Speeder 869 in driver?

[Guest]

The Speeder 869 is stated as being a good fairway wood shaft to complement the 757. However, I'd like to try one in a driver. Has anyone done so previously or is playing one in their driver now?

Once had a Sonartec SS07 w/ Speeder 869 which didn't really work out. Feel through the club was good but I just wasn't consistent enough with it. My conclusion was that the fact that the SS07 is adjustable for loft and lie might have made for certain inconsistencies in the head?? Probably not true but a good self-satisfying conclusion...

I'm still working out which is the optimum driver shaft weight for me. I love the Speeder 661 for feel and feedback but I have also been very consistent in the past with a GD YS8.1. Heavier shafts/swingweights help keep my tempo smooth which is a priority.

I love the graphics on the new US Speeder line and appearance is important to me (as it is to most!)

Any input much appreciated.

Didier

[Guest]

Is there really nobody on this forum who has tried this shaft in a driver??

Chris, if I may be so bold as to offer a criticism of this forum, it's that I find there are very few interesting reviews. It seems that the vast majority of posts are B/S/T. There are a good number of crossover members from that "other" forum who only post when they want to list their items for sale. Although nothing wrong with it, there is a need to improve the level of participation on TSG.

Perhaps the issue regarding reviews is that the section isn't structure to facilitate a posting. Other forums have the reviews section sorted by product type, and then individual products within each sub-section. Maybe it's something you already have in mind for the near future along with the creation of the members' area?

Please don't take this as an expression of displeasure with the site - I love TSG and am only suggesting ways to improve upon a great forum :logo:

Didier

[PxExG]

Well I have the 869 in a 3 wood and I dont think it would work well in a driver. First off, its a little heavy, then there is the relatively soft tip (excess spin) and I find it gives quite a kick through impact... maybe leading to inconsistency with a driver?

I hear what you are saying about liking heavier SW and static weights. What you coud do (and what I have done) is add lead tape or **get someone to weight it for you. I have a friend of a friend that does this & used to work on the Sonartec Tour Van.

As for the forums itself, my take is that we have all pretty much discussed the "interesting" topics with golf. We are a little too educated really - there is nothing that "wows" us anymore. Also on other forums they do break up every section, but how many sub-sets are absolutely empty?

[Guest]

Well I have the 869 in a 3 wood and I dont think it would work well in a driver. First off, its a little heavy, then there is the relatively soft tip (excess spin) and I find it gives quite a kick through impact... maybe leading to inconsistency with a driver?

I hear what you are saying about liking heavier SW and static weights. What you coud do (and what I have done) is add lead tape or **get someone to weight it for you. I have a friend of a friend that does this & used to work on the Sonartec Tour Van.

As for the forums itself, my take is that we have all pretty much discussed the "interesting" topics with golf. We are a little too educated really - there is nothing that "wows" us anymore. Also on other forums they do break up every section, but how many sub-sets are absolutely empty?

I was also thinking of trying a UST Tour Reserve (much cheaper!) but can't find anyone to sell me one. Thanks for your input on the 869. What shaft do you play in your driver?

I suppose you are correct in stating that we are a little too educated. Nonetheless there is always new equipment coming out which few would have tried. Perhpaps sub-sectioning the reviews page is not the answer - was only a suggestion.

Chris's idea of contests with great prizes should stir people to participate - I think it's a great move :cool:

Didier

[PxExG]

Driver shafts - to be honest I am yet to find one that really shines for me. My favorite driver so far has been the 983E with a 661 Speeder. Also have had a GBII with a 757 which I liked, but didnt love. The driver Ari has now is my old one - MARU with 652. But I have a 983E with T-Speeder on the way currently. To be honest, I now have had 4 high end Fujis: 661, 652, 757 and 869 and only the 869 stood out for me. There are a lot of really quality shafts out there now, and you do nothave to go Fuji to find one that fits you. Chris likes the Graphite Design shafts and from all reports I have read, they are a cut above the rest.

On a semi-related note - on the European tour the Prolite is one of the most played shafts. There are very few really high end shafts, indeed some set ups wuold be looked down upon on TSG. :whistle: And it is not because we cannot get high end gear - Justin Rose has a set of RAC protos and before Darren Clarke signed with TM he had totally custom MP-33s from Japan. Different toe grind, topline and head weights.

[el_noonan]

I hit an 869 tour spec x flex in a TM r510TP 9.5* (I also have one with a 757 in it) The 757 is a much more consitant shaft. The 869 tends to ballon a little more, due to the spin rate. Keep the 869 in the fairwayt woods.

[Guest]

I hit an 869 tour spec x flex in a TM r510TP 9.5* (I also have one with a 757 in it)  The 757 is a much more consitant shaft.  The 869 tends to ballon a little more, due to the spin rate.  Keep the 869 in the fairwayt woods.

Thanks for the info.

[haribo]

Here's a thought ... there might be a way to make the 869 work for you in a driver. Take one flex less than you would need and tipp it more to make up for the weaker flex. that would reduce the amount of softer tipp but still give you the weight you desire.

A friend of mine did that with a HM-4 in his driver. It also has a softer tipp. He tipped it 2 inches and abslolute bombs it.

haribo

[Guest]

Here's a thought ... there might be a way to make the 869 work for you in a driver. Take one flex less than you would need and tipp it more to make up for the weaker flex. that would reduce the amount of softer tipp but still give you the weight you desire.

A friend of mine did that with a HM-4 in his driver. It also has a softer tipp. He tipped it 2 inches and abslolute bombs it.

haribo

Was toying with that idea. Had been looking for a shaft for my XXIO but now that I've got the JC371, the XXIO can wait :laugh:

[xxio]

Not the same but played the 857ProTi which is suppose to be the brother of the 869. In a Bang SRVII component head of all things. Wonderful combo. The SRV is a low hitting head the 9 played like a 7.5 in TM. Deep bore (2") full insert at 45" tipped 1/2" S flex. Very very smooth. Still played a little loose so I tipped it another 1/2" perfect. Mid high trajectory and low spin (more of the head there). The 857 was a lot smoother than my 757. I would've/should've keep that combo but my Japanese rescue came along and I needde a heavy graphite so the 857 is now in my Rescue.

[kr0nik]

Had the 869 in a 300 Tour. You won't get a lot of roll if any. Otherwise, it was a decent performer.

[languidcrane]

I had an 869 x in an l-ff, and thought it was a great club. I think the bore through in the titleist stiffened the tip up considerably. It was still more carry than I get with my current setup. I still agree with the others- this shaft is best suited for fairway woods.

[TeeBonZ]

I have not tried the 869 but had the 757 in my Titleist. If you have not already tried one I would give the NV 85 a thought. I have played the 75, 95 and 105 in drivers and they are all very solid performers. They seem to play a little more tip stiff than the speeders I have tried. The ball flight is very consistant.