Help with 905R comparison to 909 D3 and D2, Why can't I hit a D3 for life of me? Options

[jduncanm3]

As for the draw bias question being raised, in my demo day experience on the real driving range, I didn't feel like either had any draw bias at all. If anything, I was hitting some fades that I never could hit with my previous driver since the stock voodoo and the V2 75 were stiffer and lower torque than what I was used to on my 907 D2. The D3 was noticeably less forgiving and for me launched probably 3 degrees lower than the D2. I do however feel like the worst hooks were on the D2 instead of the D3 just because a higher launching head seems to hook more than a low spin deep faced driver like the D3. It's too bad the D2 is 460 cc. I still feel funny looking down at a driver with such a full pear profile. I also prefer the more muted and "thud-like" sound of the D3. D2 sound more like the 905R

wow, -3 is a lot!!! are you sure everything else was the same including shaft, flex, loft and ball? i too agree the D2's head is too much to look at

Well, keep in mind I'm not a launch expert or fitter...but on observed actual ball flight, at the peak of the drive, the ball looked to be a good 15 yards lower at max height. Maybe that equates to roughly -2 deg.
I also have hit the D2 stiff voodoo stock 9.5 on a launch monitor and got great numbers....12-13 deg launch angle, 2400 or so backspin and a reading of roughly 275 carry. I hit a D3 with the V2 75 on the same launch monitor and got 1300 backspin and 11 or so launch angle.

The clubs I tested were all 9.5 and all were stiff flex. I never got to hit the V2 75 on the D3 outside, but that was since I couldn't even hit the voodoo stiff with D3 high enough. The ball used were all new range balls. I kind of wish I checked out the D2 8.5 coupled with V2 75 stiff since loft is probably the easiest and way to lower launch without changing too many other variables.

some people i know including a titleist pro have told me the 9.5 versus 10.5 D3 is like night and day. this pro said he couldnt get the 9.5 airborne but with the 10.5 it was like night and day and he got exactly the shot shape he wanted. he too uses the stock voodoo shaft and he told me his ss = 100. when i called titleist they confirmed that >loft = >spin, although they said the difference isn't huge and given other variables didnt want to provide a rule of thumb. so all things being equal 1 degree more loft will result in a net effect > 1 degree apex.

This post has been edited by jduncanm3: Apr 8 2009, 12:41 PM

[Ward]

The +1 deg loft = greater than +1 degree apex makes perfect sense to me because of the slight additional backspin. All this just goes to prove that it's that important to register in some good time testing all the different configurations to dial it in right. I feel like the shaft is still the most crucial component to get right. I see myself using this 909 for at least 1-2 seasons or more, but whatever I go to next will be tried with the V2 75. Love this shaft...also think it's the best looking on out there with the matte yellow and grey color.

[glfmn22]

For those of you with both, how much higher than the D3 and 905R does the D2 launch for you? I hit my D3 much lower in 10.5* loft than I hit my 905R in 9.5* loft, thinking about moving to the D2 to see if I can increase my launch.

[EarthDigger]

I too had the same problem. With the standard voodoo stiff shaft, the ballflight was way too high and was losing serious distance over the 905R. Have to agree with many other members here, the 905R is one of THE best heads Titleist has ever made and with the Harrison Saga 70S, I have been hitting some great tee shots.

[mpharo08]

Yeah I actually have the same exact problem. Had a 905r w/ v2 77. I could litterally hit whatever kind of shot I wanted with this. Then I got a D3 and it was all downhill from there. I'm pretty confident that it was the voodoo shaft that was not for me but nonetheless I coul not hit this driver to save my life. Thank god I did not get rid of the 905R as I am now using it and the D3 is safely tucked away in my trunk. I would like to try the D3 or maybe D2 with a V2 but we will see if this 905r ever gets our if my bag.

[rstout]

I have owned and gamed these Titleist drivers all in 9.5 loft 983K, 905R, 907D2, and 909D2. There is no doubt in my mind that my current setup 909 D2 Diamana Whiteboard 73X is the best set up I can find.

I have bought and still have many of the drivers that people on this site rave about e.g. Adams 9015 Motore F1 X, Cobra S9-Pro D real Voodoo X, and Bridgestone J33 VS Proto X. I still have not found a driver that is even close in overall performance to my 909 D2. The Whiteboard shaft can handle anything you throw at it and really helps take the left side out of play. That may be the key component in the mix. You can find a used one pulled on ebay for a reasonable price these days.

[Ezgolfer]

D3 is the best titelist driver i have ever played 905 r included. I reshafted mine with Aldila RIP 70X tipped one inch . The only thing i hit is the fairway.
Voodoo is a great shaft . The factory stiff is too whippy . D3 sets up very nicely and is confidence inspiring .

[blewis]

Voodoo Shaft in 909 ANYTHING is a PoS! For anyone who has the game to get the most out of a D3 the shaft is not appropriate at all. Like you i came from a 905R and i found the Voodoo sprayed the ball to all parts so i ordered a 909D3 8.5* with a Diamana Whiteboard 83X and have been VERY happy ever since. Not a cheap solution but a good one.