My old 10.5⁰ M2 cranked up to 12 keeps me in the fairway and long enough to smile most rounds. Looking forward to 2026 when I may be able to afford the 2023 Paradym! 🤣🤣
I have the same driver and I’ve done that same thing cranked the loft up to 12 and cut the shaft to 3 wood length but I still manage to total around 260-270 and there in the fairway
The Callaway loft sleeve is the best as well, don't have to worry about your shaft being flipped 180 degrees and your grips not being lined up if you use the ALIGN grips or something
Beat me to it, this such an underrated feature. Love my Titleist drivers but as good as their adapter is I only use the “1” settings because I hate the shaft graphics and grip orientation changing.
@@tipperi yeah Titleist has a few options, taylormade can be rough when you're on the range playing around with what you like and having grip and shaft turning every direction
Just did the same, got fitted for a 9 degree Paradym triple diamond, struggled with a low left drive, so I lofted it up to 10 degrees and it is brilliant! Won the first comp of the year and came 2nd in the next one, didn’t miss a fairway - love the sound!
Spin is the key part of a driver setup: can't have it too low or else you hit screaming hooks, too high and the ball just balloons in the air and gets nowhere. This is where if you are really struggling with your driver getting fit with the proper driver head with the proper loft, proper shaft, and proper swing weight will optimize your tee shots. Each person's swing and club delivery is different so you have to test them out before buying.
Well this answers a question I have had recently, I bought the Costco Edge set because I was getting back into golf after several years and thought for the price of the driver why not get entire set. I have never had an adjustable driver so didn't know what I was missing, this video clears that up. Going to search for used club to try first to better understand it, thank you James!
Frankly, I've never had trouble "adjusting" a fixed head driver to fit my shot. Neither did Jack. It's so simple and you don't need a wrench. But that's marketing!
Playing a SIM 2 at 8° turned down to the lowest setting with a hazardous black shaft. It's still the best performing driver for me. Every year, I look to replace it, but it still performs as good as the new drivers. Keep up the great work, James!
Rogue td ls here 10.5 Have had it set to 11.5 for month now Love it I’ve always been a little steep. So extra loft never hurt me:) That being said I ditched the 3 wood and playing 5 wood now I like the 18 degrees 250-275 all day
I moved from a 9 to 10.5 this year and have really been happy with the results. Total distance is slightly down, but I'm getting such straighter controlled shots.
I’ve got the 9* head too & play it at 10* atm. The extra loft & spin has helped with launch & control in the wind (good roll too) & it’ll be something I’ll stick with leading into the summer & evaluate numbers accordingly!
I did it another way, I think. I dropped flex and shaft weight, and this generated higher launch and spin, so then I dropped the head loft. I am very pleased with the results.
I get the best results at present with the driver set to 12. Don't know why but I've been up and down with the settings and that is the sweet spot for both distance and accuracy with this driver/shaft combo for me. I have no qualms about it. It works and that's what counts.
Jon rahm delofts his clubface at impact with his driver and apparently has 2200rpm spin. For most of us, the extra loft will add forgiveness but also add extra spin.
I got fitted for my Cobra Driver 12 years ago. Still hit it 300 when I really Turn on it and average 270+ overall. At 58 yrs old I'm happy with that. Still play to a 6 Handicap. I'll keep my current Driver.
@Michael Actually, it is "yeah right". Started playing in 1991. Went to the USGTF in 1998. Played on a couple Mini Tours in Fla for a few years but couldn't break into the PGA. Carried a 0 Handicap for many years, but I don't Play as often anymore so my Handicap has slowly increased. Contrary to popular belief there are those of us that can actually move the Ball around pretty well, even at 50 yrs+.
I read the same thing on Monday mate so I went up to 10.75° loft from 10° on my TSR 2 driver and drive the ball better on Wednesday evening, looking forward to seeing what happens this weekend. Fantastic video
I got fitted for the Paradym and was struggling when gaming it and i did what you did James i adjusted to the same as in the video and wow what a change - i now love my driver - enough said.
People are realising fairways are more important than flexing long drives. More spin isn't always a bad thing. You hit a low face drive with higher lift and it will spin like crazy, but will also make a low bullet lift
I have a Rogue 9.0 stiff and love it!! I bought it new a few years old for a good deal. I switched from an r11s with reg shaft to briefly an R1 stiff until it broke thanks FB market place lol It took a bit to adjust to the head shape (skinnier longer) and shaft stiff but somehow whipper than my reg shaft (kick point was different). Once I got adjusted it has been fairway city with the longest and most effortlessly drives. It is a great driver that was wildly overlooked due to Callaway coming out with too many drivers.
Mr Rahm’s drive on the 18th nearly cost him the Masters though - good job he got a lucky break back into the fairway after hitting into the trees!! Still glad he won though, another worthy Spanish Master!!
I have a 10.5° Cobra RadSpeed XB driver. I originally had it set at 9.5° with a stiff mid spin mid launch shaft, but recently switched to a stiff low spin low launch shaft and changed the loft to the 11.5 draw setting. It seems much more stable and I'm still getting a good launch angle.
Absolutely works, 6 out 7 fairways over 9 holes and the resulting extra yardage (even with soft fairways), at least 1 club less in to the green, would have tried 2 degrees up, but forgot the key......
6 HCP here. The fact of the matter is everyone is concerned with +5 more yards, rather than more fairways and a more forgiving driver. For instance, I had the G430 LST (forgiving for a low spin driver). It's long when its hit well....but not forgiving. I ended up going with the G430 max (with a low spin shaft) and its absolutely perfect. I dont know why people are so concerned about distance....Golf is about dispersion and accuracy.
Had my paradym for last two months transitioning from the TSR. Had a driver head fault which Callaway replaced which lost two weekends but loving the driver just gets better each round. I had the 10.5 and notched down and driver heel weight towards to the draw setting and boom even better. Not the longest as the TSR titanium is fast but I find 90% of fairways vs 50% with the TSR 10 degrees. I know it’s damn expensive and had to sell a few things on eBay, but worth the effort. The paradym hybrid is also very good.
I initially wanted the Triple diamond and ordered one since I have the Epic speed Triple, and then Carls golfland called saying that their shipment was damaged and my order was affected, so I cancelled and went to a local store and compared both and chose the Standard Paradym instead mainly for how easy it is to hit. When I say easy I mean near effortless and straight. I'm even outdriving my club fitter buddy with his custom shafted Paradym Triple by 20 yards. I ended up with the 10.5 vs what I traditionally play of 9 and I love it. Loft is indeed your friend.
I have a Callaway Rogue ST Max 9 degree which I bought in January and have been struggling with a bit for accuracy. It might well be worth setting it up a degree and see how it goes. Maybe even take it up 2 degrees. I need to spend some time testing it properly. Thanks for that James.
Geez man. I’ve been telling people this information my entire fitting career and the amount of old guys who think if you don’t “play 9° loft and hit a draw” you’re not playing good golf is insane. Everyone sees the pro’s ball roll on tour fairways and equate it too really low spin instead of super firm fairways
For reference, I play a similar set up. Srixon ZX5 LS 10.5 set to 11.5 with a Ventus TR Red 6X. I play a fade off the tee pretty much every single time. Then you have people who say “well what do you do on a dog leg left???” START IT FURTHER LEFT OVER THE CORNER OR PLAY A DIFFERENT CLUB OFF THE TEE
Hi James I also came across this with added loft and now play 12 degrees on my driver with no loss in distance but more control and there's no need for a 3 wood as the driver is much easier to play off the deck with the extra loft
Great video. When I was fitted for my driver the fitter set it to -0.75 from standard. Some time later I wasn't happy with my driving and on the range I adjusted the loft back to standard. What a difference, I'm getting the same distance or better and it seems easier to hit and straighter. I might give increasing the loft a go after watching this.
I'm playing Stealth 2 plus at 9 degree with Ventus Black shaft, no adapter or weight changes. I've played in some pretty windy days, and it felt like the ball went where I hit it, even when I didn't mean to. LOL
Superquad TP you used in Texas always seemed to setup in a +1 degree manner and not surprised a similar setup using 2023 technology works well for you.
Last year I bought the Callaway Big Bertha B21. I needed something with a little bit of forgiveness. And I must say, I can not hit it to the right, which was my miss. It’s not the fastest off the face, but it was only $329!
Went from standard sim 2 max 9 degree to rouge st max cut down to 44” added lead tape and lofted to 11.5. And wow finding fairways and added distance. Big win for this year. Cheers
Been fitted for a 9degree paradym, lofted it up 2 degrees and hitting pretty much 90% fairways. Awesome. I noticed your paradym scratched on the bottom just like mine. I think they could do a better job making it a little bit more scratch proof for a 600 dollar driver
Mine too. Mind you, my previous TSR scratched easily on the crown grit from winter golf and trapped in head over. Damn annoying. You need a ceramic coating like they put on cars.
I'm rocking my beloved Bridgestone J715 driver. I wish Bridgestone was still making clubs because they were/are awesome. Unfortunately they solely market their balls now (which are equally great!).
I’m still playing a Rogue and Mavrik Max, both 9 degree drivers. I was very happy with my numbers at standard loft but certain shafts spun too low and I started missing left. Moved the driver up to 10 degrees and I can’t believe how much it helped me. My left miss is gone. I can’t really hit a decent draw anymore but the fade is much more consistent.
Very nice! I still have the Rogue ST Max LS and love it. 10.5 notched down to 9.5 with an X-Stiff 65g White Tensei shaft. I was spinning it too much with the Blue Tensei stiff shaft. I was fitted into the Triple Diamond Paradym. Just waiting to purchase.
2021 M4. I had it set at 8. When I hit it on the screws I hit it a mile. But unpredictable at times. Set it at 9.5. World of difference in playability and accuracy.
Have lefty Taylormade RBZ 10.5. Been hitting horrible left. Got fitted to 11.5 upright. Finally can slug straight. 200-250. Last week I hit scary course where traffic are on my left side. Thank God I got straight 😅 Fitting is absolutely must! 70 bucks for one hour. Congrats to that guy who won and now he is number 1 in the world
As with all your presentations, engaging, interesting and illuminating. That said, at the end, did you adjust the driver back to your original 9* loft vs 10*, the loft following Rahm’s approach? If so, why so (vs adopting Rahm’s tweak)? On the other hand, if I misunderstood that last adjustment, you can consider this comment a shank and send me kicking about the gorse contemplating how I got there!
Intresting watching this after yesterday's Tylormade make Burner mini driver video. You loved that and also said it was much higher loft than you would usually go for. I would definitely give this a go, I am shocking at hitting driver, I can normally do better with a 5 wood so a guess loft is my friend.
I was always at 7 or 8 degrees until the Stealth+ came out, and I ordered a 10.5. i started it out at 10.5 and never changed it, the carry and distance was great! I moved it down to around 8 and was much happier with the 10.5. I then ended up getting fitted for and buying a Titleist TSR4 and TSR 2, both of which I have in 10 degrees (Set them at 11 degrees) and they have been incredible drivers since the change.
Great video James. I have the Epic Speed TD and have a fitting for the Paradym on 11th May with a Callaway rep at my club. Looking forward to compare the two. My Epic is lofted up from 8.5 to 10.5 ATM.
The "search for more DISTANCE" in driver testing with launch monitors has been a disaster for many Golfers who end up with drivers that "Go miles...........into the rough"! For the vast majority of Golfers, "loft and spin is your friend" However, not all companies use multi-cam loft sleeves, so be aware that if your driver has a single-cam sleeve if you change the loft you will also change the lie angle.
Watching your channel has taught me this: every golfer does something to manipulate the swing to make proper impact. This is why instruction is not universal.😸
I got fitted for a TSR2 recently and was moved up a degree and I’m finding way more fairways. The only negative is that I really feel it into the wind.
Try a lower spinning ball like the Vice Pro Plus or the Bridgestone RX or Titleist Velocity I play on a course where the wind makes the trees grow sideways and the Pro Plus is my choice. I use the TSR3 at 10 degrees.
I actually have carried 2 drivers for about 5 years now, ala Phil Mickelson. My normal 10.5 and a high launch 13 degree. I do not carry a 3 wood because I can’t hit it consistently from the fairway unfortunately. The high launch off the tee lets me hit it about as long but straighter when I need to hit the fairway!
I was fitted for 10.5 degree TD but struggled to get ball airborn due to lack of spin. I lofted up to 11.5 and switched heavy weight to back and it's 💣 💣 💣
Just got fitted for the aerojet max. Gutted it wasn't the palm tree head and then the new one is money. However first cheap driver I got given was 9 degrees so be playing with a 10.5 and newer gear has massively helped my dispersion.
I have a 12 degree driver and a 9 degree both PXG… but I have a 13degree 2 Wood called a Tour13 by a Swedish company named MGolf (not in existence anymore). Mostly play the 12 & 13 in the bag. No 3 or 5 woods in the bag.
I have a cobra f9 that I play at 12 degrees. I have recently received a mavrik and tried it out yesterday. It was 9 degree, so I moved it up to 11 and it definitely felt better.
Using 8 degree paradym ◇◇◇ lofted down to 6 degrees with ventus black TR 7X at 45 inches. Swing speed around 130, ball speed around 190, hitting 5-7 degrees up on ball. Using left dash pro v1x. Hitting drives with about 1700-1800 spin that are carrying around 350 and rolling out to 370-380.
Ping G425 chopped down 1.5 inches. Even tho being 6ft3 it works as my arms span is longer than my height. Massive increase in driving accuracy and confidence
Interesting! At some point in my golfing adventure, I found 9º to work great for me. Of course, I loved teeing it higher so that I could swing upwards. I eventually gave away my 10.5º because I had a hard time controlling it. I now play a Callaway Epic Speed with 9º standard. I’ve been hitting it at +1 because I no longer have the swing speed for the 9º. But it has been an exercise in futility. Yesterday, I decided to drop it back to 9º at neutral setting, and suddenly hitting it straight down the fairway again. Not long, but straight. I’m thinking a shorter distance, yet playable, is more desirable than hitting it farther into the woods.
Well when you change the loft, it does turn the face slightly open or closed depending on if you adjust it up or down. So keeping it neutral keeps the face square as it should be.
Very interesting James but what oaradyne for a senior high handicaper. Mine driver is a bigbertha senior shaft 9+2D. I have been thinking about resetting to N!
Jack's Macgregor persimmon driver was 11 degrees always hit a fade ! He won 6 Masters and 12 other Majors and came second 10 times, and was very long !
Have to question how good your original fitting was, if you were in a loft that didn’t suit you. I would have thought different lofts would have been part of the overall fitting process.
I play in Texas and it is WAY too windy to pump up the loft. Just today I played in sustained 30 mph winds. With the wind I drove it 356, against it I was driving it 235 and that’s at 9°
SPOILER ALERT******* Jon Rahm DOES NOT get to keep the jacket. The jacket gets his name sewn on the inside pocket and at the neck tab, and it is hung in a locker in the CHAMPIONS LOCKER ROOM. The licker room also has a certain number of lockers so most of them are shared. He can only wear the jacket when visiting the AUGUSTA NATIONAL and at SPECIAL OCASSIONS WHILE AT THE COURSE. He doesnt get a jacket to take home.
I got this story from Raymond Floyd, a number of years ago when I met him and his sister, who own CYPRESS LAKES GOLF COURSE in Hope Mills NC. You are right indeed, but that only changed for the CURRENT CHAMPION, and only until the crowning of the next champion, at the crowning dinner immediately following the tournament. This was put into place because the color, style, and design of the jacket has been patented by AUGUSTA NATIONAL. HORTON SMITH was a two-time winner of this tourney in 1934 and 1936, and his 1934 jacket was auctioned off at GREEN JACKET AUCTIONS in 2013 for a low price of $682,229.00 USD. Keep up the GREAT VIDEOs James. Love watching you and Chris, and Ive actually learned a number of key things about my golf swing from you gentlemen. Ive put playing golf with you both on my bucket list, although I dont like to fly anymore.
Love the driver comparisons especially. Was gaming a Callaway X2 HOT until I moved to a TM SIM2 MAX, but Im almost 60 so my swing speed is about 88 to 89 MPH. Just got a 2022 STEALTH and its amazing. Hitting it farther and its much more forgiving than the SIM2. Maybe you could get Mark and Foxy to come out and do a test with some drivers to see how well a mid and high handicapper can game them. Cheers mate!!!
I have a taylormade sim max d 10.5° turned down to 8.5° with a Mitsubishi diamana pd 50 in it. Just had my first round of the season today, and my driver was the best part of my game today.
I have been working on my swing speed over the winter so have been looking at a lot of my numbers and noticed that I get a better smash factor with more loft so more ball speed and distance.
I have a pxg 0211z at 44 inches long and 12 degrees. Works great for me. Hit it straight and barely lost any distance to my longer driver I hit all over the place. Only problem is it's loud and sounds like a aluminum bat!
My old 10.5⁰ M2 cranked up to 12 keeps me in the fairway and long enough to smile most rounds. Looking forward to 2026 when I may be able to afford the 2023 Paradym! 🤣🤣
That’s a very shut face at address.
I'm Rocking a 2018 M3 Driver with 14° of loft but I've never hit the ball so well.
Yay 😅, Hi bill how are you doing this weekend with your family & friends?
@@markushayes Yay 😅, Hi Mark how are you doing this weekend with your family & friends?
I have the same driver and I’ve done that same thing cranked the loft up to 12 and cut the shaft to 3 wood length but I still manage to total around 260-270 and there in the fairway
The Callaway loft sleeve is the best as well, don't have to worry about your shaft being flipped 180 degrees and your grips not being lined up if you use the ALIGN grips or something
Also perfect if your shafts have the SST Pureing
Beat me to it, this such an underrated feature. Love my Titleist drivers but as good as their adapter is I only use the “1” settings because I hate the shaft graphics and grip orientation changing.
Titleist are the same, I think they all are at this point.
@@kyledudeman855 only for 4 of the 16 settings with Titleist. A1-D1, if you move to the B/C/D settings the shaft and grip move 45 degrees.
@@tipperi yeah Titleist has a few options, taylormade can be rough when you're on the range playing around with what you like and having grip and shaft turning every direction
He didn’t “swap” his driver, he adjusted it. And it is hardly “shocking”.
Welcome to James “clix” Robinson’s channel.
Thank you for this and no thank you for the video
Just did the same, got fitted for a 9 degree Paradym triple diamond, struggled with a low left drive, so I lofted it up to 10 degrees and it is brilliant! Won the first comp of the year and came 2nd in the next one, didn’t miss a fairway - love the sound!
Spin is the key part of a driver setup: can't have it too low or else you hit screaming hooks, too high and the ball just balloons in the air and gets nowhere. This is where if you are really struggling with your driver getting fit with the proper driver head with the proper loft, proper shaft, and proper swing weight will optimize your tee shots. Each person's swing and club delivery is different so you have to test them out before buying.
Well this answers a question I have had recently, I bought the Costco Edge set because I was getting back into golf after several years and thought for the price of the driver why not get entire set. I have never had an adjustable driver so didn't know what I was missing, this video clears that up. Going to search for used club to try first to better understand it, thank you James!
Frankly, I've never had trouble "adjusting" a fixed head driver to fit my shot. Neither did Jack. It's so simple and you don't need a wrench. But that's marketing!
Yay 😅, Hi James how are you doing this weekend with your family & friends?
Playing a SIM 2 at 8° turned down to the lowest setting with a hazardous black shaft. It's still the best performing driver for me. Every year, I look to replace it, but it still performs as good as the new drivers. Keep up the great work, James!
Same setup for me. Shorter shaft by 3/4 inch too
Every year lol? It’s a 2 year old driver… I can assure you, it’s the archer not the arrow my friend.
Rogue td ls here
10.5
Have had it set to 11.5 for month now
Love it
I’ve always been a little steep.
So extra loft never hurt me:)
That being said
I ditched the 3 wood and playing 5 wood now
I like the 18 degrees
250-275 all day
I have a titleist 905 from 2004 that my grandpa gave me in 2008. I’m going in for a fitting in two weeks and can’t wait to upgrade
I moved from a 9 to 10.5 this year and have really been happy with the results. Total distance is slightly down, but I'm getting such straighter controlled shots.
I hit between 7.5 and 9 and get 270 air but .....I still launch it at 14 or higher and get a ton of spin...it never rolls out.
@@colemadsen4463 do you hit down on it? If you are hitting down the driver loft will matter much less
I’ve got the 9* head too & play it at 10* atm. The extra loft & spin has helped with launch & control in the wind (good roll too) & it’ll be something I’ll stick with leading into the summer & evaluate numbers accordingly!
I did it another way, I think. I dropped flex and shaft weight, and this generated higher launch and spin, so then I dropped the head loft. I am very pleased with the results.
I get the best results at present with the driver set to 12. Don't know why but I've been up and down with the settings and that is the sweet spot for both distance and accuracy with this driver/shaft combo for me. I have no qualms about it. It works and that's what counts.
The more I find out about Jon the more I realize how unique the guy is. What works for him simply wont work for anyone else.
That Callaway loft sleeve is ace. Also a member of the loft up club. Spin can be your friend.
Jon rahm delofts his clubface at impact with his driver and apparently has 2200rpm spin. For most of us, the extra loft will add forgiveness but also add extra spin.
I got fitted for my Cobra Driver 12 years ago. Still hit it 300 when I really Turn on it and average 270+ overall. At 58 yrs old I'm happy with that. Still play to a 6 Handicap. I'll keep my current Driver.
Ya right
@Michael Actually, it is "yeah right". Started playing in 1991. Went to the USGTF in 1998. Played on a couple Mini Tours in Fla for a few years but couldn't break into the PGA. Carried a 0 Handicap for many years, but I don't Play as often anymore so my Handicap has slowly increased. Contrary to popular belief there are those of us that can actually move the Ball around pretty well, even at 50 yrs+.
I read the same thing on Monday mate so I went up to 10.75° loft from 10° on my TSR 2 driver and drive the ball better on Wednesday evening, looking forward to seeing what happens this weekend. Fantastic video
I got fitted for the Paradym and was struggling when gaming it and i did what you did James i adjusted to the same as in the video and wow what a change - i now love my driver - enough said.
People are realising fairways are more important than flexing long drives. More spin isn't always a bad thing. You hit a low face drive with higher lift and it will spin like crazy, but will also make a low bullet lift
I have a Rogue 9.0 stiff and love it!! I bought it new a few years old for a good deal. I switched from an r11s with reg shaft to briefly an R1 stiff until it broke thanks FB market place lol It took a bit to adjust to the head shape (skinnier longer) and shaft stiff but somehow whipper than my reg shaft (kick point was different). Once I got adjusted it has been fairway city with the longest and most effortlessly drives. It is a great driver that was wildly overlooked due to Callaway coming out with too many drivers.
Mr Rahm’s drive on the 18th nearly cost him the Masters though - good job he got a lucky break back into the fairway after hitting into the trees!!
Still glad he won though, another worthy Spanish Master!!
Very nice. You hit it very well!
I have a 10.5° Cobra RadSpeed XB driver. I originally had it set at 9.5° with a stiff mid spin mid launch shaft, but recently switched to a stiff low spin low launch shaft and changed the loft to the 11.5 draw setting. It seems much more stable and I'm still getting a good launch angle.
I have the speed zone and did the same exact thing. I love it
Absolutely works, 6 out 7 fairways over 9 holes and the resulting extra yardage (even with soft fairways), at least 1 club less in to the green, would have tried 2 degrees up, but forgot the key......
6 HCP here. The fact of the matter is everyone is concerned with +5 more yards, rather than more fairways and a more forgiving driver. For instance, I had the G430 LST (forgiving for a low spin driver). It's long when its hit well....but not forgiving. I ended up going with the G430 max (with a low spin shaft) and its absolutely perfect. I dont know why people are so concerned about distance....Golf is about dispersion and accuracy.
‘This episode sponsored by golfers digest’ 😂 jokes before you go off on one!
Had my paradym for last two months transitioning from the TSR. Had a driver head fault which Callaway replaced which lost two weekends but loving the driver just gets better each round. I had the 10.5 and notched down and driver heel weight towards to the draw setting and boom even better. Not the longest as the TSR titanium is fast but I find 90% of fairways vs 50% with the TSR 10 degrees. I know it’s damn expensive and had to sell a few things on eBay, but worth the effort. The paradym hybrid is also very good.
Just this morning picked up my new Ping G430 LST with the stiff Tour Black 2.0 shaft!
I initially wanted the Triple diamond and ordered one since I have the Epic speed Triple, and then Carls golfland called saying that their shipment was damaged and my order was affected, so I cancelled and went to a local store and compared both and chose the Standard Paradym instead mainly for how easy it is to hit. When I say easy I mean near effortless and straight. I'm even outdriving my club fitter buddy with his custom shafted Paradym Triple by 20 yards. I ended up with the 10.5 vs what I traditionally play of 9 and I love it. Loft is indeed your friend.
I have a Callaway Rogue ST Max 9 degree which I bought in January and have been struggling with a bit for accuracy. It might well be worth setting it up a degree and see how it goes. Maybe even take it up 2 degrees. I need to spend some time testing it properly. Thanks for that James.
Really got me thinking this video, thanks mate
I know Woolley, and those drives on the second are well down there 😎
I've just been fitted for a Titleist TSR3 9degree. Will be taking it out on the course tomorrow morning.
I was fitted for a Callaway Mavrik, set to 9.5 degrees Regular shaft.
Geez man. I’ve been telling people this information my entire fitting career and the amount of old guys who think if you don’t “play 9° loft and hit a draw” you’re not playing good golf is insane. Everyone sees the pro’s ball roll on tour fairways and equate it too really low spin instead of super firm fairways
For reference, I play a similar set up. Srixon ZX5 LS 10.5 set to 11.5 with a Ventus TR Red 6X. I play a fade off the tee pretty much every single time. Then you have people who say “well what do you do on a dog leg left???” START IT FURTHER LEFT OVER THE CORNER OR PLAY A DIFFERENT CLUB OFF THE TEE
Hi James I also came across this with added loft and now play 12 degrees on my driver with no loss in distance but more control and there's no need for a 3 wood as the driver is much easier to play off the deck with the extra loft
Great video.
When I was fitted for my driver the fitter set it to -0.75 from standard.
Some time later I wasn't happy with my driving and on the range I adjusted the loft back to standard. What a difference, I'm getting the same distance or better and it seems easier to hit and straighter. I might give increasing the loft a go after watching this.
No bs. Got fit at callaway hq for paradym triple diamond. Same set up. 10.5 lofted to 11.5. Awesome thing.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
I'm playing Stealth 2 plus at 9 degree with Ventus Black shaft, no adapter or weight changes. I've played in some pretty windy days, and it felt like the ball went where I hit it, even when I didn't mean to. LOL
I just was fitted for a Paradym and had the same thing done and love it.
Superquad TP you used in Texas always seemed to setup in a +1 degree manner and not surprised a similar setup using 2023 technology works well for you.
Last year I bought the Callaway Big Bertha B21. I needed something with a little bit of forgiveness. And I must say, I can not hit it to the right, which was my miss. It’s not the fastest off the face, but it was only $329!
Went from standard sim 2 max 9 degree to rouge st max cut down to 44” added lead tape and lofted to 11.5. And wow finding fairways and added distance. Big win for this year. Cheers
Incredible. I’m now going to shoot a course record.
I’m currently using the Paradym standard and will definitely be trying upping the loft, thanks James 👍
Been fitted for a 9degree paradym, lofted it up 2 degrees and hitting pretty much 90% fairways. Awesome. I noticed your paradym scratched on the bottom just like mine. I think they could do a better job making it a little bit more scratch proof for a 600 dollar driver
Mine too. Mind you, my previous TSR scratched easily on the crown grit from winter golf and trapped in head over. Damn annoying. You need a ceramic coating like they put on cars.
I'm rocking my beloved Bridgestone J715 driver. I wish Bridgestone was still making clubs because they were/are awesome. Unfortunately they solely market their balls now (which are equally great!).
I’m still playing a Rogue and Mavrik Max, both 9 degree drivers. I was very happy with my numbers at standard loft but certain shafts spun too low and I started missing left. Moved the driver up to 10 degrees and I can’t believe how much it helped me. My left miss is gone. I can’t really hit a decent draw anymore but the fade is much more consistent.
Gaming LTDx LS at 9* w/ 75g X - Tensei AV Raw White shaft and love this combo. Hit smooth baby fade bombs.
Very nice! I still have the Rogue ST Max LS and love it. 10.5 notched down to 9.5 with an X-Stiff 65g White Tensei shaft. I was spinning it too much with the Blue Tensei stiff shaft. I was fitted into the Triple Diamond Paradym. Just waiting to purchase.
I've been playing the Cobra LDX LS. I tried everything available last year with my club professional, and it fit my swing the best.
2021 M4. I had it set at 8. When I hit it on the screws I hit it a mile. But unpredictable at times. Set it at 9.5. World of difference in playability and accuracy.
Have lefty Taylormade RBZ 10.5. Been hitting horrible left. Got fitted to 11.5 upright. Finally can slug straight. 200-250. Last week I hit scary course where traffic are on my left side. Thank God I got straight 😅 Fitting is absolutely must! 70 bucks for one hour. Congrats to that guy who won and now he is number 1 in the world
As with all your presentations, engaging, interesting and illuminating. That said, at the end, did you adjust the driver back to your original 9* loft vs 10*, the loft following Rahm’s approach? If so, why so (vs adopting Rahm’s tweak)? On the other hand, if I misunderstood that last adjustment, you can consider this comment a shank and send me kicking about the gorse contemplating how I got there!
Intresting watching this after yesterday's Tylormade make Burner mini driver video. You loved that and also said it was much higher loft than you would usually go for.
I would definitely give this a go, I am shocking at hitting driver, I can normally do better with a 5 wood so a guess loft is my friend.
I was always at 7 or 8 degrees until the Stealth+ came out, and I ordered a 10.5. i started it out at 10.5 and never changed it, the carry and distance was great! I moved it down to around 8 and was much happier with the 10.5. I then ended up getting fitted for and buying a Titleist TSR4 and TSR 2, both of which I have in 10 degrees (Set them at 11 degrees) and they have been incredible drivers since the change.
If you have that many premium drivers, it’s not the club my guy…
It sure fits him! 4 wins already this year with 1 been a major! On pace for record season?
Great video James. I have the Epic Speed TD and have a fitting for the Paradym on 11th May with a Callaway rep at my club. Looking forward to compare the two. My Epic is lofted up from 8.5 to 10.5 ATM.
The "search for more DISTANCE" in driver testing with launch monitors has been a disaster for many Golfers who end up with drivers that "Go miles...........into the rough"!
For the vast majority of Golfers, "loft and spin is your friend"
However, not all companies use multi-cam loft sleeves, so be aware that if your driver has a single-cam sleeve if you change the loft you will also change the lie angle.
Watching your channel has taught me this: every golfer does something to manipulate the swing to make proper impact. This is why instruction is not universal.😸
Keeping the TM SIM 9* at std loft. Switched from a Aerotech Claymore MX48 F5 to a Diamana BF 50X for this season for some extra weight.
Spotted that Ping eye BeCu irons in the bag
I got fitted for a TSR2 recently and was moved up a degree and I’m finding way more fairways.
The only negative is that I really feel it into the wind.
Try a lower spinning ball like the Vice Pro Plus or the Bridgestone RX or Titleist Velocity
I play on a course where the wind makes the trees grow sideways and the Pro Plus is my choice. I use the TSR3 at 10 degrees.
I actually have carried 2 drivers for about 5 years now, ala Phil Mickelson. My normal 10.5 and a high launch 13 degree. I do not carry a 3 wood because I can’t hit it consistently from the fairway unfortunately. The high launch off the tee lets me hit it about as long but straighter when I need to hit the fairway!
I was fitted for 10.5 degree TD but struggled to get ball airborn due to lack of spin. I lofted up to 11.5 and switched heavy weight to back and it's 💣 💣 💣
I have a Taylormade Sim2 Max in the bag. Will probably switch to a Paradym X once they come down in price. $700 USD is insane to me!
I have a Taylormade M5 but down playing 44.25 inches at 11 degrees. Loft is an average golfers best friend on a driver.
Just got fitted for the aerojet max. Gutted it wasn't the palm tree head and then the new one is money. However first cheap driver I got given was 9 degrees so be playing with a 10.5 and newer gear has massively helped my dispersion.
Cobra Rad XB shortened to 44 3/4”. Hit the face much easier which also gives more distance!
I do a +2 on standard 9 Degree Mavrik and it does make a difference on keeping it in the Fairway.. Lose 5 - 10 Yards but keep it in play more often.
I had forgotten where I got fitted to and was playing too much loft and was getting to high up in the air 😂
Callaway paradym x is in my bag, hitting it further and straighter than I ever have
Loft in general is your friend. Loft also creates more spin and spin is not your friend off the driver. But every golfer is different.
HEY! Wait a minute! Just a day or two ago it was going to be the Taylormade R7 going into your bag.
So I’m not allowed to make a video on Jon Rahms driver?
triple diamond set at 9 degrees with ventus 6x black , 51 years old and hitting the longest drives of my life.
I have a 12 degree driver and a 9 degree both PXG… but I have a 13degree 2 Wood called a Tour13 by a Swedish company named MGolf (not in existence anymore). Mostly play the 12 & 13 in the bag. No 3 or 5 woods in the bag.
First 2 drives I watched Rahm hit today at Harbor Town were FORE left into the crowd. ;)
I have a cobra f9 that I play at 12 degrees. I have recently received a mavrik and tried it out yesterday. It was 9 degree, so I moved it up to 11 and it definitely felt better.
Nice fade going on there James 👍
Quick question. Are you still in to out or slightly out to in ?
We often get seduced by lower lofts to get a better smash factor for efficient energy transfer and extra yardage.... at a cost usually.
:-)
Bought a RadSpeed last winter - played it in weight back now summer is coming it’s going bomball mode
Cobra F9 -- don't think I'll be changing anytime soon!
Using 8 degree paradym ◇◇◇ lofted down to 6 degrees with ventus black TR 7X at 45 inches. Swing speed around 130, ball speed around 190, hitting 5-7 degrees up on ball. Using left dash pro v1x. Hitting drives with about 1700-1800 spin that are carrying around 350 and rolling out to 370-380.
Ping G425 chopped down 1.5 inches. Even tho being 6ft3 it works as my arms span is longer than my height. Massive increase in driving accuracy and confidence
Interesting! At some point in my golfing adventure, I found 9º to work great for me. Of course, I loved teeing it higher so that I could swing upwards. I eventually gave away my 10.5º because I had a hard time controlling it. I now play a Callaway Epic Speed with 9º standard. I’ve been hitting it at +1 because I no longer have the swing speed for the 9º. But it has been an exercise in futility. Yesterday, I decided to drop it back to 9º at neutral setting, and suddenly hitting it straight down the fairway again. Not long, but straight. I’m thinking a shorter distance, yet playable, is more desirable than hitting it farther into the woods.
Well when you change the loft, it does turn the face slightly open or closed depending on if you adjust it up or down. So keeping it neutral keeps the face square as it should be.
I just switched to a rogue st max . Digging it so far .
You also had a Mizuno Driver in you bag on the first hole , did you loose it along the way?
Loft is your friend. I use a 12* Stealth set on higher!
Very interesting James but what oaradyne for a senior high handicaper. Mine driver is a bigbertha senior shaft 9+2D. I have been thinking about resetting to N!
Stealth 2 Plus is the current and it's awesome
Jack's Macgregor persimmon driver was 11 degrees always hit a fade ! He won 6 Masters and 12 other Majors and came second 10 times, and was very long !
Have to question how good your original fitting was, if you were in a loft that didn’t suit you. I would have thought different lofts would have been part of the overall fitting process.
I'm currently gaming a g430 LST 10.5 cranked down to 9.5 in the flat setting with a Mitsubishi kai'li white 60g stiff shaft at 44.75"
I play in Texas and it is WAY too windy to pump up the loft. Just today I played in sustained 30 mph winds. With the wind I drove it 356, against it I was driving it 235 and that’s at 9°
SPOILER ALERT*******
Jon Rahm DOES NOT get to keep the jacket. The jacket gets his name sewn on the inside pocket and at the neck tab, and it is hung in a locker in the CHAMPIONS LOCKER ROOM. The licker room also has a certain number of lockers so most of them are shared. He can only wear the jacket when visiting the AUGUSTA NATIONAL and at SPECIAL OCASSIONS WHILE AT THE COURSE.
He doesnt get a jacket to take home.
He actually gets to keep it for the first 12 months mate… then it stays in the locker
I got this story from Raymond Floyd, a number of years ago when I met him and his sister, who own CYPRESS LAKES GOLF COURSE in Hope Mills NC. You are right indeed, but that only changed for the CURRENT CHAMPION, and only until the crowning of the next champion, at the crowning dinner immediately following the tournament. This was put into place because the color, style, and design of the jacket has been patented by AUGUSTA NATIONAL.
HORTON SMITH was a two-time winner of this tourney in 1934 and 1936, and his 1934 jacket was auctioned off at GREEN JACKET AUCTIONS in 2013 for a low price of $682,229.00 USD.
Keep up the GREAT VIDEOs James. Love watching you and Chris, and Ive actually learned a number of key things about my golf swing from you gentlemen. Ive put playing golf with you both on my bucket list, although I dont like to fly anymore.
Love the driver comparisons especially. Was gaming a Callaway X2 HOT until I moved to a TM SIM2 MAX, but Im almost 60 so my swing speed is about 88 to 89 MPH. Just got a 2022 STEALTH and its amazing. Hitting it farther and its much more forgiving than the SIM2.
Maybe you could get Mark and Foxy to come out and do a test with some drivers to see how well a mid and high handicapper can game them. Cheers mate!!!
still using my Taylormade Sim Driver, going far and straight! can't complain
I have a taylormade sim max d 10.5° turned down to 8.5° with a Mitsubishi diamana pd 50 in it. Just had my first round of the season today, and my driver was the best part of my game today.
I have been working on my swing speed over the winter so have been looking at a lot of my numbers and noticed that I get a better smash factor with more loft so more ball speed and distance.
I have a pxg 0211z at 44 inches long and 12 degrees. Works great for me. Hit it straight and barely lost any distance to my longer driver I hit all over the place. Only problem is it's loud and sounds like a aluminum bat!