JJK947 - WITB 2018 - Under Construction

[JJK947]

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1419709757' post='10647693']
JJ, I think you ought to look into some Mp 650 fw's.
[/quote]

I've been looking for an 18* recently, but on ebay they're all brutally overpriced or have marks on the crown. The 5 wood was great for me but the 3 wood for some reason wasn't quite as good a fit. I'm just a sucker for the deep faced stuff for a strong 3 since I only hit it off the tee. Maybe I'll try the 13.5* since I only had the 15*. Eric had one set up with a 7A3, I think, and it was very nice but I only got to hit it a few times.

[drbonesvt]

[quote name='JJK947' timestamp='1419709548' post='10647679']
Sorry to disappoint but it's been a slow fall for me. Had a minor rib injury that hindered my swing so I didn't play too much. Just getting back into it now though. Here's the current bag:


No fairways or driver right now. Sold them off when I figured out I wouldn't be playing much this fall. Completely open to all suggestions. You still liking those Stage 2 woods better than the SLDR? My MP4's are going nowhere. How are you liking yours?


[/quote]

Well you be happy with the VT play in Annapolis today.

Fairways, due to the golf wrx effect, tested some callaway x2hot fw's. Maybe its because I really like the look, the x2 Hot pro's remind me shape wise of the 906f2's, anyway, hard to compare them to the rbz s2 i have in the bag now because those are measured heads, hot melted, and armed with Rombax P95x and Fit on Pro95xx(100g) shafts. The X2' stock shaft alidia tour green's not going to really get one an apples to applies comparison. Still feel for my game the rbz s2s are better than the sldr fw for my game, possible if the lie angles where not so upright they could contend.

Rbz Stage 2 tour issues firmly in place, maybe increasing the tipping a little and length by .5" on both ends.

What I did hit today, which was high and long - felt very very sold and just with stock set up, was a R15 5w Fairway with a tour spec speeder something.

Good luck on the recovery from the rib, Continuation of the 2015 PGA season is right around the corner

[JJK947]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1419713275' post='10647907']
Only a few rounds so far with the 915, my early assessment is that it's long and low spin across the entire face with really good ball speed. The sound and feel are different than what I am used to. The jury is still out though, I need more rounds before I make a final decision. DBD is good but I need less loft than the stock head, I want to test it with some other shafts but have not had the chance. My plan is too be patient with the 915 until I am hitting the driver a little better, lack of rounds and practice has me struggling. If I'm still not sold I will look into the R15's, revisit the DBD and try a few others.
[/quote]

I got a chance to hit the 915 a few times indoors but not enough to get any kind of real opinion on it. First impressions were that the spin was lower and the change in sound/feel from 913. Also waiting to see how Tai's shootout ends up. Seems like he's got everything that I'm interested in this year covered so that will give me a good starting point. DBD is an awesome looking club but that worries me about the loft not being low enough. I like to play lower lofted stuff as well, the SLDR is the only head I've been comfortable playing at over 8.5* actual loft.

[JJK947]

[quote name='drbonesvt' timestamp='1419716163' post='10648107']
[quote name='JJK947' timestamp='1419709548' post='10647679']
Sorry to disappoint but it's been a slow fall for me. Had a minor rib injury that hindered my swing so I didn't play too much. Just getting back into it now though. Here's the current bag:


No fairways or driver right now. Sold them off when I figured out I wouldn't be playing much this fall. Completely open to all suggestions. You still liking those Stage 2 woods better than the SLDR? My MP4's are going nowhere. How are you liking yours?


[/quote]

Well you be happy with the VT play in Annapolis today.

Fairways, due to the golf wrx effect, tested some callaway x2hot fw's. Maybe its because I really like the look, the x2 Hot pro's remind me shape wise of the 906f2's, anyway, hard to compare them to the rbz s2 i have in the bag now because those are measured heads, hot melted, and armed with Rombax P95x and Fit on Pro95xx(100g) shafts. The X2' stock shaft alidia tour green's not going to really get one an apples to applies comparison. Still feel for my game the rbz s2s are better than the sldr fw for my game, possible if the lie angles where not so upright they could contend.

Rbz Stage 2 tour issues firmly in place, maybe increasing the tipping a little and length by .5" on both ends.

What I did hit today, which was high and long - felt very very sold and just with stock set up, was a R15 5w Fairway with a tour spec speeder something.

Good luck on the recovery from the rib, Continuation of the 2015 PGA season is right around the corner
[/quote]

Glad they ended the season on a strong note. It's been a tough last couple of years to watch. I had it good for the first few years when they had Tyrod and all the good running backs, Evans, Wilson, Williams, so can't complain.

The ribs are feeling pretty good now, it took a while but I'm hoping to get a few rounds in over the winter if the Blacksurg weather cooperates.

Which heads and lofts do you have in the X2's? I had the 2 and the 5 in the deep version for most of the summer/fall this year. The 2 was a fun club to hit but I don't know how useful. It was almost as long as my driver but was easier to hit low and shape. The 5 was really nice but maybe too long. Even at 18.5* I was hitting it as far as most 15-ish degree 3 woods or hot 4 woods. I'm looking at maybe trying the 19* Pro head and then the 14.5* Deep. I've got a Proforce V2 96X waiting for a 5 wood. It's like a slightly lower spinning P95 with no feel.

[MadGolfer76]

[quote name='JJK947' timestamp='1419716131' post='10648103']
[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1419709757' post='10647693']
JJ, I think you ought to look into some Mp 650 fw's.
[/quote]

I've been looking for an 18* recently, but on ebay they're all brutally overpriced or have marks on the crown. The 5 wood was great for me but the 3 wood for some reason wasn't quite as good a fit. I'm just a sucker for the deep faced stuff for a strong 3 since I only hit it off the tee. Maybe I'll try the 13.5* since I only had the 15*. Eric had one set up with a 7A3, I think, and it was very nice but I only got to hit it a few times.
[/quote]

I have a spare 5w head, but has a small dent towards the toe.

[JJK947]

Just wanted to do a little update based on the last of my clubs coming in today. All new irons for this year, they're staying in the plastic until this snow melts. Might be March though. Also trying out the R15 430.

 

[scratchswinger]

Have you hit the 430 yet? How does it compare to the SLDR 430 or R15 460?

[JJK947]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1424407465' post='10989645']
Have you hit the 430 yet? How does it compare to the SLDR 430 or R15 460?
[/quote]

SLDR 430 never worked for me, too much club to really have confidence in. I've only hit the R15's indoors on GC2. Based on that I would compare the R15 430 to the SLDR 460 in terms of forgiveness but more along the numbers of the SLDR 430 once you loft it back down. So not super forgiving like I felt the R15 460 was but the shape and slightly lower spin put me over the edge. If I get it out on the course and it's not working out I have no problem picking up a 460 head and playing that for the rest of the year.

Also want get an extensive demo of the 915 D3 and FD at some point but I feel like the numbers and forgiveness are going to be similar to R15 when dialed in. I think you said you had a good demo with the R15 recently?

[scratchswinger]

I have been doing some testing on the range and Trackman. Earlier this week I hit the 915, R15 and G30LS all on Trackman with a few highest shafts (Speeder, Rouge 125, DI, and Graphite Design MT). My current gamer was hands down the winner, I was getting 14* 2080. I was only able to test the 460 R15 and was at 14*/2700 but that was at the standard settings (9.5 head). I ended up picking up a 460/757 combo and am demoing a 430/757 combo. Ideally I would like to get the 460 close to my D3 in regards to the numbers but not sure if it's a fair fight when one is playing at 6.75* and the other is a few degrees higher. I am hoping to get some more Trackman time in tomorrow with the two R15 combos. I really have no logical reason to be trying any drivers other than my gamer but I kinda started this experiment and now am motivated and intrigued to finish it.

[JJK947]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1424411075' post='10989871']
I have been doing some testing on the range and Trackman. Earlier this week I hit the 915, R15 and G30LS all on Trackman with a few highest shafts (Speeder, Rouge 125, DI, and Graphite Design MT). My current gamer was hands down the winner, I was getting 14* 2080. I was only able to test the 460 R15 and was at 14*/2700 but that was at the standard settings (9.5 head). I ended up picking up a 460/757 combo and am demoing a 430/757 combo. Ideally I would like to get the 460 close to my D3 in regards to the numbers but not sure if it's a fair fight when one is playing at 6.75* and the other is a few degrees higher. I am hoping to get some more Trackman time in tomorrow with the two R15 combos. I really have no logical reason to be trying any drivers other than my gamer but I kinda started this experiment and now am motivated and intrigued to finish it.
[/quote]

14 and 2000 spin is just about perfect so you must have gotten something extra from R15, ball speed, forgiveness? From my limited testing so far the D3 and 430 were very close in numbers with the 430 spinning a little less on average. Both are plenty low enough for my needs though, it's more about overall looks/feel/sound and playability on the course at this point. Looking forward to hearing how things shape up when you finish your testing of these combos. These are the only two drivers I'm considering this year, been spending a lot more time dialing in the irons since that was my weakest area last year.

[driverwedge]

Nice setup! Can't wait to give them a go!

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='JJK947' timestamp='1424414688' post='10989989']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1424411075' post='10989871']
I have been doing some testing on the range and Trackman. Earlier this week I hit the 915, R15 and G30LS all on Trackman with a few highest shafts (Speeder, Rouge 125, DI, and Graphite Design MT). My current gamer was hands down the winner, I was getting 14* 2080. I was only able to test the 460 R15 and was at 14*/2700 but that was at the standard settings (9.5 head). I ended up picking up a 460/757 combo and am demoing a 430/757 combo. Ideally I would like to get the 460 close to my D3 in regards to the numbers but not sure if it's a fair fight when one is playing at 6.75* and the other is a few degrees higher. I am hoping to get some more Trackman time in tomorrow with the two R15 combos. I really have no logical reason to be trying any drivers other than my gamer but I kinda started this experiment and now am motivated and intrigued to finish it.
[/quote]

14 and 2000 spin is just about perfect so you must have gotten something extra from R15, ball speed, forgiveness? From my limited testing so far the D3 and 430 were very close in numbers with the 430 spinning a little less on average. Both are plenty low enough for my needs though, it's more about overall looks/feel/sound and playability on the course at this point. Looking forward to hearing how things shape up when you finish your testing of these combos. These are the only two drivers I'm considering this year, been spending a lot more time dialing in the irons since that was my weakest area last year.
[/quote]

What loft 915D3 did you test against the 430? Also did you use the same shaft? Just trying to wrap my head around how the two compare like for like.

Long story short I have wanted another 2015 driver offering just to see how it stacks up against the 915. Initially I thought it would be the DBD but that experiment was short lived so I stared testing the heads mentioned above and have kind of gotten consumed by it over the last week.... Pure745's shootouts tend to do that to me

[MadGolfer76]

Nice setup JJ. So, is that really an 8 degree gap between your TM wedges or is there some stealthy bending going on? See a lot of TM pros going 50/58 or 52/60.

[Architect]

Great information from your comparisons. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Love your WITB!

[JJK947]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1424456081' post='10992521']
[quote name='JJK947' timestamp='1424414688' post='10989989']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1424411075' post='10989871']
I have been doing some testing on the range and Trackman. Earlier this week I hit the 915, R15 and G30LS all on Trackman with a few highest shafts (Speeder, Rouge 125, DI, and Graphite Design MT). My current gamer was hands down the winner, I was getting 14* 2080. I was only able to test the 460 R15 and was at 14*/2700 but that was at the standard settings (9.5 head). I ended up picking up a 460/757 combo and am demoing a 430/757 combo. Ideally I would like to get the 460 close to my D3 in regards to the numbers but not sure if it's a fair fight when one is playing at 6.75* and the other is a few degrees higher. I am hoping to get some more Trackman time in tomorrow with the two R15 combos. I really have no logical reason to be trying any drivers other than my gamer but I kinda started this experiment and now am motivated and intrigued to finish it.
[/quote]

14 and 2000 spin is just about perfect so you must have gotten something extra from R15, ball speed, forgiveness? From my limited testing so far the D3 and 430 were very close in numbers with the 430 spinning a little less on average. Both are plenty low enough for my needs though, it's more about overall looks/feel/sound and playability on the course at this point. Looking forward to hearing how things shape up when you finish your testing of these combos. These are the only two drivers I'm considering this year, been spending a lot more time dialing in the irons since that was my weakest area last year.
[/quote]

What loft 915D3 did you test against the 430? Also did you use the same shaft? Just trying to wrap my head around how the two compare like for like.

Long story short I have wanted another 2015 driver offering just to see how it stacks up against the 915. Initially I thought it would be the DBD but that experiment was short lived so I stared testing the heads mentioned above and have kind of gotten consumed by it over the last week.... Pure745's shootouts tend to do that to me
[/quote]

His shootout threads tend to do the same for me. Two years ago it came down to the 913 vs RFE and last year SLDR 430 and 460.

R15 430 was 10.5 set a click lower with 661 TS. 915 was 9.5 A1 with the Rogue 110. By no means a perfect comparison but just my general feeling combined with what I've seen in the past that I can make either one work for me, numbers wise. Once I start getting spin down to 2000 range or below I know that it's just splitting hairs at that point. I really want to get more time with the D3 but don't have access to one right now without buying. Better comparison was R15 430 10.5 one click low vs 460 9.5 standard with the same shaft was a good 400 rpm on average difference for me. Post some of your findings on TM in your thread if you get a chance. Really looking forward to see how it turns out.

[scratchswinger]

We all have Pure to thank!!! I posted in my WITB, I did not hit the 430 on Trackman. I can tell just by watching the flight that is low enough spin, I am going to get it on the course to see how it stacks up. If it ends up making the bag I will probably setup some Trackman time just to dial it in.

I really wish the 430 came in black, what are your thought on the white vs black?

[JJK947]

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1424457151' post='10992635']
Nice setup JJ. So, is that really an 8 degree gap between your TM wedges or is there some stealthy bending going on? See a lot of TM pros going 50/58 or 52/60.
[/quote]

The 60 is bent to about 58. Need to have it checked but I don't think it's quite an 8* gap. It works out to about 20 yard gaps between PW-GW-LW on the course though, so I'm happy. My setup used to be 48-54-60. With these strong PW lofts I like having my first wedge strong enough that I don't have to hit a ton of partial PW's. I'm always messing around with different shots with my wedges anyway so the exact lofts aren't so important as having some separation. Kind of odd but it seems to work ok.

Are you building another 650 5 wood? The VS Proto 80x feels great in the 5 wood DW sent me to try.

[quote name='driverwedge' timestamp='1424448935' post='10991635']
Nice setup! Can't wait to give them a go!
[/quote]

Will be interesting to see how you get along with the C Taper Lite. Should have some more contestants for a 5 wood shootout too. Going to throw a V2 96x in that 650 head.

[MadGolfer76]

[quote name='JJK947' timestamp='1424459462' post='10992937']
[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1424457151' post='10992635']
Nice setup JJ. So, is that really an 8 degree gap between your TM wedges or is there some stealthy bending going on? See a lot of TM pros going 50/58 or 52/60.
[/quote]

The 60 is bent to about 58. Need to have it checked but I don't think it's quite an 8* gap. It works out to about 20 yard gaps between PW-GW-LW on the course though, so I'm happy. My setup used to be 48-54-60. With these strong PW lofts I like having my first wedge strong enough that I don't have to hit a ton of partial PW's. I'm always messing around with different shots with my wedges anyway so the exact lofts aren't so important as having some separation. Kind of odd but it seems to work ok.

[b]Are you building another 650 5 wood? The VS Proto 80x feels great in the 5 wood DW sent me to try.[/b]

[quote name='driverwedge' timestamp='1424448935' post='10991635']
Nice setup! Can't wait to give them a go!
[/quote]

Will be interesting to see how you get along with the C Taper Lite. Should have some more contestants for a 5 wood shootout too. Going to throw a V2 96x in that 650 head.
[/quote]

Yeah, I have another that I shafted with a Vs Proto 80x. So I have Vs Proto's in 15 and 18 fairways and Vs Proto 95x in 19 and 22 650 hybrids. Got a 60x that might find its way into my 650 driver if the Orochi 65x doesn't work out. Just waiting for warm weather.

[JJK947]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1424459385' post='10992927']
We all have Pure to thank!!! I posted in my WITB, I did not hit the 430 on Trackman. I can tell just by watching the flight that is low enough spin, I am going to get it on the course to see how it stacks up. If it ends up making the bag I will probably setup some Trackman time just to dial it in.

I really wish the 430 came in black, what are your thought on the white vs black?
[/quote]

Just went over and read your comments. Agree with everything there. I wish they made the 430 in Black and made both heads in 8.5 loft. Neither launch and spin as low as their SLDR counterparts, took me all of 5 minutes to figure that out. Probably a conscious decision on TM's part. I do think that with the 430 you can dial it down to get close to SLDR 430 numbers, it may take a stiffer tip shaft to do it though if you're playing 915 at 6.75*. Is the 757 tipped in the 430? I found that shaft needs a little tipping to find the sweet spot, at least for me at 110-ish SS.

The white doesn't kill me like it used to but I think the 430 would look as good as anything in black. If I find that I'm really liking the 430 and it's forgiving enough I'll probably send it off to continental to get sprayed. They seem to do a pretty good job of making it look like factory. The white on the R15s just looks kind of toy-ish.

[JJK947]

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1424459921' post='10992995']
Yeah, I have another that I shafted with a Vs Proto 80x. So I have Vs Proto's in 15 and 18 fairways and Vs Proto 95x in 19 and 22 650 hybrids. Got a 60x that might find its way into my 650 driver if the Orochi 65x doesn't work out. Just waiting for warm weather.
[/quote]

The VS Protos should work out really well in those. Probably a better choice than a V2 96 but I'm pretty happy with everything in my bag at the moment so it's more of just a fun experiment.

Hopefully we don't have to wait too long. I though being in Virginia would help but still stuck under a about a foot of snow. Not even going to try to compare to the situation in NE though...

[scratchswinger]

The 430 that I tested was a demo from the PGA Super Store, the guy let me use the Speeder 757 from the fitting cart. I have a feeling that it's either tipped .5 or not at all. Mine is still in the box not 100% built yet.... I ordered 44.5" tipped 1.5" D3 SW. pretty straight forward right? While TMAG custom department only tips 1" max and does not adjust SW. So they had to send it long, so I can get it tipped more and with the grip off. Luckily I ordered it from a guy we all know and he is basically the best in the biz at ordering custom clubs and had them send it this way so I can have it made right.

[vtnerf]

Gotta get some maroon and orange in there Hokie!!!!!!
Sweet looking sticks and set up. Went the engineering at Tech route too. I was pre-ACC (even pre-Vick!) when Jay could really only look at Virginia kids. Being out of state, and trying to walk on was next to impossible. He told me I needed to be high 60's in order to have a look, so that basically answered all of my questions.

[JJK947]

[quote name='vtnerf' timestamp='1424461265' post='10993163']
Gotta get some maroon and orange in there Hokie!!!!!!
Sweet looking sticks and set up. Went the engineering at Tech route too. I was pre-ACC (even pre-Vick!) when Jay could really only look at Virginia kids. Being out of state, and trying to walk on was next to impossible. He told me I needed to be high 60's in order to have a look, so that basically answered all of my questions.
[/quote]

I've got a big hokie bird for the 3 wood, just didn't make it out for pics! As a freshman I was a 1 or 2 index but I had really no aspirations of playing for the team, just being realistic. Especially with the way the mechanical engineering curriculum is set up. They have a "Club" team now that travels and plays two-day tournaments in Virginia. I've been doing that for a while and it's at least as competitive as high school golf was so that's been nice thing to do on the side.

[drbonesvt]

Just wanted to do a little update based on the last of my clubs coming in today. All new irons for this year, they're staying in the plastic until this snow melts. Might be March though. Also trying out the R15 430.

 

 

What cameron head cover is that?

[MadGolfer76]

[quote name='JJK947' timestamp='1424460979' post='10993133']
[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1424459921' post='10992995']
Yeah, I have another that I shafted with a Vs Proto 80x. So I have Vs Proto's in 15 and 18 fairways and Vs Proto 95x in 19 and 22 650 hybrids. Got a 60x that might find its way into my 650 driver if the Orochi 65x doesn't work out. Just waiting for warm weather.
[/quote]

The VS Protos should work out really well in those. Probably a better choice than a V2 96 but I'm pretty happy with everything in my bag at the moment so it's more of just a fun experiment.

Hopefully we don't have to wait too long. I though being in Virginia would help but still stuck under a about a foot of snow. Not even going to try to compare to the situation in NE though...
[/quote]

I played them towards the end of last season and they were amazing. Flat apex and came off the face extremely hot.

Yeah, the weather sucks. A town about an hour east of me set a record for receiving 73 inches of snow inside of 5 days. It was absurd.

[JJK947]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1424461127' post='10993145']
The 430 that I tested was a demo from the PGA Super Store, the guy let me use the Speeder 757 from the fitting cart. I have a feeling that it's either tipped .5 or not at all. Mine is still in the box not 100% built yet.... I ordered 44.5" tipped 1.5" D3 SW. pretty straight forward right? While TMAG custom department only tips 1" max and does not adjust SW. So they had to send it long, so I can get it tipped more and with the grip off. Luckily I ordered it from a guy we all know and he is basically the best in the biz at ordering custom clubs and had them send it this way so I can have it made right.
[/quote]

Odd. And you must be talking about the one and only Dizz. 1.5 tipping on that shaft should make a sizable difference in performance. TM isn't very good on the custom club front. I had a buddy try to order me a UDI with that coupon everyone had and they wouldn't even put an X stiff shaft in it. I've gotten a bunch of bites on my 757 I'm selling but I'm probably going to end up keeping it to try out. It's 45" in the 430 with 1" tipping, should be a good fit in that head from what you're saying. I was just trying to go lighter, maybe 6.2 TS. I also have the Evolution 661 untipped.

[JJK947]

[quote name='drbonesvt' timestamp='1424464648' post='10993505']
What cameron head cover is that?
[/quote]

It's an old club Cameron headcover, 2011. I used to update every year but I stopped with that one. Just thought it looked cool.

[JJK947]

[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1424464900' post='10993535']
[quote name='JJK947' timestamp='1424460979' post='10993133']
[quote name='MadGolfer76' timestamp='1424459921' post='10992995']
Yeah, I have another that I shafted with a Vs Proto 80x. So I have Vs Proto's in 15 and 18 fairways and Vs Proto 95x in 19 and 22 650 hybrids. Got a 60x that might find its way into my 650 driver if the Orochi 65x doesn't work out. Just waiting for warm weather.
[/quote]

The VS Protos should work out really well in those. Probably a better choice than a V2 96 but I'm pretty happy with everything in my bag at the moment so it's more of just a fun experiment.

Hopefully we don't have to wait too long. I though being in Virginia would help but still stuck under a about a foot of snow. Not even going to try to compare to the situation in NE though...
[/quote]

I played them towards the end of last season and they were amazing. Flat apex and came off the face extremely hot.

Yeah, the weather sucks. A town about an hour east of me set a record for receiving 73 inches of snow inside of 5 days. It was absurd.
[/quote]

Sounds great. Honestly, I think it would be a flat apex with pretty much any shaft in the 650 FW's but I bet the VS's just make them feel that much better with just the right amount of kick.

[Sean2]

Very nice JJ! :-)

I hope to see you sooner rather than later...along with Eric and Dan.

[JJK947]

[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1424467904' post='10993893']
Very nice JJ! :-)

I hope to see you sooner rather than later...along with Eric and Dan.
[/quote]

Thanks Sean! That would be great, what do you think July when the snow melts?