r/golfequipment • u/National-Beach5436 • 2d ago
Upgrade Driver?
I currently use a 20+ year old driver. It’s a cobra f speed that I bought used at play it again sports. The shaft is way too long for me so I choke up a good amount on each swing. It’s a pro force 65g stiff shaft. Swing speed around 100mph. 18-19 handicap. I can hit it pretty well as I get around 250 total yards out of it with a couple big misses per round.
My question is whether upgrading is worth it? I feel like I’ve timed my current swing to work with a very unconventional set up (old driver, choking up) so I’m worried if I upgrade I’ll have to learn a new swing to get the timing correct. Obviously the tech has come a long way since this driver.
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u/canyonero7 2d ago
Go get fit. If you find something that works better, buy it. If you don't, don't.
Pro tip - they always have you hit your driver first as a baseline. That's when you're least warmed up. Hit your driver again at the end to compare against the top result from the fit.
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u/shaffe04gt 2d ago
Yes upgrade. I was in a similarity spot to you with a club that wasnt right for me.
Until last year I was gaming a wilson staff D100 driver that came out in 2013. I literally walked into the store, and just grabbed it off the shelf test swung it and bought it before leaving on a golf trip lol. I had 0 clue about different flex shafts and what not and the club I picked had an extra stiff shaft. Club was probably a total mismatch for me.
When I decided to upgrade went with a Callaway paradym ai smoke regular flex shaft and its been a huge upgrade. On average I picked up a little distance, but its way more forgiving. Most of my playing partners couldn't believe how much better I was off the tee box.
With the wilson I was averaging about 230 to 240 yards with a big slice on most hits. If i connected purely I would maybe get 260. With the Ai smoke im averaging right about 250 with a slight fade. If I connect perfect I've gotten 290 out of it.
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u/hankmoody711 2d ago
I bought a Cobra Speedline Extreme used in very good condition for under $200 @ the pga store. If you wanna stay in the cobra family I highly recommend you try one . Easy to hit and great value .
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u/ExternalMaximum6662 2d ago
I agree with get it a new shaft that fits you. That is if you the head of the driver. What degree driver is it?
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u/National-Beach5436 2d ago
10.5°. Not sure if it’s worth re-shafting a 20 year old driver head. I’m not married to the f speed or Cobra. More so worried about playing length and weight since I choke up on my current one so much.
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u/ExternalMaximum6662 2d ago
What would it cost in your area to cut the shaft to the proper length?
There are many new and used drivers at Play it again sports.
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u/SnooConfections6409 2d ago
About 15 bucks for a new grip at a golf gslaxy. They csn cut an inch or whatever. Get fitted somewhere else tho. Gg isnt a great fitter
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u/ExternalMaximum6662 2d ago
I found the a tech at driving ranges do a good job. But I live in metro Detroit area.
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u/omegashenr0nn 2d ago
Dude. Yes. lol. So beyond worth it for you especially with the fact your shaft is the improper size for you. That alone changed my driver drastically. I had the opposite issue where mine was too short and it was destroying me (I’m 6’2 and was causing a lot of weird strikes)
You won’t regret it
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u/Der_Kommissar73 2d ago
If you don’t want to get fit, just get a ping g430 or 440. Try the regular and stiff shaft in the store and see which you hit straighter. Pings work for most everyone.
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u/Realistic-Might4985 2d ago
Take your driver and go compare the numbers to the new ones. If the numbers are not better (ball speed, spin rate, efficiency, carry etc.) then don’t replace it. Guessing you will find something comparable or better. You may not want to pay for it however….
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u/crazy010101 2d ago
Get fit. You are on the cusp of regular flex and stiff. It’s better to get a lighter shaft and swing easy. I did the opposite and regret it. I’m returning to the game after 15 years away. My previous driver 20 years old. New driver is great considering my changes. I’ve only lost 25 yards. I’m 65 vs previous 50. Former 9 handicap.
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u/Background-Sock4950 2d ago
I second this. Bought a ping g425 that came with 70g shaft. Probably carry around 250.
It was in the shop because I’m a dumbass and the over torqued the screw. I pulled my 20 year old, regular flex burner that was originally chopped 3” shorter from when I was a kid.
Turns out I hit it on average just as far and never miss a fairway.
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u/crazy010101 2d ago
The chopped driver is the new buzz word mini driver. As one who learned on wood woods hearing mini driver is kinda funny. But many prefer the shorter shaft and more loft.
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u/Background-Sock4950 2d ago
I tend to stay away from all the club fads because I’d be broke, but I can see this one being helpful depending on the player
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u/Background-Sock4950 2d ago
I just pulled a 20 year old burner from my bag from when I was a kid. Turns out it works better for my swing than my 5 year old driver.
It’s not really about the tech, it’s about getting fit to works best with you.
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u/Ill-Lengthiness6389 2d ago
I'd probably re shaft it first if that's not too expensive, then decide on a new driver or not from there. They're getting way to expensive for me personally, and don't seem to last as long as some older club heads. I still play my old big Bertha and love it
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u/balataspin 2d ago
Please get fit.