983k mini-driver experiment

[DaveGoodrich]

I have been hitting a Cobra Long Tom 2-wood as a mini-driver lately, and really hitting it well. It has a (stated) loft of 12.5 degrees. I set it up to play at 44" with a Proforce V2 regular shaft at D2 swingweight (driver swing speed is about 95 mph). I tipped the shaft about 1/2 inch, so it is essentially set up as a true 2-wood. Nice mid-high flight that generally wants to go straight. I hit it just about as long as my driver. This makes me wonder if I really just need a 44" higher lofted driver, as many have said in various previous mini-driver threads.

 

So I started looking around for a higher loft driver head to experiment with. I found a 11.5 degree 983k with a Prolaunch Blue regular shaft. I plan to build it to play at 44". At 365 cc, this would be a "midi-driver," I suppose. I have the following shafts that I could put in it:

 

Prolaunch Blue (reg)

Harrison Saga (reg)

Project X 5.0 (soft-reg?)

Titleist Speeder (stiff)

 

I would probably tip any of the regular shafts because I fear a too-high ball flight. Yes, I am aware of the bore-through head, so I probably wouldn't actually be tipping the shaft, just inserting it to a depth equivalent to tipping a standard bore shaft.

 

Any suggestions on which would produce a similar flight to the Proforce V2? I could pull the V2 from the Long Tom, but I would rather not since it works so well as it is. I suppose a new V2 is only about $60, so I could just go that way.

[DaveGoodrich]

The k showed up in the FedEx today. Really nice looking club, perfect pear shape and great size (looks big compared to the Long Tom).

It was D5 at 44.5" (wtf?). I just butt trimmed it to 44" and it came in at D2, which is right where i want it. I hit a few into my backyard net and it felt great. I will have to see how it launches to see if I need to tip it.

I will put it in play tomorrow on a pretty demanding course (Morongo - Legends in Beaumont, CA), so it should be a good test.

[BCULAW]

I'm afraid I can't help you with the shaft selection, but I have had a 98 3k in the bag for a few weeks now while looking for a replacement for my prior gamer. You certainly lose some forgiveness from the larger heads, but I swear this thing is as long or longer than anything else I have played.I've hit some absolute bombs with it. Good luck with the experiment. I think you might be surprised at how good this thing is.

[DeCuchi]

I think you will be pleased with the results. Next imagine a 910 D2, R11, Jetspeed HL or something similar at 43.5-44". With the adjustable weights and ability to swap shafts, you really give yourself some options. At a bargain price as well.

[Rhythm&TempoRenzo]

I have a 983k in my arsenal. Mine is setup at 44" with the Project X 7C3 and it's an absolute bomber that occasionally finds its way back into my bag in place of my 913D3, FT Tour, Covert and Exotics drivers. I would call True Temper to find out exactly how far you should tip the Project X to achieve the correct degree of stiffness for the flight characteristics you want. Good luck...

[DaveGoodrich]

I played the 44" 11.5 degree 983k today. It performed well. Very easy to control, long when hit solid, and long enough when not. I kept it in the fairway all day, which is what counts.

It actually plays pretty similar to the Long Tom 2-wood, which makes sense since its the same length and swingweight and very similar loft. Both have a slight draw bias, and a nice mid-high trajectory. So maybe it's the loft and length that are making it work for me, not the head size. I think I will build my 10.5 deg Fast 12ls at 44" and crank the loft to 11.5 deg.

I must say that the 983k kind of seems like the perfect size for a driver. Really nice to look down at.

[DaveGoodrich]

The 44", 11.5 degree 983k is in the bag for an extended trial. I shot my second-ever even-par round with it on Saturday. Lots of fairways (and greens, as a result). Played a nice baby fade on most holes, but was able to turn it left when i needed to. Awesome club.

Now if I could make a few more birdie putts...

[DeCuchi]

Glad to hear it's working for you. I typically play my drivers at 44". Huge difference in accuracy for me. Still just as long as 45" drivers too.

[DaveGoodrich]

This thing is still working for me. I've never had this much control off the tee. It might be a bit shorter than my Fast12 ls on wide open holes, but in actual play, I seem to end up with shorter approaches with the 983k because I can shape my drive to fit the hole.

I tried building a 44" Fast 12ls set at 11.5 degrees, but still get better results with the 983k at the same loft and length. I really think the 360 cc size is perfect at 44."

[Altiman94]

Stick with it...close your wrx account and love the lower scores. Otherwise you'll be looking for the next best thing

[HawkeyeDan]

I am doing something similar with a 975d. Have been hitting it great!

[gdb99]

I loved the feel of the 983k. Hmmm, off to ebay!!

[iamtylerdurden]

I loved mine. My current nike vr ltd has a very similar head look and feel.

[p3ga]

[quote name='DaveGoodrich' timestamp='1435632838' post='11859762']
The 44", 11.5 degree 983k is in the bag for an extended trial. I shot my second-ever even-par round with it on Saturday. Lots of fairways (and greens, as a result). Played a nice baby fade on most holes, but was able to turn it left when i needed to. Awesome club.

Now if I could make a few more birdie putts...
[/quote]

Dave, don't mess with the current 983k. It works.

Hit the Bay & buy another one; use that one to mess around with different shafts.

I have firsthand experience mucking up perfectly good clubs: Even after reinstalling the original shaft - which worked so well - it was never the same.

[MadGolfer76]

Wasn't the K the higher spinning model to the 983E?

[Cwebb]

Nice idea. The K has a slight draw bias, making it easier to shape a draw with on command....as compared to many large driver heads. If anyone is looking for a modern classic that is easy to turn over, the 983 K is an option

[DaveGoodrich]

[quote name='p3ga' timestamp='1438049988' post='12031716']

Dave, don't mess with the current 983k. It works.

Hit the Bay & buy another one; use that one to mess around with different shafts.

I have firsthand experience mucking up perfectly good clubs: Even after reinstalling the original shaft - which worked so well - it was never the same.
[/quote]

Yep. I originally wasn't planning on sticking with the Prolaunch Blue, but it is working, so I won't be messing with this one. Someone must have added some weight to the head also, because it came out at D2 when I butt trimmed it to 44." I've already been looking for more heads to try different shafts. I can't see anything working better right now, however.

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1438050356' post='12031758']
Wasn't the K the higher spinning model to the 983E?
[/quote]

Yes, although if you read the Titleist brochures from the era, they seemed to be saying low (k) and lower (e) spin, not high and low. I have a 9.5 983e that is begging to be cut to 44" as well, if only to use in the wind and on firm and fast fairways. I don't think I would be able to shape shots off the tee with it though.

[quote name='Cwebb' timestamp='1438053219' post='12032094']
Nice idea. The K has a slight draw bias, making it easier to shape a draw with on command....as compared to many large driver heads. If anyone is looking for a modern classic that is easy to turn over, the 983 K is an option
[/quote]

Its a revelation to be playing a club where I can hit for placement off the tee, while still getting it out there. Just a few months ago, I never would have said that I can work a driver either way; far from it. Normally, I tend to fade the ball with a driver, and turning it left was always a hit or miss proposition. But this club just seems to want to go straight, and I have no trouble shaping it left or right to fit the hole. Fortunately, I can also just bang it out there straight and as far as possible, and when I do, its just as long as anything else I have played. Its either an amazing club, or an amazing fit for me, but either way, I'm sticking with it a while longer.

EDIT: sorry if this ^^^ sounds conceited. Re-reading it, it sounds like I am saying I never miss, which of course, isn't true. And I'm not comparing my game to anyone else's, just to where I was a few months ago.

[blink3665]

Also the E has a deeper face than the K.

I have both sitting in the garage. I love them and can't bear to part with them. They have both been back and forth in the bag quite a bit.

[tucker500]

Before I go try this myself......
Please contact me if you want to buy a 11.5 983k on an NV stiff.

I'm tempted to try it, but I'm hitting my driver well so I need to resist the urge to experiment.

[ccorrada]

I had a 5.5* 975d with EI-70 shaft and it was amazing. Played it until probably mid 2000's when the Callaway FT-3 Tour came out (another great stick).

[DaveGoodrich]

Found a 12 degree 910D2 and built it to the same length and swingweight as the 983k. I thought it should have similar launch/spin characteristics, but with more forgiveness because of the larger face. Still doesn't perform as well as the 983k. Similar distance, but just doesn't seem to go where intended nearly as consistently. So it doesn't seem to be only loft and length that makes the 983k work. I think the larger heads just make it harder to control the face angle at impact. I'm sticking with the 983k.

[MelloYello]

I like the 983 series a lot. They look great. I tried one recently and while it ranked highly in sound, feel and looks it did seem a little dead.

I e always recommended people give the compact 420cc VR Tour models a try. Nothing but good reviews, a sweeter feel and just a bit more power I think. The compact head makes it a real winner, too. I have one at 44 inches and it's great. While it definitely features control over power, I think it's a better option than the older 983 series personally.

[Gautama]

Funny seeing this right now. I have a 983e with a Speeder that I hadn't thought about in years, but has been on my mind since that thread on backup fairway woods. I was actually Googling it this morning to see what peole had said about it back in the day. Now I want to go hit it!

[DaveGoodrich]

I bought a 8.5 degree 983k for $20, and put another Prolaunch Blue that I bought from RBG for $14 in it. So I now have identical 983k drivers (same shaft, grip, length, swingweight) with 8.5 and 11.5 degree lofts. I've only hit the 8.5 for 9 holes, but it seems promising. The 11.5 naturally wants to go straighter, but the 8.5 is probably going to have a place in my bag on windy days.

[donaldp83]

I bought a 8.5 degree 983k for $20, and put another Prolaunch Blue that I bought from RBG for $14 in it. So I now have identical 983k drivers (same shaft, grip, length, swingweight) with 8.5 and 11.5 degree lofts. I've only hit the 8.5 for 9 holes, but it seems promising. The 11.5 naturally wants to go straighter, but the 8.5 is probably going to have a place in my bag on windy days.

 

I have tried every year since 2004 to kick the K out of the bag, but here it stays. It's a good one.

[DaveGoodrich]

After trying a bunch newer drivers, I finally upgraded from the 2003 technology. I moved up to 2005 technology with a 10.5 deg. 905T with a YS-6+ shaft.

[jewofgolf]

I'm afraid I can't help you with the shaft selection, but I have had a 98 3k in the bag for a few weeks now while looking for a replacement for my prior gamer. You certainly lose some forgiveness from the larger heads, but I swear this thing is as long or longer than anything else I have played.I've hit some absolute bombs with it. Good luck with the experiment. I think you might be surprised at how good this thing is.

 

For sure that head size is just about right. I can't get anything to beat my ezone 380. Everything keeps up with it but I hit it consistently and accurately.

 

I'm convinced the big heads are just harder to square up consistently.

[Don7936]

Using the 983K since it came out; have 2 and just bought a 3rd at Callaway PreOwned today, 9.5 with YS6 shaft for $13.99. This driver is easy to square up and not too long of a shaft. Seems to be the just-right size and weight and distance is good enough and consistent.... This club feels solid and can be worked to a certain extent L or R.....and and it loves the Chromesoft. That combo works the best for me, as it enhances the feel of the 983k, which can be a little muted. Plus the design overall seems much more mature-looking than all the graphics-laden clubs out over the past few years. Just nice to look at.