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Forum Thread of the Day: “Bigger impact for a high handicapper: Shorter shaft or new driver?”

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Today’s Forum Thread of the Day comes from Therty who is having major issues with his driver. A 20-handicapper with a two-way miss, Therty asks fellow members should he go to a shorter shaft (46″ currently), or splash out on a premium driver ( SLDR 430 currently).

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • Therealpatgiles: “Getting fitted is key. I was the same person you are last year. I got fitted for irons and dropped about 10 strokes per 18 holes. This year I got fitted for a driver, hit about 6 of 10 fairways with the driver, misses are in the rough instead of on the next hole. A lesson or two to work on swing mechanics would probably benefit greatly.”
  • bulls9999: “Shorter shaft for sure… 44.5-45 tops (don’t cut down too much, you’d be amazed at how much of an effect that 0.5-inch has). Also, play around with shafts, the shaft/head adapters allow you to pick up different versions of a shaft to test which one is better suited to you. I have had Project X velocity PxV in Stiff, Reg, and Sr, and increased ~15 yards with each one from Stiff->Reg->Sr, but my dispersion was most with Sr, so I’ve dropped back to Reg. Now I’ve landed on a Speeder 565 Reg which I really like, but it’s a bit soft, so I’m thinking either 565 Stiff 655 Reg or would fill the bill as the alternate pairing in that series. I’ve finally got my driver(s) worked out for 2019.”
  • RainShadow: “Try choking down an inch. This will in effect counterbalance the club a little and will likely improve your consistency. This has helped me immensely throughout my bag, actually.”
  • NRJyzr: “I say both. A new-to-the-OP driver would be a good idea, for reasons already stated. And, I’m a big believer in going with shorter drivers, but I’d look at going no longer than 44″, with 43.5” being a good target. Slap some lead tape on it to get it suitably weighted and off you go. I like the idea mentioned above of an older Ping, something nice and forgiving, not expensive. A Rocketballz or RBZ Stage 2 could be good, also, or perhaps an R11S, all of which should be pretty reasonably priced. Lot of options in the TM world, and a LOT of shafts to swap in and out. Some very good options from the last few years in the Cobra world, also (personally a big fan of the Cobra stuff, but trying not to shill for them too much, lol)

Entire Thread: “Bigger impact for a high handicapper: Shorter shaft or new driver?”

Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at gianni@golfwrx.com

4 Comments

4 Comments

  1. HDTVMAN

    Nov 30, 2019 at 1:46 pm

    1. Get rid of the SLDR
    2. Get a 460cc driver, preferably the Ping G400MAX 10.5°
    3. Cut the shaft down to 44.5 or 45″. Always best to order the driver from the factory to a shorter spec…cutting a driver down 1″ drops the swingweight by 6. You may need to add weight with lead tape, or the factory will send it to you with the correct specs.

  2. MB

    May 9, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Gotta,

    Agree with Geoffrey SDLR was a POS i watched people @ my course get fitted for them and 2-3 weeks later out of the bag SOLD. TM F&^%#*@ up’d with that Model.

    • David Lehmann

      May 10, 2019 at 12:50 pm

      I disagree that SLDR is a “POS”. One just has to be able to hit it. I currently and for always will game a 430 SLDR. That being said.. a 430 SLDR is not for the higehre handicapper. Try the SLDR in a 460 if you are a higher capper.

  3. Geoffrey Buchanan

    May 9, 2019 at 12:00 pm

    First of all, the SLDR 430 was nearly impossible to hit for good player let alone a 20 handicapper! It was a terrible driver, so both is the answer. New driver and in some cases a shorter shaft might help.

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Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

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Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game. 

The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag. 

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod

An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026. 

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Equipment

Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:

“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly. 

My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
  • MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
  • dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”

Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”

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Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo.  4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades.  5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft.   Standard Length, Lie and Lofts.  These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me.  Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules

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