MattM97's WITB: New Irons and 2025 Setup Finally.

[Ben B]

On 3/22/2024 at 11:11 PM, MattM97 said:

No practice session this week, got a little under the weather so no practice or ball testing this week but I kinda made my ball decision. Seems like my decision came down to Left Dash, Chrome Tour and TP5X with a few on the outside like the Tour B X and ProV1 which would require more testing but just got a dumping of snow here.

 

It's also when a lot of brands have their 3+1 deal for balls and can't really pass that up, unfortunately the Chrome Tour only comes with the Triple Track which I'm not a fan of so that's out, I've used the Left Dash in the past but Titleist Canada was sold out online and kinda refuse to buy from Golf Town anymore except for certain things. That left the TP5X originally TaylorMade just had the MySymbol balls on the 3+1 and I was going to do that, kinda on the fence and saw some not so great prints then saw the regular balls on TM Canada and ordered up a box.

 

So going to start off with the TP5X as the gamer and honestly I think it's a great choice from all the reviews and personal testing, I will test everything else I have closely once I can get outside, I also have a lot of balls to use up as well. I would have liked to test more in detail but I would have been splitting hairs and my swing just isn't consistent enough to see differences shot to shot. I do have the speed to take advantage of these ball in several aspects. But that part is done.

 

The last part is driver, the swing is coming around, still want to practice more before I go in to test, have a small trail hand thing I want to heal but also waiting on drivers and certain shafts to be available in the next 2 weeks so will get ready to book and go in.

Alright man, it's April 30th....so far you are going with the Taylormade TP5X. I feel like I need a full bag update. And how is the TP5X? Do you feel like there is any issue with distance control when you try to take something off of a club, particularly short iron or wedge?

[MattM97]

11 hours ago, Ben B said:

Alright man, it's April 30th....so far you are going with the Taylormade TP5X. I feel like I need a full bag update. And how is the TP5X? Do you feel like there is any issue with distance control when you try to take something off of a club, particularly short iron or wedge?

 

Bag still isn't set funny enough, I just need a proper driver fit and should be good to go.

 

I definitely think the TP5X will be the go to, was testing some others recently, was out in Arizona and played 1 round with the Chrome Tour and 3 rounds with the TP5X. Played 2 rounds with the Bridgestone Tour B X this week so far. Might play the Left Dash or ProV1 this weekend just to test but I think I might circle back to the TP5X but the Titleist options might be the closest competitors for me, the Chrome Tour was ok for me in Arizona. 

[SUITS]

20 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Bag still isn't set funny enough, I just need a proper driver fit and should be good to go.

 

I definitely think the TP5X will be the go to, was testing some others recently, was out in Arizona and played 1 round with the Chrome Tour and 3 rounds with the TP5X. Played 2 rounds with the Bridgestone Tour B X this week so far. Might play the Left Dash or ProV1 this weekend just to test but I think I might circle back to the TP5X but the Titleist options might be the closest competitors for me, the Chrome Tour was ok for me in Arizona. 

Get a TSI3 or whatever updated model there is. I’m not as fast as you but it has been a game changer. I put a Tensei white 65x in it. So much less curvature on all my misses. The adjustment of the back weight and cog will let you really get it how you want it

[MattM97]

29 minutes ago, SUITS said:

Get a TSI3 or whatever updated model there is. I’m not as fast as you but it has been a game changer. I put a Tensei white 65x in it. So much less curvature on all my misses. The adjustment of the back weight and cog will let you really get it how you want it

 

I'm going to test and see what's best, there are like 4 heads that can probably work great for me it's just finding that right shafts which is the biggest issue for me. Will update with what I end up with and the fitting too. 

[jrdubbb]

23 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

I'm going to test and see what's best, there are like 4 heads that can probably work great for me it's just finding that right shafts which is the biggest issue for me. Will update with what I end up with and the fitting too. 

Not sure where your speed is, but I got a Kai'Li White 70TX and I am around 115-120SS. It is so consistent. If you can try it in the TX, give it a chance because it is much more stable than the X. 

[MattM97]

14 minutes ago, jrdubbb said:

Not sure where your speed is, but I got a Kai'Li White 70TX and I am around 115-120SS. It is so consistent. If you can try it in the TX, give it a chance because it is much more stable than the X. 

 

I'm about that right now as well for SS, I'd have to see how I like it, really don't care what shaft I'm in as long as it's working. 

[MattM97]

It's been over a month since I've updated anything and honestly there's nothing changed in the bag, I still want to update the driver but fitters are absolutely swamped right now. I'm also going on vacation the end of June so dropping 1k+ on a driver is probably not the best thing to do getting ready for the trip when I need to buy a ton of things. 

 

I've been working on my swing a lot, it's probably the best it's ever been and my golf has been a massive frustration, just not seeing the translation over on the course, I know it will come but it's getting annoying especially seeing my handicap going up almost 3 points. Probably have to relearn a lot of things out on the course, dial in a few more things, have more confidence in my swing, etc.

 

I also haven't been playing as much as I hoped, I've played some awesome courses so this year might be quality > quantity. When I get the bag updated I'll make an update, I might do current WITB anyways since I'll be in a hotel in a few weeks before a golf weekend. 

 

Until then here's a swing from my last session with the driver, spin was extra spinny so can see where I'm wanting a new driver.

 

 

 

Edited June 5, 2024 by MattM97

[MattM97]

Nevermind have a fitting this coming week, have been wanting to try TPT shafts and found a fitter locally that carries them and had a time slot open so why not. I can test and if a good fit I can buy it when I get back from Italy or even order while on vacation in true golf degenerate form. 

[MattM97]

Alright went to the fitting and I'd say it was a solid experience, went to a new fitting studio just cause they had the TPT shafts I wanted to test. But usual Q&A of what I'm after, what I'm looking for, what I'm trying to avoid on course, brands I like, brands I don't like, etc. I just said I wanted to test the TPT shaft but I'm open to anything he wants to pull for me if it will work best for me, head wise said the same thing, not a fan of the TM heads but if worked I'd play it. 

 

Started with a Darkspeed LS and TPT 15Lo and it wasn't a great start, the combo just felt weird in my hands, honestly felt like the TPT was done at that point but he said don't worry just starting. Moved to a G430 LST with a LAGP Bryson shaft, it was solid but still seeing high spin, but liked a few things with the LST. Was then handed a Qi10 LS with I think a TR Blue and it wasn't memorable so that was out quick. Then came the G430 LST and TPT 15Lo and second swing we had the drive of the day 180 ball speed, 301 carry I believe about 325-330 total, so the TPT was back in and it felt good, still had some spin issues cause of AoA but 95% of the swing was good. He did instruct me to choke down a hair to see if that helped my AoA which it did.

 

He didn't have a AI Smoke TD or a TSR4 on the table, he just didn't have a lefty TD in 9° and the TSR has the GT line coming in soon, I did ask if I could try a AI Smoke Max which he obliged and threw in the new Accra GX 300 Red, took a few swings, felt nice but too much spin with my negative AoA. I definitely do need to try that head but while hitting a few with the Callaway. 

 

He then said since I was the 2nd fastest player he's ever fit and he's fit a lot he pulled the Accra Tour Z RPG shaft I think the 472 M5+ which is no joke of a shaft if you know what it is. This one felt really solid too and it seems like the final was between the Accra RPG and the TPT 15Lo, the Accra did have some bigger shots but didn't control spin as well, he let me hit a few more and went back and built the TPT to 45" and with my grip as well to do a final test. 

 

On my third swing hit a perfect swing minus AoA and touched 182 ball speed and was just a consistent 175 ball speed the rest of the time which is awesome, the AoA is a killer but I just need like an extra degree or two up which will come. But the TPT funny enough was the winner for me, I didn't try and give that one an advantage just was comfortable with it. 

 

So for this fit the winning setup was: 

 

- Ping G430 LST 9°

- Small Minus setting

- Weight in Draw Position

- TPT Power 15Lo (79g) 

- Playing length 45" 

 

I'm not buying this setup, I want to test a few more things. The AI Smoke TD head should be tested I don't know if my usual fitter has the TPT line but can at least test it with the Accra RPG, there is that new Aretera line that can be tested in both the TD and G430 LST, or honestly just see what another fitter can get me into.

 

The other main reason is I'll be in Italy for a month in a few weeks and probably shouldn't drop $1500 on a driver right before I go. 

[MattM97]

I think I'll have time to post a current WITB next week before my vacation, it won't be a fully official since nothing is really safe in it. 

 

Until then here's an action shot from a recent event: 

 

 

It was a good swing btw, lead to a birdie. 

[Ben B]

7 hours ago, MattM97 said:

I think I'll have time to post a current WITB next week before my vacation, it won't be a fully official since nothing is really safe in it. 

 

Until then here's an action shot from a recent event: 

 

 

It was a good swing btw, lead to a birdie. 

Love it! Top of the swing is looking good. 

 

Out of curiosity, have you tried a mini driver yet?

[MattM97]

1 hour ago, Ben B said:

Love it! Top of the swing is looking good. 

 

Out of curiosity, have you tried a mini driver yet?

 

Thanks I actually have a year transformation of my body and swing. 

 

June 23, November 23, June 24

 

 

As for mini driver I haven't, could be fun to test but an expensive experiment for me. Unfortunately clubs are getting more and more expensive, I'm not buying as much and I'm definitely not good enough or influential enough to get free gear or gear to test. 

[MattM97]

Alright where is my bag at.....hasn't changed much obviously I've been away a month long vacation in Italy and did a golf trip to Michigan my bank account is thoroughly and rightfully hurting. But good news unrelated to golf my truck is officially paid off so more money in my pocket. 

 

But don't fret there are incoming changes before the end of 2024. While on vacation I was bored while traveling between cities and email TPT asking them which of their Nitro shafts would be comparable to the Power 15Lo I was fit into, the tl;dr of that email chain was the Nitro 15Hi. So off to eBay I went cause just go check the retail price on a TPT Nitro shaft....ok welcome back, shocking huh? I ended up finding a 9.8/10 condition shaft on ProClubs and add a 10% discount it was less than a TPT Power shaft new so that's what we went with. I picked it up on my trip to Michigan and now just waiting a bit until I order a Ping G430 LST head and get it build up.

 

Other than the driver nothing really else is planned now, the PLD is rolling like crazy, the irons I'm kinda mixed on but that's user error most likely but might test something else, next might be more woods in the bag. 

 

[BallerNate]

On 6/13/2024 at 11:05 PM, MattM97 said:

 

Thanks I actually have a year transformation of my body and swing. 

 

June 23, November 23, June 24

 

 

As for mini driver I haven't, could be fun to test but an expensive experiment for me. Unfortunately clubs are getting more and more expensive, I'm not buying as much and I'm definitely not good enough or influential enough to get free gear or gear to test. 

Congratulations on all the weight loss Matt, looking good buddy!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[MattM97]

1 minute ago, BallerNate said:

Congratulations on all the weight loss Matt, looking good buddy!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽

 

Thanks put a few back on in Italy but worth it, bit we're not done yet just need to get the ball rolling again. 

[BallerNate]

8 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

Thanks put a few back on in Italy but worth it, bit we're not done yet just need to get the ball rolling again. 

A trip to Italy is definitely a great reason to add a few pounds for sure, Lol.

[MattM97]

I have no idea what's going on this year for me. Haven't been on the course since start of August, unlikely to play this long weekend either.

 

Trying to see if I can get my new driver built this Friday, unlikely but will see. Will have those practice sessions on point since that's all it seems to be used for. 

 

I really wish I could get out and play more with where I live honestly. I need to move. 

[MattM97]

While I don't play a ton right now I do practice weekly and it's starting to come around, woods have been moving and probably my best in a while.

 

I have been informed this is a "beastly swing" I'm pretty sure this is my ball speed max with the Cobra as well. 

 

 

So what's the most logical thing to do after a session like that? Well go out and get a new driver built. 

 

Ping G430 LST 9° - TPT Nitro 15Hi 

45.25" - Small Minus - Weight in Draw

 

 

This is sorta what I was fit into, it was actually the TPT Power 15Lo buy after talking to TPT they said the Nitro 15Hi will be the most similar but lighter.

 

Will see how this setup feels, of TPT is right this will be beastly for me. 

[TreqJosh]

On 8/31/2024 at 12:23 PM, MattM97 said:

While I don't play a ton right now I do practice weekly and it's starting to come around, woods have been moving and probably my best in a while.

 

I have been informed this is a "beastly swing" I'm pretty sure this is my ball speed max with the Cobra as well. 

 

 

So what's the most logical thing to do after a session like that? Well go out and get a new driver built. 

 

Ping G430 LST 9° - TPT Nitro 15Hi 

45.25" - Small Minus - Weight in Draw

 

 

This is sorta what I was fit into, it was actually the TPT Power 15Lo buy after talking to TPT they said the Nitro 15Hi will be the most similar but lighter.

 

Will see how this setup feels, of TPT is right this will be beastly for me. 

 

Aesthetically, that is a very pleasing combination of driver and shaft colour and pattern wise! haha

[MattM97]

1 minute ago, TreqJosh said:

 

Aesthetically, that is a very pleasing combination of driver and shaft colour and pattern wise! haha

 

No intended but does look quite sleek, I need to get a feel for the shaft and what not over my old setup. 

[johnianlee]

On 6/13/2024 at 1:53 PM, MattM97 said:

I think I'll have time to post a current WITB next week before my vacation, it won't be a fully official since nothing is really safe in it. 

 

Until then here's an action shot from a recent event: 

 

 

It was a good swing btw, lead to a birdie. 

 

Hahaha is this Royal Ontario?

[MattM97]

22 minutes ago, johnianlee said:

 

Hahaha is this Royal Ontario?

 

Dundas Valley 

[Shanks2424]

On 8/30/2024 at 9:23 PM, MattM97 said:

While I don't play a ton right now I do practice weekly and it's starting to come around, woods have been moving and probably my best in a while.

 

I have been informed this is a "beastly swing" I'm pretty sure this is my ball speed max with the Cobra as well. 

 

 

So what's the most logical thing to do after a session like that? Well go out and get a new driver built. 

 

Ping G430 LST 9° - TPT Nitro 15Hi 

45.25" - Small Minus - Weight in Draw

 

 

This is sorta what I was fit into, it was actually the TPT Power 15Lo buy after talking to TPT they said the Nitro 15Hi will be the most similar but lighter.

 

Will see how this setup feels, of TPT is right this will be beastly for me. 

TRUE WRX FASHION.

[MattM97]

6 minutes ago, Shanks2424 said:

TRUE WRX FASHION.

 

I know makes zero sense after a great session. But when the old cobra was off it was way off, when I was having a good day it was scary good but wasn't always like that.

 

Let's hope that new setup has less scary bad for my scores sake. 

 

Funny enough someone sent me a link for an AI Smoke TD for a good price so may try that too lol. 

[Shanks2424]

11 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

I know makes zero sense after a great session. But when the old cobra was off it was way off, when I was having a good day it was scary good but wasn't always like that.

 

Let's hope that new setup has less scary bad for my scores sake. 

 

Funny enough someone sent me a link for an AI Smoke TD for a good price so may try that too lol. 

I DID THE SAME THING THIS YEAR.

M5 9* HZRDUS SMOKE BLACK 70X STANDARD SLEEVE TO A M3 9.5 HZRDUS SMOKE BLACK 60 X 1.5 TOUR SLEEVE

M6 15* HZRDUS SMOKE BLACK 80X TO A M3 15* HZRDUS SMOKE BLACK 70X 1.5 TOUR SLEEVE.

Edited September 11, 2024 by Shanks2424

[kmcb]

On 3/9/2024 at 2:36 PM, MattM97 said:

The season is approaching fast, did a bit more ball testing, will do some more this coming week and the next week and the next week. I'll obviously take most out onto the course since I bought them all but at a certain point I narrow it down to hopefully 3, do more extensive testing and then stock up on 1 ball.

 

The PLD got some mods, tossed on a BGT shaft and new grip, just doing setup drills right now and rolling putts as often as I can.

 

 

Last part the driver had an extra Graphite Design AD-IZ shaft so did a tip swap and right into the driver. Hopefully doesn't feel like a wet noodle and trying to constantly fight my old shaft. Will see if permanent but some wicked drivers out there right now.

Are you still using this grip? How do you like it? Tapered or Non Tapered? 

Edited September 11, 2024 by kmcb

[MattM97]

4 hours ago, kmcb said:

Are you still using this grip? How do you like it? Tapered or Non Tapered? 

 

No I actually removed it back in June, I could never get quite comfortable with it. 

 

This was the Quad Tour Pistol TPE No Taper, if I was to use a Quad Tour it would be the Pistol Non Taper. 

 

But I seem to prefer round grips with a flat front, my hands settle on them the best. 

[BallerNate]

On 8/30/2024 at 11:23 PM, MattM97 said:

While I don't play a ton right now I do practice weekly and it's starting to come around, woods have been moving and probably my best in a while.

 

I have been informed this is a "beastly swing" I'm pretty sure this is my ball speed max with the Cobra as well. 

 

 

So what's the most logical thing to do after a session like that? Well go out and get a new driver built. 

 

Ping G430 LST 9° - TPT Nitro 15Hi 

45.25" - Small Minus - Weight in Draw

 

 

This is sorta what I was fit into, it was actually the TPT Power 15Lo buy after talking to TPT they said the Nitro 15Hi will be the most similar but lighter.

 

Will see how this setup feels, of TPT is right this will be beastly for me. 

How’s the new Driver been for you so far?

 

You’ve got to get out and play man…the end of the season’s coming fast unfortunately.

 

Just go into your bosses office tomorrow and tell him your buddy BallerNate suggested taking 1 day per week off for the next 6 weeks until November, Lol. 😉😎

[MattM97]

55 minutes ago, BallerNate said:

How’s the new Driver been for you so far?

 

You’ve got to get out and play man…the end of the season’s coming fast unfortunately.

 

Just go into your bosses office tomorrow and tell him your buddy BallerNate suggested taking 1 day per week off for the next 6 weeks until November, Lol. 😉😎

 

Played today finally, first swing on the range....

 

 

A wee bit toey lol. 

 

But I'm liking it, I don't find it was punishing on miss hits, I'll still nuke a few into the trees or water but that's just what I have to deal with at my speed. But I'm finding with this just to swing easy and it will go, the shaft will time up. 

[kmcb]

13 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

No I actually removed it back in June, I could never get quite comfortable with it. 

 

This was the Quad Tour Pistol TPE No Taper, if I was to use a Quad Tour it would be the Pistol Non Taper. 

 

But I seem to prefer round grips with a flat front, my hands settle on them the best. 

 

Did you prefer the TPE Material or the original quad tour PU?