Taylormade R580XD

[lchyi]

Anyone use this driver, how do you like it? I'm going to try one out today to buy for cheap and after reading a few reviews, haven't heard anything too negative.

As far as I know it's a 9.5 loft and stiff shafted.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: lchyi
Anyone use this driver, how do you like it? I'm going to try one out today to buy for cheap and after reading a few reviews, haven't heard anything too negative.

As far as I know it's a 9.5 loft and stiff shafted.

What's your handicap or skill level? A 9.5 degree loft is probably not good for you unless you're a single digit handicapper. Even many of the pros don't use 9.5s anymore and have gone to 10.5 or higher. Also, you may want to go to a place like Edwin Watts and get your swing speed tested. That will help determine if a stiff shaft is right or if you need a regular as well as the preferred kick point of the shaft for your release.

 

[MyNameIsDarth]

This club is a classic. It is a few years old now but I still use mine. Anything around 100-110 new should be a good price I think.

 

[sao123]

I used the R580xd as my primary club for 2 years... then I hit the Callaway X460, a similar budget club. I hit the callaway further and straighter than the taylormade... so my choice was easy.

 

[caboob]

Since you stated this is your first driver I figure you are a beginner. Unless you can get off the tee proficiently with a 3-wood, a driver would be a waste IMO.

With that said, teh R580XD worked great, however, mine had a custom shaft (Grafalloy Pro-Lite) in it. The stock shaft was crap for me but may work out fine for you.

If the R5 is not that much more expensive, I would try and get that. Another option is the latest Burner driver which I have found on ebay for 216 shipped.

 

[sao123]

Generally for beginners, I usually recommend checking out pre-owned clubs.
Callaway offers certified pre-owned discounts on many of their clubs from their trade up program.

Check out
http://callawaygolfpreowned.co...460.aspx?intcid=x00091

 

[zoiks]

I would use it to get all the dust bunnies underneath the cabinet in the hallway and under the dresser in the bedroom.

 

[Uppsala9496]

9.5* is an OK loft. I personally prefer 8.5-9* on my driver.
Does a stiff shaft fit your swing speed?

The shaft is the most underrated and most important part of a driver. If the shaft doesn't fit your swing, it doesn't matter what kind of a head you have. It won't be much different than swining a brick tied to the end.

Get a proper fitting (hit golfsmith or something and have them fit you for clubs - this should be free) and then pick a shaft that fits your swing characteristics.

I prefer going with oem brands like SMT, Bang, Infiniti, etc.
I find the price is cheaper and I can get a custom built club with my specs that will allow me to hit the ball better.

Right now I am using a SMT Spectrum with an accuflex V2 stiff at 44". Perfect set-up for my swing and I couldn't be happier.

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
9.5* is an OK loft. I personally prefer 8.5-9* on my driver.
Does a stiff shaft fit your swing speed?

The shaft is the most underrated and most important part of a driver. If the shaft doesn't fit your swing, it doesn't matter what kind of a head you have. It won't be much different than swining a brick tied to the end.

Get a proper fitting (hit golfsmith or something and have them fit you for clubs - this should be free) and then pick a shaft that fits your swing characteristics.

I prefer going with oem brands like SMT, Bang, Infiniti, etc.
I find the price is cheaper and I can get a custom built club with my specs that will allow me to hit the ball better.

Right now I am using a SMT Spectrum with an accuflex V2 stiff at 44". Perfect set-up for my swing and I couldn't be happier.

:thumbsup:

Generally speaking...Unless your swing is 85+ mph... there is generally no need for a stiff shaft, and it can even throw off your hit... make sure the shaft fits your swing.

 

[Uppsala9496]

Here is a nice, simple breakdown of driver degree angle's for you:
Driver loft's with swing speeds.
Shaft Flex chart with swing speeds.

 

[HopJokey]

Also, it matters how you swing the club, not just the speed you generate that determines which flex you should get. A more "jerky" swing would benefit from a stiffer staft. This is why it is important to get fitted properly at a place like Golfsmith.

 

[lchyi]

This may sound like a naive question but if I just started out, would it be more beneficial for me to start hitting around at the driving range first to figure out what my swing is first and then get fitted for clubs?

I just went to hit the club around at the driving range and it felt good. I hardly sliced at all this time out and though I wasn't getting them deep, I was getting them straight. I'm also getting it for $75 used (not much, looks pretty much brand new to me). Really thinking about pulling the trigger now... thanks for the advice all, there's a Golfsmith nearby and I would like to check it out too.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

If you're getting the club for $75 then go for it. You can always sell it again for at least that much as long as you keep it in good condition.

If you're new to golf then getting fitted clubs does not make sense at this point, unless you feel like burning through some money for the hell of it. Just play for fun for a while to decide if you really want to get serious about the game. If you do get bitten by the bug, get lessons to learn how to swing properly and also get a set of fitted clubs. Learning a proper swing is far more important than getting fitted clubs too.

Just a warning: Golf can be the crack of sports. If you get addicted it can get very expensive.

 

[dirtboy]

Have a club matched to your swing. Just because it's a name branded club doesn't mean you can hit it well or that it's breakpoint matches your swing speed.