- Moderator
- #2,101
I'm rocking the 10.5 445 head. I'll likely make a move to 9.5 this summer, but I think this driver is incredible. Low spin, plenty forgiving off the toe - It's just a beauty.
Bridgestone J40 Driver Review Thread
I'm rocking the 10.5 445 head. I'll likely make a move to 9.5 this summer, but I think this driver is incredible. Low spin, plenty forgiving off the toe - It's just a beauty.
dcbrad
locked and reloaded
Mine is still in the bag. I absolutely love it. Just a beast of a driver.
I finally got to see the J40 in person this past weekend. I really like the look at address and the simplicity of the crown. Very sleek. Can't wait to hit it.
Has anyone hit the 430 or have any thoughts on it?
Has anyone hit the 430 or have any thoughts on it?
- Staff
- #2,105
I think TripleBogieTim played the 430 last year. Thainer may have as well
Nebgolfer
Active member
I have thoughts, but mostly just about being scared of a 430cc driver. I played a 430cc a few years ago, and it just looks so small compared to the new drivers. I'm thinking 445 all the way for added forgiveness. Not sure how much difference 15cc makes, but in my head it seems to be a big deal.
- Moderator
- #2,107
I've never played the 430, but don't really understand the added benefit as an amateur golfer.
Often times the 'pro' version of a driver reduces spin, and I've leaned towards them -- but with the 445 having lower spin already, I couldn't imagine dropping forgiveness just so I could work the ball with a driver. I want to work it dead straight or with a baby draw... Into the middle of the fairway..
Often times the 'pro' version of a driver reduces spin, and I've leaned towards them -- but with the 445 having lower spin already, I couldn't imagine dropping forgiveness just so I could work the ball with a driver. I want to work it dead straight or with a baby draw... Into the middle of the fairway..
I couldn't remember if anyone was or not.
I'm all for forgiveness.
I imagine you could easily work the 445 if you want to Dan. I didn't see any noticeable differences on the website so figured I would throw it out here.
445 seems like the way to go.
- Moderator
- #2,109
It's a fact. the 445 is all kinds of workable.
I've never hit the 430 to compare it to, it just seems like the 445 offers everything most look for in a 'pro' style head with the added benefit of forgiveness.
Barberakb
USAF / Go Cowboys!
Thanks, I almost bought one off the ebay just to fool around with. Was $100. Nice looking driver
- Moderator
- #2,111
it's amazing how quickly things can change.
After switching from a 460 to a 430 last weekend in a fitting, I'm now hard pondering the benefits of the 430 J40 for this Morgan Cup. I can't wait to start chatting with my tour rep about it.
How much of a spin difference did you see just from the head Dan? Would be interested to see if spin/cc ratio is somewhat constant when going from 460 to 430, compared to the 445 to 430.
arydolphin
GTHC!
I think you could easily play the J40 430 in 9.5 loft. TBT played it last year because it was lower spin than the 445 head. Per my discussions with Bridgestone last year, the 430 head is more workable than the 445 head. I still really enjoy the my 445 driver.
Six4three5
Tour Star...Layin' Up!
I can't wait to start having the discussions as well. That's the first thing that came to mind when looking at Bridgestone's site being the size of the drive and which one would I would benefit most from. I always love the look of a smaller head at address, but if the 445 is a lower spin as it is not sure it'll be worth it for me!
- Moderator
- #2,115
Maybe a couple hundred RPMs at the most. I think the biggest reason I went from 460 in the SLDR to 430 was a mix between my swing meshing with swing weight and the lower spin working for me. It just kind of put a wrench in the process of J40 because I was so sold on the 445 after last season. Is there room to improve? Is the 430 ideal? Just little questions that make me ponder.
Workability would never ever be the defining reasoning for me switching to the 430, but that fact doesn't surprise me at all. I do regret not taking a swat or two with Tim's driver, and he sure did hit that thing well when his swing was on.
Maybe someone who's got experience with both can chat about the spin differential and accuracy reduction of the 430.
dcbrad
locked and reloaded
You already hit your 445 9.5 so well Dan. I would be surprised if you changed it. You could definitely game it though.
Tadashi70
Well-known member
I'm not sure what your apprehension is about playing the 430. With your action it shouldn't be a problem
- Moderator
- #2,118
Thanks Freddie. Mostly because I have experienced a decent amount of success with the 430. I just wonder if it's worth giving up some forgiveness for improved top line and some spin reduction.
As much as I love the 445, I have always wondered about the 430. I would be interested in the differences and benefits as well.
kc720
Active member
I was able to find one of these in the used pile at local golfsmith. 9.5 project x 6.5. Took some swings and first couple were big huge slices and I can feel the shaft was really lagging behind me. So I focused on slowing down and putting a smooth swings and put some decent strikes on the ball. Here are some #s. Slightly high on the face accounts for the higher than normal launch for me but that high miss was very forgiving
I think I need to tee it a bit lower and a 10.5° head may be more fitting for a center strike. The shaft is still a big ? for me and I may reshaft this after some further testing
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I think I need to tee it a bit lower and a 10.5° head may be more fitting for a center strike. The shaft is still a big ? for me and I may reshaft this after some further testing
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Tadashi70
Well-known member
I was able to find one of these in the used pile at local golfsmith. 9.5 project x 6.5. Took some swings and first couple were big huge slices and I can feel the shaft was really lagging behind me. So I focused on slowing down and putting a smooth swings and put some decent strikes on the ball. Here are some #s. Slightly high on the face accounts for the higher than normal launch for me but that high miss was very forgiving
I think I need to tee it a bit lower and a 10.5° head may be more fitting for a center strike. The shaft is still a big ? for me and I may reshaft this after some further testing
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
low spin head, I suggest a higher loft and high launching shaft to get those numbers up. Back spin is low
kc720
Active member
Yes definitely low on the spin. Need to figure out what shaft bridgestone offers fits the category of higher launch than the project x and stouter at the same time...
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dcbrad
locked and reloaded
http://www.bridgestonegolf.com/product/clubs/custom-wood-options
Ponder away dude. SOOO many shaft options.
Nebgolfer
Active member
Tried out the J40 driver in 10.5* with the 6.0 shaft. Was seeing about 1900 spin but only a 7-10* launch and a dramatic loss in distance even when I felt like I crushed the ball. Going to have to think a lot harder on this one and really lean on test drive and my tour rep to figure this out.
arydolphin
GTHC!
Loft will be your friend.