New 915 driver

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By Brian F

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  1. Brian F

    Brian F
    LaPorte, IN

    Has anyone hit the new 915 d2 driver?  What's your opinion?  I have the 905r and hit it a ton but am buying the 915d2. I am hoping to get a little more consistency in my drives.  I had a chance to hit the 915 and my 905r at Golfsmith.  I was a little disappointed but it could've been from a long day of driving in a car. I just don't k ow if the 915 is worth replacing the 905. All help will be appreciated.  Thanks. Brian

  2. Shawn E

    Shawn E
    Carlsbad, CA

    Military

    I drove 2 hours and 20 minutes to try the new 915 driver.  In the end, I pre-ordered a 915 D2!

    I visited Arundel Golf Park's Titleist Demo Day this past Saturday (10/25/14).  I took my 10.5 913 D2 along with both Diamana Blue Board S+ 62g shafts I have (stiff and reg flex).  I did this for a baseline as I wanted to compare launch numbers with my current 913 to the new 915 driver and shafts.

    I arrived at the Golf Park with 30 minutes left before it was over (thanks to my Galaxy S3 and its GPS getting me lost).  Anyway...  I didn't have a whole lot of time to test as thoroughly as I would have liked but I did get to hit the 915 D2 with three different shafts and the guy running the show was able to put the launch monitor on me here and there.  He kept moving it back and forth between me and a high school girl (she just happened to be the #1 female HS player from Virginia with a full ride to University of Tennessee next year). 

    First things first.  The Titleist staff member was  Eric was great.  The first thing he told me was I should never be using a regular flex shaft.  He could see with his eyes that my spin rate was up there.  He also said the torque on that shaft was wreaking havoc on me.  So he measured my spin rate at 3700 RPMs with the 913 D2 and a Blue Board S+ 62 reg flex.

    Second, he put a Rogue Black 70 in stiff on the 915 D2 and instantly I was hitting high line drives that took off beautifully.  I didn't leak right once with this shaft as I had been with my shaft; no high leaking fades here.  On my worst drives, the dispersion was at most 15 to 20 yards left and right of the flag I was aiming at; I can accept that all day! This shaft also brought my spin down to 2600 RPMs.  Wahcka Wahka Fozzy Bear!  ;-)

    We then tried the new Diamana 72 D+ (or the newest version of the Whiteboard 72) in stiff.  No dice.  Too boardy-feeling and fade/slice city. 

    We then tried the Rogue Silver 60; not bad, but not good either.  Back t the Rogue Black 70.  Once again, BOOM!  Hitting beauties again. 

    I also had a chance to compare the Png G-30 in a tour stiff shaft.  I hit it good, but didn't like the sound.  It has a slightly closed face which caused me to hit some nasty draw-hooks on more than one occasion as well as some straight pulls.  Didn't care much for the sound either.  Although, it did blast some good drives out there.  As we all know, Png and TM drivers are usually an inch longer than the other manufacturers.

    All-in-all, Titleist's 915 D2, well I think it is the REAL DEAL!  Especially that Aldila Rogue Black 70 shaft for me.  I guess that's why these shafts retail for $599 on their own right now.

    I wound up pre-ordering mine for a demo-day special of $399.  I even got a free range token for a basket of 80 balls!  Great people working up there at Arundel Park Golf center.  If you live in the area and love golf you should go visit them. 

    Shawn Englerth - Ocean City, MD

    ps.  Anyone need a good condition 913 D2 or almost new 913 D3?  LOL  :-)  I'm quite sure they will be for sale after 11/15/14.

  3. Brian F

    Brian F
    LaPorte, IN

    I drive about 3 hrs from Indiana to Wisconsin to see my son at college and we make the visit to Golfsmith in Brookfield. While there, I preordered one after being fitted on the 913 with multiple shafts. This past weekend, I was able to try the 915 demo.  I ordered the D2 after trying both the 913 & 915 D2 &3.  I recently had an arthroscopic surgery on my shoulder as well. The preorder fitting was after the surgery as well. On the fitting/preorder day, I averaged 290 carry but on the 915 demo fitting, I averaged 278 yds carry. I did take my 905R and averaged almost 20 yds more with the 915. I think my numbers decreased due to the surgery and lack of playing. I haven't played a round since 9/29/14 and have only hit balls while visiting Golfsmith.

    I didn't even consider a different brand until I tried a TM SLDR (430) and averaged nearly 20 yds further than the 915.   I was told and checked several reviews that the SLDR was a little more difficult to hit but didn't notice any issues when using it. I am hoping the next time I visit Golfsmith that my club is there. That way I can try the shaft I was ordered. I was told I can try the shaft by taping the club face or putting the demo club head on and if I wasn't happy, I could return it. 

    All my clubs are Titleist but would consider the TM SLDR if I am able to have the more distance and the cheaper price. I am thinking of trying the SLDR with a slightly higher loft than what I'm used to (10.5). I have a swing speed average of 115 and with my 240 lb 6'3 frame get a lot of power. On a downside  to that, I also have a ton of spin.  While you were being fitted, did you try the SLDR? Or do you know anyone that uses it?  I'm just looking for feedback until I can try my ordered 915 that way I can try and make a final decision. Probably shouldn't have tried a different brand because now I have doubt that I didn't have before.

    Thanks for your feedback. -Brian Favia 

  4. Shawn E

    Shawn E
    Carlsbad, CA

    Military

    On the TM SLDR note, I have hit that driver as well.  I owned it for about a month.  At the time, I also had three R1 black drivers.  So, needless to say, I had several shafts with the TM adapter on them.  The shafts I tried in the SLDR were the NV 65, Diamana S+ 62 regular and stiff, Diamana 72 D+, as well as the senior flex stock shaft it came with (bought it mint used and it had a senior shaft on it). 

    Also, measure the shaft length on TM drivers.  Typically, TM (and png) are notorious for creating irons a few degrees stronger than the competition, as well as making their 9-iron a little longer in length than the competition,  Technology is maxed out right now, so they have to create more distance with lofts and lengths.  TM drivers typically come in at 46" off the shelf.  The average driver length on PGA is 44.5.  Now, a pro golfer, who has a lot more ability and coordination than the typical player uses a driver 1.5" shorter in length than what TM and png offer the typical consumer.  No wonder 90% of golfers struggle with a slice.  :-) 

    So, I think you are on the right track.  Get that shaft you hit on the 915 and somehow try it on the SLDR.  If you can't compare apples to apples with the shafts, you will never know what that head is adding/detracting to/from your swing. 

    For me, the Rogue Black 60 and the 915 head combo reduced my spin 1,000 RPM from the 913 D2 / Diamana 62 S+ regular flex.  (down from 3,600 to 2,600).

    And one final thought... I would rather have a Titleist 915 driver in my bag and lose 5-yards than carry a TM driver in my bag.  LOL  ....and I used to be 100% TM consumer.  Playing Titleist clubs is like driving a fancy old 1957 Chevy that turns heads everywhere you go.  

    Shawn

  5. Brian F

    Brian F
    LaPorte, IN

    Thanks Shawn!  I couldn't agree with you more on the Titleist clubs in the bag.  I think my whole issue is the fact that the club isn't out yet and that I cant stay out of the Golfsmith is my problem.  Always wanting to try new golf equipment.  The 915 is going to stay in my bag for sure.  Brian

  6. Pat R

    Pat R
    Elizabethtown, KY

    I have hit the 915D2 for about thirty minutes on our range and played one round of golf with it.  I currently play the 913D2 at 9.5 degrees with the Diamana Blue 62 Regular shaft.  On the range I compared my driver/ shaft combination with the 915D2 (9.5 head) and my shaft.  Both were at the A1 setting.  I found the 915D2 to be 7-12 yards longer and an estimated 20 percent  more accurate.  I know that I seldom hit the target green at 230 yards, but did so 5 of 7 drives that day with the 915D2.  The next day I took it out for a round and confirmed the range results.  I was hitting my second shots on par 4 holes with one less club and usually from the center of the fairway.  I'm convinced and am ordering one.

  7. Steve N

    Steve N
    Sarasota, FL

    I drove 2 hours for a fitting with the Titleist Fitting Van.  My current driver is the 910 D2 w/ Mitsubishi Bassara stiff shaft.  using my shaft and the new 915 head, I immediately added 15 yards!  I ended up with the Diamana 50 stiff.  My fitter felt with a little work there was another 15 yards in that shaft for me.

    Now I have two shaft options for my new 915 - which should be here shortly--- I HOPE!   

  8. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    Brian F said:

    Has anyone hit the new 915 d2 driver?  What's your opinion?  I have the 905r and hit it a ton but am buying the 915d2. I am hoping to get a little more consistency in my drives.  I had a chance to hit the 915 and my 905r at Golfsmith.  I was a little disappointed but it could've been from a long day of driving in a car. I just don't k ow if the 915 is worth replacing the 905. All help will be appreciated.  Thanks. Brian

    I would give it another try.  You must realize that that is ten years difference in technology and Titleist has come a along way with the drivers.  The 915 is carrying longer and the accuracy is improved as well, of course depending on the level of the player.  I do hope that you tried the newer shafts that are offered with the D2.  You have choice of six standard shafts this year.  You might want to hit the D3 as well.  Spend some time with the new club and I think you will like it.    

  9. Brian F

    Brian F
    LaPorte, IN

    the shaft i had to order wasnt available to demo.  I was told the only X stiff shaft was the diamana d plus white.  I tried a TM sldr and was surprised with the distance.  just wondering if the 915 was the real deal or if it was the shaft i tried was the disappointment.  thanks 

  10. Kevin P

    Kevin P
    Northfield Center, OH

    Brian, Spent the time Sat. with the great staff at Windmill Golf Center here in northeast Ohio. I have been playing the metal woods of another company for the past 2 seasons. Have to tell you that after we found the right combination for me that I am soon to be the owner of the new 915 D2 driver. The distance gained was significant to be sure. (5.5 yards of carry) But I was astonished at the accuracy of this club. Nine of ten swings were within six feet of the target line. I don't know about you, but that justifies change to me. New 3 wood in the spring! Do yourself a favor and find a qualified fitter in your area and give the Titlist a true test. Good Luck. Kevin
  11. Z

    Z
    Santee, CA

    I've visited my local Golf Mart 4 times since the 915 series arrived for demo/fitting purposes. 

    First foray into the world of 915 series, I went without my current gamer and just fiddled with the various shaft options and lofts. I think I gravitated toward a similar set-up as my current gamer (913 D2, Diamana S+ in R-flex). I was not hitting the ball particularly well, and did not see anything on the launch monitor that warranted an immediate pre-order. 

    Second trip in, I had a little more time and I went in after a round of golf, so I was already warmed up and ready to go. Again, I chose not to bring my current gamer in as I just wanted to see how I felt about the new club. With a warmed up swing, I was hitting much better and actually saw some encouraging numbers. With my current gamer, I average a very modest 215-220 carry. On the monitor, the new driver gave me an average carry distance of 234 with a lot more roll than what I am used to. Spin rate and the launch angle was optimal (according to the fitter there), and I was not out-of-bounds for the most part ;-)

    The next two trips involved me bringing in my current gamer to compare head-to-head, because, as well all know, numbers on the monitors do not always translate to the course. I hit a few with my current gamer as a baseline (which showed numbers that were reasonably accurate), and then switched over to the 915 to see what the numbers looked like, and the findings were on par with what I saw during the previous trip. A fairly significant increase in carry distance, as well as more roll out due to better launch conditions. 

    I am now fairly certain that a new 915 D2 driver will be in my bag at around 4:12 pm (work gets in the way of golf...) on 11/14/14. Until then, I will continue to "test" (play with, really) the 915 series in the store. 

    Now that I've digressed and given you a complete non-answer to your question about 905 vs 915, I would say give it another go or two or seven, and try out a variety of shaft options. I think there is an answer out there for you in the 915 lineup. 

  12. Jorge S

    Jorge S
    Seekonk, MA

    Brian F said:

    Has anyone hit the new 915 d2 driver?  What's your opinion?  I have the 905r and hit it a ton but am buying the 915d2. I am hoping to get a little more consistency in my drives.  I had a chance to hit the 915 and my 905r at Golfsmith.  I was a little disappointed but it could've been from a long day of driving in a car. I just don't k ow if the 915 is worth replacing the 905. All help will be appreciated.  Thanks. Brian

    Brian,

    I just upgraded to the 913 from the 905R (didn't wait for the 915). Here's what I can tell you. Don't expect miracles in terms of distance gains, unless of course your 905r was not a good fit to begin with. The 905R is very long and the face is just as hot as the newer models. I only noticed a very slight increase in distance between the 905r and 913. However, where you will see the biggest difference is in mis-hits. You will have a lot more forgiveness on mis-hits, and they will travel a lot further than misses with the 905R. Trust me, you won't be disappointed in the upgrade.

  13. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    Have an appointment with a fitter in the morning at 1000.  He does not take walkins, because he is booked with fittings.  Was instructed to bring in my old driver (910D3 9.5 set at 10.25) and to plan on hitting a lot of golf balls.  Not like the brick and motor stores where you walk in and they fit you.  David is the best in the area and has been fitting the top players and pros in the area for many years.  I feel real confident about tomorrow.  Have already hit the 915D2 9.5 with the Rogue 70 stiff, but feel there is more in the club.......only hit it a few times......

  14. Kurt V

    Kurt V
    Austin, TX

    Hit the D2 at our member guest last weekend. Just picked it up and hit a dozen shots. I swear you could through a blanket around them. I use the 913D3 10.5 with Reg S+ 62 shaft . I was fit 2 years ago by the titleist tour van and clearly hit the D3 was better at that time. The 915 D2 was 10.5 with the Diamana blue 60 in reg. I don't need to try anything else except maybe the 9.5 degree. Hit high straight slight draw with the first swings. Tried to buy it on the spot.

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