2007 Burner Fairways - Leaving too much on the table?

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Hey Guys. I recently switched from my beloved 2007 Taylormade burner fairway woods in favor of the Cobra LTD 3 wood and 5 wood and I am struggling.

 

Maybe it's the shaft, maybe it's the head, maybe it's a lot of things but I've been having the hardest time launching/hitting the Cobra's well. The Cobra's both have the Aldila Rogue stock offering in stiff flex. The burners are built by me with some Miyzaki shafts, playing to about the stock specs (Playing length, static length and swingweight are close to what was stock on the burners). 

 

It's been about 10 rounds and I'm thinking of switching back to the burners. 

 

My questions is, do you think I am leaving too much on the table by not finding another modern fairway to try outside of the Cobra's? I'm concerned the tech in the burners may be a little outdated by this point. I don't need/want a huge distance gain, just looking to launch it a little easier and get it into the fairway more often; if the Burners fit that bill then I'll stick with what I got. 

[Bad9]

I don't think you'd be leaving anything on the table. There may be some spring effect with the Cobras and they MAY be marginally more forgiving but I don't think there would be any real performance gains. Other than generally being physically longer I have seen no real differences in fairway woods since the Steelhead Plus in clubs that are targeted to the same market segments.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

2 minutes ago, Bad9 said:

I don't think you'd be leaving anything on the table. There may be some spring effect with the Cobras and they MAY be marginally more forgiving but I don't think there would be any real performance gains. Other than generally being physically longer I have seen no real differences in fairway woods since the Steelhead Plus in clubs that are targeted to the same market segments.

What's weird is I'm finding the Cobra's to be LESS forgiving than the Burners. I was expecting them to be at least on par but they seem to be A LOT more demanding. Maybe the shaft is playing too stout in the Cobras?

[LUXOR54]

9 minutes ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

What's weird is I'm finding the Cobra's to be LESS forgiving than the Burners. I was expecting them to be at least on par but they seem to be A LOT more demanding. Maybe the shaft is playing too stout in the Cobras?

It's possible. I know the LTD driver was known to be a low spin monster, if they carried that same principle and tech over to the fairway woods, they'll be low spin and harder to launch on anything less than perfect strikes as well. Old fairways like the burners, r7, r9 ect. Seem to be more spinny and forgiving than a lot of the new stuff that's focusing on low spin and max distance. In my observation anyways. 

Edited June 23, 2021 by LUXOR54

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Just now, LUXOR54 said:

It's possible. I know the LTD driver was known to be a low spin monster, if they carried that same principle and tech over to the fairway woods, they'll be low spin and harder to launch on anything less than perfect strikes as well. Old fairways like the burners, r7, r9 ect. Seem to be more spinny and forgiving than a lot of the new stuff that's focusing on low spin and max distance. 

I'm thinking that may be the case. I bag the driver and loved it so much I put the woods in the bag. Definitely struggling to launch them so I think you're onto something. 

[J13]

If the new club isn't better than the old club get rid of the new club.  Clubs need to fit the player not the other way around.

[RolandofGilead]

I just upgraded my fairway from a 2007 Burner to a F9 Tour with no issues. Not exactly apples-apples but my sense would be that your new shafts are a bigger issue.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

10 minutes ago, J13 said:

If the new club isn't better than the old club get rid of the new club.  Clubs need to fit the player not the other way around.

Sound advice here. Going to the range on Thursday going to hit nothing but the fairways and see which wins out. Going to log my shots/experience with each and see how it all stacks up.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

5 minutes ago, RolandofGilead said:

I just upgraded my fairway from a 2007 Burner to a F9 Tour with no issues. Not exactly apples-apples but my sense would be that your new shafts are a bigger issue.

I'm thinking this is probably a good chunk of the equation. I like the sound/feel of the cobra's so hoping I can figure something out

 

[BgSprings87]

2 hours ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

Hey Guys. I recently switched from my beloved 2007 Taylormade burner fairway woods in favor of the Cobra LTD 3 wood and 5 wood and I am struggling.

 

Maybe it's the shaft, maybe it's the head, maybe it's a lot of things but I've been having the hardest time launching/hitting the Cobra's well. The Cobra's both have the Aldila Rogue stock offering in stiff flex. The burners are built by me with some Miyzaki shafts, playing to about the stock specs (Playing length, static length and swingweight are close to what was stock on the burners). 

 

It's been about 10 rounds and I'm thinking of switching back to the burners. 

 

My questions is, do you think I am leaving too much on the table by not finding another modern fairway to try outside of the Cobra's? I'm concerned the tech in the burners may be a little outdated by this point. I don't need/want a huge distance gain, just looking to launch it a little easier and get it into the fairway more often; if the Burners fit that bill then I'll stick with what I got. 

I play the 07 burners and have tried to switch numerous times with the final result the burners going back in the bag. No reason to switch IMO. 

[ChristopherMcDonald]

1 minute ago, BgSprings87 said:

I play the 07 burners and have tried to switch numerous times with the final result the burners going back in the bag. No reason to switch IMO. 

Have a feeling we're not the only ones...

 

[BgSprings87]

I loved the 5 wood so much I bought a 3 wood 3 years ago. Hasn’t left the bag. Also bought a backup for each. 

[cgasucks]

To me, fairway woods are just long irons that are easier to hit.  They're not made for pure distance like drivers, but accuracy with a predictable distance that complements your yardage gaps.  My V-Steels are are older than your Burners and don't feel the need to upgrade an they're accurate and hit at a predicable distance.  If you hit your Burners well with consistent accuracy and distance, then there's no reason to change to a newer model.

 

 

Edited June 23, 2021 by cgasucks

[texcellence86]

4 hours ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

Hey Guys. I recently switched from my beloved 2007 Taylormade burner fairway woods in favor of the Cobra LTD 3 wood and 5 wood and I am struggling.

 

Maybe it's the shaft, maybe it's the head, maybe it's a lot of things but I've been having the hardest time launching/hitting the Cobra's well. The Cobra's both have the Aldila Rogue stock offering in stiff flex. The burners are built by me with some Miyzaki shafts, playing to about the stock specs (Playing length, static length and swingweight are close to what was stock on the burners). 

 

It's been about 10 rounds and I'm thinking of switching back to the burners. 

 

My questions is, do you think I am leaving too much on the table by not finding another modern fairway to try outside of the Cobra's? I'm concerned the tech in the burners may be a little outdated by this point. I don't need/want a huge distance gain, just looking to launch it a little easier and get it into the fairway more often; if the Burners fit that bill then I'll stick with what I got. 

For what it's worth....Fred Couples just updated his 2008 Callaway Squareway 3 wood this year to the SIM2 Max.

 

If it aint broke....

[GLF4EVR]

My 3 wood is far older.  Still have a TM 580.  Have tried 4 different models with the last one being a TM M3.  Even the shaft is old, an Ozik X-Con 6.

[DaRiz]

a few thoughts

 

1. shaft comfort has as much to do with 3 wood performance as anything - so that would be #1

2. yeah there is a heck of a lot of performance in terms of forgiveness in a 3 wood that has been developed in the past 14 years

3. LTD 3 wood is not super forgiving, it is meant as a low spin head, so unless you are puring it and naturally launching it high, you are not going to maximize this club

4. if you are looking for more distance, the LTD should give you that if you have the game to play it, but i wouldnt upgrade a trusty 3 wood for more distance, i dont consider there being too much distance left on the table here

5. if you are looking for more forgiveness there has been a ton of improvements. any ping 3 wood from the past 7 years, and the latest 2 versions of titleist (TS2 and TSi2) are super forgiving and blow away all of the older stuff

[Booker]

12 hours ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

What's weird is I'm finding the Cobra's to be LESS forgiving than the Burners. I was expecting them to be at least on par but they seem to be A LOT more demanding. Maybe the shaft is playing too stout in the Cobras?

They totally are less gorgiving, they are tougher to launch and much lower spin. Very long when pured but I just couldn't trust it as a gamer. Nothing wrong with the 07 burner fairway heads. 

[gibbiesmalls]

Those two heads are very different animals, aimed for very different swing speeds.  The LTD fairway is one of the best in the last 10 years, but only works if you have some serious horsepower under the hood. It's a relatively bigger head, that is very slow spinning, and require some serious swing speed to make work. The 2007 burners were a smaller head (I believe 170ccs) were much higher spinning and much shallower.

 

The burner was very good off the deck, the LTD very good off the tee.

 

I personally think that the biggest gains in clubs over the last 10-15 years happen to be in fairway woods (and irons with hollow body construction etc). So I'm of the opinion that you would be leaving something on the table playing the 07 Burners but it doesn't seem like the LTD fairway is the one for you.

 

 

 

[Eeecc]

I think if you are hitting the distance and shots you want and is comfortable with the club, who cares if they are older clubs?

 

I am so comfortable and accurate with my Mizuno MP-001 (circa 2005) S300 shaft, not gonna change it or tempted to change it.
 

Saves me money to spend too to buy more putters or drivers to try out. Lol

[Juice1121]

Woods are notoriously hard to replace or find. Took me 2.5 years to find a replacement for my 910's. If you're playing woods from 2007 your absolutely leaving something on the table. If you hit center every time then you won't notice as much, but modern woods will be more forgiving and longer overall. 

 

The LTD is not really considered a forgiving club. It was touted as a low spin bomber. I played a 3 and a 5 and found them great off the tee and not really great everywhere else. 

 

I would take a look at the 2017 m2. it should be a noticeable upgrade to there burner. The 3hl was the only fairway that I was able to find to beat out my 910's. I have since moved to a sim 3 and 5 wood but still keep the hl ready just in case. 

Edited June 24, 2021 by Juice1121

[BTP]

19 hours ago, RolandofGilead said:

I just upgraded my fairway from a 2007 Burner to a F9 Tour with no issues. Not exactly apples-apples but my sense would be that your new shafts are a bigger issue.

Literally did the exact same this year. Came from playing burner tp 14.5 for several years (was the longest standing club in the bag) upgraded to f9 tour in 3 and 5 wood and won't go back. f9 is that good. From time-to-time the burner gets play because it was ahead of its time too hence why it was in play for me for so long.

[pup142]

20 hours ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

Hey Guys. I recently switched from my beloved 2007 Taylormade burner fairway woods in favor of the Cobra LTD 3 wood and 5 wood and I am struggling.

 

Maybe it's the shaft, maybe it's the head, maybe it's a lot of things but I've been having the hardest time launching/hitting the Cobra's well. The Cobra's both have the Aldila Rogue stock offering in stiff flex. The burners are built by me with some Miyzaki shafts, playing to about the stock specs (Playing length, static length and swingweight are close to what was stock on the burners). 

 

It's been about 10 rounds and I'm thinking of switching back to the burners. 

 

My questions is, do you think I am leaving too much on the table by not finding another modern fairway to try outside of the Cobra's? I'm concerned the tech in the burners may be a little outdated by this point. I don't need/want a huge distance gain, just looking to launch it a little easier and get it into the fairway more often; if the Burners fit that bill then I'll stick with what I got. 

 

[pup142]

I switched from the 2007 burners to the XXIO Prime 9 woods and there is no comparison.The Burners we’re a great club but nothing like the XXIO woods. They are expensive but buy them out of season. There is nothing like them.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Thank you all for the input! Lots of good information here.

 

Heading to the range today to give it the head to head comparison. I'll let you guys know what I come up with!

 

If it goes how I think it will, the Cobra's will be up on BST soon and I'll be looking for something a little more forgiving with a shaft that has a little more load to it. 

[Ri_Redneck]

I play LTD woods and they are difficult to elevate unless you are a good FW player. No one I play with can hit them and I've had several people try. I play my 3w at 14.5 and don't go any lower than that. In your case, it COULD be the shaft. I have mine shafted with the RIP Beta 80 S which is considered a mid-launch shaft. I never was fond of the Rouge shafts for drivers or FWs. You might try something else before letting them go.

 

Regardless, FWs are for max distance off the deck If you can't get that with them, something needs to change.

 

BT

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Just now, Ri_Redneck said:

I play LTD woods and they are difficult to elevate unless you are a good FW player. No one I play with can hit them and I've had several people try. I play my 3w at 14.5 and don't go any lower than that. In your case, it COULD be the shaft. I have mine shafted with the RIP Beta 80 S which is considered a mid-launch shaft. I never was fond of the Rouge shafts for drivers or FWs. You might try something else before letting them go.

 

Regardless, FWs are for max distance off the deck If you can't get that with them, something needs to change.

 

BT

Thanks for the response man. I agree that the fairways (for my use at least) are about getting the most out of my 200+ yard shot game. I swapped the Elements Chrome into the LTD driver and liked the feel on that... I go in for a driver fitting on Saturday so maybe they'll be able to give me some idea about what could be a good complement shaft wise for the fairways

[MountainKing]

If you have a good, reliable 3w, keep it. 

[Drewhill44]

It's certainly possible that the shafts in the Cobra's could be the difference and may not fit your swing.  I've had great success with Cobra FW's heads paired with my favorite shaft.  I'd definitely consider swapping the shafts to something that fits you. 

[ChipNRun]

On 6/23/2021 at 11:02 AM, ChristopherMcDonald said:

Hey Guys. I recently switched from my beloved 2007 Taylormade burner fairway woods in favor of the Cobra LTD 3 wood and 5 wood and I am struggling. ...

 

I don't need/want a huge distance gain, just looking to launch it a little easier and get it into the fairway more often; if the Burners fit that bill then I'll stick with what I got. 

 

I've talked to several mini-tour and teaching pros about fairway wood choices. Competition amateurs too.

 

What most of them want is fairway woods that work, are reliable and don't require a lot of practice. If you have found that with the Burners, count your blessings. 

 

Of course, you should test promising new products to see what they deliver. But if you don't see a big performance jump, stay with the Burners. (FYI, I have a Burner driver and an RBZ Stage.2 3W/HL in my backup bag.)

 

I just got done with a 2-year journey through this zone. For six years I played Tour Edge XRail 4W + 7W, two user-friendly clubs. I eventually wanted more yardage, so I upgraded to the more aggressive Callaway Alpha 815s. I gained about 15 yards a club, until last year when I couldn't get them to launch properly. Enter the lighter-shafted Rogues (see below) to deliver a happy ending.

[puttingmatt]

I had these burner fairways back then, 

Compared to what I play today, I would be leaving lots on table, thats what I see in comparison.

You only have to satisfy your game, and if you like them, then stay with them.

If your in the market, then take your time, and try everything that you can. Good Fairway woods are hard to replace.

Edited June 27, 2021 by puttingmatt