BallerNate’s WITB

[BallerNate]

34 minutes ago, deadsolid...shank said:

It’s been fun to watch the development of a true club ho!!😀

 

Nice setup Nate, hope you reach that goal of scratch this year. 

Haha...thanks, I’m glad I was able to entertain you with my newly formed golf club addiction! 😉

 

Yeah, it’s been a wild ride for sure and have learned a lot! More goodies coming in over the next week, and then will do my full new WITB!
 

Appreciate the kind words and hope you have a great season too!

[BallerNate]

Special delivery today...a new 50* Mid Zipcore with a DG S400 shaft custom made by Cleveland in California +1.5” and 2* up!

 

Looking forward to pairing it up with my 54* and 58* Mid’s and improving my wedge game this season!

 

2 more goodies coming in later this week, then will have my 2021 bag complete and ready for my WITB 2021 Part III! 😎

 

[BallerNate]

Well my WRX friends, it’s been a wild ridel! Over the last 12 months I’ve owned 60 different clubs, sold 44, and bought/sold/returned 9 bags to get to this end result!
 

I’ve learned not to say that I won’t change anymore clubs, so instead I’ll say that I feel really good about this setup after getting a fitting last month, and all the trial & error has led to a bag I feel really good about now!

 

Here’s my 2021 WITB Pt. III:

 

Driver: Callaway Mavrik (10.5*)

Shaft: Aldila Rogue White 130 M.S.I. (or PX Hzrdus Black Smoke 6.0)

 

3-wood:  Callaway Mavrik (15*)

Shaft: Aldila Rogue White 130 M.S.I.

 

Hybrid: Srixon Z H85 (19*)

Shaft: PX Hzrdus Black 6.0

 

Irons: Srixon Z565 (4), Srixon Z785 (5-PW)

Shafts: Aldila Tour Blue ATX85H (4), N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 (5-PW), (+1.5”, +2* up)

 

Wedges: Cleveland RTX Zipcore (50-54-58 Mid)

Shafts: TT DG S400 (50*), DG Spinner (54*, 58*), (+1.5”, +2* up)

 

Putter: TaylorMade SOTO Tour Preferred (36”)

Grip: Lamkin Sink Fit Skinny Pistol

 

Golf Ball: TaylorMade V3 Speed

 

Grips: Lamkin Crossline Midsize

 

Bag: Sun Mountain 3.5 LS (‘21)

 

Edited May 28, 2021 by BallerNate

[cmporto10]

How are you liking the Mavrik 3 wood? I’ve been very interested in them but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. 

[BallerNate]

58 minutes ago, cmporto10 said:

How are you liking the Mavrik 3 wood? I’ve been very interested in them but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. 

Really like the Mavrik 3-Wood and the Mavrik Driver so far. Especially with the Aldila Rogue White 130 M.S.I. shaft...for my swing they are smooth as butter!
 

The 3W I had the most success with in the past was the Cally Rogue w/ an Aldila Synergy shaft. But made the mistake of selling it to chase more distance and to eliminate my right misses with a TM SIM Max D. That experiment was a disaster, so decided to go back to Callaway and it has been a great move.

 

The biggest difference between the standard Mavrik and the standard Rogue is that the Mavrik has a more aerodynamic head that is smaller (in height especially). So I’ve noticed I have much better results teeing the ball up lower than I used to with the Rogue. Definitely recommend it if you’ve had success with Callaway woods in the past.

[BallerNate]

So I was just on the main WRX page and found out my WITB got featured on the front page twice...I had no idea!! Just wanted to say thanks very much to the guys behind the scenes at WRX...definitely feel like it's a huge honor to get featured on the main site and I really appreciate it!

 

Here's the one that was posted on April 5th: https://www.golfwrx.com/653397/witb-golfwrx-members-edition-ballernate-2/

 

And on January 7th: https://www.golfwrx.com/644245/witb-golfwrx-members-edition-ballernate/

 

Pretty hilarious that I had 16 shanks, 3 LOL's and 1 OB on the first one in January...probably because of the iron head covers, Lol! I had no idea at that time that they were so controversial...but I’ll still use them when the clubs are in the trunk, or in a power cart on a hilly/bumpy course! 

 

New putter on the way sometime this week, so a new update is coming soon!

Edited May 25, 2021 by BallerNate

[MattM97]

I'm hoping to get on the WITB once, maybe I have to redo my pics. But can't wait to see what the incoming putter is. 

[BallerNate]

1 hour ago, MattM97 said:

I'm hoping to get on the WITB once, maybe I have to redo my pics. But can't wait to see what the incoming putter is. 

Man, I was the same way. Couldn’t believe it when I found out on Monday that I got on not only once, but twice!! Felt like I hit the equipment junkie jackpot, Lol!

 

Putter update coming soon for sure!

[BallerNate]

Got the new putter today and took it straight to the range to test out! Picked up an Odyssey White Hot Pro 1, and looks like this one should be really good!

 

Putting is actually one of the strongest parts of my game (1.6 putts/hole avg), so don’t want to mess with it too much...but wanted to try the famous White Hot insert and see how it rolls.

Going to get a round in tomorrow and will test it out with the Super Stroke Mid Slim 2.0 that came with it (35”), but will probably go back my old faithful grip, the Lamkin Sink Fit Skinny Pistol, when I get it extended to 36”.

 

Edited May 27, 2021 by BallerNate

[Shanks2424]

Nice set up I have the Mavrik sub-zero driver and love it.

[BallerNate]

1 hour ago, Shanks2424 said:

Nice set up I have the Mavrik sub-zero driver and love it.

Thanks Shanks, appreciate it man!
 

Still getting fully comfortable with the Mavrik and have been trying different shaft options. Had a Ventus AV Blue 65 S, and currently testing the Rogue White 130 M.S.I. and Hzrdus Black Smoke 6.0.

 

So far the Hzrdus has been the best for me and should end up being my gamer. What shaft do you have in yours?

[Shanks2424]

1 hour ago, BallerNate said:

Thanks Shanks, appreciate it man!
 

Still getting fully comfortable with the Mavrik and have been trying different shaft options. Had a Ventus AV Blue 65 S, and currently testing the Rogue White 130 M.S.I. and Hzrdus Black Smoke 6.0.

 

So far the Hzrdus has been the best for me and should end up being my gamer. What shaft do you have in yours?

I have the Rogue 130 MIS 60x for now we will see how it plays. I am still deciding if I like it playing at the 45.7.5 length. I am used to a 45 inch driver. I also have the same saft in my 3 wood but a 70x. I am going to play this year with the Rouge shaft in the driver and 3 wood but might change back to 70 grams in the driver and 80 in the 3 wood.

 

How do you like the Mavrik 3 wood.

Edited May 29, 2021 by Shanks2424

[BallerNate]

16 hours ago, Shanks2424 said:

I have the Rogue 130 MIS 60x for now we will see how it plays. I am still deciding if I like it playing at the 45.7.5 length. I am used to a 45 inch driver. I also have the same saft in my 3 wood but a 70x. I am going to play this year with the Rouge shaft in the driver and 3 wood but might change back to 70 grams in the driver and 80 in the 3 wood.

 

How do you like the Mavrik 3 wood.

Gotcha...makes sense. Still getting used to the Mavrik 3-Wood too...so the verdict is still out for me for both. I think they’ll both be good, but just have to get them dialled in and get comfortable.

 

I actually cut both of them down to match the length I had in my previous Cally Rogue Driver (45.5”) and 3-Wood (43”), so that’s been good. Just have to gain the same comfort level with the shafts and heads that I had with the Rogue and Aldila Synergy Blue shafts. Really should’ve just kept the Rogue Driver and 3W, but the Mavrik’s will get there eventually!

Edited May 30, 2021 by BallerNate

[tarrantian]

Nice bag Nate - Although I don't approve of the putter switch! 🤣

[BallerNate]

11 hours ago, tarrantian said:

Nice bag Nate - Although I don't approve of the putter switch! 🤣

Thanks, much appreciated!! Haha...yeah, I see you're super #TeamTaylorMade and a major TM putter addict huh, Lol? 

 

I have definitely had really good results with the TM SOTO Tour Preferred, and I think it's a really underrated putter. I've learned my lesson and will hold on to it until there's a point that the Odyssey is clearly better, but it won't be easy to beat and is a really good putter for sure! Could definitely end up going back to it...time will tell.

[BallerNate]

A couple more updates to the bag. Got a new headcover for the new Odyssey...this one is called “Fore the Birds” by E9 Golf! So I’ll have a counter-look to go-to with White/Black headcovers to switch it up when I’m not going Red/White/Black...kind of like Home & Away jerseys! 😉

 

Also extended the Odyssey White Hot Pro 1 to 36” and added a Lamkin Sink Fit Skinny Pistol grip to match the TM SOTO TP putter. Will be able to test them head-to-head now...seems like the main difference is just the face insert and sight line, but I think both are really good.

 

Edited June 2, 2021 by BallerNate

[BallerNate]

So the last few months I’ve been looking for the right club in the 3/4 Driving Iron/Long Iron spot. Tried the Srixon Z U85, TM P790, Srixon Z 565, along with set Irons. Been looking for the right combination of distance, forgiveness, and feel, along with the versatility of turf interaction to be able to hit it off the Tee and the deck.

 

Well, it looks like I found the unicorn for me! Took this new TM P770 4-iron w/ N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 straight to the range after I picked it up yesterday and it’s an absolute rocket!!
 

Phenomenal distance, excellent forgiveness, and very good feel for a hollow body iron! This one was love at first hit, and will strongly consider getting the P770 in 5-PW when the time comes to switch up the irons...bombs away!! 🚀🚀🚀

 

[BallerNate]

On 5/30/2021 at 9:53 PM, tarrantian said:

Nice bag Nate - Although I don't approve of the putter switch! 🤣

Well Ian, I’m going back to the TM Soto putter after all! Gave the Odyssey 3 rounds and lots of practice sessions.

 

It’s a good putter, but what I’ve found is that it comes off the face much hotter (White Hot) than the Soto and I find distance control and touch more difficult. The Soto also provides more consistent contact across the full face, so it keeps distance more similar on mishits. There’s times I purposely hit towards the heel to get curving/arcing putts, which come off the Odyssey with a thud instead of the spin I get with the Soto.

Edited June 9, 2021 by BallerNate

[tarrantian]

10 hours ago, BallerNate said:

Well Ian, I’m going back to the TM Soto putter after all! Gave the Odyssey 3 rounds and lots of practice sessions.

 

It’s a good putter, but what I’ve found is that it comes off the face much hotter (White Hot) than the Soto and I find distance control and touch more difficult. The Soto also provides more consistent contact across the full face, so it keeps distance more similar on mishits. There’s times I purposely hit towards the heel to get curving/arcing putts, which come off the Odyssey with a thud instead of the spin I get with the Soto.

Well Nate, if you've settled on the Soto you should go 'all the way' and get a personalized version just as Collin M. did with his 'My Juno' as displayed last week at the Memorial. I generally 'know' I'm a better putter w/a mallet but I'm really starting to question that as I've been putting lights out w/'My TP Soto', just can't miss and my buddies have been shaking their heads at my performance on the greens the past couple of weeks...

 

I moved to the 34.5" and did not adjust the loft as I had w/my Patina Soto's (Went to 3.0 vs. 3.5 on the Patina's) - As I've said earlier, the thing just sings for me with the 20g weights. 😀

 

(PS: How it will last? Who knows but enjoying the ride for now!!)

[BallerNate]

11 minutes ago, tarrantian said:

Well Nate, if you've settled on the Soto you should go 'all the way' and get a personalized version just as Collin M. did with his 'My Juno' as displayed last week at the Memorial. I generally 'know' I'm a better putter w/a mallet but I'm really starting to question that as I've been putting lights out w/'My TP Soto', just can't miss and my buddies have been shaking their heads at my performance on the greens the past couple of weeks...

 

I moved to the 34.5" and did not adjust the loft as I had w/my Patina Soto's (Went to 3.0 vs. 3.5 on the Patina's) - As I've said earlier, the thing just sings for me with the 20g weights. 😀

 

(PS: How it will last? Who knows but enjoying the ride for now!!)

Definitely beauties!!! 😍😍

 

Yeah, at the end of the day it’s all about using what works, and clearly the TP Soto works! I’ve had amazing results with it too, and honestly I bought the Odyssey for all the wrong reasons...just buying something new for the sake of buying something new.

 

Not sure if I’m ready to drop the $429.99 + tax on a new My TP Soto since mine’s in pretty awesome shape, but stranger things have happened! 😉

[tarrantian]

30 minutes ago, BallerNate said:

Definitely beauties!!! 😍😍

 

Yeah, at the end of the day it’s all about using what works, and clearly the TP Soto works! I’ve had amazing results with it too, and honestly I bought the Odyssey for all the wrong reasons...just buying something new for the sake of buying something new.

 

Not sure if I’m ready to drop the $429.99 + tax on a new My TP Soto since mine’s in pretty awesome shape, but stranger things have happened! 😉

Or you could wait until I ultimately sell mine which is my usual modus operandi LOL!

 

Seriously, I had the bumpers personalized so it would force me to keep them!! 🤣

[BallerNate]

18 minutes ago, tarrantian said:

Or you could wait until I ultimately sell mine which is my usual modus operandi LOL!

 

Seriously, I had the bumpers personalized so it would force me to keep them!! 🤣

Bahaha!! Yeah, that’s the only type of club I haven’t bought yet...one with someone else’s initials!! 🤣🤣

[BallerNate]

Hope everyone had a great Father’s Day...I definitely did! Ended up deciding to switch up the top of my bag again because the Mavrik and I just weren’t a fit. Met up w/ a fellow TGN’r (Toronto Golf Nuts) yesterday at the range, and we tested each other’s Drivers. Turned out the SIM Max w/ a Diamana Limited 60 S was a way better fit for me, and the Mavrik was a way better fit for him.

 

The SIM Max was just way more forgiving to me, and gave me way more confidence right away. Started swinging away and hitting bombs right away that I haven’t been able to hit since I mistakenly sold my Cally Rogue after last season.

 

Ordered a SIM Max 3 Wood since they were sold out at my local golf shop...already feel excited about my next round and stepping into the Tee Box, which I haven’t felt since November of last year.

 

[BallerNate]

The search for the perfect bag for me continues! Here’s my new SIM Max 3-Wood w/ the Ventus Blue 6S shaft to pair up with the new SIM Max Driver! The 3W has usually been a great club for me, so I’m excited to put this one to work!

 

Might add a 5W, 7W, or potentially a SIM DHY in the 19-21* spot…we’ll see. Just not sure the Hybrid experiment is working for me and still not happy with the results in that spot.

[Dannyboy44]

Thats the same Sim setup i have and was hitting it great then just lost it. Played in a scramble and my buddy was killing it so I sold it to him. Im sure its mostly my swing but onto something new...Good luck with the new woods!

[BallerNate]

On 6/25/2021 at 3:53 PM, Dannyboy44 said:

Thats the same Sim setup i have and was hitting it great then just lost it. Played in a scramble and my buddy was killing it so I sold it to him. Im sure its mostly my swing but onto something new...Good luck with the new woods!

Too bad they didn’t work out for you. At the end of the day it’s all about what works for you. What did you end up switching to?

 

Time will tell how they work out, but the initial impressions of the SIM Max Driver and 3W have been really good for me so far. Right away I knew the Mavrik and SIM Max D weren’t good fits for me in my last 2 Driver/3W combos, but the SIM Max is showing a lot of promise! Might even end up adding a 5W or 7W depending on how it goes with my Srixon H85 Hybrid…time and reps will tell.

[Dannyboy44]

On 6/26/2021 at 11:51 PM, BallerNate said:

Too bad they didn’t work out for you. At the end of the day it’s all about what works for you. What did you end up switching to?

 

Time will tell how they work out, but the initial impressions of the SIM Max Driver and 3W have been really good for me so far. Right away I knew the Mavrik and SIM Max D weren’t good fits for me in my last 2 Driver/3W combos, but the SIM Max is showing a lot of promise! Might even end up adding a 5W or 7W depending on how it goes with my Srixon H85 Hybrid…time and reps will tell.

 

I got the PXG GEN 4 X in 9*, I play the irons so i thought id give the driver a shot. 

[BallerNate]

2 hours ago, Dannyboy44 said:

 

I got the PXG GEN 4 X in 9*, I play the irons so i thought id give the driver a shot. 

Nice…good luck with it! Hopefully it’s a better fit for you.

[BallerNate]

Decided to keep going with the SIM Max theme at the top of my bag and picked up a SIM 2 Max Hybrid in the 19* spot!
 

Also picked up a new 52* Zipcore because I’m going to go back to the PW (46)-52-58 setup. I’ve been carrying most of my rounds this season, and would prefer to carry 13 clubs and shed weight. 
 

And the new headcover speaks for itself…Go Cowboys!!

 

[BallerNate]

Well, I finally did it. Those of you who have followed my WITB journey and seen my posts in other threads know how many times I’ve said; “I shouldn’t have sold my Callaway Rogue Driver and 3-Wood”, and “got great distance and consistency out of the Rogue Driver & 3W last year before making the mistake of selling them”.

 

So after trying 3 different Drivers and 3-Woods since then, I finally just sucked it up and corrected the mistake. Don’t know what it is about the Cally Rogue w/ Aldila Synergy shafts, but as soon as I put them in the bag I shot my lowest round of the year! Welcome back Rogue…gonna just stick with these until they break this time!