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Page 6 of 8
| | Tech Talk
Distance Options
By Benoit Vincent
TaylorMade-Adidas Golf
We found that golfers are using two main strategies to produce
distance. Some golfers are trying to maximize their launch parameters,
including launch angle and spin, for a combination of distance and
accuracy. Optimized center of gravity location in addition to shaft
flex and loft are critically important for these golfers. Drivers
offering different trajectories are a good choice. Some drivers offer a
pre-set trajectory (strong draw, draw, neutral, fade), while others
offer the ability to customize the CG of the head to fit the club
perfectly to the swing of the individual golfer. Our Superquad driver
with adjustable weights is a good example of a driver with this
technology.
There are also a good number of golfers who want to simply produce as
much distance as possible while swinging as hard as they can,
regardless of accuracy. Combining light overall weight with a longer
shaft length allows these players to swing faster and produce higher
ball velocity. When you combine these elements with new, larger head
designs that feature extreme forgiveness, these players are able to
maintain high ball speed on mis-hits, which is where we see truly new
levels of distance. Our new Burner driver is a good example of a driver
designed for this type of player. Obviously, the key to choosing the
right driver for your game is knowing what type of performance you
value most.
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Nike SQ SUMO2
nikegolf.com
(888) 799-NIKE | $399
 Nike has officially made it “hip to be square.”
Features: The Nike SasQuatch SUMO2 features a squared-chassis design that places weight as far away from the clubface as possible, via the rear and side sections of the carbon-crowned clubhead.
Advantages: The high MOI affords a greater effective hitting surface area, resulting in longer and straighter drives—most noticeably on off-center hits.
Benefits: The SUMO2 will prove especially helpful for players who have average to slower swing speeds and can use the added trajectory boost.
What We Like: The sound is loud, but the ball really jumps off the face. It’s also very easy to align the clubhead in the direction of the target.
Lineup: SasQuatch SUMO2, SasQuatch SUMO, SasQuatch SUMO Tour
Clubhead: Titanium (cast), Carbon
Clubface: Nex-Ti (forged)
Volume: 460cc
Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 13°, (9.5°, 10.5° available LH)
Shafts: SasQuatch Diamana by Mitsubishi Rayon graphite (X, S, R, A)
| Nickent 4DX
nickentgolf.com
(888) NICKENT | $399
 What’s the secret recipe here? Tungsten-polymer inserts.
Features: The 4DX driver uses Tungsten-polymer XW weights to achieve optimal weight characteristics for golfers who either prefer a Tour-inspired trajectory or an anti-slice setup.
Advantages: The XW weights increase the driver’s MOI and help to enlarge the hitting area on the face, all without having to compromise a traditionally shaped clubhead. The 0.4mm super-thin crown section (unbelievable, isn’t it?) helps to lower the CG, resulting in high, penetrating drives.
Benefits: Traditionalists who want power and a Tour or slice-fix configuration.
What We Like: Great sound, great looks, and the
T-Spec is an awesome choice for better players.
Lineup: 4DX (Draw Spec/T-Spec), GENEX 3DX
Clubhead: Titanium (cast)
Clubface: Same Volume: 460cc
Lofts: D-Spec: 9°, 10.5°, 12.5°, 14.5°; T-Spec: 8°, 9°, 10.5°
Shafts: UST SR3 graphite (S, R, A, L)
| Nicklaus Dual Point
nicklausgolf.com
(800) 322-1872 | $299
 Precision and power blended perfectly together.
Features: The new Dual Point driver is a refreshing, no-screw, no-composite, traditionally shaped driver that excels thanks to a CG and a sweet spot aligned perfectly behind the center of the clubface.
Advantages: A four-gram internal weight plug positioned low and deep in the clubhead allows for more power and clubhead stability through impact. Also, the multilayered face features variable densities for a more pronounced (but legal) trampoline effect.
Benefits: All players who appreciate a more classic design, but still want distance and accuracy.
What We Like: The paint finish is among our favorites, and so too is the Fujikura shaft. Good to have Nicklaus back in the spotlight!
Lineup: Dual Point
Clubhead: Titanium (forged)
Clubface: Same Volume: 460cc
Lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Shafts: Fujikura SG Pro 3.01 graphite (X, S, R, A); Nicklaus SG Pro 3.01 graphite (L); Custom shafts available
| Nike SasQuatch SUMO
nikegolf.com
(888) 799-6453 | $399
 Nike’s other driver is poised to win a few oversized checks...
Features: The SUMO has a unique rear PowerBow section to further enhance the driver’s MOI rating, as well as to lower the CG. This design hogs the bulk of the club’s weight to keep the clubhead stable.
Advantages: The Nex-Ti face remains very strong and the rear portion of the driver is recessed, making the clubhead appear more compact than it actually is.
Benefits: All players who think Nike is on to something. Better players may wish to consider the SasQuatch Tour 460 for a more traditional look and feel.
What We Like: In case some golfers aren’t ready for a square driver, the SUMO has some extraordinary technology built into an innovative new shape.
Lineup: SQ: SUMO2, SUMO, 460, Tour 460
Clubhead: Titanium (cast)
Clubface: Nex-Ti (forged)
Volume: 460cc
Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 13°, 16° (9.5°, 10.5, 13 available LH)
Shafts: SasQuatch Diamana by Mitsubishi Rayon graphite (X, S, R, A)
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