Upgrading an old favourite

For me, my Ping G20 3 wood is the classic old favourite that hasn't budged from my bag since I got it. despite the shaft flex being wrong. I use it off the tee and off the deck with ease and generally get it out there about 240 yards. It is super reliable and a crutch when my driver is misbehaving (very often!). I had not considered upgrading it, BUT...

Went and got fit up for a 5 wood last weekend and ended up with the F8 with the Aldila blue x flex shaft. At the end of the session the fitter suggested I try the 3 wood, as the 5 wood was traveling 220-235 and almost overlapping with my 3 wood yardage. The result was surprising to say the least, with a massive step up in yardage (I hit a couple 280 yards when I really stepped on them) and had no issues with dispersion. I didn't end up ordering the 3 wood.

I am torn between keeping the faith with a club that is very reliable and upgrading to a new 3 wood and hoping I develop the same level of comfort with a new club. What would you do?

TL;DR: Is it time to upgrade an old faithful when there are clear potential benefits?

Right now I have a TM R11S 3W I love too much. I have tried several others and always come back to the oldie.

If you are hitting the new one just as well, I'd buy it...but I wouldn't sell off the old faithful straight away.

If you are hitting the new one just as well, I'd buy it...but I wouldn't sell off the old faithful straight away.

Thank you. We all know this thread is a plea for permission to upgrade!

Be careful, in my experience, fairway woods are very sensitive. Once benched, they tend to hold a grudge.

If you are hitting the new one just as well, I'd buy it...but I wouldn't sell off the old faithful straight away.

 

Thank you. We all know this thread is a plea for permission to upgrade!

Oh, this is a site full of enablers.

It's why I come here :taunt:

This one always worries me, to be honest.

New driver that goes longer? Yes!

New irons that go straighter? Of course!

New wedges with a better grind? Absolutely!

A new fairway/hybrid that goes longer, but is replacing a "loved club?" Hmmmmm, maybe not.

Long clubs that are "as predictable as is reasonable" and that we can hit off the turf are rare beasts indeed. I would take a long look at the "jobs" that you ask of this club/spot in the bag, as well as the other gapping dominoes that are sure to follow, and see if these "clear, potential benefits" are actually advantageous for your game.

Whatever you decide, don't get rid of your current 3 wood. You'll regret that move as soon as it's shipped. Been there done that.

I re-shafted my favorite driver with the same shaft as the new one. Now I have one to got to when one is acting up! I would re-shaft it and see how it goes.

Well after 2 amazing range sessions with the new F8 5 wood, I pulled the trigger and ordered the matching 3 wood. As others have suggested I definitely won't be trading in or selling my old favourite just in case it doesnt quite work (probably only get $30 for it anyway).