shakey's WITB...2019 update

[cmb71]

^^^ My ferrules were still a mess from the wrap.... until tonight that is... I just pulled the heads to reshaft tomorrow with the 125s!

[shakey]

[quote name='MNNikeGuy' timestamp='1432092271' post='11591138'][quote name='shakey' timestamp='1432092150' post='11591120']
[quote name='Golfjunki71' timestamp='1432089763' post='11590876'][quote name='shakey' timestamp='1432071544' post='11588808']

Arrived today. Testing tomorrow.
[/quote]


You better start taking the wax off now if you want to play tomorrow. Nice combo[/quote]
Funny you say that. It took awhile. I gave up on cleaning off the ferrules.
[/quote]
It really takes that long?[/quote]
It comes off the head pretty easy. Sticks in a few places but not bad. But the ferrules are a different story.

[Beastmode Broker]

I told myself I want going to buy any engages this season
crap ......

[shakey]

I wanted to post a few thoughts from my round on Wednesday.

[color=#0000ff]First[/color]: I finally hit the Vapor Speed 3 iron like I wanted to off the tee. A good swing with good contact. Total distance was around 240. The thing is a beast off the tee. On course though, I still haven't hit one solid off the deck. The struggles off the deck after the first round led to me reshaft my old VR Ltd 5 wood. It's kind of the opposite for me. The 5 wood is great off the deck, not so much off the tee. My thought right now is that these two clubs will be course dependent. I'll keep the 5 wood in the bag on longer courses and put the Speed 3 iron in the bag when I'm playing shorter courses. At least...that's the thought at the moment.

[color=#0000ff]Engage review:[/color]
I've only been out for one round with the wedges, but wanted to give some first impressions.

[color=#0000ff]50 SQ:[/color]
The 50 is really good on full shots. I hit it probably four times around the course. Distance-wise, it seems like 115-117 is going to be a pretty comfortable yardage. I think this has been a good decision. My old VR 52 was maxing at 110. PW for me is close to 130. I can choke PW down to about 120 but anything under that becomes a struggle. In all reality, the old VR 52 was a comfortable 105ish. So I had a big gap there. The 50 SQ looks like it will fill that gap nicely.

[color=#0000ff]54 TS:[/color]
The 54TS might become the biggest challenge for me. I haven't played a real SW in roughly 13 years. It got immediate action when I hit it into a greenside bunker on the first hole. Three swings later I was on the green. After chunking two in a row, I remembered something one of the guys from the Oven had told me at the Nike Performance Fitting I attended not long ago. Faz said that the TS wedges worked better out of the sand when using the entire sole, not opening the blade up. It'll be interesting to make the set up change next time to see the difference. Later in the round, I hit a few goods shot out of the fairway with the TS, so I think it's just going to take some getting used to playing it.

[color=#0000ff]58 DS:[/color]
The 58 was really good around the greens. I don't think I hit a full shot with it at all, but I spent a fair amount to time around the greens with it. I hit a few bump and runs and a few flops with it that were stupid easy to pull off. I hit a few low spinners that came out nicely and checked quickly. I chunked a few from some thick lies about twenty yards out. My old VR 58 was the standard sole, so I think it'll be ok once I get used to it.

more to come...

[StarFleetGolfer]

[quote name='shakey' timestamp='1432334014' post='11610608']
I wanted to post a few thoughts from my round on Wednesday.

[color=#0000ff]First[/color]: I finally hit the Vapor Speed 3 iron like I wanted to off the tee. A good swing with good contact. Total distance was around 240. The thing is a beast off the tee. On course though, I still haven't hit one solid off the deck. The struggles off the deck after the first round led to me reshaft my old VR Ltd 5 wood. It's kind of the opposite for me. The 5 wood is great off the deck, not so much off the tee. My thought right now is that these two clubs will be course dependent. I'll keep the 5 wood in the bag on longer courses and put the Speed 3 iron in the bag when I'm playing shorter courses. At least...that's the thought at the moment.

[color=#0000ff]Engage review:[/color]
I've only been out for one round with the wedges, but wanted to give some first impressions.

[color=#0000ff]50 SQ:[/color]
The 50 is really good on full shots. I hit it probably four times around the course. Distance-wise, it seems like 115-117 is going to be a pretty comfortable yardage. I think this has been a good decision. My old VR 52 was maxing at 110. PW for me is close to 130. I can choke PW down to about 120 but anything under that becomes a struggle. In all reality, the old VR 52 was a comfortable 105ish. So I had a big gap there. The 50 SQ looks like it will fill that gap nicely.

[color=#0000ff]54 TS:[/color]
The 54TS might become the biggest challenge for me. I haven't played a real SW in roughly 13 years. It got immediate action when I hit it into a greenside bunker on the first hole. Three swings later I was on the green. After chunking two in a row, I remembered something one of the guys from the Oven had told me at the Nike Performance Fitting I attended not long ago. Faz said that the TS wedges worked better out of the sand when using the entire sole, not opening the blade up. It'll be interesting to make the set up change next time to see the difference. Later in the round, I hit a few goods shot out of the fairway with the TS, so I think it's just going to take some getting used to playing it.

[color=#0000ff]58 DS:[/color]
The 58 was really good around the greens. I don't think I hit a full shot with it at all, but I spent a fair amount to time around the greens with it. I hit a few bump and runs and a few flops with it that were stupid easy to pull off. I hit a few low spinners that came out nicely and checked quickly. I chunked a few from some thick lies about twenty yards out. My old VR 58 was the standard sole, so I think it'll be ok once I get used to it.

more to come...
[/quote]


This is the exact set up I have

[cota0429]

Same thing they told me about the TS.

[shakey]

[quote name='Golfjunki71' timestamp='1432430790' post='11616010'][quote name='shakey' timestamp='1432334014' post='11610608']
I wanted to post a few thoughts from my round on Wednesday.

[color=#0000ff]First[/color]: I finally hit the Vapor Speed 3 iron like I wanted to off the tee. A good swing with good contact. Total distance was around 240. The thing is a beast off the tee. On course though, I still haven't hit one solid off the deck. The struggles off the deck after the first round led to me reshaft my old VR Ltd 5 wood. It's kind of the opposite for me. The 5 wood is great off the deck, not so much off the tee. My thought right now is that these two clubs will be course dependent. I'll keep the 5 wood in the bag on longer courses and put the Speed 3 iron in the bag when I'm playing shorter courses. At least...that's the thought at the moment.

[color=#0000ff]Engage review:[/color]
I've only been out for one round with the wedges, but wanted to give some first impressions.

[color=#0000ff]50 SQ:[/color]
The 50 is really good on full shots. I hit it probably four times around the course. Distance-wise, it seems like 115-117 is going to be a pretty comfortable yardage. I think this has been a good decision. My old VR 52 was maxing at 110. PW for me is close to 130. I can choke PW down to about 120 but anything under that becomes a struggle. In all reality, the old VR 52 was a comfortable 105ish. So I had a big gap there. The 50 SQ looks like it will fill that gap nicely.

[color=#0000ff]54 TS:[/color]
The 54TS might become the biggest challenge for me. I haven't played a real SW in roughly 13 years. It got immediate action when I hit it into a greenside bunker on the first hole. Three swings later I was on the green. After chunking two in a row, I remembered something one of the guys from the Oven had told me at the Nike Performance Fitting I attended not long ago. Faz said that the TS wedges worked better out of the sand when using the entire sole, not opening the blade up. It'll be interesting to make the set up change next time to see the difference. Later in the round, I hit a few goods shot out of the fairway with the TS, so I think it's just going to take some getting used to playing it.

[color=#0000ff]58 DS:[/color]
The 58 was really good around the greens. I don't think I hit a full shot with it at all, but I spent a fair amount to time around the greens with it. I hit a few bump and runs and a few flops with it that were stupid easy to pull off. I hit a few low spinners that came out nicely and checked quickly. I chunked a few from some thick lies about twenty yards out. My old VR 58 was the standard sole, so I think it'll be ok once I get used to it.

more to come...
[/quote]


This is the exact set up I have[/quote]
How are they working for you so far?

[StarFleetGolfer]

I like them a lot. Great spin , look good and full shots are easy. No real time with Ts yet though.

[shakey]

I spent about an hour and a half hitting balls today and maybe 15 shots total weren't with the Engage wedges. The 9 holes I played last night had me concerned that I had made the wrong choices in the lofts/grinds.

The 50 SQ has been solid, so my main concerns have been with the 54 TS and, after last night, the 58 DS. I've yet to hit a good bunker shot with the 54 TS, and bunker shots are the main reason I went with the club. Chunk. Chunk. Chunk. That's what it's been like. I chose a spot last night after playing a hole to hit what should be a fairly routine bunker shot. I couldn't pull it off. In any of the five attempts with the 54 TS. I left the bunker thinking really bad thoughts about the 54 TS. And on the last hole last night, I barely got a 90 yard shot from the fairway over water with the 58 DS. A shot that wouldn't have been an issue with my old 58.

Now to today. I started out with the 58 DS on the range. I took a few swings, but I started to gain the confidence to hit my usual array of shots with it. By the time I was done, the 58 DS started to feel really good. So I moved to the 54 TS. Full and half shots are okay with it. I was more concerned with the other shots I was about to practice with it. Again, the 50 SQ was really solid. I may have to bend it weak a little bit, but shots were downwind today so it may be ok.

I moved over to our less than stellar chipping and bunker practice area (my one real complaint about my course..this little area sucks...no real green). I found some tight and some thick lies to use the 58 DS. The shots were around 50 yds or so. After a few poor attempts, I started dialing in the DS. Then to the bunker (it does have sand in it now so that's an improvement). I mainly wanted to work on the 54 TS, but I kept the 58 DS in hand as well. I made sure to square up the 54 TS and not open it like the first go round. I also shortened my backswing a little. Every shot but one came out VERY easily. Squaring the club made all the difference in the world performance-wise. I hit some good shots with the 58 DS as well. It wants to dig a little, but it's not bad. I just have to make sure I can get it done on the course as well.

Then I went to the putting green. We are allowed to hit chips on the green as long as we don't hit the mega high flop shots. I spent a lot of time with the 58 DS here. And I think it paid off. I hit shots off a variety of lies and I think this wedge is going to be really good in the long run. The 54 TS might not see much action around the greens, but it seems like it might be very good hitting runners out of thicker rough (kind of what you'd expect).

Right now, I'm okay with my club selections. I hope to get out and hit some more shots on the course pretty soon to finalize whether these are staying in the bag, or if I might change to some 52/58 combo again.

[cota0429]

So you were opening the face initially with the TS?

[shakey]

[quote name='cota0429' timestamp='1432518726' post='11620684']
So you were opening the face initially with the TS?
[/quote]
Yes. The first time out I was. The second I think I did it as well even though I knew I shouldn't. Today I made sure to square up on all the shots and the results were much better.

It's weird that even though I was told to keep it square at the fitting, I jumped in and opened it up. I guess you sometimes resort to old habits.

[shakey]

I got out for 9 yesterday and made a slight change in the bag for the day. I swapped to my Elements Chrome 6F5T in the Vapor Pro. Just had an urge to try something different.

MISTAKE!!

After being gone from the Chrome for awhile, I didn't realize just how stiff that shaft really is. When I played it every day in the CT 2.0, I guess I got used to it. After playing the stiff flex Attas MK since Jan, the Chrome felt unbearable. The MK was re-installed before I ever left the parking lot to go home. I think the feel of the Chrome is better, I just can't handle the X. I need to get the 6F4T to try.

[todd.ashford]

I love your wedge review.

I feel like with these wedges you need to him them with as close to your stock shot as possible. What I mean is unlike other wedges, there seems to be no need to try to open up the face or try to overly "clip" the ball. As with the Vapor Pro irons, I feel the turf interaction is phenominal. Just square it up, pull the trigger and adjust the swing speed accordingly. Half shots are an absolute wonder with the Square Sole.

[shakey]

[quote name='todd.ashford' timestamp='1432836605' post='11644332']
I love your wedge review.

I feel like with these wedges you need to him them with as close to your stock shot as possible. What I mean is unlike other wedges, there seems to be no need to try to open up the face or try to overly "clip" the ball. As with the Vapor Pro irons, I feel the turf interaction is phenominal. Just square it up, pull the trigger and adjust the swing speed accordingly. Half shots are an absolute wonder with the Square Sole.
[/quote]
Thanks. I have to agree with you.

[shakey]

Just added these to my LC3 stable.
[sharedmedia=core:attachments:2780072]

[sbjinx]

[quote name='shakey' timestamp='1432815034' post='11641930']
I got out for 9 yesterday and made a slight change in the bag for the day. I swapped to my Elements Chrome 6F5T in the Vapor Pro. Just had an urge to try something different.

MISTAKE!!

After being gone from the Chrome for awhile, I didn't realize just how stiff that shaft really is. When I played it every day in the CT 2.0, I guess I got used to it. After playing the stiff flex Attas MK since Jan, the Chrome felt unbearable. The MK was re-installed before I ever left the parking lot to go home. I think the feel of the Chrome is better, I just can't handle the X. I need to get the 6F4T to try.
[/quote]

I did the same thing the other day. I've been playing stiff shafts this year but I since have a few X laying around, I decided to throw a G30 tip on it. Played 18 the other day and I quickly remembered why I switched back to playing stiff shafts. Back when I was playing more regularly and hitting the range 1-2 times a week I had no problem playing X-stiff but now that I'm playing maybe once a week (with no practice), I prefer the feel of the stiff over X. Luckily I had a X laying around so I didn't drop $150 on a new shaft just to realize that I don't like it but I know what you mean.

[Beastmode Broker]

nice wheels
have the same ones, big fan

[shakey]

[quote name='sbjinx' timestamp='1432916927' post='11650276'][quote name='shakey' timestamp='1432815034' post='11641930']
I got out for 9 yesterday and made a slight change in the bag for the day. I swapped to my Elements Chrome 6F5T in the Vapor Pro. Just had an urge to try something different.

MISTAKE!!

After being gone from the Chrome for awhile, I didn't realize just how stiff that shaft really is. When I played it every day in the CT 2.0, I guess I got used to it. After playing the stiff flex Attas MK since Jan, the Chrome felt unbearable. The MK was re-installed before I ever left the parking lot to go home. I think the feel of the Chrome is better, I just can't handle the X. I need to get the 6F4T to try.
[/quote]

I did the same thing the other day. I've been playing stiff shafts this year but I since have a few X laying around, I decided to throw a G30 tip on it. Played 18 the other day and I quickly remembered why I switched back to playing stiff shafts. Back when I was playing more regularly and hitting the range 1-2 times a week I had no problem playing X-stiff but now that I'm playing maybe once a week (with no practice), I prefer the feel of the stiff over X. Luckily I had a X laying around so I didn't drop $150 on a new shaft just to realize that I don't like it but I know what you mean.[/quote]
There's so many shafts I'd like to try in the Vapor Pro. Rogue....Chrome 6F4T....Speeder 661....just not enough $$$$.

[shakey]

The Engage 52SQ-58DS setup is working out great so far. The 58 has been great around the greens and the 52 is solid from the fairway. Distance with the 52 is in the 115 range which is good.

I made a slight change yesterday to the driver. I took the Ion Diamana Ahina 70 Stiff from my Oven Model Covert 1.0 and put it in my Vapor Pro. The Attas MK is good, but it's been feeling a little loose lately. Way to many off the world drives. It took a few holes to get used to the heavier shaft, but when I did the change was great. Driver seemed to hold it's line better and I may have picked up a few yards. I played a course I haven't played in probably close to eight years, but I don't remember hitting the ball in the places I hit it yesterday. Hopefully it continues to work out.

[sneaky]

Great Engage info. The modern muscle tech doesn't work great for me so far. I would love DD's wedges. The glare from the retail VR Forged is blinding. Gonna give the 58SQ another shot this weekend. I was hitting flop shots and bunker shots with my 8 iron this afternoon. Worked great. Seve would have done it with his 1 iron.

[shakey]

[quote name='sneaky' timestamp='1434079384' post='11736394']
Great Engage info. The modern muscle tech doesn't work great for me so far. I would love DD's wedges. The glare from the retail VR Forged is blinding. Gonna give the 58SQ another shot this weekend. I was hitting flop shots and bunker shots with my 8 iron this afternoon. Worked great. Seve would have done it with his 1 iron.
[/quote]
I would have loved to have seen Seve more in his prime. Man was amazing with his escape shots.

Stick with that 58 SQ. It took me a few rounds and practice sessions to get the best feel with my 58 DS. Hopefully it will come around for you.

[shakey]

I have ordered a Vapor PC 4 iron to replace the VRS Forged 4 iron. I'll have a complete Vapor iron set once it arrives.

[shakey]

Vapor PC 4 iron has arrived. [attachment=2813958:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1434727137.561330.jpg]

[shakey]

We have unfortunately been dead at work today for the most part, so I've had some time to hit my new 4 iron in the simulator. It's really solid. On well struck shots, it carries somewhere between 190 and 200. Honestly, on the course I would take the 190. That would be consistent with my other yardages. Behind the ball, it looks much better than my old VRS Forged 4 iron that I've been carrying. It's good that my 4-PW now all match.

Also out of boredom, I've put the Vapor Pro with the Ahina against some of my demo drivers. Nothing on the demo rack that I hit today sounds and feels as good as my Pro. The G30 LS Tec was giving similar numbers, but the feel is nowhere near as good. The Alpha 815 sounded horrible. The 815 DD was a little better, but the numbers weren't close to my Pro. The best alternative to the Pro so far has been (and I hate to say it) is the R15. I hit the 10.5 Stock Stiff and it was good. I hit the R15 430 when the rep was originally showing them off and liked it alot. I thought then that a black 430 might be dangerous to the wallet. But in the end, the Vapor is firmly in the bag.

[shakey]

Working on a little Volt-ish paint fill in my Engage wedges. Got a little touch up work left to do, but I think they look pretty good.
[attachment=2820256:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1435090554.224563.jpg]

[GC70]

[quote name='shakey' timestamp='1435090563' post='11820782']
Working on a little Volt-ish paint fill in my Engage wedges. Got a little touch up work left to do, but I think they look pretty good.
[attachment=2820256:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1435090554.224563.jpg]
[/quote]
Looking good. You liking the 58 DS?

[shakey]

[quote name='MNNikeGuy' timestamp='1435100744' post='11821918'][quote name='shakey' timestamp='1435090563' post='11820782']
Working on a little Volt-ish paint fill in my Engage wedges. Got a little touch up work left to do, but I think they look pretty good.
[attachment=2820256:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1435090554.224563.jpg]
[/quote]
Looking good. You liking the 58 DS?[/quote]
I'm actually loving the DS. Extremely versatile.

[cota0429]

I like what you did to the wedges!

[shakey]

[quote name='cota0429' timestamp='1435121819' post='11824012']
I like what you did to the wedges!
[/quote]
Thanks Cota

[shakey]

Small update:

I've changed out the shaft in my VR LTD 3 wood in an effort to increase the launch off the deck. The Ahina 70 has always felt great, but I know it's not the right shaft for me for fairway shots. I picked up an UST Axivcore Black 79 Stiff and it's been in play for the past three rounds. Of course...I've only had two shots where I've had to hit three wood off the ground. One shot was pretty solid and I could tell it was a higher ball flight. The other needs not be mentioned. Really bad swing.

The Speed 3 iron is really good off the tee, but it's been very inconsistent off the deck. I'm in the process of searching for another hybrid of some sort. I found an old Titleist 19 hybrid with an UST Irod 90 stiff. It'll be the first to get put in play. If it doesn't work out, I've got a used rack full of other options.