An amazing array of drivers awaits you at your golf retailer
by Bradley Weixel, AmateurGolf.com Equipment
Panelist
The latest crop of drivers from mainstream
manufacturers, and upstarts like PXG, have taken
adjustability, shaft options, and finishes to new
levels. It's safe to say that 2016, is, once again
"The Year of the Driver." In the first of a
two part series, I'll take a look at some of the heavy
hitters - most of them Golf Digest Hot Stix Gold
award winners.
Callaway XR 16 and XR 16
Pro
Callaway Golf is making major noise with the
release of the XR 16 and XR 16 Pro drivers. With
help from the folks at Boeing’s aerospace
division, the XR 16 and XR 16 Pro are engineered for
speed. The improved aerodynamics of the new
design assist in increasing clubhead speeds and
overall distance. However, you will notice the
absence of adjustability features in both versions of
the XR 16. These features were exchanged for the
increased speed and aerodynamics of the club.
Center of gravity has not been overlooked though,
the XR 16 has a more rearward CG to enhance
forgiveness and ball flight for golfers with slower
swing speeds. Conversely, the XR 16 Pro has a
more forward CG to promote less spin and greater
distance for higher swing speed players. Therefore,
if you find yourself on the elusive search for more
distance, the Callaway XR 16 or XR 16 Pro could be
the club for you.
Titleist 915 D2, D3, and D4
 |
Titleist is known for their consistency and
reliability with golfers around the world. The 915
driver is no exception. Three models are offered to
accommodate golfers of all ability levels and swing
speeds. The D2 is the most forgiving of the three
clubs and suites golfers with slower swing speeds.
A 460 CC head helps to accommodate miss hits and
the positioning of the center of gravity promotes a
higher ball flight and draw bias. In addition to the
playability factors, the D2 looks fantastic. The D3
version of the 915 has a slightly smaller 440CC head
and a center of gravity more toward the face. These
features produce a lower and more penetrating ball
flight. However, you will need to have a higher
than average swing speed to achieve these results
and be willing to trade some forgiveness for
increased ball speed. The third version of the 915 is
the custom order D4. Although this is the version
in the bag of various PGA Tour players, it might not
be a viable option for the average golfer. The D4
does produce lower spin numbers on well struck
shots, but requires a very high swing speed to be
successful. The Titleist 915 is not the longest of the
newly available drivers on the market today.
However, it is one of the most consistent and
performs well across the board in all tests.
TaylorMade M1 and M2
 |
It’s safe to say TaylorMade has hit a
homerun with their new M1 driver. The addition of a
second sliding weight track to manipulate center of
gravity was a great success. Players can now move
their CG in the same style as their draw/fade bias.
These features along with the various loft settings
make the M1 one of the most adjustable drivers on
the market today. Still, with all this adjustability,
the M1 does not perform as well as other products
in terms of forgiveness. Additionally, TaylorMade
offers two size choices, a 430 CC and 460 CC head.
However, the 430 CC head has not gained nearly as
much notoriety as the 460 and requires on center
hits to produce quality numbers. The M2 was
released shortly after the M1, but that is no surprise
given TaylorMade’s history. The two sliding
weight tracks are noticeably missing from the M2
and it offers much less adjustability compared to its
predecessor. M2 is no dud though, higher balls
speeds, more forgiveness, and better overall results
were achieved during many tests. AmateurGolf.com
equipment panelist Donnie Baucom put both the M1
and M2 through the ringer and his Trackman
numbers were consistently better with the M2.
Bottom line, you need to hit both versions before
making your decision.
Cobra King LTD and LTD Pro
 |
The king has arrived! Cobra Golf’s
newest driver offerings come in the form of the King
LTD and LTD Pro. Both models feature a carbon
fiber crown, along with a titanium body. The
engineering efforts in the King driver series assist in
moving weight lower in the clubhead, below the
horizontal axis. Due to this weight shift, Cobra is
able to increase forgiveness and launch angle, while
decreasing spin at the same time. There are
minimal differences between the LTD and LTD Pro,
mainly loft and draw/fade settings achieved through
the adjustable sleeve. The LTD offers lofts ranging
from 9-12 degrees and three draw settings, while the
LTD Pro offers lofts ranging from 7-10 degrees and
three fade settings. Compared to other drivers the
King series has a lack of adjustability. However,
the LTD and LTD Pro both excel in forgiveness and
lowered spin rates when tested. Additionally, both
drivers feature a sleek all black appearance and
great sound. This driver truly could be the king of
the pack.
Ping G, G LS Tec, and G SF Tec
 |
Ping has done it again. The G series drivers
prove to be some of the best available equipment in
today’s market. Three versions of the new
Ping G driver allow golfers of every skill level to
find a G that fits their game. The LS Tec features
low and reward center of gravity, but the least
reward in the G family. Additionally, the LS
features a slightly open face angle. This particular
model will most likely fit the higher skilled player.
However, every model of the G series is
exceptionally forgiving, low spinning, and performs
consistently well on miss hits. The G version of the
trio will be slightly more forgiving than the LS, but
conversely produce slightly high spin numbers and
less distance. For golfers wanting more game
improvement features, Ping offers the SF Tec
version of the G. The SF Tec features the most
rearward CG of the group and promotes a draw bias
to help with the dreaded slice. The G series does
lack in adjustability and loft choices, but makes up
for this in superior performance. When considering
a new driver, the Ping G series must not be
overlooked.
PXG 0811
The 0811 from PXG Golf has to win the
adjustability award hands down. Sixteen removable
screws offer endless combinations of draw/fade bias
and center of gravity settings. Many adjustable
drivers promise to provide varying settings, but fail
to deliver in performance. Additionally, after
adjusting the settings on many drivers the changes
are virtually unnoticeable. The 0811 does not fall
into this category. Small and large changes are not
only possible, but noticeable. Simply stated,
moving the weights makes a big difference. Some
tests do acknowledge too much spin on occasion and
ball speeds are not always at optimal levels. All
said, if you can afford a $700 driver, the PXG 0811
is a good choice.
Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 DBD
In addition to the XR 16 and XR 16 Pro,
Callaway is also offering the Big Bertha Alpha 816
DBD. The Alpha features a carbon composite crown
and weight distribution that is located lower and
more toward the face. However, adjustability
modifications can be made to accommodate different
ball flights. This can be achieved through
Callaway’s “Dual Distance
Chambers” and “Gravity Core”.
Draw and fade bias settings can be achieved by
placing more weight towards the heel or toe of the
club. Furthermore, the gravity core can be
positioned heavy side up to increase ball speed on
above center hits, or down to reduce spin. Despite
all of this adjustability, golfers with 100 mph swing
speeds or higher had the greatest results. So, if you
have a higher than average swing speed and can hit
the center of the face with some regularity, you
should definitely consider the Big Bertha Alpha 816
DBD.
Nike Vapor Flex 440
When considering Nike’s various drivers,
the Vapor Flex 440 proves to be the cream of the
crop. Featuring Nike’s proprietary carbon
fiber reinforced RZN material and the RZN Tube for
adjustability. The tube can be used to position
weight either forward or rearward to influence
launch angle, spin rate, and forgiveness. Some test
indicate inconsistent results depending on varying
swing speeds. However, the superb feel of this
driver is mentioned by everyone. With all the new
drivers on the market, it can be tough to find the
right one for your particular swing. If you find
yourself looking for a driver with adjustability,
forgiveness, and great feel, give the Vapor Flex 440
a try.