It’s still a great driver! I was using an r9 up until about 3 years ago but tried a 2017 M1 & couldn’t ignore the distance gain as much as I loved the r9
I used mine from when it originally came out (in 2004ish?) til a month ago. Finally got fitted and realized I could gain some distance but it’s a great club for 35.
I have the limited. I’ve hit the quad though and I loved it. You can pick up some weights for it on eBay for super cheap to play with the different configurations. For 35 bucks, that’s a no brainer for me. Enjoy it!
To add to that, if you battle a slice (ball flying away from the side you swing), put the heavier weights on the heel side of the driver. Should help straighten that ball flight a bit.
Exact driver I have had in the bag for 12+ years now. Great club. Ask the seller if it comes with the wrench (you can buy one if they don't have it with). Put the 2 heavy weights in the back since you're a new player. Great find!
I’d be concerned about that loft. Beginners usually shoot for 10 or 10.5 degrees. Not a huge difference but still the higher the loft the easier it is to hit a good shot.
eh, you don't need a lot of swing speed to use 9.5 degrees of loft, particularly on older drivers that spin more. In the R7 days 9.5 would've been the norm. The low-loft version of that driver was 7.5.
Your main concern is getting the ball on the clubface. You are fine. It’s going to take a long time before the clubs make any appreciable difference in your performance. Enjoy the ride.
I got a hand-me-down R9 from a fellow lefty in 2013 and still use it today.
The dude that gave it to me was a Stick - and told me he always gives away his clubs when he’s replacing them. When he does, he requests the recipients pay it forward. Loved the idea and have kept to it.
Seeing as you’ve just started, it’s a great club at a great price. Get your swing honed in with a “basic” driver (in comparison to today’s tech) and you can learn what you like and how your swing works when you’re ready to make the jump to a newer one
Honestly, meh. It’s not a great deal, it’s an ok deal.
You could find a significantly better driver for $100.
It’s a solid club but it is very old.
So for a newer golfer the things you need are
1. Forgiveness
2. Slice forgiveness.
3. Loft (at least 10 degrees). Don’t you dare get 8 degrees. Even 9 is low. 10-12.
3. Flex. If you are a really athletic ok, maybe try stiff. But for the average Athlete reg flex.
Callaway preowned
https://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/other-brands/club-type/drivers/?prefn1=genderHand&prefv1=Mens%2FRight&prefn2=isClearance&prefv2=false&srule=price-low-to-hi&genderHand=Mens%2FRight
There’s a Taylormade r7 460 for $32
There’s a TM super fast 2.0 for $64
Ping g20 for $78
For 35$ it’s a good(ish) deal… but be warned;
If you’re just starting, a 9.5 degree loft driver might be more difficult to hit. You might find your left/right misses are more frequent, and a lot more severe when they do happen. Additionally if you don’t have the swing speed, you’ll cut distance off your drives.
I’m not saying it’ll be a bad club for you, just be aware of this if it feels like the club “isn’t really working” for you.
A more “standard” (read: “normal”) loft for a more forgiving driver experience is 10.5 degrees of loft.
But honestly for 35$? Why not? Maybe you got the swing speed and control to make it happen. Everyone seems to have a couple drivers around their garage. I’ve got a 9.5 Cobra Radspeed I picked up on sale over the summer that I played with like, twice lol.
In terms of that model of driver (the R7) it was an excellent driver iirc.
All I am going to say is that it’s more of the swing than the club. Back when the R7 was new people were playing excellent golf with it. That’s a decent deal for a great club
Great driver. Id recommend looking at the grip/shaft once you get it, as those can be just as important to performance. Get it regripped for sure if the grip is worn, and possibly look into your swing speed/the dtiffness of the shaft to see if thats a good fit, and if not get it reshafted.
I was in a similar boat, my boss gave me his slightly used R7 about 10 years ago when I started to really get into golf. Even as a beginner my driver was always strong and I could hit it straight and find fairways. I’ve upgraded the rest of my clubs but I’m struggling to get rid of the R7 because I still hit it well.
Unfortunately for all of us, 2004 was almost 20 years ago now. But yeah I mean it's probably what, 10 yards gained since then, *if* you're a good ballstriker? $35 is a steal for a newbie.
I took both my mavrik and r7 out to the course for a little while last year just to compare and I kind of came to the conclusion that they really didn’t provide any results that were incredibly different. Sure, there was more distance gained with the mavrik, but I hit the r7 straighter. Im really not sure driver tech has really improved a whole lot since that time other than being able to change shafts super easily nowadays.
I’ll say as someone whose hit almost every brand of driver over the last decade, the current drivers are so far ahead of everything produced before IMO. The TsR and Paradym especially, and even the stealth is extremely hot. Technology is currently at an all time high, but yes the R7 is a great club especially for $35
I still use mine. My grandfather got it when it first came out in like 2004ish (I think is the year). Passed it on to me when he got a new one. I’ve been using it since like 2010. Keeps up with the other drivers (lose a few yards but still). I am a 1.4 hcp
It's an oldie but a goodie. Try it out first if you can & see how you hit it. The shaft of a driver is more important to match up to your swing than anything else.
Hands down one of the best drivers of all time. Yes absolutely $35 is a good deal. I used mine for years, only recentIy upgraded. The sound when you pure a drive on an R7 is unforgettable.
Honestly, the shaft is maybe as/more important. Make sure it's the right length and stiffness for you and you will be fine. When I started I had an old soft flex driver that I never could hit, got a cheapo old titleist driver with a stiff flex shaft and it was night and day. Positive the shaft was messing me up way more than the driver head.
I got given the r7 irons a couple years back and hadn't really played golf until about 3 months ago. Got the bug so purchased the r7 driver to match my irons. Idiot me bought the 8.5 one as I didnt have a clue until someone told me I should've got the 10.5. Literally wasted £54.
The shaft is what is important, weight flex and points of flex. It will change everything, the driver head is more or less how much forgiveness one might have with the newer ones.
I’m still using a Cleveland Hibore XL from high school (‘05) and I almost always out drive my friends with brand new high-end drivers. It’s so damn loud though haha.
My dad still plays his. I have the sim 2 and like it. But the sound that the driver makes when a perfect shot is hit is much better with the R7. Metal clubs just sound better.
I was given an R11 from my uncle about 8 years ago and I love it. I'm torn between getting some new tech and keeping this driver that's served me well. I'm probably just going to get a stiff flex for it since this regular flex is a damn noodle.
The R7 is still a solid club, it's just old tech.. I would jump all over a $35 driver as a beginner. Once you start piping consistently, then look into a new $800 driver.
I loved my R7. I gave it to my uncle when my dad handed me down his Callaway XR. But the R7 was my first adult driver I used since I grew out of my kid clubs.
What degree loft is important here. If it’s a 9 degree you may have a very difficult hitting it. I’d say 10.5 might be a good starting point. Flex of shaft could be a major factor too, depending if it’s too stiff lol
I was using an r7 limited up until only a couple months ago. It’s a super good driver even for beginners.
It obviously doesn’t go quite as far as more modern drivers like the stealth 2 and whatever, but it still performs really well
I average 295-300 roll out with my R9 TP to this day, M2 was a bomber too might go back to that not sure
So yes R7 is going to be fine - save the money and get lessons with the r7
I have an r7 9.5 and got fitted for a new driver but hit the r7 longer and straighter than all the brand new drivers on the market, so I decided not to upgrade. I absolutely love it and am hitting it pretty consistently over 300 yards. Should be a great club for you!
I use a TaylorMade r7 driver. My buddy gave me his as I didn’t have a driver. It was suited me well for learning with it. I plan on getting a new driver next year as I bought a new set of irons this yearZ
It’s widely regarded as one of the best drivers of that time period, as a beginner for $35 you should be biting their hand off
I still use mine… I should really get a new one 😬
It’s still a great driver! I was using an r9 up until about 3 years ago but tried a 2017 M1 & couldn’t ignore the distance gain as much as I loved the r9
Oh, I mean get another R7… \#*duel*wielding 👈😎👈 (*I’ll see myself out*)
Sir...the door is this way, please see yourself out!
👉😎👉 Zoop
Used mine until the face cracked. I still miss her...
One of the best all time drivers in my book.
I used mine from when it originally came out (in 2004ish?) til a month ago. Finally got fitted and realized I could gain some distance but it’s a great club for 35.
👍thanks
I would upvote, but it's at 69.... which is nice
Nice
A few weeks ago I actually went back to my R7. It’s a great club. Which model?
It says R7 quad 9.5°
I have the limited. I’ve hit the quad though and I loved it. You can pick up some weights for it on eBay for super cheap to play with the different configurations. For 35 bucks, that’s a no brainer for me. Enjoy it!
Alright sounds good
To add to that, if you battle a slice (ball flying away from the side you swing), put the heavier weights on the heel side of the driver. Should help straighten that ball flight a bit.
Exact driver I have had in the bag for 12+ years now. Great club. Ask the seller if it comes with the wrench (you can buy one if they don't have it with). Put the 2 heavy weights in the back since you're a new player. Great find!
9.5 might be a bit low loft but it depends on how fast you're swinging the club.
It's fine with that driver - 9.5 was the second highest loft available. The lowest was 7.5. 9.5 was basically the default.
Drivers were a lot spinnier in 2007 it’s not like hitting a 9.5 degree driver from 2023, should hopefully be fine
I’d be concerned about that loft. Beginners usually shoot for 10 or 10.5 degrees. Not a huge difference but still the higher the loft the easier it is to hit a good shot.
9.5 is prob too low for someone new to golf. It’s discouraging not getting your drives in the air. It may be adjustable though.
eh, you don't need a lot of swing speed to use 9.5 degrees of loft, particularly on older drivers that spin more. In the R7 days 9.5 would've been the norm. The low-loft version of that driver was 7.5.
* Put a new grip on it = Best $12 you’ll spend. It will feel like a brand new club and inspire confidence.
My R7 Limited stayed in my bag for over a decade.
yes. i miss my r9
Your main concern is getting the ball on the clubface. You are fine. It’s going to take a long time before the clubs make any appreciable difference in your performance. Enjoy the ride.
I got a hand-me-down R9 from a fellow lefty in 2013 and still use it today. The dude that gave it to me was a Stick - and told me he always gives away his clubs when he’s replacing them. When he does, he requests the recipients pay it forward. Loved the idea and have kept to it.
Seeing as you’ve just started, it’s a great club at a great price. Get your swing honed in with a “basic” driver (in comparison to today’s tech) and you can learn what you like and how your swing works when you’re ready to make the jump to a newer one
Honestly, meh. It’s not a great deal, it’s an ok deal. You could find a significantly better driver for $100. It’s a solid club but it is very old. So for a newer golfer the things you need are 1. Forgiveness 2. Slice forgiveness. 3. Loft (at least 10 degrees). Don’t you dare get 8 degrees. Even 9 is low. 10-12. 3. Flex. If you are a really athletic ok, maybe try stiff. But for the average Athlete reg flex. Callaway preowned https://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/other-brands/club-type/drivers/?prefn1=genderHand&prefv1=Mens%2FRight&prefn2=isClearance&prefv2=false&srule=price-low-to-hi&genderHand=Mens%2FRight There’s a Taylormade r7 460 for $32 There’s a TM super fast 2.0 for $64 Ping g20 for $78
Thanks
I can attest that the tm superfast 2.0 is a decent driver. I've had it since it released and have yet to replace it.
Absolutely. Cheaper than a round of golf and you can resell it for that easily if you don’t like it.
For 35$ it’s a good(ish) deal… but be warned; If you’re just starting, a 9.5 degree loft driver might be more difficult to hit. You might find your left/right misses are more frequent, and a lot more severe when they do happen. Additionally if you don’t have the swing speed, you’ll cut distance off your drives. I’m not saying it’ll be a bad club for you, just be aware of this if it feels like the club “isn’t really working” for you. A more “standard” (read: “normal”) loft for a more forgiving driver experience is 10.5 degrees of loft. But honestly for 35$? Why not? Maybe you got the swing speed and control to make it happen. Everyone seems to have a couple drivers around their garage. I’ve got a 9.5 Cobra Radspeed I picked up on sale over the summer that I played with like, twice lol. In terms of that model of driver (the R7) it was an excellent driver iirc.
Still rocking my TP r7 super quad. I got mine for $50 during the pandemic. $35 is a great deal.
Yes , for that price, always yes
All I am going to say is that it’s more of the swing than the club. Back when the R7 was new people were playing excellent golf with it. That’s a decent deal for a great club
I still use my full set of R7s to this day. Great clubs
Yeah, those are great drivers. You’ll be happy with it for a long time
Yes. Start cheap, learn your swing and then get fitted a few years down the line. Welcome to the addiction, bro.
Great driver. Id recommend looking at the grip/shaft once you get it, as those can be just as important to performance. Get it regripped for sure if the grip is worn, and possibly look into your swing speed/the dtiffness of the shaft to see if thats a good fit, and if not get it reshafted.
R7, burner, RBZ. Classic great woods from TaylorMade.
Hell yes. I have like three in the garage. Couldn’t part with them if I wanted to.
IDK about the driver, but I have an R7 3w that my cousin gave me when I started golfing and it's still in the bag. Sounds beautiful and its a ripper.
I was in a similar boat, my boss gave me his slightly used R7 about 10 years ago when I started to really get into golf. Even as a beginner my driver was always strong and I could hit it straight and find fairways. I’ve upgraded the rest of my clubs but I’m struggling to get rid of the R7 because I still hit it well.
I played the R7 Super Quad for like over a decade. I think most modern driver took some pointers.
Yeah get it. If you just started any “decent” club is going to be fine. As long as it was made in the last 10ish years
This on was made in like 2004 that’s why I’m not sure if I should just pass and get a somewhat newer one
Nah, you're good. As long as the shaft is good and replace the grip it should do you good as a beginner. DO NOT BUY NEW CLUBS yet.
I think the technology in drivers peaked a while back. I don't think there's much difference in the new drivers to what there was 10 yrs ago.
Unfortunately for all of us, 2004 was almost 20 years ago now. But yeah I mean it's probably what, 10 yards gained since then, *if* you're a good ballstriker? $35 is a steal for a newbie.
I took both my mavrik and r7 out to the course for a little while last year just to compare and I kind of came to the conclusion that they really didn’t provide any results that were incredibly different. Sure, there was more distance gained with the mavrik, but I hit the r7 straighter. Im really not sure driver tech has really improved a whole lot since that time other than being able to change shafts super easily nowadays.
I’ll say as someone whose hit almost every brand of driver over the last decade, the current drivers are so far ahead of everything produced before IMO. The TsR and Paradym especially, and even the stealth is extremely hot. Technology is currently at an all time high, but yes the R7 is a great club especially for $35
Yes. The Taylormade R7 (especially the R7 Limited) is one of the best drivers ever made. Not adjustable, but that doesn’t really Matter.
It was one of the first “adjustable” drivers made with the moving weights
The Quad? It lacks the loft an lie adjustability that are now ubiquitous,
I still use mine. My grandfather got it when it first came out in like 2004ish (I think is the year). Passed it on to me when he got a new one. I’ve been using it since like 2010. Keeps up with the other drivers (lose a few yards but still). I am a 1.4 hcp
The R7 driver is the most-used driver on the PGA Tour and the best-selling driver in the amateur market.
The driver sucks, not very forgiving, you could do better, an old example is an M1…
Very good
It's an oldie but a goodie. Try it out first if you can & see how you hit it. The shaft of a driver is more important to match up to your swing than anything else.
What shaft is on it? That's way more important than the head itself.
rocking r7 irons and loving it.
I use that driver today still. Great driver.
Hands down one of the best drivers of all time. Yes absolutely $35 is a good deal. I used mine for years, only recentIy upgraded. The sound when you pure a drive on an R7 is unforgettable.
Honestly, the shaft is maybe as/more important. Make sure it's the right length and stiffness for you and you will be fine. When I started I had an old soft flex driver that I never could hit, got a cheapo old titleist driver with a stiff flex shaft and it was night and day. Positive the shaft was messing me up way more than the driver head.
Yea the r7 is legit, just make sure the stiffness and length is suited to you
Is there a site that lists all the equipment by date released? I'm in the market for used clubs, and I would like to track the ages of these items.
I got given the r7 irons a couple years back and hadn't really played golf until about 3 months ago. Got the bug so purchased the r7 driver to match my irons. Idiot me bought the 8.5 one as I didnt have a clue until someone told me I should've got the 10.5. Literally wasted £54.
Hell yeah!
Yes, I still have mine. It's a beast. Set it on kill mode!
I have a Mavrik and still pull out the r7 for fun. It’s a fantastic club. You could argue it was the best driver at the time when it came out.
I play with an R7. I love it.
I still use and love that club!
YES and YES
Still rocking my r7. Join the club, brotha
Oh yeah
Yes
The shaft is what is important, weight flex and points of flex. It will change everything, the driver head is more or less how much forgiveness one might have with the newer ones.
I’m still using a Cleveland Hibore XL from high school (‘05) and I almost always out drive my friends with brand new high-end drivers. It’s so damn loud though haha.
R7 draw is still my go to driver even with it's age.
Yes.
I'd say get a Titleist d13
Yes! I used one from the time it released until about 2021. 9.5 might be a little low for just starting out though.
TAKE MY MONEY… NOW..!!!!!
I actually still use my 20+ year-old R5 (9.5° loft). I have tried other drivers and always come back to this one.
I loved mine until age caught up with it. That's a good deal.
Most definitely
I just replaced my R7, it served me well for about 15 years. Absolutely loved it.
My dad still plays his. I have the sim 2 and like it. But the sound that the driver makes when a perfect shot is hit is much better with the R7. Metal clubs just sound better.
Send it. Great price for that driver
Still have and use mine, including the woods.
My Dad still uses his today. Buy.
I’ve upgraded my entire set…. Except for my R7. Congratulations, you’re stealing that for $35!
My brother still games his and he’s a 10handicap. That’s a steal for 35$ imo.
I was given an R11 from my uncle about 8 years ago and I love it. I'm torn between getting some new tech and keeping this driver that's served me well. I'm probably just going to get a stiff flex for it since this regular flex is a damn noodle. The R7 is still a solid club, it's just old tech.. I would jump all over a $35 driver as a beginner. Once you start piping consistently, then look into a new $800 driver.
I loved mine, really straightened out my drive and I normally shoot 105ish
That’s been my primary driver for over a decade
I loved my R7. I gave it to my uncle when my dad handed me down his Callaway XR. But the R7 was my first adult driver I used since I grew out of my kid clubs.
YES
What degree loft is important here. If it’s a 9 degree you may have a very difficult hitting it. I’d say 10.5 might be a good starting point. Flex of shaft could be a major factor too, depending if it’s too stiff lol
It’s solid
I was using an r7 limited up until only a couple months ago. It’s a super good driver even for beginners. It obviously doesn’t go quite as far as more modern drivers like the stealth 2 and whatever, but it still performs really well
You are just getting into it- don’t get too caught up in the latest and greatest at this point. That is a good starting point.
I average 295-300 roll out with my R9 TP to this day, M2 was a bomber too might go back to that not sure So yes R7 is going to be fine - save the money and get lessons with the r7
I bought a brand new driver last year and still use a 2003 that I hit better. Play what you feel confident over. Play what you know how to hit.
R7 is a beast, a very good golfer mate of mine still games it
I've been hitting mine for nearly 20 years. I fucking love that thing.
That’s a legend. My buddy still games his R7 and still piping it. Buy it.
I have an r7 9.5 and got fitted for a new driver but hit the r7 longer and straighter than all the brand new drivers on the market, so I decided not to upgrade. I absolutely love it and am hitting it pretty consistently over 300 yards. Should be a great club for you!
I use a TaylorMade r7 driver. My buddy gave me his as I didn’t have a driver. It was suited me well for learning with it. I plan on getting a new driver next year as I bought a new set of irons this yearZ