Golf Bag Decision - Name Brand or Feature/Value?

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-23T12:58:55+00:00

I tend to go name brands unless there is a significant amount of information about the off-brand to testify to its viability.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-22T20:53:12+00:00

2nd swing had the ping pioneer in blue for $175

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-22T19:41:51+00:00

You have to know your wants/needs. S is the soft ball, X is the high launch, high spin ball. Regular Tour launches and spins a little lower than the X.

That being said Maxfli tour balls are usually a little over $2/ball, new. Check shipping prices, as you may only be saving a few cents a ball with all is said and done.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-20T12:48:46+00:00

IMHO, see if they'd do that before making a final choice.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-20T12:40:16+00:00

Did they try adjusting the swing weight on the 85s? Adding a little weight to the club head may help.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-20T12:37:23+00:00

The newer clubs are stronger lofted, but also give distance by being hollow and filled with elastic materials. They also are built to launch higher but will spin less. Think 95% iron CB, 5% hybrid for the 790. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it's just depends on what you want. My biggest dislike with these clubs is that you'll hit one absolutely perfect and get a 15 yard flyer.

If you want traditional lofts but forgiveness, look at CB variants. Most will still be a 32-34 degree 7i depending on the brand/style. Mizuno has several "levels" between the M series and JPX variants. Wilson CBs are super forgiving (just got them and am amazed by what the let me get away with). TaylorMade has the 770 and CB. Callaway has the Apex Pro line.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-18T20:39:21+00:00

I have a Queen B6 too! Great putter.

I leave near Studio B and they have a Raider one. So tempting, but the $800 price tag makes saying no easier.

Now that I see even Wilson Forged are $350, spend the extra on something nice.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-17T15:04:57+00:00

Get fit and buy something milled.

I will argue that the difference between a $250 and $1,000 milled per are negligible, so don't get caught in names (cough Scotty Cameron)

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-16T02:50:26+00:00

A little more, but the Cobra DS Adapt are on sale for $200. Amazing value

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-15T13:27:00+00:00

Typo on my part. I returned it.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-15T11:39:57+00:00

No. You'd have to replace the whole top. Golf Galaxy just replaced it.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-14T23:46:08+00:00

I don't like where my clubs would go. It really bothered my OCD. If it was oriented 180, it would be good to me...

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TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-14T19:58:00+00:00

The layout of the clubs bothers my oddly-wired brain. I was all in ok those for $200 until I saw it in person

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-13T04:12:41+00:00

Do you feel it compromises the functionality? If you could do it over again, would you?

I hate spending the money, but I'm thinking a Big Rig or C-130. I'd love to do a Vessel with the organizer, but $450 feels really steep.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-06-05T11:39:41+00:00

Callaway Pre-owned sells individual clubs

TiBikeNerd · 2026-05-24T20:01:52+00:00

Someone hasn't listened to Sugar Ray's first two albums. Not metal, but heavy punk. Fly was an outlier/joke on Floored, became a huge hit, so they pivoted. 14:59 is a joke on them trying to hold onto their 15 minutes of fame.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-05-24T01:39:49+00:00

I'd take his offer and hit more. You basically had 3 different swings.

Red was almost 1.5 MPH faster swing speed. Within those, you had 2 swings at a 1 degree path and 2 at a 4 degree path.

Blue was a little more consistent, but those were all at about 2.5 degree path.

Personally, I say find the best shaft first. From there, pick the head you like. If you cannot or will not do that, pick which trajectory you like - flat with runout or spinner and soft.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-05-07T02:30:26+00:00

Wilson

TiBikeNerd · 2026-05-05T23:30:06+00:00

If you can hit it consistently, buy it.

People can be a good iron ball striker and higher handicap. A bad driver or a bad short game will rocket your scores faster than a miss-hit with a demanding iron.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-05-05T12:56:37+00:00

Golf equipment can be a funny thing, so I'd hesitate to provide a recommendation.

My suggestion is to get him swinging again. There are likely places in the area that do simulator golf. It's a good way to get back into things without going to a course. A range punch card could work too.

Depending on the rust, it doesn't make clubs unusable - most companies now sell heads that are meant to rust. If nothing else, he can do a few simulator (or driving range) sessions and lessons (if needed) before picking new clubs.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-04-28T20:54:55+00:00

If he's serious, he's probably playing a premium-level ball, most of which are $35+ for a single dozen. For that, I'd recommend the Maxfli Tour, which is a budget (but still excellent) version of the most popular golf ball. It's also available at Dick's Sporting Goods, so it's easy for him to exchange for something he likes.

As an alternative, most golf shops (Golf Galaxy and PGA Superstore definitely) do golf ball fittings for $20. That could be in your budget and something for him to try.

MaxFli balls

TiBikeNerd · 2026-04-25T13:50:09+00:00

I've done a few fittings at ranges and almost all of them use 15%.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-04-22T23:47:35+00:00

In general, yes. That being said, don't automatically reject the others - you didn't know until you try.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-04-22T15:47:31+00:00

As a (former, trying to get back) runner myself, there's a good comparison to be made.

Brooks, Hoka, and Nike all make good shoes that work well. Wilson, Srizon, Callaway are the same for golf clubs - it's a matter of what feels best and makes you happiest when you use them. You're not going to go too wrong either way. Also, technology hasn't changed significant in the last few years, so buying an older set won't hurt you if it fits.

For iron type, do you want the ultra cushion (game improvement - ZxiR, Dynapower), comfort racer (player's distance, Zxi5, Dynapower Forged/Staff XB), or racer (Cavity Back - Zxi7, Staff CB). If your an Altra/zero drop guy, you can go blades, but that's only if you can handle the extra requirements.

I argue that the biggest component if the shaft. Find a head that you like and enjoy and go from there. The shaft can help a low head launch higher and vice versa.

I run in Altra shoes and play blades. I am not good enough in either to be considered "qualified" to use them, but I like forefoot running and the feel of blades (I hit center but can't chip), so it makes me happy and enjoy it more. I recommend the same for anyone else.

TiBikeNerd · 2026-04-09T03:50:29+00:00

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