The Search for the Perfect Driver - Part 2!!!

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Chris Perry

Matt Hargraves

Ian Fellows

It is an interesting read, cheers.

With all of that distance off the tee, don't you feel like you should be playing to a lower handicap Chris?

Chris Perry

One of the reasons why I'm looking for a new driver Ian.  I have a tendency to pull or even pull-hook with my current driver unless I ease off, meaning I miss fairways left and leave myself in trouble.  I'm hoping the new driver, properly fitted, will mean I hit more fairways.  I've also been through a phase of over drawing my irons, but I've sorted that out over the last couple of weeks.  My main issue, I believe, is not hitting greens which means I'm adding in a chip before the putting. 

I don't think averaging 220 to 240 (with the odd 260 thrown in when I get it really well or go after it) off the tee is that long, but as Paul Williams posted on another thread, my long game is great.......

Matt Collins

Interesting.

I have the Mizuno MX 700 and the cleveland Hi Bore (the XLS not the Monster-but basically the same), I have also tried the Nike and Taylor made R9.

For me, the Cleveland Driver is the best.  Maybe the shaft just suits me.  I have a Cleveland launcher 3 wood-with a different shaft-again I love it and can hit it 230-250.  The hybrid too is superior to the MX 700 hybrid.

Just my opinion-guess it's what suits your game.  But I think the Cleveland Woods are vastly under rated. Always Mizuno for irons-no doubt on that one.

Chris Perry

There was nothing wrong with the performance of the Hi-Bore Matt, just that the noise was earth shattering and it really turned me off to the driver.  Spoils what could be a pretty good driver.  I've also tried the XLS 3 wood and was quite impressed with it (it wasn't as noisy but felt pretty solid).  I'm looking to replace my fairways too at the fitting so I'll include that in my blog too. 

Srixon forged irons for me, but they only just edged out the MX25's. 

Like I said in the blog, golf is all about opinions and I think if you can stand the noise the XLS makes then it could well be a good club. 

David Homer

Paul Hindmarsh

Can you upgrade the standard stock shaft in the MX700 to a stiffer Fujikura E-Fit on 360? That may suit? Also, try the Titleist 909D2 and the Adams Speedline.

Paul

Chris Perry

John Standing

Chris,

How about the MD Ti 460 (the one i was playing at Donnington), great feel off the shallow face, long carry, sweet weighted feel to the whole swing, all the way back and through...and half the price of other 'name' brands.

It's about the only make you haven't tried. This is my third upgrade on an MD driver over the last five or so years and i reckon they build a great club.

If they've got one give it a go.

Tim Hawkins

Russell Middleton

Nice write-up on the drivers.

Russ

John Flood the lefty

Matt,

Intresing read Chris, the only think left to change in my bag is my driver. I been playing the last year with the taylormade tour burner, which when works is sport on but is very unforgiving, something i wasnt told when i bought it. recently i have gome back to my nike *13 degree driver which last night was going a lot straighter and more controlled and further than i remembered. With a swing that felt easy for me. I hadnt noticed how long the shaft in the taylormades were untill i went back I think this makes me have a to rounded swing path the nike im swinging on a more upright plane.
Let us know how you get on with the custom fitting, as im tempted to try maybe something like my nike with a little less loft.

I've got the Burner driver & like you felt it was a bit long (it's an inch longer than most standard drivers) & was thinking of swapping it until I took it back to the Belfry where I was cutom fitted for it. The guy there tried a burner head on a shorter shaft & hey presto. I'm now called 'boring' because I hit fairways all the time!! I've not lost any distance & can average 250-260.

John.

Matt Collins

The sound for the Cleveland HiBore is not nice, must admit.  Its too loud.  But performance wize-its very long and straight-I find it so easy to hit.

Nike and cobra also make drivers with stupidly loud sounds!  Particularly embarassing in the driving range when it's echoey-I nearly gave some lady a heart attack when i hit my first driver.  She wasn't expecting it-was funny though!

Matt Hargraves

We were compairing shaft lengths last night (edited smilie Matt. ws) and it turns out that my nike driver has a shorter shaft then everyone elses. which i think helps me put more of a iron swing on it which works for me. So i think custom fitting for me is needed.

Chris Brannon

Dave Ley

Me thinks his quest may be over by this evening..................

Chris B, 506 driver is very solid.

Most people would be far better off playing their driver at 43" 44"max instead of the ludicrous 45-45 1/2" that are pushed out by the OEM's. You would have far more control and gain distance consistantly ,average lenght of driver on tour is 44" and hardly anyone on tour uses a 35" putter  average is 33" and most of them are 6ft+.

I build my Drivers at 44" sw D4 and then go down the shaft at least 1 1/2

Wayne Santorini

Chris Perry

I know that I didn't try everything and that there would be people out there saying "why didn't you try club X?".  It would take me forever to try them all and as soon as I did they'd have been replaced with new ones anyway.  I just tried what was readily available.  Truth is, I wanted to remove the definite 'no's' so that I could get fitted for a driver and fairways at the same session. 

I firmly believe that club selection is down to personal taste and what suits the individual.  If it wasn't, there'd only be one set of clubs out there to buy!  As long as I get something I like and that works well for me, I'll be happy.  I've had my last driver for three years so this isn't an impulse buy. 

This was never intended to be an all encompassing driver review, I just thought I would share my findings, thoughts and opinions with you all.  I don't suggest I know everything and that my word should be taken as gospel, in fact I actually said in the blog that you all should do as I did and try as many as you can until you find what's right for you. 

Chris Salter

Matt Collins

I got my Yes! putter fitted-it is 32inch.  Almost every putter off the shelf is too long for the purchaser-the guy who fitted me said this. 

Id keep it as it is pal-will allow you to get your eyes over the line much better.  35 1/2 inch is almost certainly too long for a 5 11 guy.  Im 5 10-I do  crouch a bit, but if 32 inch is right for me....

Chris Salter

Marc Davies

Chris Perry

OK, here's the update after my fitting session at the weekend.  Be interested to hear people's thoughts and comments.

http://www.golfshake.com/user/blog/11007/1534/Finding_the_Right_Driver_The_Searc
h_for_the_Holy_Grail_Part_2.html

John Pettitt

Chris Perry

John Pettitt

Great shot that, Chris, don't see many on that green for two.

I am bringing a change of driver myself, no doubt it will be just as bad as the others.

Dave Ley

John Pettitt

Chris Perry

The bottom of the pockets has been well and truly found John.  The driver was my birthday present from my wife and the old one has been in my bag for 3 years now.  The 3 and 5 woods joined it two months later. 

I did seriously consider getting my driver reshafted, but I decided after the good (and sometimes bad!) service it has given me it was time to retire the old girl. 

John Flood the lefty

Chris,

Liam is the same chap that has custom fitted me twice. He's a sound chap with a good knowledge of equipment & I'm sure his recommendation will serve you in good stead.

Let's hope this new driver will weave it's magic  against John P tomorrow?

John Pettitt

John Flood the lefty

John,

i would never bet against you.

Chris Perry

I would never bet against him either, and I'm playing him! 

Yes the new driver will be in play tomorrow.  Just about got the grip position for the reminder rib right now and realised that most of the time when I get it wrong it's because I haven't committed to the swing.  A driver that works better when you swing it harder - quality!