- Moderator
- #51
lies lmao
Why Do You Play What You Play?
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2017
- Messages
- 3,802
- Reaction score
- 7,636
- Handicap
- 15
Being picked for a THP experience setup a huge chunk of my bag. I was picked for the 2023 Srixon Experience and I still have the irons, hybrid, and wedges in my bag.
Irons - Srixon ZX4 MkII 5-PW. These were the most forgiving of the MkII lineup and perform very well for me. They don't look or feel like GI irons. I went through a quick shaft fitting at a retail store and had it confirmed at another location. Fitting into the KBS C Taper Lite was eye opening. The shaft works perfectly for me.
Wedges - A mix of Cleveland wedges. 48* CBX Zipcore, 52* CBX FF2, 56* RTX6 Tour Rack, 56* CBX4. I went silly here and have four different models as well as two different 56*. The RTX6 is for tight lies and the CBX4 is for out of bunkers and softer lies. The 52* is my all around wedge and the 48* is a great full swing and bump n run club.
Hybrid - Srixon ZX MkII 4 22*. This club is my safety blanket and go to when i need to hit a shot. It's my favorite hybrid I've ever owned and I plan to have it for awhile.
I've gotten a new driver, new hybrid, and a new putter for the rest of my bag.
Driver - Callaway Paradym 10.5 w/ UST Mamiya Helium Proto F5 shaft. I was looking for more consistency from driver and better feel. The Paradym does that. I purchased the head and re-tipped some driver shafts. Went thru a few driver only sessions on the sim and found the Helium Proto works best for me. I didn't do a fitting for my driver.
Hybrid - Callaway Paradym Super Hybrid 16*. This club replaced my fairway woods and I love it. It's my less than driver off the tee. So much easier for me to hit than a fw and just as long.
Putter - Odyssey White Hot OG Dbl Wide Stroke Lab. I love the feel of the White Hot insert. I played one for years and also wanted to try a blade style putter. So this was a perfect blend.
Irons - Srixon ZX4 MkII 5-PW. These were the most forgiving of the MkII lineup and perform very well for me. They don't look or feel like GI irons. I went through a quick shaft fitting at a retail store and had it confirmed at another location. Fitting into the KBS C Taper Lite was eye opening. The shaft works perfectly for me.
Wedges - A mix of Cleveland wedges. 48* CBX Zipcore, 52* CBX FF2, 56* RTX6 Tour Rack, 56* CBX4. I went silly here and have four different models as well as two different 56*. The RTX6 is for tight lies and the CBX4 is for out of bunkers and softer lies. The 52* is my all around wedge and the 48* is a great full swing and bump n run club.
Hybrid - Srixon ZX MkII 4 22*. This club is my safety blanket and go to when i need to hit a shot. It's my favorite hybrid I've ever owned and I plan to have it for awhile.
I've gotten a new driver, new hybrid, and a new putter for the rest of my bag.
Driver - Callaway Paradym 10.5 w/ UST Mamiya Helium Proto F5 shaft. I was looking for more consistency from driver and better feel. The Paradym does that. I purchased the head and re-tipped some driver shafts. Went thru a few driver only sessions on the sim and found the Helium Proto works best for me. I didn't do a fitting for my driver.
Hybrid - Callaway Paradym Super Hybrid 16*. This club replaced my fairway woods and I love it. It's my less than driver off the tee. So much easier for me to hit than a fw and just as long.
Putter - Odyssey White Hot OG Dbl Wide Stroke Lab. I love the feel of the White Hot insert. I played one for years and also wanted to try a blade style putter. So this was a perfect blend.
BrianW
Active member
I was blown away by my iron fitting at PXG. I got my driver the year before and was impressed with the time they took and the information I got from my fitting session. I like the looks of the clubs and really like the feel. Being a former all bag Ping person I feel like PXG is similar in their appraoch and seem to value engineering above all else. Obviously since their two top guys were former Ping employees it shows in their approach to club fitting and engineering. To be fair most of the top line OEM's are doing great work. We are in a golden age of golf equipment!
Driver, because that was what I was fit into and performed the best for me at the time.
Iron, I was very fortunate to be chosen for the Victory Cup in 2022 and the Mizuno JPX923's have been the best irons I have played.
The UW's because of the love they get here I had to try them blind and they just flat out work.
The putter, I love double wide blades and got lucky I get on very well with this one.
Iron, I was very fortunate to be chosen for the Victory Cup in 2022 and the Mizuno JPX923's have been the best irons I have played.
The UW's because of the love they get here I had to try them blind and they just flat out work.
The putter, I love double wide blades and got lucky I get on very well with this one.
For 50 years my bag has been in a constant state of evolution. Only once did I go out and buy a whole bag of matching woods and irons, and it was a huge mistake. ( A over served visit to a resort pro shop that ended with me buying a set of Cleveland VAS Irons and woods, the only cast irons I have ever had, and they lasted but a few weeks.)
I never was one who cared about things matching. If I hit something and like it, I buy it. No need to match if they gap and hit the launch window I want. Like right now I rotate through G425 3,&5 woods, G430 7 &9 woods, G425 3,4,&5Hybrids, G430 6H, with Mizuno and Cleveland wedges at the bottom of the bag. All swapped in and out to match course and weather conditions. Of all of the clubs in my bag or on the rack, only the irons were ever bought more than one club at a time.
If I have a specific want or need, I find the club that fits it.
IE I want a 16.5* 4 wood to give me an option to leave the 3 and 5 at home. I love the GT2 driver. So I figured I'd try the GT2 fairway, not so much love there. Didnt care for the AI Smoke 3HL, no good reason there either, it just didn't turn my key. The search continues.......
Back in the day when metal drivers were coming out, I would have a metal driver and persimmon 3 wood, for years after metal fairways were readily available. I just preferred the persimmon. Till it cracked at the hosel one day in the 90's......... off to buy one more club at a time.
I never was one who cared about things matching. If I hit something and like it, I buy it. No need to match if they gap and hit the launch window I want. Like right now I rotate through G425 3,&5 woods, G430 7 &9 woods, G425 3,4,&5Hybrids, G430 6H, with Mizuno and Cleveland wedges at the bottom of the bag. All swapped in and out to match course and weather conditions. Of all of the clubs in my bag or on the rack, only the irons were ever bought more than one club at a time.
If I have a specific want or need, I find the club that fits it.
IE I want a 16.5* 4 wood to give me an option to leave the 3 and 5 at home. I love the GT2 driver. So I figured I'd try the GT2 fairway, not so much love there. Didnt care for the AI Smoke 3HL, no good reason there either, it just didn't turn my key. The search continues.......
Back in the day when metal drivers were coming out, I would have a metal driver and persimmon 3 wood, for years after metal fairways were readily available. I just preferred the persimmon. Till it cracked at the hosel one day in the 90's......... off to buy one more club at a time.
Last edited:
I play a driver that has forgiveness but also the shape,sound,feel that suites what I like.
I play a mini driver because I have always struggled hitting a 3 wood and only hit them a couple times a year but with the mini driver I used it almost every round I play. Due to its ability to be easy to hit and control and go the distance I need.
I play the irons I play because they have the best turf interaction I have ever had and the shape and feel of the head are also up there as the best I have ever played. I also have found them to be extremely consistent and more accurate then anything I have played before.
The wedges are my tools I use from 100 yards and in. They each have there roles and specific distances they are used and I picked the ones I have because I liked the idea of a wedge that can be flighted easier along with have the spin consistency in different lies. A plus is they came out with my favorite finish in the blue.
My putter I play because I like the look of a blade but with the added weight and also like having minimal to no toe hang. Also they are my favorite color.
I play a mini driver because I have always struggled hitting a 3 wood and only hit them a couple times a year but with the mini driver I used it almost every round I play. Due to its ability to be easy to hit and control and go the distance I need.
I play the irons I play because they have the best turf interaction I have ever had and the shape and feel of the head are also up there as the best I have ever played. I also have found them to be extremely consistent and more accurate then anything I have played before.
The wedges are my tools I use from 100 yards and in. They each have there roles and specific distances they are used and I picked the ones I have because I liked the idea of a wedge that can be flighted easier along with have the spin consistency in different lies. A plus is they came out with my favorite finish in the blue.
My putter I play because I like the look of a blade but with the added weight and also like having minimal to no toe hang. Also they are my favorite color.
I play brands that I know, trust, and have confidence in. Not just their equipment but the ways in which the company conducts itself with support, trade ins, etc
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2012
- Messages
- 55,795
- Reaction score
- 23,089
- Location
- South Georgia
- Handicap
- Cold Temps
Driver - because I have not found a suitable replacement for it yet. Granted, I have not tried too hard due to lack of access to try various options and had more pressing upgrade needs in the bag.
FWs, Hybrid, Irons, Wedges - was fit for them about 4 months ago.
Putter - because it perfroms better for me than any othet putter ever has.
FWs, Hybrid, Irons, Wedges - was fit for them about 4 months ago.
Putter - because it perfroms better for me than any othet putter ever has.
The Srixon ZX5 soft feel compared to my Zings. And now the ease of hitting the 17⁰ and 21⁰ UWs. Never thought my Srixon U85s could get Jealous until now.
JLHinNC
Active member
To my surprise I’m a Ping guy.
Had a kinda weak fitting at a box store before they got serious and the last club I tried was butter compared to the rest and was supported by numbers. So Ping G irons it was. (Prior to that it was knockoffs or cobbled OEMs)
Then picked up a Ping driver and SIL set me up with a better shaft. Then bought used Ping 3 and 7 woods, and most recently a 4H.
Was fitted for my putter at Club Champion.
This past April was fitted for my irons at NC State’s Lonnie Poole course and Ping won by the numbers.
I play a TM Tour Response (because ads said it was made for guys like me and I liked it) and Pro V1, and just ordered some Volvik XT Softs. To be honest it’s probably me but I can’t tell of a much difference in the first two. They seem to behave pretty much the same in my game.
Had a kinda weak fitting at a box store before they got serious and the last club I tried was butter compared to the rest and was supported by numbers. So Ping G irons it was. (Prior to that it was knockoffs or cobbled OEMs)
Then picked up a Ping driver and SIL set me up with a better shaft. Then bought used Ping 3 and 7 woods, and most recently a 4H.
Was fitted for my putter at Club Champion.
This past April was fitted for my irons at NC State’s Lonnie Poole course and Ping won by the numbers.
I play a TM Tour Response (because ads said it was made for guys like me and I liked it) and Pro V1, and just ordered some Volvik XT Softs. To be honest it’s probably me but I can’t tell of a much difference in the first two. They seem to behave pretty much the same in my game.
Last edited:
Why Do You Play What You Play?
Okay a lot of my current bag is getting back into golf this year I decided to play a bunch of clubs that I wouldn’t normally choose.Golf ball was the first thing. My primary ball this year is the previous version of the tp5x. I chose it because it is a much firmer ball than I usually played. Historically I went for soft and spinny tour balls. I have cheated on the tp5x with the maxfli tour X. The maxfli is a great ball for the price but I’m going to finish my stockpile of tp5x.
Putter. I’ve used 2 putters this year. The 2nd putter was acquired after I got super interested in the LAGolf/sik descending loft technology face. Currently in the bag is a cobra grandsport 35 that I was the cheapest way to try it out.
Wedges. When it comes to wedges I have been searching for wedges that I actually liked playing and felt confident in. I had tried few things and just wasn’t happy with any of them. I eventually started looking at the TaylorMade hi-toe wedges. Version 4 came out and put a 56 & 60 in the bag. I had looked at full face wedges in the past and thought they were fugly. Desperation pushed me into this and I’m happy with how the wedges perform.
Irons. 2013 was the last time I had bought irons. Back then the player distance category didn’t exist and graphite iron shafts for higher swing speed players were kinda awful. So naturally I wanted to try both of those out. I bought a used set of cobra forged tec irons and some mmt 125tx shafts to put in them. Overall it’s been a positive experience. Graphite iron shafts are so much more forgiving on the hands and arms. The actual irons overall I like. But I think I can play better with a more traditional iron in the shorter irons. I also decided against having long irons in the bag. The longest iron in the bag is a 26° 6 iron. Whatever the irons end up being I am not having an iron with less than 25° in the bag on a regular basis. I can hit long irons I just choose not to.
Hybrids. I have 2 in the bag. Playing 1 round a year I realized how much I liked hybrids. I had a 16° as a 3 wood replacement for a long time but it never got me excited. I had a couple of good rounds with a different hybrid and decided to not have long irons in the bag. I have a 20° and 23° first generation Callaway super hybrid. One of the biggest things I wanted was hybrids that played neutral. Originally I was looking at the cobra king tec but Callaway pre owned during a sale I was able to get both lofts of super hybrid for $112/each. I have both of them lofted up a degree to get a better launch and spin conditions. If you remember that generation of super hybrid one of the issues a lot of people had was they didn’t spin enough.
3-ish wood. I wanted to get a 3 wood back in the bag this year and bought a Callaway Paradym on sale. We had some issues at first. Off the tee I hit it well. Off the deck I would hit 1 out of 5 good. If I’m going to use it as a 2nd tee club I should have a mini driver instead so I bought a mini driver. With the mini driver in the bag the 3 wood at 15° doesn’t make sense. I have a 19° apex uw on the bench until I get motivated to pull the hzrdus black out of it. To have a better gap between the mini and 3w the loft got maxed out at +2. With a bit more loft I’m hitting it off the deck a lot better.
Mini driver. I bought the TaylorMade brnr a couple of weeks before Callaway released their mini. Having played the original burner bubble I’m not going to pretend that nostalgia didn’t play a part in the decision. At 11.5° standard I have it lofted up 1.5° to get to 13°. Off the tee I really do like the larger deeper face of the mini compared to the shallow 3 wood head.
Driver. I currently have the ai smoke triple diamond and the ai smoke max. This spring I was fit at a Callaway fitting day. I did a long write up about my fitting in the ai smoke thread. The punchline is I was in between the two heads. Either way was a good fit. During the fitting when I went hard at the ball I liked the TD better so that’s what I ordered. Fast forward to the Golftec experience and the announcement that we’re all getting new Callaway drivers. So I already have the TD I picked the max. Now that I have both my observations so far are my best drives are better with the TD. My average drives are better with the max. I did put aftermarket weights into the max to move 8g of weight forward for better ball speed. One asterisk since getting the max I’ve almost exclusively played a maxfli tour X because that was what my bag was loaded up with from Graybull. The tp5x is a hotter ball. I played a few holes with the max & tp5x and hit a couple of bombs.
GolfinMiniTrucker
Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2024
- Messages
- 83
- Reaction score
- 38
Driver - AI Smoke Max, had an XR 16 and Rogue Max LS prior. Had good luck with Callaway and have 5 or so shafts with the Callaway tip on them. Read good reviews about the AI Smoke on here and on YouTube. Got the head only off ebay.
Hybrid - Ping G430 , had read reviews on here seemed like a great club, had not played for about 3 years and took game back up summer of 2023. Recently switched the shaft to 85 Gram UST Mayima pro launch and loving it. Sub 70 4 Utility Iron, wanted to try a hollow body iron instead of a 4 hybrid, great club so far, feels nice and forgiving.
Irons - Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal. Had been fitted for JPX 900 Hot Metal in 2017 and gamed them for 4 years then stopped playing for a bit. Tried Sub 70 CB 639s loved the look but long irons were too punishing on the mishits. Sold those and got the 923s marked down right before 925 release. KBS Tour Lite shafts, enjoying the lighter weight shafts, thinking may do graphite in the irons in the future.
Wedges - Callaway Jaws Raw. Was previously a Vokey homer then used Cleveland CBX for a while. Getting back into golf watched a lot of YouTube and noticed George Bryan IV was using Jaws wedges, buddy also had them and I liked the look with the 3 blue dots. Have 50, 54, 58 and super happy with Callaway Wedges.
Putter - Odyssey White Hot Versa 7. Used a Scotty Newport 2 for years and was ready to move on from the blade style putters. Liked the look of the black-white-black. Contemplating a LAB DF3 have rolled one a few times in the local golf shops.
Hybrid - Ping G430 , had read reviews on here seemed like a great club, had not played for about 3 years and took game back up summer of 2023. Recently switched the shaft to 85 Gram UST Mayima pro launch and loving it. Sub 70 4 Utility Iron, wanted to try a hollow body iron instead of a 4 hybrid, great club so far, feels nice and forgiving.
Irons - Mizuno JPX 923 Hot Metal. Had been fitted for JPX 900 Hot Metal in 2017 and gamed them for 4 years then stopped playing for a bit. Tried Sub 70 CB 639s loved the look but long irons were too punishing on the mishits. Sold those and got the 923s marked down right before 925 release. KBS Tour Lite shafts, enjoying the lighter weight shafts, thinking may do graphite in the irons in the future.
Wedges - Callaway Jaws Raw. Was previously a Vokey homer then used Cleveland CBX for a while. Getting back into golf watched a lot of YouTube and noticed George Bryan IV was using Jaws wedges, buddy also had them and I liked the look with the 3 blue dots. Have 50, 54, 58 and super happy with Callaway Wedges.
Putter - Odyssey White Hot Versa 7. Used a Scotty Newport 2 for years and was ready to move on from the blade style putters. Liked the look of the black-white-black. Contemplating a LAB DF3 have rolled one a few times in the local golf shops.
Before the MC, it was almost exclusively brands that I have had experiences with from THP. I like to support those that support us.
Driver was Callaway - Have had a few events sponsored by Callaway and their woods work really well for me.
3 wood and Hybrid were Mizuno - Got into the 2020 Mizuno event where I got the driver and 3w, and the 3w was really good so it stayed.
Irons were Srixon - which I had been playing for about 8 seasons after playing in the Cleveland short game shoot out back in 2016.
Wedges were Cleveland - same short game shoot out event, but had purchased the newer RTX 4 version after those game out (we got the RTX3 in the event).
Putters - Putting wise I had been almost exclusively Odyssey/Toulon for a while, but after the 2019 Odyssey experience I was all in. That group of Odyssey staff and THPers was incredible and it had been my favorite experience I had been in.
After the MC, it's still the same, but from Cobra that gave us the full tour treatment. They have won me over as a full homer after how well these clubs have performed. Putter is an extremely hard spot for me to stay with just one typically, especially because I own a small horde lol, but I can't deny the performance.
Driver - Currently rocking the DS LS. I got the X with my MC bag, but the LS and the X were very similar in my fitting I did. I went X for the MC for the bit more forgiveness, but the LS has been incredible for me afterwards with the way I have it setup.
3w/5w - The X is their standard, so I went with those, and they have legitimately been the best FW's I have every played and IMO are the best currently on the market.
Hybrid - DS hybrid has been incredible. I wanted to go either Hybrid or some sort of 4i that had more forgiveness, but the DS 4i didn't really have the "it" factor for me to go with it over the Hybrid after my fitting. The hybrid just worked too well to deny it.
Irons - King Tours. these damn irons...they are everything I'd want in an iron and then some. Just so clean, great feel, phenomenal performance. Went 5-gw to give a set Gap wedge another turn.
Wedges - 54/58 raw snakebites. I enjoy a nice raw wedge, and these are my second set of raw wedges I've had. The RTX3's I got from the cleveland event were also Raw. They have performed up there with Cleveland and Vokey that I had previously played, which I can't think of any other brand that has really done that for me.
Putter - Agera RS. I have been told a few times in fittings that I need some toe hang, but I had played really well with a face balanced mallet leading up to the event, so went face balanced. I also hadn't been playing well with Slant necks lately, so didn't want to risk that. If they still had the plumbers neck version like they did last year I probably would have went that route. The roll it putts on the ball is crazy good though and I have been putting pretty well with it.
Driver was Callaway - Have had a few events sponsored by Callaway and their woods work really well for me.
3 wood and Hybrid were Mizuno - Got into the 2020 Mizuno event where I got the driver and 3w, and the 3w was really good so it stayed.
Irons were Srixon - which I had been playing for about 8 seasons after playing in the Cleveland short game shoot out back in 2016.
Wedges were Cleveland - same short game shoot out event, but had purchased the newer RTX 4 version after those game out (we got the RTX3 in the event).
Putters - Putting wise I had been almost exclusively Odyssey/Toulon for a while, but after the 2019 Odyssey experience I was all in. That group of Odyssey staff and THPers was incredible and it had been my favorite experience I had been in.
After the MC, it's still the same, but from Cobra that gave us the full tour treatment. They have won me over as a full homer after how well these clubs have performed. Putter is an extremely hard spot for me to stay with just one typically, especially because I own a small horde lol, but I can't deny the performance.
Driver - Currently rocking the DS LS. I got the X with my MC bag, but the LS and the X were very similar in my fitting I did. I went X for the MC for the bit more forgiveness, but the LS has been incredible for me afterwards with the way I have it setup.
3w/5w - The X is their standard, so I went with those, and they have legitimately been the best FW's I have every played and IMO are the best currently on the market.
Hybrid - DS hybrid has been incredible. I wanted to go either Hybrid or some sort of 4i that had more forgiveness, but the DS 4i didn't really have the "it" factor for me to go with it over the Hybrid after my fitting. The hybrid just worked too well to deny it.
Irons - King Tours. these damn irons...they are everything I'd want in an iron and then some. Just so clean, great feel, phenomenal performance. Went 5-gw to give a set Gap wedge another turn.
Wedges - 54/58 raw snakebites. I enjoy a nice raw wedge, and these are my second set of raw wedges I've had. The RTX3's I got from the cleveland event were also Raw. They have performed up there with Cleveland and Vokey that I had previously played, which I can't think of any other brand that has really done that for me.
Putter - Agera RS. I have been told a few times in fittings that I need some toe hang, but I had played really well with a face balanced mallet leading up to the event, so went face balanced. I also hadn't been playing well with Slant necks lately, so didn't want to risk that. If they still had the plumbers neck version like they did last year I probably would have went that route. The roll it putts on the ball is crazy good though and I have been putting pretty well with it.
Last edited:
I also tend to stick with PX shafts in my woods due to the Handcrafted experience I was lucky enough to be a part of back in 2017, but will be testing out some UST here coming up to see how that goes.
Irons I stick with Nippon due to extensive fittings I've done and how much better they performed for me than everything else.
Irons I stick with Nippon due to extensive fittings I've done and how much better they performed for me than everything else.
All of what I play has a direct tie to THP. Playing the GT driver and fairways thanks to the generosity of Titleist. Being selected for this years Titleist event was a dream come true. Had been fit to the TSR driver the year previous. Moving to the GT line was an easy transition.
Currently playing 2020 Cobra Forge Tec irons. Have been a Cobra fan for a long long time. They have been a stable part of my bag even when I’ve tried to update them. I’m a little sad yo admit that they will soon be replaced. Thanks to THP and believing in being fit things are changing. Callaway TiFs are shipping soon and will go straight in the bag. After following the recent release thread and reviews I had to attend a Callaway fitting. Not expecting to make a purchase but going in open minded. The Ai200s and the TiFs were so good. Couldn’t pass up on the Fusions.
Wedges I e always been a Vokey player don’t see thank changing.
Putter is Edel 4.0 that I was hit into and purchased prior to the Edel event in 2022.
I would like to thank THP and all the great companies that support this site. I’ll give those companies my support and money.
Currently playing 2020 Cobra Forge Tec irons. Have been a Cobra fan for a long long time. They have been a stable part of my bag even when I’ve tried to update them. I’m a little sad yo admit that they will soon be replaced. Thanks to THP and believing in being fit things are changing. Callaway TiFs are shipping soon and will go straight in the bag. After following the recent release thread and reviews I had to attend a Callaway fitting. Not expecting to make a purchase but going in open minded. The Ai200s and the TiFs were so good. Couldn’t pass up on the Fusions.
Wedges I e always been a Vokey player don’t see thank changing.
Putter is Edel 4.0 that I was hit into and purchased prior to the Edel event in 2022.
I would like to thank THP and all the great companies that support this site. I’ll give those companies my support and money.
Why Do I Play What I Play? - I play Cobra clubs with (almost exclusively) UST Mamiya shafts because they allow me to play my best golf while supporting those that support this community in a huge way. My current bag is 100% Cobra clubs because I was fortunate enough to play in the 2024 Morgan Cup, but I CHOSE to use my golden ticket on the Morgan Cup because I love who Cobra is, how they push the envelope, and that they stay true to who they are.. After having a chance to meet those behind the scenes and having been a tour player for a time, I love them even more. What began as a love for their clubs that I've had the pleasure of playing (King II OS, Gravity Back, Bio Cell, F9...) has become a love for the company and for the people behind the company that truly listen to the consumer and make equipment for a "nobody" like me.
Last edited:
I play what I play for a number of reasons. This response will change in a few months, as Grandaddy will replace my current setup wholesale.
Responding as of today, with my bag listed in the signature....
Driver - I play the Rogue ST due to THP. I won a head only in the 12 days of Christmas two years ago. It was a right handed head and I'm lefty, so couldn't accept it. THe next spring once the clubs were replaced with the Paradym's I picked up the same Rogue ST head off ebay and have been playing it since. I was fit into the shaft at a driver fitting.
Woods - I play the Paradym X 3 wood and picked it up off CPO. Blind purchase, but I love it. Easy swings are straight, which is huge for me. Maybe not forever distance, but I'll take 200 yards in the middle. Serious ponder for geting a 7Wood at the grandaddy in whatever is close to the Paradym X heads.
Hybrids - I can't hit them. One swing straight and long, then next is sliced OOB. I traded off Cobra hybrids (to fund the Paradym X 3 wood), and this year built up the Maltby's as a cheap experiment to try to figure hybrids out. Still definitely work in progress.
Irons - I was fit into Srixon ZX5's three years ago. I played them for two years, and then replaced them with MKII ZX4s this year. For more forgiveness. I'm a toe striker and the bad ones with ZX5 are better with a longer clubhead of the ZX4s. So no influence here other than a fitting result.
Wedges - Personal choice to get rid of Vokeys 5 years ago and try the Cleveland CBX. I've gotten along great with them, so have stuck with them. My game has no fancy flop shots to it. I aim for middle of the green and try not to blade a wedge. The CBX has enough mass to get it there on mis-hits.
Putter - Played either Scotty Newport or a Ping Redwood Anser for 20 years. This spring I decided to go the mallet route and wanted the Ai-One 7s. I spent hours testing it alongside some others, and the Taylormade Spider Tour simply won out for me. I am struggling with confidence in distance control with the polymer insert, and I've always had a milled face putter. For the Grandaddy I will give the milled inserts putters the best shot. They have been out of my price range so far.
High level - I can't afford new clubs every year. I can't afford current model clubs for the most part either. So I stick with eBay and CPO for all purchases. As a lefty I don't have a lot of choices on a store rack anyway, so typically buy online for everything. And reshaft everything myself when needed.
The Grandaddy experience will change the bag for 2025, and I will likely play the new setup for 3-4 years. I may play with shafts, but as long as the heads are workable they will likely stay in the bag. I am super loyal, and if some company is doing that for me, I feel super honored and gotta respect that.
Responding as of today, with my bag listed in the signature....
Driver - I play the Rogue ST due to THP. I won a head only in the 12 days of Christmas two years ago. It was a right handed head and I'm lefty, so couldn't accept it. THe next spring once the clubs were replaced with the Paradym's I picked up the same Rogue ST head off ebay and have been playing it since. I was fit into the shaft at a driver fitting.
Woods - I play the Paradym X 3 wood and picked it up off CPO. Blind purchase, but I love it. Easy swings are straight, which is huge for me. Maybe not forever distance, but I'll take 200 yards in the middle. Serious ponder for geting a 7Wood at the grandaddy in whatever is close to the Paradym X heads.
Hybrids - I can't hit them. One swing straight and long, then next is sliced OOB. I traded off Cobra hybrids (to fund the Paradym X 3 wood), and this year built up the Maltby's as a cheap experiment to try to figure hybrids out. Still definitely work in progress.
Irons - I was fit into Srixon ZX5's three years ago. I played them for two years, and then replaced them with MKII ZX4s this year. For more forgiveness. I'm a toe striker and the bad ones with ZX5 are better with a longer clubhead of the ZX4s. So no influence here other than a fitting result.
Wedges - Personal choice to get rid of Vokeys 5 years ago and try the Cleveland CBX. I've gotten along great with them, so have stuck with them. My game has no fancy flop shots to it. I aim for middle of the green and try not to blade a wedge. The CBX has enough mass to get it there on mis-hits.
Putter - Played either Scotty Newport or a Ping Redwood Anser for 20 years. This spring I decided to go the mallet route and wanted the Ai-One 7s. I spent hours testing it alongside some others, and the Taylormade Spider Tour simply won out for me. I am struggling with confidence in distance control with the polymer insert, and I've always had a milled face putter. For the Grandaddy I will give the milled inserts putters the best shot. They have been out of my price range so far.
High level - I can't afford new clubs every year. I can't afford current model clubs for the most part either. So I stick with eBay and CPO for all purchases. As a lefty I don't have a lot of choices on a store rack anyway, so typically buy online for everything. And reshaft everything myself when needed.
The Grandaddy experience will change the bag for 2025, and I will likely play the new setup for 3-4 years. I may play with shafts, but as long as the heads are workable they will likely stay in the bag. I am super loyal, and if some company is doing that for me, I feel super honored and gotta respect that.
Driver: TM Stealth 2-Helium shafts. Good numbers and feel.
Fairway woods: Tour Edge CB pro with Speeder shaft. Must be 10 years old. Should probably upgrade but I find them very dependable.
Irons: Cobra King Forged Tec with Recoil Dart shafts. Produced great numbers during a club fitting.
Wedges: Cleveland RTX 4. Best soles in the business. Should probably upgrade to a newer version.
Putter: LAB 2.1 Got fit for it and it rolls beautifully.
Fairway woods: Tour Edge CB pro with Speeder shaft. Must be 10 years old. Should probably upgrade but I find them very dependable.
Irons: Cobra King Forged Tec with Recoil Dart shafts. Produced great numbers during a club fitting.
Wedges: Cleveland RTX 4. Best soles in the business. Should probably upgrade to a newer version.
Putter: LAB 2.1 Got fit for it and it rolls beautifully.
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2012
- Messages
- 25,230
- Reaction score
- 22,435
- Location
- Parker, Colorado, United States
- Handicap
- Mental
I will try just about anything, but it comes down to numbers and what I "feel" is best for my game and preferences.
However, this summer I went against every standard spec I look for.
It's been a roller coaster of fun and frustrations. Didn't give up on them and gradually started being them back in line spec wise. Improvement with each change and goes back to fitting's. A good fitting will give you windows into what to look for imo. Increasing the window size isn't a bad thing I don't think either. Has to be a good match with numbers, feel, and yes....looks.
Glad I did it even knowing it's not what I would end up keeping. Just wanted to know and experience a different category.
However, this summer I went against every standard spec I look for.
It's been a roller coaster of fun and frustrations. Didn't give up on them and gradually started being them back in line spec wise. Improvement with each change and goes back to fitting's. A good fitting will give you windows into what to look for imo. Increasing the window size isn't a bad thing I don't think either. Has to be a good match with numbers, feel, and yes....looks.Glad I did it even knowing it's not what I would end up keeping. Just wanted to know and experience a different category.
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2015
- Messages
- 15,595
- Reaction score
- 16,552
At the top of the bag, I tend to be more impulsive and have not gone through the same fitting effort I have used with irons. Right now I have a Qi10 driver, stealth+ 3w, and a couple of ping hybrids. This setup works but I am sure there are better optimization options if I put in the effort.
I enjoy ball striking, and irons are near and dear to my heart. Over a few years I went through several fittings, including Club champion and local fitters as well as visiting reps (Srixon, Mizuno, PXG, Callaway, Ping). Every time I get fit into basically the same kind of irons. Feel is important to me, and the spin and distance consistency of cb irons gives me the best results. I've played ZX7s now for 4 years, I believe. Those irons have withstood some strong competition.
With wedges I focus mostly on visual elements and grinds. Right now I have a mixed set with an Opus GW (I like it more than I expected) and Vokey SW and LW. There is room for a better fit with wedges. The big challenge for me with wedges is that getting fit indoors on a sim doesn't make sense to me. I need to work with wedges in real grass.
Putting has been a weakness, and I have had periods where I went through lots of putters. I have settled in with a jailbird 380. The alignment is excellent for my eyes, and the heavy head and counterbalanced feel help me keep a more consistent tempo and stroke through the ball. I also like the longer shaft. I can use a more upright stance, which helps aging me put in more practice time. I have work ahead of me, but putting has become less of a weakness.
I enjoy ball striking, and irons are near and dear to my heart. Over a few years I went through several fittings, including Club champion and local fitters as well as visiting reps (Srixon, Mizuno, PXG, Callaway, Ping). Every time I get fit into basically the same kind of irons. Feel is important to me, and the spin and distance consistency of cb irons gives me the best results. I've played ZX7s now for 4 years, I believe. Those irons have withstood some strong competition.
With wedges I focus mostly on visual elements and grinds. Right now I have a mixed set with an Opus GW (I like it more than I expected) and Vokey SW and LW. There is room for a better fit with wedges. The big challenge for me with wedges is that getting fit indoors on a sim doesn't make sense to me. I need to work with wedges in real grass.
Putting has been a weakness, and I have had periods where I went through lots of putters. I have settled in with a jailbird 380. The alignment is excellent for my eyes, and the heavy head and counterbalanced feel help me keep a more consistent tempo and stroke through the ball. I also like the longer shaft. I can use a more upright stance, which helps aging me put in more practice time. I have work ahead of me, but putting has become less of a weakness.
THe easy answer...I'm blessed.... currently by The Grandaddy. before that the Morgan Cup.
That said, those two amazing opportunities gave me the opportunity to dive into Callaway and Cobra to find out what clubs work the best for me. Knowledge from fitters prior to and during those experiences, allowed me to hone in on clubs that work. Through my lessons at Golftec, I've improved things and have even better understanding of what i should be playing.
I have modest swing speed and tend to have good shaft lean at impact. However I struggle with timing my swing and of course face control. So Game Improvement irons help with me a lot. I'm starting to learn they do have limits. as I tend to be a lower spin player (improving at times thought) I recently purchased a 5 Hybrid. I used to think I was not a good hybrid player. But thanks to my improved swing...and understanding of how to hit a hybrid....I'm loving my new addition and do not miss the 4i.
With Driver....my friends hate my low spin. having the sense to game a 12 degree driver at the MC started my path to becoming a better driver of the golf ball. Lessons and Ai technology have taken that to another level.
Wedges...I feel im good with my hands and short game is a relative strength for an 15-16 index player. I have lower ball flight here, so that can be a benefit or curse. Im not sure the Opus Platinum with it's lower launch would be a fit for me.
Putter: I'm a true straight back straight through player. Right handed Left eye dominant. Moving into a CS putter has revolutionized my putting.
That said, those two amazing opportunities gave me the opportunity to dive into Callaway and Cobra to find out what clubs work the best for me. Knowledge from fitters prior to and during those experiences, allowed me to hone in on clubs that work. Through my lessons at Golftec, I've improved things and have even better understanding of what i should be playing.
I have modest swing speed and tend to have good shaft lean at impact. However I struggle with timing my swing and of course face control. So Game Improvement irons help with me a lot. I'm starting to learn they do have limits. as I tend to be a lower spin player (improving at times thought) I recently purchased a 5 Hybrid. I used to think I was not a good hybrid player. But thanks to my improved swing...and understanding of how to hit a hybrid....I'm loving my new addition and do not miss the 4i.
With Driver....my friends hate my low spin. having the sense to game a 12 degree driver at the MC started my path to becoming a better driver of the golf ball. Lessons and Ai technology have taken that to another level.
Wedges...I feel im good with my hands and short game is a relative strength for an 15-16 index player. I have lower ball flight here, so that can be a benefit or curse. Im not sure the Opus Platinum with it's lower launch would be a fit for me.
Putter: I'm a true straight back straight through player. Right handed Left eye dominant. Moving into a CS putter has revolutionized my putting.
AI Smoke Max w/Ventus Blue TR5s Velocore. I got fit into the Paradym X last year and when the June trade in special was going on I traded a bunch of stuff in the house for the Smoke Max and I hit it a bit better on average. Without the trade in special I wouldn’t have moved on from the Paradym X but it is definitely a small improvement.
Smoke Max 3HL w/Oban Isawa Red 7s. Similar story to the driver. Got fit into the Paradym X last year with this shaft. Leveraged the June trade in for pretty much a free 3w and put the Oban in it. I really love this club.
Ping G425 5w UST PF V27F4. I got fit into a G425 9w that I really like and didn’t love any of the 5w I owned. I bought this on eBay and was going to put an Oban Isawa in it. I have been hitting it really good ever since I got it so I haven’t put the Oban in it.
Ping G425 9w Mitsubishi C6 Blue 7s. Club is delofted a bit to be more like an 8W. I was fitted into it looking to fill the gap between 5w and 5i and I love this club. I keep trying to replace it with a hybrid because I like to chip with the hybrid sometimes and I can never beat it.
Srixon ZX5 6-9i w/ Recoil 95s. Irons from the Srixon Experience last year. I did reshaft with the heavier Recoil 95s vs the Dart 75s.
Srixon ZX7 PW/AW w/Recoil 95s. Irons from Srixon experience. I had all the irons adjusted to my preferred loft.
Cleveland RTX6 54 - from Srixon Experience.
RTX 58 or Edison 59*. The Edison is from the trial program two years ago. The RTX 58 had been in the bag for a long time but my bunker technique has changed a bit and the 58 was bouncing a bit too much.
LAB DF3. I had been thinking about a LAB putter and I went to Club Champion and got fit. I love the putter.
I am pretty happy with the bag right now. I am thinking about putting the Edison 49* I have in the bag and trying to find a matching 54* (would be either a 53 or 55 bent).
While I say I like my setup I am a sucker for new equipment so I can’t promise I won’t be in something new next year.
Smoke Max 3HL w/Oban Isawa Red 7s. Similar story to the driver. Got fit into the Paradym X last year with this shaft. Leveraged the June trade in for pretty much a free 3w and put the Oban in it. I really love this club.
Ping G425 5w UST PF V27F4. I got fit into a G425 9w that I really like and didn’t love any of the 5w I owned. I bought this on eBay and was going to put an Oban Isawa in it. I have been hitting it really good ever since I got it so I haven’t put the Oban in it.
Ping G425 9w Mitsubishi C6 Blue 7s. Club is delofted a bit to be more like an 8W. I was fitted into it looking to fill the gap between 5w and 5i and I love this club. I keep trying to replace it with a hybrid because I like to chip with the hybrid sometimes and I can never beat it.
Srixon ZX5 6-9i w/ Recoil 95s. Irons from the Srixon Experience last year. I did reshaft with the heavier Recoil 95s vs the Dart 75s.
Srixon ZX7 PW/AW w/Recoil 95s. Irons from Srixon experience. I had all the irons adjusted to my preferred loft.
Cleveland RTX6 54 - from Srixon Experience.
RTX 58 or Edison 59*. The Edison is from the trial program two years ago. The RTX 58 had been in the bag for a long time but my bunker technique has changed a bit and the 58 was bouncing a bit too much.
LAB DF3. I had been thinking about a LAB putter and I went to Club Champion and got fit. I love the putter.
I am pretty happy with the bag right now. I am thinking about putting the Edison 49* I have in the bag and trying to find a matching 54* (would be either a 53 or 55 bent).
While I say I like my setup I am a sucker for new equipment so I can’t promise I won’t be in something new next year.
WLG1952
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2019
- Messages
- 12,220
- Reaction score
- 8,021
- Location
- Boulder City, NV....... for a while
- Handicap
- N/A
Im a "try it" for yourself guy. Doing this has shown me that there is no one best club from the major oems. They all make great equipment
I play Tour Edge irons for the affordability, playability, and their service after the sale.
Yes, I play older clubs, but with my senior, slower swing speed, newer clubs are not worth the higher prices, as I don't get that much better playability with the newer stuff. Not enough "bang for my bucks" so to speak.
It's the same with my driver, and fairway metals. They are component builds. Again, with my slower swing speed, the new stuff just doesn't deliver enough extra playability.
Another thing is nostalgia. My two sets of clubs have been with me quite a while. There's some great memories using those clubs. Also, some laughable, not so great memories. There's a lot of trust, and confidence there.
I play Tour Edge irons for the affordability, playability, and their service after the sale.
Yes, I play older clubs, but with my senior, slower swing speed, newer clubs are not worth the higher prices, as I don't get that much better playability with the newer stuff. Not enough "bang for my bucks" so to speak.
It's the same with my driver, and fairway metals. They are component builds. Again, with my slower swing speed, the new stuff just doesn't deliver enough extra playability.
Another thing is nostalgia. My two sets of clubs have been with me quite a while. There's some great memories using those clubs. Also, some laughable, not so great memories. There's a lot of trust, and confidence there.
*Range Rat
former PPA Tour Pro
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2018
- Messages
- 6,289
- Reaction score
- 4,590
- Location
- 4 miles past the roundabout
- Handicap
- 8.6-10.3
I like it, it's quality, it fits my budget.