Help with XCON 5!

KDRealpro · August 17, 2008

Just recently picked up a new TaylorMade Tour Burner TP 9.5 degree with the XCON 5 in X flex and I am spraying it both left and right! Long club with a great feel, but anytime I try to step on it...watch out in the rough!

I am guessing it is due to the increased torque in this shaft. I hit my old R-7 7.5 degree with X flex Pro-launch shaft much more accurately (makes me wonder why I even am looking!).

My favorite shaft of all was the old Penley ETA XX flex. While I am not an animal, I am built like Gumby and get all my speed near impact with a lot of lag and delayed release. Handicap is +1 and average drive is 295+ and usually pretty straight. Swingspeed 110-112 on average. Anybody have any thoughts on better shafts for the TP?

Thanks in advance!

KDRealpro · August 17, 2008

C'mon! 32 views and no opinions?! Somebody with clubfitting experience has to have an idea for a better shaft? I have a number of them and just want to confirm them before spending additional $ on a shaft that may not suit me.

Share your opinion, please. I won't argue with ya'!

oregongolf · August 17, 2008

The xcon 5 is a pretty light shaft. You might find it too light to control.

Is this a switch for you?

Awalkspoiled · August 17, 2008

If your release worked well with the ETA XX there's almost no way the XCon 5 will be a good fit. Closest match in the Ozik line to the ETA would be an F6M2 in tipped X - spin would be WAY lower but load/release would be similar. For even more control you couldlok at the F7M2 or F7M2 LTD, both in X.

Of the stock TM shafts the Whiteboard in X would be the best idea probably

KDRealpro · August 17, 2008

Yeah, it is. I have been playing TM drivers with the Mitsubishi Rayon X, REAX X, & Pro launch 55 X. The Pro Launch in an original R-7 TP head with 2-2-14-14 has been deadly, but I feel like I have to really launch it with that low loft. So, I am trying the Tour Burner TP with the Matrix XCon 5 and, while it is certainly long, it is way to unreliable. Feel the shaft lagging around waist high and the toe just slides open with any increase in speed. Not my kind of feel. I do like the launch angle, however.

I am leaning toward the XCon 7 or perhaps the Mitsubishi WB. I have the NVS Proto in a 3 wood that feels okay and the REAX 85g X in a Rescue. Both of these have a draw bias.

As I mentioned, the Penley ETA XX was one of the best shafts I had in the past.

Any additional thoughts?

KDRealpro · August 17, 2008

If your release worked well with the ETA XX there's almost no way the XCon 5 will be a good fit. Closest match in the Ozik line to the ETA would be an F6M2 in tipped X - spin would be WAY lower but load/release would be similar. For even more control you couldlok at the F7M2 or F7M2 LTD, both in X.

Thanks for the info. I realize that the XCon 5 is not gonna work. Do you really think either the F6M2 or F7M2 would be good? I have no experience with them. I do remember years ago being tested on a True-Temper shaft analysis which indicated that I load everything WAY up just before impact. The guy was stunned by the results because I am not a big guy but am lanky and quick even though tempo seems smooth. Always surprises me that guys will say that I swing smooth, cause I give it about all I can with the driver.

The ETA was a shaft that always felt like it loaded up smoothly. No quick unloading and no matter the swingspeed, it stayed right with the hands.

Appreciate your feedback!

Awalkspoiled · August 17, 2008

Oh, there's no doubt in my mind that the F6 and F7 will work if properly fitted, given the kind of swing you describe. However, it's just crazy to shell out such huge bux based on the recommendation of some dude on the internet, no matter how experienced he may be (I'm very experienced with these shafts). Best would be to find a demo somewhere - if you're near Chicago I have one you could try but it's only a Stiff. In the Ozik line the Xcon 7 in X would be my second choice, and I'd actually put the WB ahead of it.

There are still a few ETAs around, but that's not a perfect choice because they tend to break...

The fact that you can get certain lower-kick shafts to work like the NVS and Prolaunch, albeit with a draw, means that you don't need to be strict about going high-kick for control, but it does sound to me like it may be worthwhile to investigate those options. Unfortunately they tend to be pricey. Something like a Vista Tour 60 in X might be worth a try if price is an issue, but Joey K knows much more about the Fujis than I do.

alb · August 20, 2008

awalkspoiled,

Does the x-con 5 play true to stiff in the stiff flex? or softer. Looking to put in my L4V.

THX

Awalkspoiled · August 20, 2008

awalkspoiled,
Does the x-con 5 play true to stiff in the stiff flex? or softer. Looking to put in my L4V.

THX

The only L4V heads I've worked on have been the L4V X, but I've done about fifteen of those. Xcon 5 will freq about 2 CPM softer than the raw number in that head but will play fairly true to flex if built to 45-45 1/4". You'll need to have a very consistent release, though, or dispersion will be lousy. On good contact and built properly it's probably the longest setup in the history of the world for a lot of people, but the head is so huge that it exerts some weird forces on the shaft I think.