On 2003-06-05, Unger rated this Bang Bang-o-Matic 10.5 degree w/ Graffaloy Blue Stiff a 4...(1465)
Purchase: Originally I was looking to reshaft my Taylor Made Firesole 10.5 degree. However, I found out reshafting with Graffaloy Blue would cost me around $160CDN plus tax. After some research I found this Driver on E-bay from Gallager Golf Direct. All the reviews on the Bang-o-Matic were positive so I went ahead and it fitted with a Graffaloy Blue Stiff shaft (46 inches). Paid $300 CDN in total. I figured if I didn't like it I could always swap out the shaft and put it in my TM.
Pros: There is a whole lot that I like about this driver. First off, it is a big head but it doesn't look as big as it is. For camparison purposes it looks about the same size as the TM R580 even though it specs say it is 60cc bigger. The quality of construction is second to none and was readily apparent at first glance. The driver sets up extremely well and instills confidence at address. The first few hits at the range told me that this club is Fooorgiiiving!! I was still adjusting to the club so I noticed that toe/heel hits were very solid and straight. I don't know if this is attributable to the driver head, the shaft or a combination of both. My feeling is that it is most likely a result of the combination. After a few off center hits I got my ball set up and address position groved and started making contact in the sweet spot. This is very easy to do and I hardly miss it now...the sweet spot is huge. The ball launches off the face noticably better than my old TM. This driver is long and it is very easy to control the trajectory of your ball. The deep face design launches the ball high when you tee it high and vice versa. The driver also is very durable. I have been to the range a dozen times with it and after bit of cleaning it looks brand new. Overall this driver head performs excellently. In terms of sound, it makes a clink type noise (similar to my Callaway steelhead) not tinny like my TM. Easy to hit, forgiving and long.
The Blue shaft is great. Aesthetics plays a part in my equipment choices so first off it is a nice blue color and doesn't have any flashy graffics. I usually hit a high fade, which is great for my approach shots but would prefer a lower trajectory for my drives. The blue does just that, it has a high kick point which helps me lower my trajectory and gain distance. I have heard some people feel that the blue plays a half flex stiffer than most but I didn't notice. I have an average swing speed of 105-110 and found no problems loading the shaft or it feeling "boardy". Another thing is that Blue is very low torque and I feel no twisting on toe/heel hits. Also when I want to pump up my swing speed and really go at one their is no noticeable lag or twisting of the 460cc head.
Average drives with this combo fly to about 240-250. Couldn't tell you the roll because it has been very wet out here lately.
Overall this has been a very good combination for me. I have gained around 20 yards in distance and a tighter shot dispersion. I played on the course for the first time with it yesterday and hit 10 of 14 fairways. Of the ones I missed only one was in the bush, the others could be called good misses.
Cons: The only thing I don't like is the chromed groves at the back of the head. That being said I didn't find them to be distracting, just too flashy for my tastes.
Quality: As stated earlier quality is second to none. It looks just as good as all the OEM brands out there. The Driver has a beautiful glossy black finish and comes with a high quality head cover(much better than my TM one). The chrome groves are not for me but they doen't look cheap or detract from the overall aesthetics of the head.
Review Summary: This combo is long and forgiving. I have hit many of the big name drivers, Callaway, Taylor Made, Titliest and found this one to fall in the same category but around 1/2 the price. I give this a 4 out of 5 simply because I believe there is always something better. Simply put this IS the best driver I have hit yet.
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