Alright, let’s dive into Club Junkie’s latest WITB. As the Equipment Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’ve had countless clubs cross my path, and my launch monitor has seen more data than many pros. This week’s bag offers some interesting choices, and as always, I’m here to cut through the noise and tell you what’s genuinely making a difference.
Driver: Tour Edge Exotics LS – A Sleeper Pick?
First up, the Tour Edge Exotics LS driver at 10.5 degrees with a Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Red 60 X shaft. Tour Edge often flies under the radar compared to the industry giants, but don’t sleep on them. The “LS” in Exotics typically signifies a low-spin, tour-inspired head, designed for players who generate ample ball speed and need to knock down spin to maximize carry. I’ve tested this driver extensively on Foresight GCQuad, and what often stands out is its consistency. While it might not blow away every other manufacturer in peak ball speeds, its tight dispersion numbers are genuinely impressive. The Tensei 1K Pro Red is a stout, tip-stiff shaft, indicating that Club Junkie likely has a high swing speed and needs something to control turf interaction and keep spin rates in check, particularly with that lower-loft head. My data shows that for the right player, a setup like this can deliver phenomenal energy transfer efficiency, resulting in a penetrating ball flight that holds up well in wind.
In my fitting experience, players often overlook Tour Edge, but when we put it head-to-head with some of the more marketed drivers, the raw data, especially on off-center hits, frequently surprises them. It’s certainly a driver designed for the better player to maximize distance by reducing drag and spin.
Fairway Woods: Titleist GT1 3Tour & Ping G440 Max 7-wood
The 3-wood is a Titleist GT1 3Tour (15 degrees) with a Graphite Design Tour AD CQ 7 S shaft. Titleist’s “Tour” models are invariably geared towards lower spin and more workability for stronger players. The GT1 line replaced the TSR, and anecdotally, has shown slightly more ball speed across the face in my testing. The Tour AD CQ is a shaft known for its mid-launch, low-spin characteristics, reinforcing the theme of a setup built for control and piercing trajectory. This tells me Club Junkie prioritizes accuracy and a predictable flight off the deck or tee with their 3-wood.
The 7-wood, a Ping G440 Max (21 degrees) with a Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 S, is an interesting counterpoint. Ping’s “Max” models are typically designed for higher MOI (moment of inertia) and greater forgiveness, often promoting a slightly higher launch. Paired with the Ventus TR Blue, which focuses on stability and minimal twisting, this 7-wood setup suggests a club used for generating height and stopping power into greens, or for reliable distance from tighter lies. This combination of a low-spin 3-wood and a higher-launching 7-wood is a smart strategy to create clear yardage gaps and versatility across various course conditions. I often recommend this type of varied approach to golfers who struggle with consistency from their longer irons.
Hybrid & Irons: Cobra OPTM & PXG 0311 T Gen8 – Performance or Perception?
Next, we have a Cobra OPTM 4h (21 degrees) with a KBS PG Hybrid 85 S. Cobra’s OPTM line is their latest foray into premium performance, often boasting advanced shaping and materials. The KBS PG Hybrid shaft is a stable, consistent performer, often a favorite for players looking for iron-like control from their hybrid. The 21-degree hybrid paired with a 21-degree 7-wood is a common setup, allowing for different ball flights and turf interaction depending on the shot. My data on hybrids versus 7-woods shows that hybrids generally offer a more penetrating trajectory, while 7-woods can provide more height and spin. It’s about preference and how Club Junkie likes to attack a particular pin or carry a specific hazard.
Now, for the irons: PXG 0311 T Gen8 (5-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 S300 shafts. The “T” in PXG’s 0311 line stands for Tour, meaning these are their most compact, least offset, and most workable irons. PXG has always positioned itself at the premium end of the market, and the Gen8 iterations continue to push their proprietary face technology and internal weighting. I’ve tested various generations of PXG irons, and while the “hype” often focuses on their exclusivity and price, the performance is genuinely good. The forgiveness for their blade-like profile is often surprising. The True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 S300 is a classic choice for stronger players, providing a powerful, lower-launching ball flight with excellent control. This is a combo for a player who demands precision and feel, rather than maximum forgiveness.
“In the bag this week are some cool new PXG irons…”
Are they “cool”? Absolutely. Do they perform? Yes, for the right player. Are they worth the premium price tag compared to other excellent irons on the market? That’s where individual budget and preference truly come into play. My launch monitor data shows that while PXG irons are top-tier performers, the incremental gains over a carefully fitted set from a competitor might not always justify the significant price difference for every golfer. However, if feel and aesthetics are paramount, PXG delivers.
Wedges: Vokey SM11 – The Gold Standard?
Club Junkie is rocking a full set of the new Titleist Vokey SM11 wedges (50-12F, 56-14F, 60-10S) with Nippon Modus Tour 105 S shafts. Bob Vokey’s wedges are, for many, the industry benchmark. The “SM” series consistently delivers exceptional spin, feel, and versatility. The SM11 is the latest evolution, and while Vokey doesn’t reinvent the wheel with every release, they do make consistent, meaningful improvements in groove technology, CG placement, and even sole grind optimization. The F-grind (50 and 56 degree) is a classic, versatile grind suitable for most conditions, while the S-grind (60 degree) is excellent for players who like to be precise and open the face around the green.
“Really excited to try out the new Vokey SM11 wedges!”
This excitement is warranted. Every iteration of Vokey wedges I’ve tested shows incremental improvements in groove durability and overall feel. For short game artists, the SM11s are absolutely worth considering. The Nippon Modus Tour 105 S shafts are a fantastic pairing, offering a medium-to-high launch with excellent control, ideal for precise wedge play. A well-gapped, consistent wedge setup like this is paramount for scoring, and Vokey delivers the goods.
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X Proto – Stability Reigning Supreme
The TaylorMade Spider Tour X Proto with an LA Golf P Series 135 shaft. The Spider putter line has been a massive success story for TaylorMade, largely due to its high MOI design, offering exceptional forgiveness on off-center strikes. The “X” model is often slightly more compact and firmer-feeling than the original Spider, appealing to players who want stability without sacrificing too much feel. The “Proto” designation suggests a tour-issue or specialized model, possibly with subtle tweaks. The LA Golf P Series 135 shaft is a very stiff, low-torque putter shaft, designed to minimize unwanted twisting during the stroke and provide a incredibly consistent impact. This setup screams “stability priority,” suggesting Club Junkie values a rock-solid stroke and predictable roll above all else.
Ball & Bag: Bridgestone Tour B XS & Maxfli Modern Classic
Finally, the Bridgestone Tour B XS golf ball. This is a tour-proven, urethane-covered ball designed for higher swing speeds, prioritizing feel, spin around the greens, and a penetrating iron flight. My testing shows the Tour B XS delivers excellent short-game spin and a slightly softer feel off the putter compared to its counterpart, the Tour B X. It’s a premium ball for a player who demands high performance.
As for the Maxfli Modern Classic bag, well, a bag is a bag! It looks good and carries the clubs. No data points here, just aesthetic preference.
Final Thoughts for the Savvy Buyer
Club Junkie’s WITB is clearly assembled for a capable golfer with a higher swing speed who prioritizes control, feel, and precision. The equipment choices reflect a blend of proven performers and newer, exciting technology. When I look at this bag, I see a player who uses data, or at least instinct, to ensure proper gapping and ball flight profiles across the set.
My advice? Don’t blindly copy a WITB. Club Junkie’s choices are tailored to their specific swing characteristics. For you, the everyday golfer, the takeaway should be this: understand the technology behind your clubs. Don’t just buy the latest release because it’s new. Get on a launch monitor. Work with a certified fitter. See how these “low-spin” drivers, “high-MOI” fairways, or “tour-proven” irons actually perform for your swing. That’s how you cut through the marketing fluff and make smart buying decisions that truly lower your scores.
