New Driver....***HELP***

[RandomHero1090]

Ok, need help fast guys! I can hit anything. Really. I don't know much about clubs themselves. However, I do tend to hit the ball a little LOW with my driver. I have thought about going to a 10-10.5 degree driver. I got to hit a 10.5 Cleveland Hibore the other day. WOW. Great feel, great look, 460 cc of power.

I won an auction on Ebay for a brand new Hibore, 10.5 degree, Fujikara Stiff. I am getting it for very little, under $200.

I currently play a the r7 quad stock stiff. I have tried putting the weight in the back to increase trajectory, not much help.

My swing speed is 95-100 mph, normally. I love the feel of stiff. Regular is just too whippy for me.

So....all that said....


WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS of going from a 9.5 to a 10.5 given what I said? Could I see better distance? Could I see better carry? Could I loose distance?

Any help would be appreciated!!!

[SIRCHOPALOT]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

I have the Taylor Made r7 HT 9 degree loft. That HT stands for high trajectory. I dropped down from a Ping ist 10 degree loft. I picked up about 15 yards compared to the Ping. Unless you play on rock hard courses or extremely windy courses, more trajectory can be good.

[BrianW]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

Hi there,

Here is a clip from a previous thread of mine. I hope it helps to answer your question:

A dramatic development has occurred over the past several years - professional golfers are throwing out their low lofted drivers and opting for large-headed, higher-lofted 10 and 11 degree drivers. Their argument is that the longest drives are achieved by combining a high launch angle with lower spin. The newer, higher-lofted designs for large-headed drivers provide the higher launch angle; the new solid core golf balls provide less spin on the golf ball. This results in the longest drives. So the professionals are increasingly moving to larger headed higher lofted drivers. They get more carry with less shot error.

[RandomHero1090]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

...and thats what my thought was BrianW...

I see more and more "pros" playing drivers in the 10 degree range. Furyk, Quigely, Funk.

Now, these might not be the biggest hitters, but they are some of the most accurate. I would give up 10 yards to find the fairway more. Any day. My iron game is getting so much better.

BrianW,
Will the 10.5 let me "work" the ball better? I know how to draw it, I know how to fade it. But too many times the draw becomes a low hook and the fade becomes a slice (high and low).

[edshaw]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

So true it is, Brian.
According to published research, the
optimal launch angle for distance
is eighteen degrees. Top teachers
are more and more steering students
away from the 8-10 degree drivers
and towards the 11+ up to 13.
Concerning the heads, the CORE
effect (rebound off the face,
trampoline effect, what have you)
is definitely something buyers
must investigate and learn about.
I recently went to a 13 Nike SQ
with "senior" shaft and like it very
much.

[RandomHero1090]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

I assume the CORE effect will be much greater with this Hibore 460....?

[BrianW]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

...and thats what my thought was BrianW...

I see more and more "pros" playing drivers in the 10 degree range. Furyk, Quigely, Funk.

Now, these might not be the biggest hitters, but they are some of the most accurate. I would give up 10 yards to find the fairway more. Any day. My iron game is getting so much better.

BrianW,
Will the 10.5 let me "work" the ball better? I know how to draw it, I know how to fade it. But too many times the draw becomes a low hook and the fade becomes a slice (high and low).

Low spin will allow you to work the ball better as backspin tends to have a negating effect on sidespin and side spin creates the bending effect.

I have always worked on the rule of setting my stance in the direction I want the ball to take off in, aiming the club face in the direction I want the ball to end up in, then hitting along the line of my stance.

[RandomHero1090]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

...and I do the same. I usually set up for a draw. Most of my iron shots I play a draw, if the green and pin position allows me. I have a very soft draw with my irons.

I hope the 10.5 allows me to play softer fades and draws.

[ogallalabob]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

I assume the CORE effect will be much greater with this Hibore 460....?

The Core will not be diferent between the 2 drivers, they both are at maximum right now. You may have a slight increase in sweet spot with the Hibore. not a lot though.

Bob

[RandomHero1090]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

My biggest concern is that the Hibore is designed for "high, boring flight." Hence the name Hi-Bore.

I just dont want to be hitting balloons. I love the feel of the club. It cuts like butter. I am pretty sure I am going to increase my club head speed with this club.

I am going with the 10.5 stiff. Hope it works out like I want it too.

Thank you all!

[rharris06]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

God that club is ugly!

lol! Sorry!

Everyone has different tastes :-)!

[RandomHero1090]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

That club is sexy....what are you talking about!

Its different, just like me. It does have a great feel.

[pnearn]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

Do you have a launch monitor nearby Random? Not been myself but know those who have and say they are great for finding the right loft, flex, tip, kickpoint etc thats most beneficial for your swing

[RandomHero1090]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

Do you have a launch monitor nearby Random? Not been myself but know those who have and say they are great for finding the right loft, flex, tip, kickpoint etc thats most beneficial for your swing

Yes I do. I went there last night and played "dumb." I hit 10 balls with my old driver, 10 with the Hibore DEMO 10.5 Fujikura Stiff. The sales guy said I was a better fit for the Hibore due to the low kickpoint and extra loft. He said that by swinging more "leve" instead of trying to "lift" it, I should block shots right.

My average carry with my old driver was 267, Hibore was 274. Swing speed with the old was 97 avg, Hibore 101 avg. My dispersion with the Hibore was MUCH tighter. I also wasnt loosing balls RIGHT with the Hibore.

Very pleased. I got the club on EBay from a seller named Golfer Expo for $181.50. Brand new I will mention. Shipping was 14.99. Under $200 total, saved $100 based on current retail prices.

http://golf.about.com/od/faqs/a/golf_shafts_faq.htm

Check that link out. Pretty need stuff.

[pnearn]

Re: New Driver....***HELP***

Out of interest did you try any other club/shaft combos?