Lefty St8kdinr WITB 2018 Update- 2 Bags must be better than 1!

[st8kdinr]

Update 4.3.17

Current Set(s)- For no true reason other than fun, I've built 2 bags over the winter. Currently I've only played one round and that was at Wild Horse in Gothenburg, NE last month. We've had some pretty crappy weather, but hoping things change next week. Will probably get one bag for sure in the next month. Haven't gotten to hit the F8+ or the Rogue 3W yet but pretty excited about both.

 

1st Bag:

Cobra LTD 10.5* HZRDUS YELLOW

Cobra F8+ 10.5* Atmos TS Black (Just arrived after winning the GolfWRX/Cobra giveaway!)

 

Cobra F7 3W HZRDUS RED

 

Callaway BBA 815 18* +1 Speeeder 865

 

Titleist 714 CB 4-PW w/Project X 6.0

 

Titleist SM5 50* F Grind, 54* M Grind & 60* M Grind

 

Odyssey White Ice #9

 

2nd Bag:

2017 M2 10.5 HZRDUS Yellow

 

Callaway Rogue Subzero 3W 15* Project Evenflow

 

Titleist 913HD 18* Diamana D+ 92

 

Callaway Apex Pro Forged 4-PW KBS Tour V

 

Callaway MD3 50*, 54*, 60* S-Grinds

 

Nike Method Converge B1-01

 

Bridgestone B330 & Srixon Z-Star XV ball

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update 2.26.16

Hey all! I think I had one before but it's been too long to remember and too many changes to keep track of. Really like the setup I have now, will be a little more confident once the weather gets nice (hopefully the end of this week!) and able to test on the course. As a lefty, WRX has been a blessing and a curse as so many other lefty's have been willing to part with their clubs and I've had a larger inventory to search through. I've went through quite a bit over the last year including, but probably not limited to the following:

 

Drivers

TM R15

G30

XR

XR Pro

815 BBA

i25

G25

SLDR (backup driver)

SLDR 430

Cobra BioCell+

Cobra Fly-Z+

 

3 Woods

XR Pro

XR

i25

Anser

SLDR

R15

SLDR Mini

Aeroburner

 

Hybrids

Honestly a little of everthing!

 

Irons

s56

Cobra Bio Cell+

i20

 

Putters (thankfully haven't got the ho bug for putters...yet)

Odyssey #9 Versa

 

Totally believe that driver performance over the last 4 years or so has leveled out and truly comes down to preferences increasing confidence of sound, look and feel. Shafts have their impact, but not as much as I originally thought when I first dove into testing.

[qgroven7]

How do you like the Callaway Mini?

[st8kdinr]

How do you like the Callaway Mini?

 

I like it a lot! I've only hit it on a couple simulator sessions, but I've been happy with the results. As always, I'll trust the first couple rounds here soon. Really like the ball flight and roll out. For me it was in the 260-265 range off the tee, which is perfect for me in the 3 wood range. I can't really recall the last time I hit 3W off the deck and that's the reason for the RBZ at 17*, that gives me a number that I max out par 5 approaches to and I don't try to swing out of my shoes. Definitely a winner in my book, I tried the SLDR mini, but this one definitely feels friendlier.

[qgroven7]

How do you like the Callaway Mini?

 

I like it a lot! I've only hit it on a couple simulator sessions, but I've been happy with the results. As always, I'll trust the first couple rounds here soon. Really like the ball flight and roll out. For me it was in the 260-265 range off the tee, which is perfect for me in the 3 wood range. I can't really recall the last time I hit 3W off the deck and that's the reason for the RBZ at 17*, that gives me a number that I max out par 5 approaches to and I don't try to swing out of my shoes. Definitely a winner in my book, I tried the SLDR mini, but this one definitely feels friendlier.

 

I'm in the same boat with my 17* Ping i15 hybrid. It's only about 5-10 yards short of the last few 3 woods I've had and way more reliable for reaching par 5's in two. Definitely looking for something off the tee to get me 250-260.

[st8kdinr]

Totally agree, it took me awhile to find the RBZ that works, but I'm pretty happy with it. Give the mini a chance, I'll try to update this on performance and any changes that are made. Thanks!

[Qqq123xx]

Lots going on in a good way. Nice headcovers.

[st8kdinr]

Lots going on in a good way. Nice headcovers.

 

Thanks!!

[st8kdinr]

Small update today...played the DBD and really wanted to like it, however, it just feels heavy. That's the only way I can explain it. Put an Optiforce 440 head at 8.5 and it was flying further easily. Must have hit 6-10 balls on every tee box I could and the Optiforce just performed better time and again. Going to test some Nike products tomorrow just for fun, so we'll see .

On another note the Bertha mini was awesome. I see this staying in the bag. I will try to continue to update as much as possible.

[st8kdinr]

Tried the Vapor Fly with both the Rogue and Diamana and it didn't wow me. Had my SLDR to compare and it gave me similar numbers. Also wasn't swinging great so it was tough.

However, I did hit the XR 16 with the stock stiff and was pretty impressed. Very forgiving and felt a little smoother than the previous XR. Swing speed was hanging around 105-107 but spin was above 3400 consistently, a little high for me. I was about to leave and tried the Ping G series with the tour 65 shaft and totally woke me up! Fitter recommended the LS head but they didn't have a lefty. Did hook up the G30 LS head and felt crazy good! Had the 9* head which was launching high and a gentle fade for me. End result is I've got one coming early next week! Can't believe I didn't try one sooner! Will update with some course play soon.

[st8kdinr]

Time to search for some wedges, I like the Cobra Trusty Rusty line b/c of the low bounce. Really working on grooving my short game, because it's been my weakness the last 18 months where it used to be my strength. I did start doing more chipping with 7-9 irons more which helped, but really need to build my confidence with the wedges. Willing to listen to ideas, haven't tried any wedges over the last couple of years.

[st8kdinr]

Was able to test the Cleveland RTX 2.0 and Callaway MD3s today. Totally thought I would love the Cally's but just didn't get the numbers I was expecting in 3/4 and full shots. They felt good on chips and I can see how they are stupid easy out of most lies. Sitting by the ball, they just had my eyes off a little and confidence wasn't real high. I could see myself not trusting them enough on the delicate chips and not putting a good swing on them. Then I moved to the RTX line and was really impressed and kicking myself why I didn't go to these earlier! Because my XR Pro PW is 45*, I'm going with a 48* CB and then 54* & 58* in the blade style. I feel like I can utilize the 48* a little more and not depend on my PW as much. It may totally backfire on me and I may have to go 50* but with the feel I got from them, I'm happy going this route. Haven't played any Cleveland wedges for probably 10 years, but these were clear winners for me. I'll update with some real course rounds as soon as the weather cooperates.

 

Should be home tomorrow and the G30 LS driver should arrive.

[st8kdinr]

G30 LS driver at 9.6* seems to be set in the bag. Really consistent for me and happy with the distance. Love the Cleveland wedges as well, hopefully my short game comes back to life this year. Also, I'm sticking with the Versa Works #9 putter, tried a Tank Cruiser and #4 High Toe and the #9 just feels right. Time to increase the range and rounds now that some nice weather is here!

 

I still want to hit the Cobra driver line based on looks and the performance from the WRX Gear Trials! The King looks to be a beast :superman:

[st8kdinr]

So, I haven't updated some changes and I'll get some photos up tomorrow. Decide to go back to an oldie, but a goodie in the irons, the 2013 Cally X-forged with the KBS shafts. I just love the look of these from every angle and they feel so good. I've

Lost some distance but the consistency is increased. Also decided to try out the Mack Daddy 2 wedges, just 9 holes with them and really like the feedback from them. Also tried the Cobra F6 driver because I've always loved Cobra drivers and wanted to like it but the G30 LS is going back in the bag. Pictures up soon!

[TCJ]

Lefties RULE! :taunt:

[playmoregolf15]

Try the Apex hybrid! Just recently got the 20* and it is AWESOME!!! It replaced my X2Hot 18* and have the same distance with better feel and much better control. Center hits feel so good and off center hits give feedback and still feel good. You HAVE to try it!

[st8kdinr]

Lefties RULE! :taunt:

 

Um Yeah!!!

 

[st8kdinr]

A new toy coming...Cobra LTD from BST. Really been wanting to try this for awhile.

 

Played 18 today in Ottumwa, IA. Sorry forgot pictures. Hit the g30 LS well but felt I could of had drives that should have went further. They were having a demo day for TM and Ping. Hit probably 50 drives with the M2. Really liked it once I found a shaft. Had a few at 265-270 carry. Hit M1 and immediately knew it wouldn't work, similar feel to the DBD, just felt heavy.

 

Excite for the King. Hoping to hit it Friday if it arrives.

 

Also loving the x-forged, nothing like that feel!

[st8kdinr]

Got to hit the King into a windstorm on Sunday and really liked the feel. VERY smooth through the ball. Hoping to get in a round on the road tomorrow night, so I'll have both the G30 LS and King to compare on some holes. Really working on the swing as we've got our buddies trip in 30 days and really need to get some good rounds under my belt. Swing feels MUCH MORE efficient than even a month ago and contact with irons was great for 2 buckets worth! It looks to be a weeks worth of rain here in Nebraska so not sure about how much range time I'll get in.

[st8kdinr]

First round with the LTD and really like the performance so far. I know that my swing thoughts and adjustments have been the biggest improvement but the LTD feels really, really smooth. Played Wedgewood Cove in Albert Lea, MN today and felt like I lost a few too many shots in missing some greens. Happy with putting stroke, I just failed to read some breaks and the greens were pretty hard. The course was really nice and in great condition. I feel like I'm gonna keep the LTD in the bag for a few more rounds. I hit my g30 LS on a couple holes just to compare and on poor shots with both, the LS was 10-15 yards behind.

[st8kdinr]

Hadn't posted in awhile, but a couple updates. The Cobra King LTD is out and 915D3 is in. Traded for it on a whim and really liking it so far. May try the LTD with other shafts but it's out the door and traded away for now! Tipped a stiff Rogue shaft for the D3 and liking the feel, still tweaking a couple swing items, but so far so good.

 

Couple photos from courses over the last couple weeks:

Wedgewood Cove Golf Club in Albert Lea, MN. Really nice course, open style and it was running really well. Greens were superb.

 

 

 

Bear Creek in Forest City, IA. Bear was appropriately named! Played in 20-30 winds and it was tough, couple huge holes 600 par 5 and 430 par 4 into the wind that were not kind! Really nice course in a small town. I would definitely play again!

Nice little par 3 7th

 

 

Tee shot for par 5 11th

 

 

Hoping to get some range time tonight or tomorrow and going to get my swing on film for review.

[st8kdinr]

Played Falcon Lakes in Basehor, Kansas yesterday and Deer Creek today in KC. Both excellent course and in great shape.

My game is all over the place, short game probably saved me 10 strokes each round. Driver is crazy inconsistent, can't feel the face to square it up. I know it's me, but gonna go try a couple oldies in the SLDR and BioCel pro for a couple rounds. Got a buddies trip in Minneapolis next week so gotta get it together!

[st8kdinr]

Hadn't made an update in awhile. Only one change...for now...D3 is out and R15 is in. I've actually been hitting an SLDR with JDM Diamana W shaft and just killing it the last couple rounds and range. I had forgot how much fun I had when the SLDR was in the bag. I love the D3 as it is consistently straight for me, just like the extra I get from the SLDR. So, short story long, ordered an R15 and ready to give it a whirl with this shaft. D3 is on BST and I'm not looking back! Worse comes to worse, I'll gladly keep the SLDR in the bag. Love the X-forged irons as I'm striking it the best I have all year. Shot 74 at my home course last Thursday and primarily because of my irons. Hoping to get in a handful of rounds over the next 10 days, looking to get the handicap down and try some tourney golf!

[st8kdinr]

Haven't got to play much, just some range time the last couple weeks working on getting ready for the city tournament in 3 weeks. Did play at Iron Horse in Ashland, NE which was in good condition. Course has some funny holes, but is usually pretty fun.

 

Happy with the R15 in the bag, however I've got a 816 Alpha DBD arriving today and a Hzrdus shaft to try out for fun. Haven't got to hit this DBD yet and seeing if I get a better feel than the 815.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also found this lovely Callaway ball in the rough a couple weeks ago! Can't believe someone is still playing these!

 

 

[st8kdinr]

Put the M2 driver in the bag with the HZRDus shaft and really liking it so far. Great flight, and really increases my consistency. Also added the Great Big Bertha 3W to replace the Alpha. Haven't really hit it, but just appears friendlier at address.

 

 

Traded in a bunch of stuff and decided to build a Sunday/Minimalist old school bag for fun. Went out last week and played 9 holes at a local course that was right at about 3000 yards and shot 39 with an OB. Was really fun and definitely will be throwing it in the car when I travel and only have some shorter tracks to play around. Might try to find an old Odyssey 550 as the putter I've had made awhile ago and never really could get back to that style.

 

Driver - Titleist 983K 9.5*

2 hybrid - King Cobra Baffler 18*

5, 7, 9 irons - PGA Ryder Cup II

SW - TM T-D Tour Preferred

Putter - Prairie Golf Custom made

[st8kdinr]

Pix added of the Sunday bag!

 

 

 

 

 

[st8kdinr]

Hadn't posted on this in a long time. Really haven't played much the past month, but did get out with some oldies for fun in Des Moines. Still trying anything and everything just for fun. I created a second bag made up of:

Driver - Cobra Bio Cell+: Forgot how great this club was, still a fan of Cobra drivers

Hybrids - TM 2009 TP Rescue 17* & SLDR S 22*

Irons - Cleveland CG Tour: Such a fun set to hit, still can't beat the feel of a well struck blade

Wedges - Titleist VOKEY Raw Wedge 54 & Cleveland 588 RTG 60*

Putter - Odyssey Pro Type #2

 

Played decent as the course was fairly short (6400 yards), only one ugly 8 iron that made the hands hurt. Got some MP-59 irons that I may play this weekend. It's been a set that I've always wanted and never actually got. This will also be my first set of Mizuno irons, so pretty pumped especially with their new offering looking great. I'll also update my regular WITB on page 1.

 

I'm hoping to play as much Fall golf as possible and take some photos as this time is great to get out.

 

 

 

[st8kdinr]

Update Bag(s) on front page. Excited to try out F8+ driver and Rogue 3W in the next week or so hopefully if the weather straightens out!

[jrshields3]

Post a review on the F8+ and the Rogue. Both are on my radar