A couple things are clear for me for the 2025 releases: 1) taylormade wants to be cobra this year, but will continue to have issues because gluing carbon to titanium doesn’t work. 2) cobra’s new hozzel is neat, but won’t make a big difference at all for the average player. 3) Callaway needs to fire whoever is in charge of aesthetics on their drivers, because… uhh…. wtf is that? 4) Srixon is going to get a little more recognition this year on the woods line. The last ones were really good. This one is seemingly just an improved one. 5) they’ll still all be overpriced and promise the world while not being all that much different than last year.
For clubs, I always expect more of the same with different colors and great marketing. Not planning on buying anything other than golf balls in 2025 though. ⛳️
There was a window last year, here in the US anyway, where the G400 Max Drivers were right around $100-$120 (Nov.-Dec, 23'). Held 5 or 6 in hand at PGA SuperStore & GolfGalaxy, then new drivers dropped & 10K MOI was all the rage and the prices shot up as a cheaper 10K alternative. Those same G400 Drivers in the same exact condition are fetching $190+ now.
My local Golf Mart had the g430 max at 399$ with fitting into your selection of shaft stock shaft options obviously. For brand new driver couldn't pass it up I did buy the QI 10 brand new at the beginning of the season but the Ping just works better for me happy I got it.
My go-to driver right now is a 2018 Bridgestone JGR head that I bought from Japan for US$40, and then had my local golf store install a stiff Even Flow shaft in with a midsize grip. Total cost about $150 and this driver is consistently long and straight. None of my newer drivers - Callaway, PXG, Honma - can beat it.
Another great informative video Simon. I love that fact that the titles of your videos are factual with no sensationalist claims. It is clear that your integrity in your content is paramount. Keep up the good work. I'm sure you've done one but I'd love to see a video from you about 2nd hand wedges. I could use help with these as my short game isn't the best ! What loft / bounce would work best for a 19HC
No just another con, I used the taylormade M2 2016, awesome driver in my bag and staying there, you can put so much technology in a driver, but it's still the person using it, no matter the technology, well so called technology. Sorry Simon but I am very cynical in all the claims of these brands. Like you said in your top driver opinions you said taylormade M2 was epic and the cobra King F9 again I think you are completely right about these drivers. That's why I'm sticking with my M2. For me I cannot justify spending stupid amounts on a driver it's ridiculous, especially nowadays. I say to your subscribers stick with what you are comfortable with, and don't worry about the golfer who has all the really expensive clubs, clothing etc.but can't hit a ball to save their life, just stand back and laugh, brand snobs.
At this point buy head only online and put your preferred shaft in it. Nearly every driver that has come out since 2016 can get you similar distance, it all comes down to how the driver sits at address, open closed or square and getting the correct shaft, most people are playing a driver shaft that is too stiff. This will kill your distance more than anything…
About 1-2 yards and 1-2% better dispersion. Maybe 1 MPH ball speed! Better to go get a driver from 2 years ago for a 1/3rd the cost! You can still find Rouges and Aerojets brand new for a huge discount!
I’ve had a sneaky peak at the new Wilson Staff driver and it looks amazing, however having just bought the dynapower driver (which I hit pretty well), I just don’t see the point of upgrading for a good few years
Max 10K owner who plays at home a ton with a QuadMax. The spin consistency on off center hits and esp low on the face is truly impressive. I don’t see upgrading unless something amazing appears on the market this year
I’m looking at going for a fitting but unsure if I should wait for the new equipment to release in a few months, however I’m confident I will be looking at getting the already released Titleist equipment.
I don’t need a driver since ping just replaced my 430 lst cuz it cracked so it’s only a month old. I might give the 440 a chance just see if there are any gains. For some reason the 430 found more fairways for me than the 425 and sounded better.
Think before putting a lot of money into a driver. There are plenty of great used drivers available. They are usually available at a 50-75% discount then they're original price. You don't use the driver on every hole. Instead put your money into lessons and find a legit professional fitter. They will let you know what you need and don't, save you a lot of time. They will get you into the right product and shaft for your game. Selecting the right driver shaft is one of the most important keys in selecting the correct driver. This guy is correct, listen to his advice.
@SASGolf I'm an 18 handicap playing 5 years, driver speed 102-105mph and miss is left on the bad ones. Have a 2-3 degree up attack angle and a relatively aggressive transition. Gaming an evenflow red max carry 60g stiff - love the counter-balance weighting and the height my drives achieve. Im thinking about going X-flex in the same shaft to counter the left miss, what are your thoughts on this given my speed?
If you have a fast swing speed and carry around 280-300 yards it's like 12 yards in carry between brands. And if you have a swing speed that makes you carry around 240 yards it's not more than 8 yards between brands. And if you swing slower and carry around 200 yards it is not more than 5 yards difference. And of course if you are even slower around 180 yards it's not much difference, just 3 yards between brands.
After watching your previous video on swing speed\shafts where you said "don't be put off by shaft flex, just try it", I spotted a local pro selling off Ex-demo equipment. Picked up a Qi10 with hardly a blemish on it for £259. Same shaft I was playing previously but in regular not stiff. Was allowed to take it out on course to test. My question, should your subscribers be looking at this route as an option for buying during 'silly season'?
The game needs to be administered for the players not the industry around it, tighten the regulations around equipment, including balls so that everyone basically plays the same, therefore much cheaper, game.
Great video, but please, no!!! How few yards do any of us want to gain? 3 yards, 5 yards, er?????? To me, they're is a load of b@!!@cks, surrounding new clubs! How many yards will we all gain, as Simon says, ....... not much!!! £550? Really??? No thanks! I'll stick with a really good coach (👍), and the-year-before-last's Ladies driver, and I can still mix it with the best of them!!!! 🤣
Always buy last years model ive only changed my driver once in over 10 years. Don't believe all the hype the manufacturers tell you it's all about sales not increased performance 5 to 10 yards is absolutely nothing
Let's be generous and accept that driver distance has increased by 15 yards and dispersion has tightened by 2 or 3 yards for the averge golfer in the last 10 years. Why would any sane average golfer want to hand over £500 for next years driver to gain, at most, 2 yards of distance over this year's?
Every year you come out with videos how all the new stuff isn’t worth buying. You will show us all the eBay comps for last year’s model for cheaper. Enough with your channel for me. I get your whole play for cheaper ideas but it’s just the same tired ass complaining from you every year.
Thanks again DCuz599 for the question! (Not sure why I thought you had DJ in your username) haha… love to hear your guys thoughts on this video 🙌
Love the video! And thank you for your advice, I’ll be looking to get fit for sure!
Can’t afford them anyways. Ridiculous how expensive they are now.
Says the dude on a 20k death machine. 😂
Cobra aerojet people is at a bargain price 👀👀👀🤯🤯🤯 I'd be buying that
A couple things are clear for me for the 2025 releases:
1) taylormade wants to be cobra this year, but will continue to have issues because gluing carbon to titanium doesn’t work.
2) cobra’s new hozzel is neat, but won’t make a big difference at all for the average player.
3) Callaway needs to fire whoever is in charge of aesthetics on their drivers, because… uhh…. wtf is that?
4) Srixon is going to get a little more recognition this year on the woods line. The last ones were really good. This one is seemingly just an improved one.
5) they’ll still all be overpriced and promise the world while not being all that much different than last year.
For clubs, I always expect more of the same with different colors and great marketing. Not planning on buying anything other than golf balls in 2025 though. ⛳️
Same,, I'm good on clubs for awhile. Can't justify the crazy cost anymore and will stick with my trusty set.
There was a window last year, here in the US anyway, where the G400 Max Drivers were right around $100-$120 (Nov.-Dec, 23'). Held 5 or 6 in hand at PGA SuperStore & GolfGalaxy, then new drivers dropped & 10K MOI was all the rage and the prices shot up as a cheaper 10K alternative. Those same G400 Drivers in the same exact condition are fetching $190+ now.
My local Golf Mart had the g430 max at 399$ with fitting into your selection of shaft stock shaft options obviously. For brand new driver couldn't pass it up I did buy the QI 10 brand new at the beginning of the season but the Ping just works better for me happy I got it.
My go-to driver right now is a 2018 Bridgestone JGR head that I bought from Japan for US$40, and then had my local golf store install a stiff Even Flow shaft in with a midsize grip. Total cost about $150 and this driver is consistently long and straight. None of my newer drivers - Callaway, PXG, Honma - can beat it.
Been gaming the G425 Max since it came out in Jan of 21. Last week I purchased another one at a great price. Guess I dont like change.
Not much difference in the 430 so why not keep playing it untill the balls get rolled back
Another great informative video Simon. I love that fact that the titles of your videos are factual with no sensationalist claims. It is clear that your integrity in your content is paramount. Keep up the good work.
I'm sure you've done one but I'd love to see a video from you about 2nd hand wedges.
I could use help with these as my short game isn't the best ! What loft / bounce would work best for a 19HC
TS2 at $125. Z785 for same price. 2018 drivers are sweet spot with great MOI and technology.
Pearls of wisdom young man...great job
I'll try them all out,,and then out drive them all with my SLDR from 2014..😂
No just another con, I used the taylormade M2 2016, awesome driver in my bag and staying there, you can put so much technology in a driver, but it's still the person using it, no matter the technology, well so called technology.
Sorry Simon but I am very cynical in all the claims of these brands.
Like you said in your top driver opinions you said taylormade M2 was epic and the cobra King F9 again I think you are completely right about these drivers.
That's why I'm sticking with my M2.
For me I cannot justify spending stupid amounts on a driver it's ridiculous, especially nowadays.
I say to your subscribers stick with what you are comfortable with, and don't worry about the golfer who has all the really expensive clubs, clothing etc.but can't hit a ball to save their life, just stand back and laugh, brand snobs.
Mad that the Ping G400 Max is basically a 10k driver and now they're all the rage just 6 years later
At this point buy head only online and put your preferred shaft in it. Nearly every driver that has come out since 2016 can get you similar distance, it all comes down to how the driver sits at address, open closed or square and getting the correct shaft, most people are playing a driver shaft that is too stiff. This will kill your distance more than anything…
Spot on
About 1-2 yards and 1-2% better dispersion. Maybe 1 MPH ball speed! Better to go get a driver from 2 years ago for a 1/3rd the cost! You can still find Rouges and Aerojets brand new for a huge discount!
Very informative if i was in the uk i would see you for a fitting.
Got a G400 for 140 last year. Still happy with it.
I’ve had a sneaky peak at the new Wilson Staff driver and it looks amazing, however having just bought the dynapower driver (which I hit pretty well), I just don’t see the point of upgrading for a good few years
Max 10K owner who plays at home a ton with a QuadMax. The spin consistency on off center hits and esp low on the face is truly impressive. I don’t see upgrading unless something amazing appears on the market this year
Been looking into the same club, can I ask how fast your swing speed is?
@@logancarman1917about 104, maxing out at around 150 ball speed.
Ive got q g425 and just got a nice upgraded shaft
Can't see anything coming out anytime soon that would really do much better for me
Got the same driver myself. May not be the longest of the bunch but it’s a fairway finder 🎯
Mise well play it untill the balls get rolled back
I’m looking at going for a fitting but unsure if I should wait for the new equipment to release in a few months, however I’m confident I will be looking at getting the already released Titleist equipment.
Try it all out though , you paying for it so force that experience and be open minded.
Nothing wrong with my Sim2 max 10.5 deg
More time and money to be spent on my game…especially my short game!!!
Great run down again Simon, just makes sense to me.
I don’t need a driver since ping just replaced my 430 lst cuz it cracked so it’s only a month old. I might give the 440 a chance just see if there are any gains. For some reason the 430 found more fairways for me than the 425 and sounded better.
How long will a driver last?
Really need to spend $200-600 each year to replace the one you are already using?
Think before putting a lot of money into a driver. There are plenty of great used drivers available. They are usually available at a 50-75% discount then they're original price. You don't use the driver on every hole. Instead put your money into lessons and find a legit professional fitter. They will let you know what you need and don't, save you a lot of time. They will get you into the right product and shaft for your game. Selecting the right driver shaft is one of the most important keys in selecting the correct driver. This guy is correct, listen to his advice.
@SASGolf I'm an 18 handicap playing 5 years, driver speed 102-105mph and miss is left on the bad ones. Have a 2-3 degree up attack angle and a relatively aggressive transition. Gaming an evenflow red max carry 60g stiff - love the counter-balance weighting and the height my drives achieve. Im thinking about going X-flex in the same shaft to counter the left miss, what are your thoughts on this given my speed?
Just get a new headcover 😂
You win
My SIM2 is still an absolute rocket i just hit my longest drive ever at 337yds total and got my first eagle as well
Ping G440 ??????? Please advise
If you have a fast swing speed and carry around 280-300 yards it's like 12 yards in carry between brands. And if you have a swing speed that makes you carry around 240 yards it's not more than 8 yards between brands. And if you swing slower and carry around 200 yards it is not more than 5 yards difference. And of course if you are even slower around 180 yards it's not much difference, just 3 yards between brands.
After watching your previous video on swing speed\shafts where you said "don't be put off by shaft flex, just try it", I spotted a local pro selling off Ex-demo equipment. Picked up a Qi10 with hardly a blemish on it for £259. Same shaft I was playing previously but in regular not stiff. Was allowed to take it out on course to test.
My question, should your subscribers be looking at this route as an option for buying during 'silly season'?
An amateur golfer does not need 33 adjustments on a hosel setting from Cobra that will do nothing but confuse the hell out of you😂😂😂😂
I’ll keep my LTDx LS until it fails. Thing is a rocket still.
Ex demo 24 driver. Get a decent shaft change every 2yr keep the shaft
Brilliant!!
The game needs to be administered for the players not the industry around it, tighten the regulations around equipment, including balls so that everyone basically plays the same, therefore much cheaper, game.
Snagged a gt2 head for $300 only way im buying the new stuff is for a steal 🤓
Inhales deeply
I hit a cobra fly xl pw 140yd I'm good with my M4
Great video, but please, no!!! How few yards do any of us want to gain? 3 yards, 5 yards, er?????? To me, they're is a load of b@!!@cks, surrounding new clubs! How many yards will we all gain, as Simon says, ....... not much!!!
£550? Really??? No thanks! I'll stick with a really good coach (👍), and the-year-before-last's Ladies driver, and I can still mix it with the best of them!!!! 🤣
Id love to know what the sales figures are like for the big brands ...and then to release new models eveey year 🤷🤷💰💰💰💰
Looked at the USGA conforming site, this year looks to be the year of adaptability, fools gold
Crafty😊 but true.
Facts👍🏻
Always buy last years model ive only changed my driver once in over 10 years. Don't believe all the hype the manufacturers tell you it's all about sales not increased performance 5 to 10 yards is absolutely nothing
Let's be generous and accept that driver distance has increased by 15 yards and dispersion has tightened by 2 or 3 yards for the averge golfer in the last 10 years.
Why would any sane average golfer want to hand over £500 for next years driver to gain, at most, 2 yards of distance over this year's?
I'll tell you what to expect... More expensive drivers, with different colour schemes, new names. And that's about it. No different performance. 😂
How could any company justify releasing this often?
They will cost a lot more than drivers 3 to 5 years ago and won’t hit much further.
So why buy one?
Every year you come out with videos how all the new stuff isn’t worth buying. You will show us all the eBay comps for last year’s model for cheaper. Enough with your channel for me. I get your whole play for cheaper ideas but it’s just the same tired ass complaining from you every year.