovic Clicgear RV1S) with enough pockets to handle my needs. 

Odds and Ends

Range Finder: Blue Tees 2 Pro

My Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized was stolen, and I needed a replacement. This one does quite nicely.

Grooveit miniG Club Brush

This is probably the best club brush I’ve ever used. The nylon bristles are stiff enough to scrape dirt out of the grooves of my irons and wedges but still soft enough to use on my hybrid and woods. It uses a very strong magnet to attach itself to my bag, so I no longer have that dangling retractable string that gets longer with each use.

And that’s it. Hear’s hoping for a good year of golfing going forward.

I've said it before but I'll say if again. 

The What's in Your Bag threads are my favorites. Love hearing what others are playing and the stories behind their clubs!

Thanks for posting 

[johngschulz]

3 hours ago, berkeleybob said:

Heyo!

Almost four years have passed since my first WITB posting here, and it’s time to push out an update. It's a bit comprehensive, but I like to keep a record if only as a point of reference. Besides, it’s only February, and I’m feeling pretty good about the upcoming season.

Currently I'm carrying six different club brands, probably the most variety my bag has seen in a long time. 

What’s Remained

Wedges: Cleveland CBX 2 50°, 54°, 58°

I’m very comfortable with this line of wedges. They’ve been a tremendous help with my pitching and shots around the green. Lately I’ve been able to trust myself to make the green with lob shots using my 58 degree wedge. 

Hybrid: Ping G410 4/21° Alta CB 70 Red stiff

It’s been a very reliable club in the rough and on the fairway.

Earlier Change and Addition

Putter: Kirkland Signature KS 1 Blade – replaced Ping Karsten Series Anser Blade

The Ksig is a complete improvement from my last putter. It has been great with putts longer than 20 feet. I’ve been able to keep the ball close to the hole, and on occasion I’ve been able to sink it. 

Utility: Sub 70 699-U V2 5/23° Project X 6.0 graphite stiff – replaced Mizuno JPX 900 Forged 5-iron with Project X LZ 5.5 steel shaft

I did an unofficial review of this club. It filled a distance gap in my bag nicely.

New Additions

Irons 6-PW: Sub 70 699 V2 6-PW with Project X 6.0 graphite shaft – replaced Mizuno JPX 900 6-PW with Project X LZ 5.5 steel shaft

This was a planned change to my bag in 2024. I had been struggling with my Mizuno JPX 900s. They were a good set, and I considered changing out the shafts. But I wanted try a hollow-body iron, and for the first time I chose graphite shafts for my irons.   

The timing to receive the delivery of these clubs made it so that I literally unwrapped them the night before my morning tee time. I couldn’t really gauge their distances. I might write something up after getting a better idea of how all the clubs feel and perform in front of a launch monitor. I can tell you that there's a notable difference for the better in distance and dispersion.

Driver: Cobra Aerojet 10.5° with Mitsubishi Kai’li 60 shaft – replaced Ping G410 Max 10.5° with Tensei CK series Orange 60 shaft 

I wrote a bit about my experience and journey to get this club.

Fairway: Callaway Rogue ST Max 15° with Tensei AV series Blue 65 – replaced Ping G410 3-wood 14.5° with Alta CB 65 Red

This was a surprise addition to the bag. The distances among my 3 and 4-hybrids and my 3-wood were becoming murky, so I’ve removed my 3-hybrid and will try a different setup at the top of my bag. I can say that the Rogue ST feels easier to hit when my swing isn't working as well as I'd like. First look on the launch monitor tells me I've got a decent distance on it. I'll see what the gapping looks like with my 4-hybrid.

Ball: Callaway SuperSoft

It reminds me of when I used to game Callaway HX Hot Bites. This plays well enough, and I’m currently looking for a urethane-covered ball that is budget-friendly. 

I just received this 2-ball variety pack in the mail. I'm mostly interested in the Vice Pro and Pro Soft version. 

If I go by Vice's information on their site, the Pro Plus not really for me. But you never know. I expect the Tour and Drive balls to be typical distance balls (surlyn cover), but I'll give them a try on my Putt-Out.

Bag: Sun Mountain 3.5 LS

It's a good bag, well made and fits perfectly in my push cart (Rovic Clicgear RV1S) with enough pockets to handle my needs. 

Odds and Ends

Range Finder: Blue Tees 2 Pro

My Nikon Coolshot Pro Stabilized was stolen, and I needed a replacement. This one does quite nicely.

Grooveit miniG Club Brush

This is probably the best club brush I’ve ever used. The nylon bristles are stiff enough to scrape dirt out of the grooves of my irons and wedges but still soft enough to use on my hybrid and woods. It uses a very strong magnet to attach itself to my bag, so I no longer have that dangling retractable string that gets longer with each use.

And that’s it. Hear’s hoping for a good year of golfing going forward.

I just did my first WITB the other day. Great photos and details, nicely done. I’m curious to hear about how the change from the 5.5 steel to the 6.0 graphite goes for the irons. Did you manage to keep the swing weight the same? Any more or less feeling in the heads? It seems like a big change so I’ll keep an eye out for an update, the whole bags looks

Edited February 15 by johngschulz
typo

[Rob Person]

Wow!  Very nice!!!

[berkeleybob]

5 hours ago, Michael.Sandoval33 said:

Loving the bag here! It's crazy that through all my searchings, I considered a lot of these options as well (The Zipcore Wedges, Sub70 U/699 V2's, and the Aerojet.) All look amazing and I can't wait to hear how the 699's treat you.

I'm thinking  that we have a similar mindset as to how we see the game as of now.

Thanks. You know, great minds …

2 hours ago, johngschulz said:

I just did my first WITB the other day. Great photos and details, nicely done. I’m curious to hear about how the change from the 5.5 steel to the 6.0 graphite goes for the irons. Did you manage to keep the swing weight the same? Any more or less feeling in the heads? It seems like a big change so I’ll keep an eye out for an update, the whole bags looks

Thanks!

I’m planning on doing a review of my irons, but as mentioned, I’m hoping to get some outdoor time with them again before jumping on that. I can tell you that the idea to switch to graphite shafts came to me when I got the 699-U 23°.  There’s a level of control that I gained when comparing it to my regular 5-iron. I was concerned about losing feel, but initially, I can say that I can feel the different hits off my club.  

I’ll update this thread as I gather more info.

[berkeleybob]

I have a feeling that my home WiFi system is listening to my dreams, because I happened upon a nice deal for acquiring a certain club that I have coveted thought might make a good addition to my bag. So without further ado …

Update

Putter: Cobra Grandsport 35 – replacing Kirkland Signature KS 1

I’m not sure why I’ve been drawn to this club. I prefer a blade over a mallet, and my current KS 1 works fine, but putting with this on the mat is already showing lots of promise.

Balls: Wilson Staff Model and Vice Pro White/Ice Blue

The Staff Model has dropped in price, in my case, to $30/dozen. I received an extra discount on the Vice balls and opted for the white and ice blue version of the Pro version.

[Michael.Sandoval33]

9 minutes ago, berkeleybob said:

I have a feeling that my home WiFi system is listening to my dreams, because I happened upon a nice deal for acquiring a certain club that I have coveted thought might make a good addition to my bag. So without further ado …

Update

Putter: Cobra Grandsport 35 – replacing Kirkland Signature KS 1

I’m not sure why I’ve been drawn to this club. I prefer a blade over a mallet, and my current KS 1 works fine, but putting with this on the mat is already showing lots of promise.

Balls: Wilson Staff Model and Vice Pro White/Ice Blue

The Staff Model has dropped in price, in my case, to $30/dozen. I received an extra discount on the Vice balls and opted for the white and ice blue version of the Pro version.

Nice pickup! I was literally just reading your WITB signature about 20 minutes ago and saw the KSig was there, looks like it has been replaced. That Cobra is mighty fine.

[berkeleybob]

38 minutes ago, Michael.Sandoval33 said:

Nice pickup! I was literally just reading your WITB signature about 20 minutes ago and saw the KSig was there, looks like it has been replaced. That Cobra is mighty fine.

Thanks! I took it out today for the second time. The greens are better now than they were a week or so ago, and I’m liking it a lot. 

Thanks for reminding me about my signature.