If it's technology you want, it's technology you can get in the new MacTec NVG driver from MacGregor. You've probably seen the television commercials featuring the recently signed Greg Norman touting the MacTec NVG line. MacGregor is "officially" launching the line at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., this week.
MacGregor calls the MacTec NVG driver the "world's first dual beta titanium driver." What that means is that a titanium face plate and titanium crown are inserted into the titanium body.
In addition to the unique clubhead construction, the MacTec NVG driver also incorporates a weighting system and shaft design that MacGregor is crowing about. The results of the technology, MacGregor claims, is a driver that offers "a substantial increase in power, forgiveness and accuracy, regardless of skill level."
"We are dedicated to producing easy-to-hit high performance golf equipment through the use of the world's most advanced and exclusive technologies, and MacTec delivers on that promise," said Barry Schneider, owner and CEO of MacGregor Golf. "With the MacTec NVG driver, golfers will generate greater swing-speed from their swing, resulting in higher, longer drives. MacTec is all about technology making the game easier and more fun."
Clubhead Construction
The body of the clubhead is 6-4 titanium. Inserted into that is an ultrathin 15-3-3-3 beta titanium crown and a beta titanium face. The purpose of the crown insert is to shift weight from the crown to the sole, lowering the center of gravity to help golfers achieve a higher launch and less spin.
The type of titanium used in the face insert varies depending on the driver's loft. With the 7.5- and 8.5-degree models, the face insert is 15-3 beta titanium, which MacGregor says provides the hottest ball response and lowest spin rates. A high-elongation TVC beta titanium face insert is used in the 9.5-, 10.5- and 11.5- degree lofts for high rebound characteristics across the entire face, which MacGregor says maintains explosive response even on off-center hits.
Face angles range from 1.5 degrees open on the 7.5 degree loft, to square on the 9.5 degree loft, and 1.5 degrees closed on the 11.5 degree loft.
Weighting System
The MacTec NVG driver incorporates a tungsten weighting system consisting of four weights totaling 19 grams. These weights are positioned in the heel and toe of the driver. An 8-gram weight and 6-gram weight are used in the heel, lowering the center of gravity and adding a little draw bias. Two 2.5-gram weights are also used, one in the heel and one in the toe, to enhance clubhead stability and MOI.
Quadra-Action Shaft
The shaft used in the MacTec NVG drivers is MacGregor's Quadra-Action, a proprietary design that offers three flex points and four "zones." These characteristics, MacGregor says, help golfers increase their swing speed.
The four zones are comprised of varied shaft thickness, stiffness and strand orientation. The stiffer sections store energy, MacGregor says, and the softer sections generate and release energy. The result, the company claims, is greater distance and more accuracy. MacGregor says that in controlled robotic testing, the combination of the Quadra-Action shaft and MacTec NVG clubhead consistently added 3 mph at swing speeds between 80 and 90 mph.
Availability
The MacTec NVG driver is available in men's 7.5, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 degree lofts and Quadra-Action shaft flexes of regular, stiff, stiff plus, extra stiff and senior. Women golfers are offered 11 and 13 degree lofts and Quadra-Action women's flex. Left-handed models are available in men's 9.5 and 10.5 degree lofts.
The MacGregor MacTec NVG driver carries a suggested retail price of $449.99.
