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Drivers Buyer's Guide 2007

They’re huge, easy to hit, long and full of new technology. Check out today’s big dogs and get ready to drive it a mile.

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HiPPO HEX2
hippo-golf.com
(800) 204-2807 | $199

HiPPO HEX2 Look out, square bombers, the HEX2 is here. It’s hip to be hex.
Features: The hexagonal shape of the HEX2 enables optimal weight distribution to the sides and rear of the clubface, thus allowing a greater transfer of energy through the ball. The shape, which features carbon on two sides of a titanium crown and sole, is designed to reduce drag and generate more clubhead speed at impact.
Advantages: The hexagonal design enabled HiPPO to stretch discretionary weight to the far four corners of the clubhead, resulting in a high MOI and straighter drives. The super-hard titanium face is the thinnest face possible for maximum COR ratings. 
Benefits: Mid- to high-handicappers who want not just longer drives, but straighter ones, too.
What We Like: A radical shape at a great price.
Lineup: OS4, XXL, ITX3, HEX2
Clubhead: Titanium (forged), Carbon
Clubface: Titanium (forged)
Volume: 460cc
Lofts: 9°, 10°, 12°
Shafts: HiPPO CP4 proprietary graphite (S, R)
Innovex CfD
innovexgolf.com
(866) 402-6097 | $199

Innovex CFD You may not have heard of Innovex yet, but it’s only a matter of time.
Features: It has the size (460cc) and it has the material (beta-titanium), but what the CfD really has in its favor is a high-tech face. The strike area is forged and very thin, helping produce the maximum COR. More importantly, it features a cup design that effectively widens the sweet spot.
Advantages: The cupface design systematically shifts the club’s CG to the rear, resulting in higher launch angles and greater carry distances.
Benefits: The CfD boasts a modern, deep-face profile and a rear CG, so it will do best in the hands of mid- to high-handicappers.
What We Like: The clean and pure aesthetics.
Lineup: CfD
Clubhead: Titanium (forged)
Clubface: Beta-titanium (forged)
Volume: 460cc
Loft(s): 10°, 12° (no LH)
Shaft(s): Graman CS230 graphite (S, R, A, L)
Louisville SMART ti
louisvillegolf.com
(800) 456-1631 | $399

Louisville Smart ti The most unique persimmon wood ever made, the SMART ti is a head-turner.
Features: The highest COR recorded of any persimmon wood, thanks to a forward-thinking titanium faceplate. Did someone say max perimeter weighting? Even with the face insert, this beauty retains the forgiving gear effects of persimmon clubheads. It’s beautiful, too.
Advantages: This driver is the go-to club for equipment purists who crave more yardage from a persimmon driver. Wood is good!
Benefits: Players of all skill levels will dig it! 
What We Like: Give it up for Louisville for sticking with tradition while pushing the limits of persimmon technology. Great job.
Lineup: SMART ti, Original SMART, SMART F2, SMART Spin, Thumper
Clubhead: Persimmon
Clubface: Titanium (forged)
Volume: 250cc
Lofts: 11°, 14° (no LH)
Shafts: Louisville proprietary graphite (X, S, R, A, L); Custom Fujikura Speeder (+ $150)
MacGregor MACTEC NVG2
macgregorgolf.com
(800) 841-4358 | $299-$450


MacGregor MACTEC NVG2 MacGregor is hell-bent on innovation, technology and passion. It shows in the company’s commitment to push the envelope of design, performance and playability.
Features: The MACTEC NVG2 is loaded with techy stuff, including Cup Face 360° technology, which is the process of plasma-welding the face a full 360° around the leading edge for a hotter sweet spot. The technology is inside and it definitely works!
Advantages: The thin crown and tungsten weights situate the CG for stability and optimum launch.
Benefits: Golfers who want distance, accuracy and a shaft that will increase their swing speed.
What We Like: We still love the face. It’s brilliant.
Lineup: MACTEC: NVG2, NVG2 Tour, NVG2 Draw
Clubhead: Beta-titanium (forged)
Clubface: Same
Volume: 445cc
Lofts: NVG2—8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, (9.5°, 10.5° available LH); Tour—8°, 9°, 10° (no LH)
Shafts: NVG2—Quadra Action graphite by Fujikura (X, S, R); NVG2 Tour—Speeder Quadra Action graphite by Fujikura (X, S, R)
Mizuno MX-500
mizunousa.com
(800) 966-1211 | $299


Mizuno MX-500 Stretching 460cc in total size, the MX-500 stacks up with the best drivers in the titanium/composite category.
Features: A large carbon crown and a carbon toe insert take perimeter weighting to the extreme while promoting a high launch with optimal spin rates not only from the sweet spot, but also from more area on the clubface.
Advantages: No matter where it’s hit on the face (designed with Mizuno’s renowned CORTEC technology), expect great results.
Benefits: Billed as a game-improvement driver, the MX-500 is actually quite a solid performer for players of all skill levels.
What We Like: The look is a classic amidst a slew of other non-traditional shapes in ’07.
Lineup: F-50 fairway woods also available
Clubhead: Titanium (cast), Carbon
Clubface: Titanium (forged)
Volume: 460cc
Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5° (9.5°, 10.5° available LH)
Shafts: Mizuno Exsar 50 graphite (S, R)
MacGregor MACTEC NVG2 Draw
macgregorgolf.com
(800) 841-4358 | $299


MacGregor Draw The most passionate company in golf is ready to eliminate your slice.
Features: Like the other NVG2 and NVG2 Tour drivers, this bomber employs MacGregor’s Cup Face 360º design, which eliminates welds on the clubface to deliver a 30-percent bigger sweet spot than drivers with face inserts.
Advantages: Dual tungsten inserts nearer to the heel promote a square face at impact to counteract a slice. Also, the lightweight crown section and low CG lend a high MOI and low CG for higher and straighter drives.
Benefits: Golfers who need to not only get rid of a slice, but also add some serious distance to their tee shots.
What We Like: The Cup Face 360º is the real deal and slices disappear!
Lineup: MACTEC: NVG2, NVG2 Draw, NVG2 Tour  
Clubhead: Beta-titanium (forged)
Clubface: Same
Volume: 460cc
Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°
Shafts: Quadra Action graphite by Fujikura (X, S, R, A)


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