Looking to upgrade my golf set for this year's season. What's the best driver for under $200?
For $200 or less you'll struggle to find much quality drivers. Look around for sales or discounts on last years models. Year over year, there really hasn't been any major breakthroughs in driver technology to discredit previous year's models. If you go half a decade or more back, then yea, you may begin to notice some pretty significant changes. For 2008 or even 2007 models, look into Taylormade/Callaway/or Ping. Three great brands. I swear by Taylormade, but buying these new WILL be out of your range.
For older model deals look for the Taylormade R7 or R5 lines and see what you can find. I've been playing the R580 (R5 line) for 4+ years now and am very hesitant to trade it in for something "newer".
If you are only considering 2009 models, check out brands such as 1. Cobra or 2. MacGregor (both's low end lines) for cheaper drivers. These brands usually try and emulate the technology and design of the aforementioned brands. They are reputable and shouldn't break the bank...as much.
Worst comes to worst, find a new Taylormade you like (the new R9 is damn sexy and strikes smooth) and surf over to craigslist or ebay and look for deals on barely used. Also club shops may have demos or floor models you can take off their hands on the cheap as they are slightly used.
6 Answers
I have been pleased with anything I have tried from Nickent:http://nickentgolf.com/newweb/ I have a hybrid and a driver right now, and both perform well. I am a high handycapper by the way, for what its worth.
Given your price ceiling, give consideration to buying a 2 - 3 year old model in like-new to good condition. Within a two to three year window, driver technology usually doesn't change significantly. Do some research and find out which drivers received favorable industry reviews and go from there.
Check out callawaygolfpreowned.com There they have Callaway and every other reputable manufacturer. They usually have at least few options in loft and shaft flex in any particular driver. These are important factors in choosing the best driver for your game.
I just bought the Nike Sumo squared for $150 at Dick's brand new. It is last years model, and the price is down from the 4 or 5 hundred dollar price tag it was at last season. I have played three rounds with it along wth some trips to the driving range, and I am very happy with it. I had a taylormade burner that was a few seasons old. This club performs much better. The sweet spot is much bigger, and the face is a bit more low profile, which I like.
Check out eBay - you can find a lot of unused 2007-2008 model drivers for less than $200 from golf pro shops that have set up stores on eBay.
I bought an unused 2008 Taylormade Tour Burner for $130, and I'm constantly handing it over to my friends in the tee box. Great club.
I agree with the posts above - just wanted to offer up 3balls.com as a great source for used clubs (they also sell on ebay). They have a ton of floor models and brand new clubs from previous seasons. You can totally trust their condition grading. If it says "like new" the club will literally be just like new (i.e. not a scratch on it).
For $200 or less you'll struggle to find much quality drivers. Look around for sales or discounts on last years models. Year over year, there really hasn't been any major breakthroughs in driver technology to discredit previous year's models. If you go half a decade or more back, then yea, you may begin to notice some pretty significant changes. For 2008 or even 2007 models, look into Taylormade/Callaway/or Ping. Three great brands. I swear by Taylormade, but buying these new WILL be out of your range.
For older model deals look for the Taylormade R7 or R5 lines and see what you can find. I've been playing the R580 (R5 line) for 4+ years now and am very hesitant to trade it in for something "newer".
If you are only considering 2009 models, check out brands such as 1. Cobra or 2. MacGregor (both's low end lines) for cheaper drivers. These brands usually try and emulate the technology and design of the aforementioned brands. They are reputable and shouldn't break the bank...as much.
Worst comes to worst, find a new Taylormade you like (the new R9 is damn sexy and strikes smooth) and surf over to craigslist or ebay and look for deals on barely used. Also club shops may have demos or floor models you can take off their hands on the cheap as they are slightly used.