Differences in TaylorMade drivers?  I'm looking at r5XL460 vs. r580xd vs. r580 (I've very avg. golfer)?
969164
Take the three and test them on a launch monitor with a certified club fitter or PGA pro.  They will be able to tell which one is best for your swing.  They are all good drivers.  The major differences are with trajectory and forgiveness.  A fitter or pro will look at your skill level (be honest about your handicap), swing speed, ball speed, and launch angle......and will be able to advise the best one for you.\n\nOne more thing to try....go on eBay and see if you can find one of the newer TM's for a better price.  I have a TM R7-425 with a 75g V2 shaft and I love it !!!!!
328940
The only thing that will hold value is a brand name.  I suggest you hold off as long as you can.  I'm sure someone has an old set you could use.  You want to hit as many clubs as you can to see what you like.  All you need is a couple to practice with.  The PGA is kicking off a big trade in net work and offering free fitting.  You may be able to find something  there.  Go to www.playgolfamerica.com and click on the logo.  I see so many new golfers purchase sets the first couple weeks they start the game and always regret it.  After 3 months that have an idea on what club they would like.  You best bet is to borrow or buy some real cheap cavity back clubs for that first 3 months.  I also suggest taking Link Up 2 Golf.  The cost is $99.00 you get 6 to 8 hours of lesson, with some of it on the golf course.  Best deal in golf for beginners, plus they supply the clubs.
1072507
true. most clones will get you just about what you're looking for minus the outrageous price tags. I LOVE muscle back irons like the Titleist 690 but cannot afford the $1000 tag for them. I use, instead, a Nike clone set in which I put together myself, saving me even more money and they are pretty much similar. The Titleists are true forged blades but my clones are cast so there is a difference there, however, playing my clones still give me the feel and comfortablilty with using muscle back irons while I learn and improve my game. I've had my set for about 3 years and have gotten better to the point where I will now be custom fit for my set in a couple of months or so (still working on the price tag for now). But your logic is right on. no need to drop a grand on a set your not ready to use so get the knock offs for now and work your way up.
1073618
I think Ping G5 is better than X18 because I feel very easy to hit the ball long and straight with G5, but X18 has more side spin ,so it is better for a good player(under 12 handicap), if you are not a really good player and you expect to have long distance rather than control, I suggest you to buy Ping G5(as I am playing Ping G5 too and my handicap is 15).
1060423
I work in a proshop, and the dunlop loco driver was the best selling driver for $150.  I have friends that bought it, and love it.John Daly used it.\n\n\nhttp://www.johndalysdiscountgolf.com/detail.aspx?ID=35
1017936
What kind is it?  Tell me what it says on the putter... Email me I'll try to help price it for you.  I've owned a couple of golf shops and have some knowledge of worthy putters.
250951
Yea, by pure luck! I'm not a golfer and couldn't tell you what club. I do use the Happy Gilmore swing. People laugh at me but that's how I got my hole in one! Good luck!
1008330
Where do you live?  There are many places but Golf Galaxy has many locations and has a great selection. The staff is great and very knowledgeable.  The have indoor simulators that show you clubhead speed and ball flight to make sure you are being fit correctly. Golfsmith is also very good but doesn't have as many locations (3 vs. 4 or 5)  \nwww.golfgalaxy.com\nwww.golfsmith.com\nThose would be my first suggestions.
139858
The guy above me is correct. You can buy them from Golfsmith here:\n\nhttp://www.golfsmith.com/products/GP000081\n\nIn my opinion the quality has slipped since they were acquired by Golfsmith....try to get an older used one...
20738
PartyCrasher:\n\nThese answers are well thought out. But I would recommend a bit different set makeup for you. \n\nIrons: 5-Sand Wedge (56 degree SW).\n\nMake sure to get a cavity backed set, something with offset. If you tell the people at the golf store that you're looking for a forgiving set of irons that's cavity backed and offset, they'll be able to help you. \n\nWoods and hybrids:\n\nGet an 18 degree 5 wood, a 21 degree 7 wood, and two hybrid clubs (these are a cross between a wood and iron) Hybrids: 22 and 25 degree. These are much easier to hit and much more forgiving than long irons. They will make the game easier for you starting out. \n\nGet at least a 13 degree driver, with as big a head as possible, to make it easier to hit. Make sure you get it from a major manufacturer, the off brands may look the same, but their quality control is terrble. \n\nAny 34 or 35 inch putter that looks good to you, one that looks like a Ping Anser is a good choice. Almost all the major manufacturers have a design that copies the original Ping putter. \n\nThis leaves you with thirteen clubs. You can add one more later because the limit is 14, but I would start with this and see how it goes. This set will not be cheap, you will probably spend over 1000.00 easily. \n\nYou might want to see what irons and woods you like at the golf store and then check ebay and see if you can get them used. Just make sure they're not too beat up!! \n\nThe January 2006 issue of Golf Magazine has an article that I referenced for this recommendation, pick it up and use it as a guide to begin your club purchases! \n\nHave fun!!!
816400
A dent in the driver will affect a pros game to some degree but for an amature golfer I dont think it would make a hill of beans difference.\n\nThe only real difference it could make to an amature is a phycologicle difference if anything. Dont run out and spend hundreds of dollars on a new driver.\n\nLeon
520277
don't care what other people suggest as long as u like them~ enjoy golf! i switch from titleist 981 to titleist 680 and its great... the ball stricking feeling is great! if something goes wrong inthe swing, its very noticable~ improving my game... my best was a 72... but that was during my peak time.... haven't been playing for months due to work.... i'll be happy if i get below 90 next time i play~
1000510
I think some people assumed you meant driving off from damp grass although you may have meant what is the best driver to use if the fairway ahead is damp?  If so, it depends how damp.  If the ground is heavy then the ball wont kick on too far when it lands so you would obviously want a driver that gives you a high degree of loft rather than relying on a decent bounce - probably one of the higher-lofted 10 and 11 degree drivers like most PGA Pros tend to carry (although a 3 wood has a loft between 15 and 18 degrees and a 5 wood has a loft between 20 and 22 degrees - both good options).  If the ground is just damp, it could be the diametric opposite - the ball might really zip when it first hits the fairway so I guess most drivers would do.  Calloways are nice drivers to play with.
1096933
I would suggest you go to a store that has them video screens and hit both, see what one you like best and what one works the best, also try alot of other brands, even some no name ones. I went in to get a new set of irons, was going for ping too, but I tried this no name cheep brand and I just hit them like a dream, they also felt so good I just had to get them. some of my friends give me crap for having a no name set, till I kick there ass!
1138423
dont buy an a5 \n\ngo for an ion or diablo wrath\n\nbut if u play woods go for an a5 check pbreview.com
1151271
First of all, your budget is very smart.  You don't want to spend too much money on a beginner's set because you should outgrow them in a year or two anyway.  However, you definitely want forgiving clubs which means cavity-backs.  \n\nI would disagree with the above poster who mentioned that blades will force you to play better.  This is not necessarily true.  You will be frustrated, and you might quit golf after a short period if you start off with blades.  It's just not worth it.  When you consider that some tour pros use cavity-backs, it makes you wonder why amateurs should even consider going the way of blades.  Granted, this is somewhat of a contentious issue, but for an amateur like me who will never turn pro, there is just no point in aiming for blades.\n\nNow on to golf clubs.  For beginners, I would recommend the Mizuno MX-17s.  They are very forgiving.  They have recently been replaced by the MX-900, so you should be able to get a good deal on the 17s new.  Mizuno's are famous for the softness of their forged irons, and even though the 17's are cast not forged, they come close to the forged irons in feel.  When it comes to quality, Mizuno irons cannot be beat.\n\nAnother popular beginner's set are the Pings.  The new G5s are quite pricey, but you may be able to find a used set or perhaps a G2 set for a good price.  The Pings are also well known for being forgiving, but they just looked too ugly for me.  I couldn't stand the look of them while I still find myself admiring my MX-17s after a full year.  \n\nThe Callaways, imo, are just as pricey as the Pings without their forgiveness.  They don't look as good as the Mizunos either.\n\nIf you are just experimenting with golf and not sure if you will stick with it, go with the much cheaper 2nd tier brands.  These include Tommy Armour, Ben Hogan, Adams, etc.  They should be almost as good if not as good as the big brands but at a fraction of the price.  If you decide to stick with the game after a year, you can always upgrade to the Mizuno MX-23s.  (the 23s are Mizuno's most forgiving forged irons.  Probably the most well-reviewed irons in existence).\n\nAbout fitting, it is certainly important.  However, most golf stores will fit clubs for you for free if you purchase them from their store, so you might want to consider that option first.\n\nPS.  Unless a golf store measures your swing speed at 95mph or higher, go with Regular Flex shafts, not the Stiff Flex.  So many people have an ego issue and go with the stiff when regular is most appropriate for the majority of players.  Even my instructor (whom I respect greatly) recommended that I go with stiff.  (I ended up with regular and am glad I did).\n\nHope this helps!
592825
Your game is going to change a lot, it sounds like your going to be playing a lot.  May is free golf lesson month you can sign up at www.playgolfamerica.com to get a lesson with a local PGA pro.  I think a good 3 wood and maybe a Hybird would be the best things for you.  Even if you purchased the right driver for you now, it may not be the one for you by the end of the season.  Once you get down to the 90's you can start looking for a good driver.