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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Cleveland
XL270/SL290  Key Feature: The all-titanium Launcher XL270 and SL290 both are optimized with Right Weight tech, meaning they may be amazingly light, but they’re so perfectly balanced with the right shaft that they don’t feel too lightweight.What We Like: Drivers that feel too light are hard to control. These babies feel perfect, and they perform exceptionally. The 270g is the lightest driver we’ve tried, and boy, did we crush it. Who It’s For: Distance and speed gluttons. Specs: Comes in three lofts, 9°, 10.5°, 12°, with Miyazaki C. Kua 39S graphite shafts (all flexes). L-hand available, as well as draw options. clevelandgolf.com | $299 |
Cleveland
TL310  Key Feature: This model is ideal for better players (and Tour jocks) who want stability and control from, again, a lightweight driver design.What We Like: At 440cc’s, the TL310 is shaped quite traditionally, with a forgiving clubface and classic good looks. And, oh yeah, one of the best shafts we’ve ever tried. (That’s a big deal, folks.) Who It’s For: Better players who want more speed from a lightweight design, all without sacrificing control. It’s a GT Tech Award contender. Specs: Comes in three lofts, 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5°, with a Miyazaki C. Kua 59S graphite shaft (X, S, R). L-hand models available (9.5, 10.5). clevelandgolf.com | $299 |
Cobra
S3  Key Feature: The E9 Face Technology basically means the driver has nine key areas on the face where there’s an awesome amount of energy transfer back into the golf ball.What We Like: The aforementioned tech is cool, but we really like the way this driver looks and the rocketing trajectory it provides. The Fujikura Blur shaft is a nice touch, too. Who It’s For: It has an adjustable hosel, so it can cater to just about any type of golfer. Specs: Comes in four lofts, 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 11.5°, with Fujikura Blur graphite shafts (all flexes). L-hand available (9.5, 10.5). cobragolf.com | $299 |
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Cobra
S3 Max  Key Feature: Like the S3, this driver also has the E9 Face Technology, but it also has a slight offset hosel and a scooped crown that aids in both better aerodynamics and visual alignment.What We Like: The S3 Max is the best-looking offset driver we’ve seen. It’s a bona-fide slicebuster with a lot of distance to boot. Who It’s For: Golfers who need a slice fix, thanks to its draw bias; and a distance fix, thanks to E9 Face Technology. Specs: Comes in three lofts, 9.5°, 10.5° and 11.5°, with Fujikura Blur graphite shafts (all flexes). L-hand available (10.5). cobragolf.com | $299 |
DnA
DnA Driver  Key Feature: The DnA (Distance and Acoustics) driver is designed with removeable clubfaces, enabling golfers a custom fit based on the feel and sound they prefer.What We Like: How a driver sounds is often a neglected area of clubhead design. This driver, can actually sound and feel like a persimmon wood if you want it to. That’s gnarly! And by the way, it’s a pretty long and forgiving club, as well. Who It’s For: All golfers willing to try something new from this hip, young up-and-comer. Specs: Available in three lofts, 9°, 10.5°, 12°, in a variety of clubface/Fujikura shaft configurations. dnagolf.com | $395 |
Fourteen
ST-110  Key Feature: Four-piece construction that has a unique, hybrid titanium (two types) crown for added strength and more distance off the tee.What We Like: Fourteen Golf makes some incredible irons, and their drivers are equally attractive. This one in particular is understated in appearance, but don’t be fooled. It’s a bomber. The crown construction also doubles as an infiniti 452 Player’s Driveraerodynamic feature, again, for more power. Who It’s For: Golfers who want more distance and forgiveness out of an all-titanium design. Specs: Available in two lofts, 9° and 10.5°, with MD-350fd graphite shafts (S, R). fourteengolf.com | $699 |
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