nike t-40 tour vs. tm v-steel vs. tm rescue dual tp vs. nike t-60

[golfernut78]

the great 3 wood challenge

i've been seeking some help in the 3-wood department. i was struggeling with the nike t-40 tour i had so i went on a quest for a new 3-wood which lead to the "great 3-wood challenge".

the contenders:
- nike t-40 tour 15* w/ rifle 6.0 shaft (did just get the shaft cut from 43.25" to 42.5" this week to help)
- nike t-60 ignite 15* w/ tt speed step steel stiff
- taylormade v-steel 15* w/ tt dynamic golf lite s300
- taylormade rescue dual tp 14* w/ tt dynamic golf s300

the setting:
- late night driving range in arlington, texas with no wind and temp between 45*-40*. hitting area was a little patchy, lot of dead grass. warmed up with about 30 balls with some irons and then start trying the players. the results were:

- nike t-40 tour 15* - i've had this club for close to 2 years now. picked up real cheap and liked it because of the small head and great price. this was a great upgrade from the wilson black jack (yeah, no name set that i started with) 3-wood. i had the shaft length measured and realized it was 3/4" over standard length for a steel shafted 3-wood. went and had the shaft cut yesterday. the shorter shaft helped a lot with hitting the ball consitently. making solid contact after solid contact. ball flight was higher than before, which i wanted, but still lower than i wanted. additionally the ball would take a big bounce and roll a lot. not what i am looking for when going for a par 5 in 2. still don't think i would have any change holding a green. conclusion: will definetly keep this, but save this for windy days when i want to keep the ball low. easy to hit off the deck, even the hard pan surface, because of the small head. considering maybe reshafting with a rifle 5.5. we'll see

- nike t-60 ignite 15* - of the competitors this had the deepest face. i had heard that this club was difficult to hit off the deck, especially hardpan surface. i could see that, but didn't have much of a problem with it. this one was a rocket. would just launch the ball out there. i could hit a couple boring shots and a bunch of high shots. i was able to turn the ball as well. off the tee, i swear its almost as long as my ignite 410. i really liked this. maybe with the fairways a little thin and hard around here right now, it might not be the best choice, but a real good fairway wood. i think in the spring when it is lush and when i visit the eas coast to play this will be a great choice.

- taylormade v-steel 15* - shallow face, and very easy to keep square. this got the ball up in the air quick. very long. i was able to work the ball both directions. off the tee, not as great as the ignite, but i'm not looking for a club off the tee. its a wide club face so off center hits aren't penalized. this is a real solid club and is solid in all categories. only complaint is that i couldn't hit lower shots with it. wouldn't use this in the wind most likely.

- taylormade rescue dual tp 14* - very nice. nice small head. shorter shaft makes it easy to swing. had the club setup neutral and hit straight or slight fade. i found this club the easiest to hit. very high, penetrating flight. easy off the deck and easy off the tee. can trap the ball like a iron or sweep it like a wood. very versatile. is the shortest of the 4, but not by much, at the same time, would hold a green the easiest of the 4. only short coming of this club is it is hard to turn. when i would try to hit a fade or draw it would instead push or pull. not a huge deal. i don't try and shape the ball much anyways. this would definately be the favorite if my swing is off.

well, overall, they are all great clubs. i highly recommend them all. i think the ignite and v-steel will get the most play. i'll be in charleston for a week next week and would see how they perform out there in some waremer weather and softer, fluffier fairways.