jhmeg2
Well-Known Member
So, in reading Gold Digest's VOL.72 issue 2 2021, I came across the, "The Best Drivers of 2021" article. I came to realize that 9 of the 14 new driver reviewed talk about faster ball speed, and more face flex to some degree. Are these reviews and articles written for the simpletons and less than weekend golfers, that don't know that there are limitations on how fast a ball can rebound off of the face, and how much a club face can flex or trampoline effect? How is it that even with the USGA limitations and rules, that the manufacturers somehow keep getting more flex and faster ball speed year after year. Was Taylor Made golf the only ones to figure out how to get to the limit and then have to use "speed foam" to dial it back? Are these other companies still trying to reach the allowable limit, but still increasing face flex? Srixon says with the ZX7 driver, "makes the face flex more by changing the stiffness around the face". PXG says, "fast-flexing titanium-alloy face for better ball speed and lower spin". Cleveland totes with the Launcher Turbo, "creates a larger trampoline for extra spring on mis-hits". Homna says for the T//World GS driver, "titanium's superior stiffness concentrates more flexing in the face". With PXG's 0211, "all the features for faster ball speed, less spin and full-face forgiveness". Tour Edge Exotics, "this pattern expands the area of the face with the hottest ball speed for more distance on mis-hits". We should know that each company's product will have different characteristics, ie. high launch, less spin, more spin, draw bias, lighter weight etc. etc. Just as each shaft has it's own pros/ cons. less flex, more spin, high launch, low torque... And while each company wants to sell as many of their latest and greatest product, and absolutely there is an ideal product for each of us. But, there needs to be more information out there and more awareness about proper fittings. Not just "hey, our product is better than theirs, ours is faster, ours has more face flex...". To many people go out and spend $400 or more on a new driver because the add said its longer (chick dig the long ball). But then they get to the course and hit it like garbage and get discouraged and then quit. We need better education on golf mechanics and equipment, and what our bodies can do. What are YOUR physical strengths and limitations? What can you and can't you do? So many people think to hit it farther they just have to swing harder. But when they do, they loose efficiency. Its great to see a student swing easier, make better contact, and hit the ball farther and more accurate. I guess I just needed to vent. I don't believe that any driver per-say is longer than another. It's what fits the golfer's swing the best and the proper shaft that yields the result of longer. If you like the look and the weight and feel at impact of a certain driver, cool. If two drivers have the same characteristics (not off set, same loft, aprox. same weight) just getting a new one aint gonna hit it farther. Maybe you keep the same head you've had for 5 years, and get the right shaft for you and pick up 15 yards. Maybe its the right shaft, but the head is to light and you loose control of it. I guess what I saying is yeah, new equipment comes out daily, but just cause it's new, don't mean it's longer, faster, or more flexy. GO GET FIT!
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