new drivers

Question
Eddie-

I recently bent my driver at the club head and it has me thinking about getting new clubs.  My current set was a package deal, Powerbilt Oversized that are about 6 years old and have at least 75 rounds in them (probably over 100).  I have thought recently about getting new clubs and I went and checked out some drivers this past weekend.  All of the drivers that this store carried (Dicks) were graphite shafts with 460cc heads.  I am fairly comfortable with my current sized heads (though I don't know the number) and with steel shafts.  I tried swinging a few different stiff-shafted graphite drivers with the huge heads and I couldn't get used to them and frankly didn't like how they felt over about 40 full swings in their driving range simulator.  Is it standard now to have giant oversized heads or does anyone have the smaller (but still not small) heads anymore?  A friend recommended the r540 by TaylorMade I believe, but I haven't been able to try one in person.  

I have one other question but it is much more high level...  what makes a $900 set of irons that much better than a $200 or $300 set of irons?

Thanks for your help,

Dan

Answer
Hi Dan:
Most manufacturers have the bigger heads.  Do some checking around, but I am not sure.  I know you can find them on EBay, but check into the company's websites and poke around.  Graphite shafts are common in drivers today.  You can get steel, but most come with graphite.  Again, poke around, and if you can, hit different drivers on a driving range, not a simulator.  You have to see the ball fly and feel what the shaft does in relation to what the ball does.  The key is hitting them on a range so you can watch it, feel it and hear it.  Then if you happen across a club that feels fantastic and you hit really well, ask if you can buy that one.  Not one that they can order for you.  Buy the one that is perfect in your hands.  Everything is for sale.  As far as your second question, the answer is the same reason why a Cadillac is pricier than a Corolla.  Both brand new, but the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship are superior.  When it comes to the investment of your set of clubs, don't get a cheap set of golf clubs just to save a couple hundred dollars.  Do your homework, check around, hit the clubs and get something good.  For as long as you'll have them and for how many balls and rounds they will work for you, it's not much of an investment.  And don't forget to get professionally fit for your clubs.  Don't go pick a set off a wall.........bad move.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member