Best Driver for under $200.

[B8ender]

Looking to upgrade my driver. I currently have a 983E titleist 8.5 deg, with the graf. prolite 35 stiff shaft.

 

I carry the ball about 260 to 265 yards. With average height. I have a quick tempo swing. These are some that I'm thinking that I might upgrade too. Cobra 454, Cobra 460, Titleist 905T, Cleveland 460.

 

Would appreciate any help along with what shafts, I might need to put into the driver.

[CRutherford]

Well, for under $200, the MP-001 from Mizuno is great. I've not had any experience with a Hogan CS3, but I've heard good things. A Taylormade R580 or 580XD is a good option too.

 

I'd demo all of them if possible. Numbers are the best way to decide.

 

Also, as far as shafts go, several of the stock offerings in those drivers are great, especially the Aldila NV.

[t_crane78]

Golfsmith had/has Titleist 983 K w/ Graphite Deisgn YS 6 for 149.99 w/ free shipping and handling. It list 8.5 as the only loft available, but I called and got a 9.5.

 

I also had a Ben Hogan C-S3 and it was a solid driver for 150 as well. Just my 2 cents.

[goalie007]

If you have any interest in a titleist 905T 10.5 with an aldila 65-s shaft, let me know. Been hit only a couple of times. Will sell for 180.

[giogolf]

Tm R540 XD is a very good driver and well below $200 on eBay, just pop in your shaft of choice and you are good to go. Coming from teh 983E you can get a 905S for under $200 on eBay as well.

I will also second the Mizuno MP001, I had a 400CC 9* and it was one of the longest drivers I have ever hit.

[dtgolder]

MacGregor Eye-O-Matic M42 (great buy at under $100)

 

or

 

MacGregor NVG (under $150 now that the NVG2 has come out)

 

Both great clubs (phenominal at those prices) with quality Graphite Design/Quadra Action shafts.

[CHRISS1928]

I second the Eye-O-Matic. Just got a slightly used one on ebay for 40 bucks.

[steelfan]

I have seen 905t with v2 for 179.00 buy it now on the bay and boy I'm tempted ;)

[KingOAces]

steelfan is right. Grab that 905T w/ the V2 shaft. It's a GREAT deal. And when the R comes out, It will be cheaper.

 

 

KinG

[hacker17]

You can get a new Ignite 460 for $200

[mspeedpika]

I picked up a r5 with a 757 for $150 on ebay and a 580xd with a 757 for $100 on ebay Just take a few minutes on ebay or the for sale forum im sure you can find some with a high end shaft.

[Jer-Jer]

Ebay is the way to go man.

 

905T $180 new w/ v2

R5 Dual $175 new

Ignite 410 $125 new

Ignite 460 $150 new

 

Great place man check it out. My friend recently bought a 905T 9.5 w/ a ZCOM for $180 in MINT condition.

[NWILLIAMS]

I was going to put a vote in for the 983 when I saw the title, but I guess you're not interested :P

 

The other option is the TM 580XD ...

 

I think coming from the 983, you will love the feel of the 580XD, and it will really drop the ball out there for you.

[rb83993]

The Launcher 460 can be found for under $200 with a NV shaft, new.

[onemomentintime]

let me ask you this...what is your typical launch like? if it is not too high you may want to consider the Bobby Jones drivers by Jesse Ortiz which can be found on Ebay for around $200.

[dtgolder]

This is such a great thread...there is SO much out there in discontnued stuff (I was stunned to see the prices of the MacTec NVG...may have to pick up one of those).

 

Just goes to show--get out there are demo EVERYTHING, and then keep good notes. In a year or two, you can pick up your stud driver for a song.

 

I remember lusting over the Ignite driver as well, and now, well, it's yesterday's news (but I think I like the MacGregor stuff better--I think they're a clubmaker trying to make a return to glory, and are putting GREAT stuff on the market, but not getting the play. That'll change, but their used stuff right now is an absolute steal).

[peteman29]

Ignite 460

[PING*]

Ignite 460 or 983k no question about it!!!

[Big D McGee]

Broken Record here:

 

The MacTec NVG is an excellent driver, and can be had for $150-199. If you have a carry of 265, I predict your first flush hit with the MacTec will go 275-300!

 

If you demo the MacTec, make sure you try the Stiff shaft. The regular shaft is just to whippy.

[B8ender]

Okay, I'm down to 3 drivers. The 905t 9.5 with a stiff v2 proforce shaft. The Mactec nvg 9.5 stiff+ quadra shaft or a 580 taylormade 9.5 with a speeder 757 stiff shaft The cost of the 905t is around 190.00, the nvg is around $140.00 and I'm still hunting for a price on the 580 . So give you opinion on these three drivers.

[CHRISS1928]

I thought the mactec was severly overrated and thus it never sold well and thus its so cheap now. I had 9.5 stiff and I always hit the ball high so i got this and it went lower, yet it rolled less and was less long overall. Was moderately straight but the stock shaft didn't quite do it for me. 905 series, I always hit the K&E better(outside on range, launch monitors at golfgalaxy, golfsmith as well). 580xd is pretty good assuming you get one w/o the stock shaft which IMO sux. My recommendations are a macgregor eye-o-matic and mizuno mp-001. I have both of these and its gonna be a tuff choice between the two.

Hope this helps in your search, and its all up to what feels best for you

 

Chris

[bjackson]

if you have your 983E and like it why change? i have a 983K w/ NV65 stiff and although i want a new driver (905R) i cant find anything wrong with mine other than its 2+ years old. Check on ebay and the for sale forum here for drivers. a new 905 s/t can be found really cheap, as well as the solid taylormade line of 510, 540, 580, 540xd, 580xd, and even now a used r7 or r5 can be found for cheap too. also, if you like your shaft then have it pulled so you just have to buy a head and not the whole package. hope this helps

[bjackson]

sorry, didnt read that you want a new shaft too until now...

[Jer-Jer]

Go with the 905T man. I really love this driver because it has great feel. Solid contact sounds like no other-and with a V2 you can't go wrong. I do think MacGregor is the most underrated company in golf, but the MACTEC is a piece of junk. I mean I hit it and it doesn't have any feel to it at all and solid contact is just blah-just my opinion though. R580 is a good driver but if you want some new technology then why get the R580? It's just as old as your 983K.

[bjackson]

my 983K is still old, but still hits it a mile ;)

[mspeedpika]

I went from the 983k with a prolite to a 580xd with a 757 and I feel that I can really go after it with my 580 because the heavier shaft helped me keep the driver on plane while I would be all over the place with the prolite when I would go after it. Yes the 983k still does hit it a mile, and YES the 580xd with a 757 hits it a mile even when your not hittin the center of the face unlike the 983k. Keep and eye on ebay for one I got mine buy it now for 99.99 with a brand new r7 headcover...please don't flame it was free..haha

[sukisuki007]

ADAMS 430 Q, Got mine for 90 shipped brand new with wrench and wheel and nvs shaft. Longest driver i have ever hit and i have played the 983 905 and 510 tp and 540xd tp

[cmarkmyers]

I am glad to see some people mention the Hogan CS-3 as I used my eBay account to buy one for a friend today after losing out on a couple of NDS auctions.

 

eBay is so much more fun when you are using someones elses money.

[Punchy50]

Your best bet it to try and hit those drivers you are interested in. Most good golf shops will have a selection of used clubs. I never buy a club without hitting it and almost never ask advice on which club I should buy. Everybody has different swings, playing abilities, play different golf balls, etc. Too many opinions and variables to drop $200 on a driver that works for someone else and not you.

[wwhitehead]

Whatever you do, call Discount Dan. Their prices can't be beat...and they have an incredible selection. $200 will get you a 905T or S in any shaft you want.