former 12 handicapper getting back in to the game (golf that is) after 20 years.......love the square groove ping irons, won't change there..... but the persimmon woods don't cut it anymore....looking at the Nike SasQuatch....or TaylorMade's r7 or Callaway's Big Bertha 454.  What do you guys think?

I couldn't think of a better place to ask for advice.

Without question, Taylor R7, 10.5 loft.  I play the R5, but have heard nothing but good  things about Taylor

The Sasquatch is good in the "tour model",, Cobra has REALLY expanded there driver technology in their "Speed Series"  ALOT depends on the shaft you like , want or need. This can really add to the price range too. As for the TaylorMades, yes they are good but the moveable weights don't make sense. In theory, you are not allowed to move them during a round anyway. Check around for "DemoDays" at an outdoor range.Indoor ranges and even all the fancy computers can't give you what you need to "see" on the course.  You also need to determine which head size works best for you. They go up to 460cc, but even some of the tour players desire a smaller head and you'll find that some manufacturers are offering heads in the 400-454cc range

-- Modified on 3/9/2006 12:55:44 PM

Before you buy go to Nevada Bob's out west on Indian School.  They have a driving range where you can hit all the clubs you listed.  Do not overlook the new Cobra line.  I recently upgraded to the new 460 and now I am hitting them straighter then ever, no bull.  After a month I lowered my handicap by 2.  Nevada Bob's also takes trade-ins but you will find lower prices on the TaylorMades at their demo sights around the valley.  Good Luck

I like the TaylorMade personally. Never had good success with the Callaway for some reason but know a lot of people love it. Never tried the Nike. Good suggestion by Connery to try them all out and see what feels best for you. Besides, used to see a gal named Taylor who rocked my world so why wouldn't I be partial to the TaylorMade variety of things.  LOL

-- Modified on 3/9/2006 1:44:19 PM

last year i bought a r5 taylor 5 wood.....by far the easiest club i have ever hit of the deck and it works great of the t for those long par 3s..i'm using a titelist driver now but am considering putting the r7 in the bag. i will try before i buy and suggest the same..

-- Modified on 3/10/2006 2:06:03 AM

Canadian Club ! ! !

Thank you

-- Modified on 3/10/2006 2:07:12 AM

If you liked the R5 so much why did you change to a Titelist driver.  A little skinny & short friend of mine hits the R5 for all driving holes.  He loves it and he gained about 10 yrds over his old TaylorMade.

-- Modified on 3/10/2006 2:06:39 AM

I went out and tried all of the above named brands at outside driving ranges during the demo days. I decided on the Ping G5. It hit longer and straighter. I picked up 30 yards just on the driver. I also bought the G5 3 wood. Picked up another 20 yareds with it. Best advice alrady given here, go to the demo days and find the one club that you like best.

-- Modified on 3/10/2006 7:05:02 AM

In addition, love my G3s pings

-- Modified on 3/10/2006 2:05:26 AM

Guy, I'd let you use my "driver", but with my marriage breaking up I think I need all my "wood" for sampling ladies on the board here myself... sorry!  

Any of you fine understanding ladies specialize in nursing along a breakup??

OneK

-- Modified on 3/10/2006 7:04:44 AM

lmao.....now i can better understand the confussion..i have a titeliest 975d driver,a r5 duel five wood,thinking about buying a r7 as i really like the r5...hopefully this clarifies..if not we could discuss over a makers mark on the rocks!

is actually more important then the clubhead itself (all three are excellent). It's more important that you get the driver custom fitted regardless of which one you buy. The right shaft will not only add yards....but improve your accuaracy by a wide margin. you'll be 20-30 yds longer and 50% straighter with the right "engine" in the club vs a "stock" build.....

ask the ladies.

Ladies, what is more important to a good round for you? A driver with a good head or shaft?

(its amazing what you can find using google!)


-- Modified on 3/9/2006 8:27:55 PM

It really depends on your swing speed. The R7 is a great club, but the wrong shaft makes it the wrong club. How far do you hit your average drive? No bull....? PM me I have a garage full.

I'd be sure to get the right loft, If your a 12 handicapper you probably hit a pretty high shot, I hit a high ball so went with the 9.5 loft.  I have never hit a longer straighter drive than with my new R7, what an incredible club with an incredible shaft stock from TaylorMade

Let me start by saying that golfers are just sexy..but then again being a golf junkie, I am a little biased lol.

I had to comment under you Connery, because I love the R5.  I am short (4'10 1/2), 100lbs soaking wet and the r5 ROCKS.  I am obviously not sending any ball into the stratosphere BUT I did find that this club increased my yardage...every little bit helps Let me not forget to mention that I am a lefty lol

I am also a Calloway junkie and although I have tried to switch clubs, I always go back to my Calloway x12s lol.

I noticed all the guys commenting on this question.  I guess all the ladies prefer a very stiff shaft, very clean balls, and a guy who knows how to find the hole.  Reminds me of the story about Johnny Carson asking Arnold Palmer if his late wife Winnie did anything to help him get ready for a tournament and he innocently answered that she kissed his balls for him before a round.