3W shaft snapped: need a (hopefully used but newish) alternative. Ping, Titleist, Mizuno

[RoyalMustang]

I need 3-wood advice from one of the following brands: Ping, Titleist, and Mizuno. I'll need something with a likely whiteboard Atmos or Tensei shaft. My Mizuno ST200 w/Atmos 7X was perfect but the shaft snapped. I'm looking for a club I have full confidence in for what I consider the most difficult shot at my course and one of the most difficult holes around. I'm too cheap to buy new, although I do get 30% off Titleist, so that would be the only "new" option. Prevoius generation is fine with me unless the new generatoin is REALLY that much better. When I did driver fitting, my TSi3 didn't beat anything newer out there, so I'm always sceptical of the "latest and greatest".  

 

I've hit Titleist and liked them in the past; I have an old 917 F2 16.5 with the 43" shaft but I hate that shaft. Getting a replacement shaft is almost as much as just buying a used club. 

 

Club wise, I'm consideing 

Titleist (I have a TSi3 w/Tensei 75X black and love it)

Ping (I have a G400 hybrid with Kuro Kage 90X-if I could find a 3W this good I'd be all over it)

Mizuno (as I've liked their woods before and they can be had cheap). 

 

I bought a ST440 Mizuno from Global Golf (used, $150) but it has the green Hzrdus shaft and it's a weird shaft for me. I'm hitting moonballs wiith it, even off the fairway. Head feels nice though. 

 

I'm thinking 15 degree (I've never had issues with launch) but wouldn't rule out a 13.5 or 14.5. I'm not typically using this to get home in 2 as if I'm 275 out, I'm probably looking to lay up at 50 yards out, hit a nice wedge, and make the putt. But on windy days where I'm playing a 550 yard hole and have 20mph into my face, I'll be hitting this to get up the fairway. 

My course is such that there is one hole that gets me every time; I need a 3 wood here as I have to be minimum 250 and maxiumum 280 to hit the landing zone and not be blocked out from the green on my approach shot. The hole is getting ridiculously hard from the back tees as trees blocking the dogleg seem to grow a bit every year. It's an easy hole from the regular mens tees-just hit hybrid over the corner and leave yourself 100 yards-but add 50 yards to the hole and yikes. Driver is a risky carry as both distance and line must be perfect.  Push it just a bit and you've added 30 yards to an approach on a difficult elevated green protected by water. Pull the shot and you're dropping 3 in a bad spot, staring at a double or worse. 

[ScooterMcTavish]

Cobra is still clearing out Darkspeed FWs, and I believe will give you a $30 off first order if you sign up for emails.  Not in your listed brands, but the value proposition right now is insane.

 

They offer a good two-dozen no-upcharge shaft options, a few of which fit a "white" profile, plus also offer a Tensei Black option.  There are three head designs (Max, X, LS), so you can pick which suits your game.  I went with the X model for my 3 and 5, and they (so far) have been my favourite FWs I've had in over a decade.  Edit: My par 5 scoring average is down 0.5 strokes versus last year, and this is due to FW play.

 

I like a "white" profile shaft myself, and thought the Lin-Q white is so good that I have it in all my woods.  A bit softer by the handle, but firm through the mid and tip.  I actually prefer the 7F4 in my FWs to the 6F4 in my driver, as I like a heavier shaft.  

 

Can also have length, grip, and wraps adjusted at time order, and it'll be at your door in under a week. 

 

Also noted you referenced the Green Hzrdus shaft - if its the Smoke RDX model, it does have two completely different designs - a rebar-like low-spin model, and a soft handled mid-spin model.  If you have the mid-spin, you may want to stay away from the Lin-Q white, and look at the Tensei or PX Hzrdus Black, or even the Kai'li white which are a bit firmer under the handle.

 

Edited May 30 by ScooterMcTavish

[Ben B]

30 minutes ago, RoyalMustang said:

I need 3-wood advice from one of the following brands: Ping, Titleist, and Mizuno. I'll need something with a likely whiteboard Atmos or Tensei shaft. My Mizuno ST200 w/Atmos 7X was perfect but the shaft snapped. I'm looking for a club I have full confidence in for what I consider the most difficult shot at my course and one of the most difficult holes around. I'm too cheap to buy new, although I do get 30% off Titleist, so that would be the only "new" option. Prevoius generation is fine with me unless the new generatoin is REALLY that much better. When I did driver fitting, my TSi3 didn't beat anything newer out there, so I'm always sceptical of the "latest and greatest".  

 

I've hit Titleist and liked them in the past; I have an old 917 F2 16.5 with the 43" shaft but I hate that shaft. Getting a replacement shaft is almost as much as just buying a used club. 

 

Club wise, I'm consideing 

Titleist (I have a TSi3 w/Tensei 75X black and love it)

Ping (I have a G400 hybrid with Kuro Kage 90X-if I could find a 3W this good I'd be all over it)

Mizuno (as I've liked their woods before and they can be had cheap). 

 

I bought a ST440 Mizuno from Global Golf (used, $150) but it has the green Hzrdus shaft and it's a weird shaft for me. I'm hitting moonballs wiith it, even off the fairway. Head feels nice though. 

 

I'm thinking 15 degree (I've never had issues with launch) but wouldn't rule out a 13.5 or 14.5. I'm not typically using this to get home in 2 as if I'm 275 out, I'm probably looking to lay up at 50 yards out, hit a nice wedge, and make the putt. But on windy days where I'm playing a 550 yard hole and have 20mph into my face, I'll be hitting this to get up the fairway. 

My course is such that there is one hole that gets me every time; I need a 3 wood here as I have to be minimum 250 and maxiumum 280 to hit the landing zone and not be blocked out from the green on my approach shot. The hole is getting ridiculously hard from the back tees as trees blocking the dogleg seem to grow a bit every year. It's an easy hole from the regular mens tees-just hit hybrid over the corner and leave yourself 100 yards-but add 50 yards to the hole and yikes. Driver is a risky carry as both distance and line must be perfect.  Push it just a bit and you've added 30 yards to an approach on a difficult elevated green protected by water. Pull the shot and you're dropping 3 in a bad spot, staring at a double or worse. 

Re-shaft is not an option?

 

Great fairway woods are elusive. If you like what you have, I'd just reshaft. Otherwise, stick with Mizuno. Their FWs are solid. The ST-G Titanium FWs are rocket launchers. 

[RoyalMustang]

56 minutes ago, Ben B said:

Re-shaft is not an option?

 

Great fairway woods are elusive. If you like what you have, I'd just reshaft. Otherwise, stick with Mizuno. Their FWs are solid. The ST-G Titanium FWs are rocket launchers. 

 

Sure-I just don't want to spend $150 on a shaft, which is what they're going for on eBay. I'll look here in the BST. 

I liked it but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like trying something else. You've got a good point however. 

[RoyalMustang]

1 hour ago, ScooterMcTavish said:

Cobra is still clearing out Darkspeed FWs, and I believe will give you a $30 off first order if you sign up for emails.  Not in your listed brands, but the value proposition right now is insane.

 

They offer a good two-dozen no-upcharge shaft options, a few of which fit a "white" profile, plus also offer a Tensei Black option.  There are three head designs (Max, X, LS), so you can pick which suits your game.  I went with the X model for my 3 and 5, and they (so far) have been my favourite FWs I've had in over a decade.  Edit: My par 5 scoring average is down 0.5 strokes versus last year, and this is due to FW play.

 

I like a "white" profile shaft myself, and thought the Lin-Q white is so good that I have it in all my woods.  A bit softer by the handle, but firm through the mid and tip.  I actually prefer the 7F4 in my FWs to the 6F4 in my driver, as I like a heavier shaft.  

 

Can also have length, grip, and wraps adjusted at time order, and it'll be at your door in under a week. 

 

Also noted you referenced the Green Hzrdus shaft - if its the Smoke RDX model, it does have two completely different designs - a rebar-like low-spin model, and a soft handled mid-spin model.  If you have the mid-spin, you may want to stay away from the Lin-Q white, and look at the Tensei or PX Hzrdus Black, or even the Kai'li white which are a bit firmer under the handle.

 

 

Thanks-that's super helpful! I'm too quick at times and a soft handle only makes it worse. This thing feels like a composite version of the PX LZ shaft for me. I've love to make the Freddy-like swing to make that shaft work but if I (or most anyone) was able to do that, they would be getting paid to use golf clubs. The thing is a bomber though: on the one perfect swing I made with it, it rolled out to 310 (rock hard fairway, but still).  

 

On the Darkspeed woods: that price might be tough to beat. My TSi3 is getting long in the tooth (it sees 75-100 swings a week) and probably will die soon. How do you like them? I play the 8 degree (set to 8.75 degrees) in the 3. I see the 8 vs 9 degree darkspeed LS are different heads. 

$220 after discount for the 3W LS and my preferred shaft is about where I'd like to be at price wise too. Looks like they have my Atmos 7x shaft as well. 

 

Looking at my scoring, the 3W is probably the most important club in my bag in terms of lowering my scoring average. Both the aformentioned hole and #1 at my course require a precise 270 yard tee shot; I need to be ablet o execute this with confidence. Most holes I can get away with a pull or fade and still be just fine, but not these 2. yesterday I didn't want to use the 3W as it's been all over the place, so I hit hybrid into a bit of a breeze, which only went 215 or so, leaving me 180 to the pin. Ball landed short on the approach, took a big bounce, rocketed over the green and landed down next to the street. I was happy to save 5. Had I hit a solid 3W, even into the breeze, I'm probably 30 yards closer to the hole, hitting 9 iron instead of a low flighted 6, and I've got a manageable greenside chip at worst.    

Edited May 30 by RoyalMustang

[Pnwpingi210]

I was looking at the mizuno fairways today since I’m switching into a mizzy stz 230 driver (from a gt3).

 

I hit the max 3 wood with a 75 gram stiff version of the rdx green.  I couldn’t square up the face and left everything out right .  Really consistent 260 yard carry cut more like slice.  Ball speeds were consistent but low, likely due to high dynamic loft with the face open.  I think I saw a couple of balls in the low 160s most were 159-160mph.   My clubhead speed on quad was 116.  For reference my taylormade qi10 rocket 3 lives in the low 170s and gives my and extra 15-20 of carry.

 

i share all that cause im a little torn.  I know the shaft was part of it cause I just don’t miss out right like that normally.  

[Jayjay_theweim_guy]

2 hours ago, Ben B said:

Re-shaft is not an option?

 

Great fairway woods are elusive. If you like what you have, I'd just reshaft. Otherwise, stick with Mizuno. Their FWs are solid. The ST-G Titanium FWs are rocket launchers. 

New old stock Atmos TS Black driver shafts look to be ~100 at 2nd swing.  Shrug.  (Whoops.  That's true.  For a 9TX driver shaft.  Yikes.

"Hey Paullll!  Paul Bunyan!  He's sixty-three ax handles high...")

 

 

If you know you get along with it already, why mess with it?  Though I totally understand the impulse...

Edited May 30 by Jayjay_theweim_guy

[RoyalMustang]

12 minutes ago, Jayjay_theweim_guy said:

New old stock Atmos TS Black driver shafts look to be ~100 at 2nd swing.  Shrug.  (Whoops.  That's true.  For a 9TX driver shaft.  Yikes.

"Hey Paullll!  Paul Bunyan!  He's sixty-three ax handles high...")

 

 

If you know you get along with it already, why mess with it?  Though I totally understand the impulse...

 

Haha-this is WRX! In the 2-channel world the "My system is perfect-let me buy a new preamp, swap out tubes, and see how it goes" is a thing too. The merry-go-round and plethora of "used for 2 weeks" $8,500 preamps being sold for $5k. Matching 2-channel components is as finicky as matching a shaft to your swing. Luckily for the Audiogon classifieds, i was able to try before I drop big $ and dial in my system for not too much money (but still far far more than the nicest bag you could buy new would run you). 

[RoyalMustang]

1 hour ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

I was looking at the mizuno fairways today since I’m switching into a mizzy stz 230 driver (from a gt3).

 

I hit the max 3 wood with a 75 gram stiff version of the rdx green.  I couldn’t square up the face and left everything out right .  Really consistent 260 yard carry cut more like slice.  Ball speeds were consistent but low, likely due to high dynamic loft with the face open.  I think I saw a couple of balls in the low 160s most were 159-160mph.   My clubhead speed on quad was 116.  For reference my taylormade qi10 rocket 3 lives in the low 170s and gives my and extra 15-20 of carry.

 

i share all that cause im a little torn.  I know the shaft was part of it cause I just don’t miss out right like that normally.  

 

That was my experience too. Lots of weak leakers out right, carry was down around 255 or so as well. I only squared up a couple of swings, and those flew a long way but they were perfect swings (for me). I hit my driver at the same time: no issues. Not that my swing is the greatest (I'm working hard on rebuilding it-it's come a long way in the past month), but if I go right, it's usually a long power fade, not a spinny cut-slice.   

 

Definitely a shaft mismach. I have more consistency with my Tensei blue and that isn't my favorite shaft either

[PNW]

1 hour ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

I was looking at the mizuno fairways today since I’m switching into a mizzy stz 230 driver (from a gt3).

 

I hit the max 3 wood with a 75 gram stiff version of the rdx green.  I couldn’t square up the face and left everything out right .  Really consistent 260 yard carry cut more like slice.  Ball speeds were consistent but low, likely due to high dynamic loft with the face open.  I think I saw a couple of balls in the low 160s most were 159-160mph.   My clubhead speed on quad was 116.  For reference my taylormade qi10 rocket 3 lives in the low 170s and gives my and extra 15-20 of carry.

 

i share all that cause im a little torn.  I know the shaft was part of it cause I just don’t miss out right like that normally.  

Not to derail the thread, but interesting change. I've been curious about the Mizuno 230 drivers but haven't had a chance to hit one. What made you switch from the GT3? 

[Pnwpingi210]

Just now, PNW said:

Not to derail the thread, but interesting change. I've been curious about the Mizuno 230 drivers but haven't had a chance to hit one. What made you switch from the GT3? 

Forgiveness.  
 

I just haven’t been able to replicate the indoor trackman consistency I had gt3 on the course.  It’s a good driver and very fast.  I hit some great tee balls but also some absolute foul balls.

 

the stz 230 is much more stable, more like a gt2.  Spins pretty consistent .  I also can swing a normal neutral swing and hit this straight to baby cut.  It’s probably 1-2 mph ball speed lower, but ease of use on the course is much higher.   I’m probaly actually hitting it farther than the gt3 just due to confidence.  Longer than my previous ai smoke TD or rogue st TD before that.

[PNW]

1 minute ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

Forgiveness.  
 

I just haven’t been able to replicate the indoor trackman consistency I had gt3 on the course.  It’s a good driver and very fast.  I hit some great tee balls but also some absolute foul balls.

 

the stz 230 is much more stable, more like a gt2.  Spins pretty consistent .  I also can swing a normal neutral swing and hit this straight to baby cut.  It’s probably 1-2 mph ball speed lower, but ease of use on the course is much higher.   I’m probaly actually hitting it farther than the gt3 just due to confidence.  Longer than my previous ai smoke TD or rogue st TD before that.

I've heard great things about the new Mizunos and they are a steal at that price. I've felt the same about GT3 but haven't let myself get rid of it yet. It's sooo close to being perfect but the days that I feel slightly off I also lose a little confidence over the ball with it and that's not a head space I want right now with driver. 

[Pnwpingi210]

28 minutes ago, PNW said:

I've heard great things about the new Mizunos and they are a steal at that price. I've felt the same about GT3 but haven't let myself get rid of it yet. It's sooo close to being perfect but the days that I feel slightly off I also lose a little confidence over the ball with it and that's not a head space I want right now with driver. 

I hear ya, but I was losing 1.5 balls a round off the tee GT3  I haven’t done that in 2+years.  3 rounds with the mizuno and no foul balls and my driving average is back up over 300.  If I have 3 more round in the next 7 days.  If this holds up I’m buying a backup head.

[PNW]

29 minutes ago, Pnwpingi210 said:

I hear ya, but I was losing 1.5 balls a round off the tee GT3  I haven’t done that in 2+years.  3 rounds with the mizuno and no foul balls and my driving average is back up over 300.  If I have 3 more round in the next 7 days.  If this holds up I’m buying a backup head.

I'd take that all day. Even if I had to look at turbulators!

[Pnwpingi210]

Just now, PNW said:

I'd take that all day. Even if I had to look at turbulators!

The crown is busy for sure, but the head sits open with out looking like it’s running away from your like a TM or with that very odd onset look the Callaway tds have had the last 3 generations.

 

its just very confidence inspiring.

[ScooterMcTavish]

7 hours ago, RoyalMustang said:

On the Darkspeed woods: that price might be tough to beat. My TSi3 is getting long in the tooth (it sees 75-100 swings a week) and probably will die soon. How do you like them? I play the 8 degree (set to 8.75 degrees) in the 3. I see the 8 vs 9 degree darkspeed LS are different heads. 

$220 after discount for the 3W LS and my preferred shaft is about where I'd like to be at price wise too. Looks like they have my Atmos 7x shaft as well. 

Im very happy with my LS driver, though I did move the heavier weight to the rear, giving it a little more forgiveness.  But been a great club.

 

My X FW have simply been the best I’ve played in years.  Had 18 today with an occasional partner, and even he commented on how well I struck them with a predictable shot shape.

 

YMMV, but hot damn I’ve got no complaints.

 

 

Edited May 31 by ScooterMcTavish

[RoyalMustang]

On 5/30/2025 at 3:25 PM, PNW said:

Not to derail the thread, but interesting change. I've been curious about the Mizuno 230 drivers but haven't had a chance to hit one. What made you switch from the GT3? 

 

Also interested-very happy TSi3 user here but that head is on borrowed time after 3 years. 

 

I've wanted to try the Mizunos, as my first driver during COVID was an ST200 and it was really solid.

 

Update on the Mizuno 3W: they have a Tensei black 75X 1K that I can have for $100. No complaints there! I'm going that route before buying something else. I'll probably do a fitting session just to be sure before I drop even $250 for a used 3W. 

 

This thing just has to go straight on the one hole I need it to go straight. it feels about like if you have a home course with a 255 yard par 3. You need to have a club for that hole that's reliable enough to give you a puncheurs chance at par. 

Edited June 2 by RoyalMustang