Friday, March 18, 2011
2011 Buyer's Guide Drivers
Absence of weight is the next big trend in drivers. Is it right for you?
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Adams
9064LS  Key Feature: A deep face, and guess what? Better aerodynamics!What We Like: This driver is a favorite among Tour players because it’s not only fast, but also produces the boring trajectory that better players want. We like that it has two shaft options (for high or low trajectory) and a huge, forgiving face. Who It’s For: Adams Staff players have gobbled this driver up, but it’s not really a Tour driver. Virtually any type of player can reap its benefits. Specs: Comes in three lofts, 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5°, with Aldila Rip Alpha (high) or Gamma (low) graphite shafts. L-hand available 9.5°. adamsgolf.com | $299 |
Boccieri Golf
DFT Driver  Key Feature: The folks at Heavy Putter have a driver now, with a unique backweighting system under the grip for a balanced feel.What We Like: The Dimple Face (don’t worry they’re on the inside) design leverages a soft feel, while the 50g shaft weight makes the driver feel lighter and faster through the swing. Who It’s For: Don’t dismiss this as a heavy-feeling driver. Its counterbalancing makes it feel light, even though it has a 50g weight in the upper part of the shaft. It’s a lot of fun to swing. Specs: Comes in two lofts, 9° and 10°, with Aldila NVS graphite shafts (S, R). boccierigolf.com | $399 |
Bobby Jones
Workshop Ed.  Key Feature: Jesse Ortiz’s innovative triangular shaping, not to mention a 47-inch shaft that’s superlong and lightweight.What We Like: 47 inches? Wow. And being that it’s approximately 40-45g lighter than most models, it’s a cinch to swing. The triangular design provides a lot of stability on off-center hits. Who It’s For: Tall people? Kidding. Once you get used to the shaft, it’s a fun choice for golfers seeking more distance and forgiveness. Specs: Comes in 9° or 10.5° lofts with a Graphite Design graphite shaft (A, R, S flexes). L-hand available 10.5°. bobbyjonesgolf.com | $249 |
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Bridgestone
J38  Key Feature: A rounded sole that helps to reduce spin rates and promote a higher launch.What We Like: The J38 isn’t new, but we like the shape and size, so it was hard to pass up. It produced a flat trajectory, but it’s also quite forgiving on off-center hits. Who It’s For: Better players who want a big, forgiving head that when paired with the right shaft, produces a flat, boring trajectory for maximum distance and control. Specs: Comes in three lofts, 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5°, with a Fujikura Motore F1 65 graphite shaft (R, S, X flexes). bridgestonegolf.com | $399 |
Callaway
Diablo Octane  Key Feature: A forged composite crown that’s insanely strong and lightweight, and a Hyperbolic Face design that’s long and forgiving.What We Like: All the above. The Diablo Octane feels nothing like composite-crowned drivers we’ve seen in the past. It has plenty of pop and power. Also available is the Tour version, with an even more traditional head shape and a weighting scheme that produces a more penetrating flight. Who It’s For: Players who have come to recognize Callaway as a leader in driver technologies. Specs: Comes in four lofts, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 13°, with Grafalloy Project X graphite shafts (all flexes). callawaygolf.com | $299 |
Callaway
RAZR Hawk  Key Feature: The RAZR Hawk features a forged composite body (thank you, Lamborghini), meaning designers could position weight to cater to the needs of different players (draw or neutral). Yes, the car company was involved.What We Like: Awesome feel, big distance and a look that’s pure Callaway. The Tour version also is impressive. Who It’s For: Golfers who want all the tech Callaway can dish out in a long/straight hitter. Specs: Comes in four lofts, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5° and 13°, with Aldila RIP shafts (all flexes). L-hand and custom shafts also available. callawaygolf.com | $399 |
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