Calling for your advice - S-Yard T.388

[Blader-X]

Okay gents, seeking any and all advice in regards to a new driver build. The new S-Yard T.388 will definitely be a very special driver. I've been around golf and TSG long enough to realize that. So here goes. While in general I'm very in tune with my specs and what works for me I'd still like to hear what others may have to say in regards to this build specifically in regards to shaft and loft.

For starters, the gold standard shaft for me is the Graphite Design P9003x. If there was ever a shaft seemingly built for me its this one. Presently I game that in both a Yonex 380 (10.5) and a Kamui-Pro KPX (10.5). In addition that very same shaft is in my 3 wood and that club is solidly, solidly in the bag. Both drivers above are 46.25".

The Yonex produces baby draws on a rope-like trajectory with distance at about 235 yards on average. The KPX when I go after it produces draw to straight with distance at about 245. The KPX I do not fade like most others have seen. In fact if anything this club always favors the left side. The KPX as Stew says loves to be hit hard. Ball flight is higher than the Yonex. I really like this driver and its presently the gamer but it loves the left side. My distances are averages and for me it all depends on how my right knee is doing that day. Having had two ACL surgeries on it limits me in terms of power. That and the fact that I turn 44 this year. Still my driving is very consistent for the most part even with limited play of late. Yardages are honest assessments and while at times I'm longer, I just don't play as much as before and age and attrition are starting to kick in some.

I can't tell you my swing speed as I haven't measured in some time. It used to be up in the 115 range, but whether its still there or not is not all that relevant. The P9003x is the shaft for me.

So that all being said, here's what I want. I want to go with the updated version of the P9003x, the Z9003. However, the question is what flex to go, X or S? I'm sticking with the heavier weight of 78gm so it'll definitely be the Type 7 model. In the past I have experimented with lighter shafts and they just don't work for me. I'm really in a quandry over the x or s as I'm hitting the present P9003x just fine but what would do I stand to gain/lose by going s or x?

Second question, do I go 10.5 or 9.5 loft? Both drivers I have presently are 10.5 and they are serving me well. However I'd really like to hear what you all have to say. In the past I've had very low lofted drivers, 7.5, 8.5 etc. My Epon 102 is an 8.5 w/ a Quadra FEX proto. That club is a fade club all the way, especially considering the near 2 degree open face. However, it doesn't see much time except on the range as the KPX has taken its place in the bag.

But now, with this S-Yard, I fear the KPX may get the boot. The Yonex 380 changed my mind about big-headed drivers and I found that I hit them better. The KPX I like because of the high face. Its near perfect except for its penchant to go to much left at time and the fact that I can't fade the club at all even when I really need to. Since both these are 10.5, I'm wondering if that has anything to do with both drivers liking to draw. They're both very consistent in that way.

I'll definitely will try to have them find an open face for me which should help with the left part to some degree.

While it may seem that my mind is made up, I would still like to hear any and all who care to chime in. And I know that the P9003x hasn't gotten that much love here but there are a few who have some experience with it. So if you could, please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks in advance, and lastly can't wait to see what blades S-Yard and Kobayashi-san come up with.

[Vegaman]

First off, I'm extremely surprised you only hit 235-245 with a SS of around 115, or even if it's now down from that. Anybody with that SS should move it at least 275-280 without much trouble. When i saw the beginning your post stating you love the P9003x and saw all your shafts are Xstiff I was immediately thinking "hard hitter" so I was really shocked when you stated your distance..It sounds like you should be able to hit your RC hybrid around 235..?

Anyway, keeping the weight up is a good thing I think, but I would advice you to go with the S instead of the X so you can get more yards with less effort, especially with your knee problem. I think the heavier weight will make timing less of an issue, so go with S. In my experience a heavy shaft lets you go down in flex and still retain accuracy, plus gives an easier to feel kick.

Edited January 27, 2013 by Vegaman

[RIduffer]

I agree with Vegaman that a 235yd driver, unless always a miss hit, does not sound like an X flex swing. Although the heavier head and longer length should, effectively, loosen the flex some. You might consider shorter and lighter flex, especially given how T has described the heads performance.

Here I think the stock 9.5 to start and then consider a reshaft if the combo does not align to your swing. Also, I believe you can request up to 0.5* open face...

[supo]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

lets talk replacement for p9003x which is one of my faves as well. in a minute

but first...

i think u might be undersestimating distance. ??

maybe flight is what u said. but it seems very short ur ur total hiting distance can be that. doesnt seem right .

meters maybe, but yards. with that length dirver . doesnt look right.

anyway.

id give a HUGE look at the diamana X

for what u hit the ball at, id think this migth be up ur alley.

it certianly was mine

obv a differnence in weight but this might be a good shaft for u

i beleive this might be wel worth a look

put it like this.. in getting the 9.5 t388 and im not even considering anything esle other that the x bec i know how god that is for me

[Blader-X]

Distance i stated is carry and it may be underrated some. My hybrid is a 210 club. The 3 wood a liitle more. Off the tee the 3 wood can be huge at times. But I know that I tend to generate a bit of spin. Also note that the 115 swing speed was some time ago. With age and attrition not sure if i generate that anymore. However on really good ball striking days i can be long. However i can also power down the driver to produce little punches. As an aside that's a great drill to do at the range is to try and hit your driver varying distances such as 100, 150, 200 yards. One thing i do know is that i haven't done all that well with light and whippy shafts.

[MoreBeerBetterGolf]

Crazy black tour 75 SX

[supo]

then the X wil be right up ur strasa....

the new p9003z is a tought little fella. only guy i know that has hit it is adnrew. and he said it was a stout shaft in line wit he p9003x

can see no reason why ud not look soundly at that option aswell.

in the crazy line. is found the cb50 a beauty. prob the best serving shaft to my swing of the ones ive tried.

delivers a high ball but its oh so powerflly striaght. no ballooning. just soraing bombs.

still got that in my 2012 yamaha tour 8.2 flex im using here

no cpmplaints with that baby either

[potuna]

I want to try this driver.

[Blader-X]

Thanks for chiming in guys, much appreciated. I'll have to mull it over a bit more.

I hear what you say about the stoutness of the P9003x Stew, but honestly I just love that shaft and haven't had any difficulties whatsoever with it. I was just thinking that if the P9003x was so good maybe the newer version is a must try. Maybe I'll drop down to an S flex in it but stay with the heavier weight.

Crazy is one to consider for sure, but I haven't been "crazy" about Crazy. Not really sure why as I haven't tried them at all, but they just don't appeal to me; but you can't argue with all the great results they've had.

The Stinger now that may be one. I liked Diamana when they first came out but fell out of love with them as I spun those shafts too much. Beautiful graphics though.

Anyways, the point here is this driver is must have at this point.

[idrive]

Made any decisions yet??

Was just thinking, take the S flex and tip it .5" Should make it closer to S+/ SX

Might make it even tighter dispersion wise also.

Are you going to stay with the longer length?

[Blader-X]

Made any decisions yet??

Was just thinking, take the S flex and tip it .5" Should make it closer to S+/ SX

Might make it even tighter dispersion wise also.

Are you going to stay with the longer length?

Yes, I'm going with the GD Z9003 Type 6 in stiff. Length will be 45.25".

Length-wise I hope it works out and I'm sure it will but I've been doing very well at 46.25" with the other drivers.

Decided that even at stiff this shaft should still be stout enough and if not not I'll take your idea on the tipping.

As for as the Type 6, decided to give the lighter shaft side a try once again. If it fails I know I always have the P9003 to fall back on; but I think this just might be the way to go at the current stage of things.

As far as loft goes, I went 10.5. That loft has been working well in the KPX and Yonex; and knowing that the S-Yard is producing lower shots than expected for a few of the reviewers I decided that 10.5 was the way to go. Besides, its only one degree.

I'm excited to hit this as I feel this may become a very special driver for me. If not, the KPX is as near ideal as I can have at the moment. Only thing with it is I have to watch going left as it loves to draw. Misses are straight left and think that's because with the KPX the harder you go at it, the better.

I'll post review just as soon as I receive it and get some time in with it.

All in all because I don't play as often as I have in the past I decided to back off on all the specs a little. Swing-wise I'm as solid as ever. I know exactly what to do and what I'm doing. I just wish I was playing as often. Now when I play its special.