Need a more accurate driver

[TravAz]

Fairway finding machine?

Hey guys - quick history. Quit golf 3-4 years ago, just trying to get back in the game. Back then I played to a high single digit, but played with a +1 handicap guy alot and pretty much only played the tips on 7200+ courses so distance off the tee was vital. I hwith 110+ ss and ball speed in the mid 160s. Was gaming a hi bore tour 8.5 in xflex.

Well, my swing has gone to hell. Now I probably more like 105mph tops, but currently real inconsistent. I'm thinking of a shorter driver with more loft and prob step down to more flex.

My mentality has changed a lot too. My short game is really coming around and I am much more Concerned with finding the fairway.

Questions:

1) I'm 6'3 about 180lbs - kinda like bubba. I know he swings a shorter driver - but I'm no tour pro - should I be concerned with going too short on the driver and forcing sub-optimal swing changes? I play irons 1/2-1in long depending on the sticks.

2) anyone want to hazard a guess at a loft I should be trying?

3) I don't want to spend a ton of money on a new driver right now - just something forgiving from the past 3-4 years. I fight a hook, and occasionally block the ball, which is why I gamed the hi bore tour with the really open face I think 3*...

Any suggestions appreciated!

[gridironesq]

I can only give my .02 about which head to find fairways with. The best buy IMO is the Cally Ft-iz tour (the tour lofts sit square to slightly open). You'll need either an 8.5 or a 9.5 depending on shaft of course, but these are extremely forgiving, still have very respectable distance, and can be had for $100 or less in great condition. Second place for me would be the Taylormade Superfast TP 1.0 These are bombers that sit 1* open stock, and come with a great stiff stock shaft - a Matrix HD 6. These can be found for about $125.

[ptjn1201]

More loft and a shorter, heavier shaft will help you find more fairways. There are a lot of clubfitters who feel you won't necessarily give up much distance going from 46" to 44.5", since you'll have more center strikes and find the fairway more often. You can find older model heads and clubs in the BST or on Ebay for pretty cheap and even try a fairway shaft -- they're usually about 10 grams heavier than the same model driver shaft and usually quite a bit cheaper.

[bdigital22]

if you like the hi-bore tour, they can still be found for cheap

[bellview17]

shorter shaft, more loft, more flex.
swing smooth.
you may lose yards, but it is nice to hit from the fairway.

I went through the same a few years ago, albeit a 1.8 to 8 hdcp. but
I enjoy the game more from the mens tees.

[shortfield]

i got a 10.5 Nike Black Machspeed that is in absolute fairway finder. took me a range session or two to get the str8-fit dialed in, but now its consistent high and straight. its not the longest driver for me. and i dont think the feel or sound is that great, but its definitely easy to hit.

[Vintage1976]

I know people still rave about the L4V, thou I've never owned one. Loft is a big factor in accuracy from what I understand, so an 8.5 might not be as good for you anymore. Maybe closer to the 10 range would be more forgiving. FWIW, I have a RIP Alpha and would agree with the suggestions that it is one of the tighter shafts around. Really, really good dispersion even on less than solid hits.

[johnnythunders]

Get a 10.5 or 11.5 Taylormade R9460 with a Matrix HD6 in stiff if you can find it. Here are some other good bets:
[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/TaylorMade-R9-460-Driver-11-5-Stiff-Right-Handed-Graphite-Golf-Club-/160786664641?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item256fa1ccc1"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/TaylorMade-R9-460-Driver-11-5-Stiff-Right-Handed-Graphite-Golf-Club-/160786664641?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item256fa1ccc1[/url]
[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAYLOR-MADE-R9-460-DRIVER-11-5-deg-GRAPHITE-STIFF-FLEX-/330719202366?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item4d00668c3e"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAYLOR-MADE-R9-460-DRIVER-11-5-deg-GRAPHITE-STIFF-FLEX-/330719202366?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item4d00668c3e[/url]
[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAYLORMADE-R9-460-10-5-DRIVER-RE-AX-60-ALDILA-GRAPHITE-STIFF-/230780704502?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item35bb9a16f6"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/TAYLORMADE-R9-460-10-5-DRIVER-RE-AX-60-ALDILA-GRAPHITE-STIFF-/230780704502?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item35bb9a16f6[/url]
[url="http://www.ebay.com/itm/TaylorMade-R9-460-Driver-w-Fujikura-Motore-65-S-shaft-/180867153507?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item2a1c85be63"]http://www.ebay.com/itm/TaylorMade-R9-460-Driver-w-Fujikura-Motore-65-S-shaft-/180867153507?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item2a1c85be63[/url]

[ocburg17]

10.5-11 loft in the club head
44" driver shaft
Driver shaft that fits YOU! Saying you need a regular shaft or stiff shaft is far too general.

Swing/test as many as you can. You will know which one fits you by seeing the ball flight. In saying that, I'm on my 3rd shaft and 2nd head (playing them regulrarly) and testing 3-4 friends clubs in my journey. Every step I'm getting closer.

Easy answer is to get fitted; its also probably the right answer.

[billyhandsomeface]

Your current swing sounds just like mine and my miss is a bad hook. I got fitted at a Callaway Performance center and they eventually went into the pro shop to get some Titleist drivers because they didn't have the adjustable head out yet. The one I was fitted for was the 10.5* 910 D2 with a stiff flex shaft. They set the face at C1 which is as open as it gets. I can go after it and not worry about hooking. Also, the added loft makes the ball go higher, which is good for me because when that hard hook hits the ground it won't stop. Best of luck!