The New Big Stick

[Yoda]

Has anybody done any serious experimentation with the new 460 head drivers? Is there something to this latest incarnation of 'bigger is better'? Or is it just marketing hype? I just hit a few with the new Nike SasQuatch the other day, but not enough to form any definite opinion. Here's some basic information from Edwin Watts: http://www.edwinwatts.com/product.as...tegory=Drivers

[jim_0068]

As the swing speed and ball speed goes up so does spin and launch angle unfortunately. You need to learn how to control them and optimize them.

you can do that with a 350cc head (adam scott 983e) or any of the 400cc+ heads. You need a head that will help you with your MISSES. I am not that HUGE of a high launch high spin player. My misses tend to be low with too much spin. So i employ a Cleveland Comp which has a fairly high launch angle to complement my misses. Also with my grip and swing, i tend to fade it a little. The Comp has 25g redistributed to the heel which helps me draw it a little and keep it from going too far right. For a drawer of a ball, the standard comp may not be good for them.

Find something (in this order) to optimize your launch conditions:

1) find something that looks/sounds good to you that you will have confidence with

2) determine if this driver will help with your misses

3) proceed to shaft/loft combinations that will get you your optimal launch conditions for maximum distance.

Last time i was on a monitor i was swinging in the 105-110 range, 155-163 ball speed, 14-15* of launch angle, 2600-2800rpm of spin, 255-268 yards of carry and a total distance of 265-290.

I'm about maxed out, for me to hit it further i need more swing speed. However before i was "maxed out" i was hitting it 250-270.

Also you need to keep in mind that you REALLY need to go to a qualified fitter who will take into effect your ENTIRE SWING and not just your swing speed and ball speed numbers. Swingers, Hitters, release types, tempos, etc all play into it.

For those reading, do a search on my screenname for a post i made about fitting swingers vs hitters.
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PS Yoda, wait until winter for the Retail Nike Sasquate "tour" version. Not as long heel/toe and a little deeper bottom to top. Much more suited to a better player.

[Yoda]

Yoda, wait until winter for the Retail Nike Sasquate "tour" version. Not as long heel/toe and a little deeper bottom to top. Much more suited to a better player.

Thanks for the heads-up, Jim. Seems I may have been a bit ahead here (without knowing it). My session with the SasQuatch came during a lesson with a PGA TOUR player. He is under contract with Nike and had just received the club.

[jim_0068]

Well them i'm sure you got to hit a better model

The tour van versions usually have a face angle suited to the player (usually square or open for most horizontal hingers) and are usually more "neutrally" weighted.

For instance if you took my retail comp and a tour comp, you wouldn't find that 25g redistributed in the heel in the tour head.

So, WHAT DID you think of it?

[hue]

What Jim says about Tour Issue heads being different is correct. I have a Tour issue R7 TP and have compared it against the Retail R7 TP and they don't perform the same. The Tour Issue version is much more solid and they have done something to the COG to bring the ball flight down and reduce spin rates. I also understand that better high grade Titanium is used in making the Tour Issue versions. They are designed for players with high club head speed which Yoda has . The retail verions are designed around the needs of Mr Throwaway hacker. If the Nike you used was Tour Issue this will be a lot different compared to the retail version. So if you are going to get one get one from your tour contact. I have my clubs fitted by these guys www.precisiongolf.co.uk . They are very good. I am a high spin player and they said I should stay away from the new super big headed drivers as they would not suit me and bring my already high spin rates up.

[RickPinewild]

I tried a Sasquatch Lucky 13 with the Diamanna shaft and really like it. Could not tell distance on the range and the balls were bad, but it was the only club out of 4 manufacturers that felt good. I've been using a 460cc head from Wishon with one of his shafts and hit it as good as any I've ever had. Could be my TGM swing is getting better.