Are we jumping the gun? This is supposed to be a 2004 release. All we know is that it started showing up in pro shops near us as early as Dec. 1, 2003. It was flying off the shelves, despite the $500 price tag. Part forged titanium, part carbon composite, all great driver. Yonex and Mizuno, by the way, will be out in 2004 with their own composite drivers, and the Fusion isn't the first. But Callaway has a knack for stealing the thunder.
Like its rac irons, TaylorMade's R500 drivers debuted in 2002 but new variations just keep coming. The R540XD and R580XD provide a greater MOI and deeper CG than the original R500 series drivers (the "XD" is for "extra distance"). The R510 TP (Tour Preferred) is based on the feedback of TaylorMade's touring pros and geared more toward better players than other R500 drivers.
In our neck of the woods, the more highly skilled golfers have one favorite driver, and one only: the Titleist 983E. At only 365cc, it's one of the smaller drivers out there now, but its workability is there for those who need it.
This behemoth pushes the limits of legality. Don't worry, unlike some previous Adams drivers, the Redline is conforming. Maximum distance, accuracy and forgiveness is the goal. It's the game-improvement mantra. The Redline delivers, particularly on forgiveness. At the time of its release earlier this year, it was the only 460cc model from a premium manufacturer.
The GBBII, out just a a half-year or so, is already overshadowed by Callaway's newest, the ERC Fusion. But the GBBII is still a great option for mid-handicappers, and less expensive than the new kid on the Callaway block.
Choose the Grafalloy Blue shaft to pair with the blue clubhead and the Photon Titanium Pro driver becomes one of the prettiest clubs out there. Even prettier are the shots it produces. Photon Golf uses a laser to texture the clubface. It eliminates surface defects while improving the feel. Clubhead checks in at "only" 360cc. Not a big-name company, but a big-time driver.
Bringing optimal launch conditions to players without an optimal swing - that's Tour Edge's stated goal for the Bazooka JMAX. TE does a great job of producing top-notch equipment that doesn't cost as much as its peers.
OK, we admit: We were suckers for the Dr. Feel custom color options. A "candy red" clubhead? Sign us up. The deep profile and the clubhead weighting produce a mid-high trajectory that carries well. Our testers all experienced good results for distance, accuracy and forgiveness.
Jack Nicklaus calls it the best driver he's ever played. Yeah, sure, what else is he going to say? But the Airmax 430 probably is the best equipment that Nicklaus Golf has ever produced. Widely praised by players of all skill levels.
It's the driver with the hole in the sole - the MAC (Magnitude Amplification Cavity) Powershere on the sole of the club is a metal cone that goes up into the clubhead and redirects vibrations back into the clubface. Very forgiving on off-center hits, and noticeably fewer vibrations traveling up the shaft.
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
| 