Yeah, I need high-ish launch which is why I went with the 10.5* head (that and it's a little more forgiving). I like the thought of the whiteboard to help reduce the spin from the added loft while giving/maintaining a high/flat trajectory. I might also consider the Ozik F7m2.....but definitely a lower spinning shaft.

Just to be difficult, however, I'm also considering high-launch, low spin shafts such as the Ozik Altus.....I guess if the spin is low enough, the extra launch angle wouldn't hurt......

Any thoughts or recommendations?

FWIW, my launch angle with the GR 9.5 is around 18-20* with around 2,500-2,600 rpm. Keep in mind though, that I'm normally a high ball launcher and like to tee it up high with the ball in line with my left heel. I'm actually working on teeing it a bit lower to get the launch angle down a tad for more roll.

Bat

You can also consider the X-Con 5, a very long shaft which matched with a good head produces some exceptional ball speeds. It's not quite a low spin shaft, more like mid but the results could be very good.

Any idea what the swingweight of the X-Drive GR shafted with the XCon 5 at 44.75" would be? What are the typical weights of these heads?

Any idea what the swingweight of the X-Drive GR shafted with the XCon 5 at 44.75" would be? What are the typical weights of these heads?

If the head weight is anything like the X-drive 460 the swing weight will be pretty low at 44.75" using a 58g shaft, probably in the C9 - D0 range.

At one point I tried a 569 Speeder (also 58g) in my X-drive 460 and at 45.25" with a 9g tip pin I got it to D2, which was fine. I didn't do the re-shaft when I had an X-con 5 put in it, but the club maker did something similar and got it to D2. The minimum for me is D2 and I really like drivers more in the D3-4 range, but that is tough do do with the X-drives. Less that D2 and it's like swinging a toothpick.

Edited November 15, 200717 yr by Backspin9

If the head weight is anything like the X-drive 460 the swing weight will be pretty low at 44.75" using a 58g shaft, probably in the C9 - D0 range.

At one point I tried a 569 Speeder (also 58g) in my X-drive 460 and at 45.25" with a 9g tip pin I got it to D2, which was fine. I didn't do the re-shaft when I had an X-con 5 put in it, but the club maker did something similar and got it to D2. The minimum for me is D2 and I really like drivers more in the D3-4 range, but that is tough do do with the X-drives. Less that D2 and it's like swinging a toothpick.

That's a little of what I am worried about. I prefer the D2-D3 weight as well. I guess I will have to have my club builder work some magic to bring up the SW. I might just have to go with a heavier shaft (I guess that will help with the swing weight??)

That's a little of what I am worried about. I prefer the D2-D3 weight as well. I guess I will have to have my club builder work some magic to bring up the SW. I might just have to go with a heavier shaft (I guess that will help with the swing weight??)

I'm not sure about the GR, but with a ~65 gram shaft, D2+ is no problem in the X-Drive 460. I haven't tried it with a 55~60 gram shaft though.

Does anybody know the performance and forgiveness differences between this driver and the X Drive 445 Black Driver?

Thanks

Hi James, I've hit both, and the 445 is alittle longer, lower and more workable. The GR is much higher and more forgiving but not as far. But both are very long, and both feel solid at impact w/a wonderful sound. TS's xdrives are all top quality imo.

Thanks for the info. Very useful as I'm looking to upgrade from my current ViQ to gain a little more pop and something I can jump on bit harder.