New Drivers vs Old Drivers (Is it better??)

ritz0019 · December 5, 2016

A question for you WRXers:

Are new drivers really better or are we all just being marketed to death? In the age of adjustable drivers with big heads, are we better off? First, I have never used an "adjustable" driver that has improved my performance after an adjustment to the point that I was just like, WOW! (The only case of "any" improvement is I do think adjusting a Ping G25 from 9 to 8.4 brought my ball flight down a bit.) Second, I go through my list of drivers that I hit the best in order.

1) Taylormade 540XD TP

2) Titleist 975J

3) Callaway FT Tour

I hammered all three of these clubs. Today's clubs I am at least 20 yards shorter.

Now let me give you some assumptions: My 3 iron distance is about 230 now, as it was a decade or so ago when I hit these drivers (in other words, other clubs have not lost distance, only my driver). Also, I always have an upgraded shaft. (The reason I mention that is to rule out an argument on shafts, 90% of the drivers I have used have a premium shaft)

Theories

1) Today's drivers do have additional technology, but it is for the sake of marketing.

2) Today's drivers produce more backspin and are not better for all golfers.

3) While a larger head may help, it may not as well.

4) Longer shafts help some hit it farther, but can be counter-productive for others.

5) Adjustable clubs really don't do squat besides make you feel like you have options. They don't really adjust anything all that much, if at all.

I'm not stating facts here, just one guy's experiences. Just curious on the stories of others and thoughts about the theories listed above.

Nessism · December 5, 2016

Key thing is to get a driver that fits you. Given the choice of a club from today's marketplace vs. that of 5 years ago I'll pick from today's.

Boricua Golf · December 5, 2016

^^^^THIS^^^^, also, you may be more consistent with the older driver, but today's technology is so advanced that you can honestly build a driver just as accurate with more distance just by turning a wrench to adjust or correct any issues you may have with your driver...

og512 · December 5, 2016

I have found out the hard way (meaning financially) that the only difference is the adjustability (at least for me)

I current game a Cobra King LTD and a GBB as a back up... I have 2 old drivers, Cally Diablo Octane and Cobra L4V.

I went to the simulator this past weekend, hit 25 balls with each (rotated them 5 balls at a time) and my accuracy was best with Diablo and distance was best with the L4V.

I've never been fitted but the new technology hasn't done anything for me except spend more money.

ritz0019 · December 5, 2016

You know, I have went through fittings with old and new. I can honestly say the best drivers I have ever hit were ones that I just happened upon. Same kinda deal as the new technology, I don't know that I buy it. You could go in for a fitting at demo day and maybe you are tired, stiffer than normal, swinging better than normal. Same kinda deal, I can honestly say I have never benefited from a fitting, and I have been to some good ones. Now, if I got to change drivers every round with multiple shaft changes, multiple head changes, multiple loft and lie changes after numerous tweaks, maybe. I guess if you think about it WRXers do that anyway. LOL!

Z4Par · December 5, 2016

I think one could continue to tinker and there would always be something "better" out there. So many variables; shafts, swing weight, etc. Along with new equipment coming out all the time. That's what manufacturers want though. Guys like us to "tinker". To always have in our minds that there is something better and I would agree there is always something better to the slightest degree for the better player. For the bad player new equipment (especially adjustable drivers) helps that caliber of player tremendously. A proper driver fitting with the newest drivers on the market?! Can't go wrong!