Overview/Technology-

A players driver for sure… The Birdgestone J33R Driver is a 460cc driver that has morphed into a beauty to behold.  A 6-4 titanium construction, ultra thin crown wall construction, Elastomer compound insert absorbs excess vibration for better feel, and Tungsten weight in the sole lowers the CG for low spin, all combines for a stellar driver.

Bridgestone was slow to move to a 460cc head, but finally folded under some pressure.  The J33R is definitely not for the high handicapper.

The Bridgeston J33 offers a neutral head for the low handicapper to “work the ball” with ease.

Bridgestone J33R Specs-

Actual Player Feedback-

“best driver I have ever tried”

“Great ’solid’ feeling driver for checking out your swing”

“pretty solid mid-low cappers driver”

“Highly recommend”

Pros/Positives-

Solid driver for a low to mid handicapper.  Penetrating ball flight makes this driver perfect for the higher speed swinger looking to be able to work the ball in either direction.  The Aldila VS Proto stock shaft comes in R/S/X Flexes.

Cons/Negatives-

Well the fact this driver is not for the higher handicapper makes this out of reach for most golfers, the majority of golfers should probably look elsewhere.  In addition, many have complained of the sound of the J33R, but this is open for interpretation.

Overall Rating-

Simply put, the Bridgestone J33R driver is a great driver in the right hands.

Nike Dymo

Overview/Technology-

The Nike Dymo and Nike Dymo2 is definitely an attempt by Nike to significantly optimize launch and spin rates based on loft.  Nike PowerBow Weighting Technology allows the center of gravity (COG) to be placed where it’s most needed, by loft.  The lower the loft, the more forward and higher the COG, allowing for a more penetrating ball flight.  The higher the loft, the deeper and lower the COG, allowing for increased spin rates and generous launch results.

By all indications of the reviews, Nike has done well with the Dymo.  However, even though the #1 player in the world plays this driver, it does not necessarily mean it serves the mere mortals well.  So let’s take a closer look at this driver.

The Nike Dymo has four models – Dymo, Dymo2, Dymo STR8-Fit, and the Dymo2 STR8-Fit.  The basic differences between the two models (less the STR8-Fit) is one of shape, or as Nike puts it Round or Square Geometry.  The Dymo2 has a square-shape and the Dymo is more conventional in nature.  The Square is supposedly more “straight” while the round allows more shot shaping.  The STR8-Fit is a shaft adapter and hosel fitting system that allows the player to adjust the shape of his shot through a change in the setting, to up to 8 different shot shapes, Draw to Fade.

Actual Player Feedback-

“I was playing with the Ping Rapture driver and when i tried this driver i just had to get it great club gained 15yds on my drives. Its well worth the money”

“best driver i’ve had by far”

Pros/Positives-

This driver is made for the masses for sure.  The technology that went into this club definitely allows the average golfer to make strides in both accuracy and distance off the tee.  The PowerBow Weighting Technology definitely puts this driver on the map and worthy of consideration.

Cons/Negatives-

The stock shaft, the UST Wide Body with AXIV core is questionable.  Even though it is a lightweight shaft made by one of the best shaft manufacturers, having only one shaft option, in my opinion, severely limits the capability of this driver.

This is a nice review of the Nike Dymo-

Overall Rating-

The Nike Dymo and Nike Dymo2, along with the added feature STR8-Fit is definitely worth a look.  Given that Nike has top-notch R&D, you are assured they will come out with decent products.

Tour Edge Bazooka GeoMax 2

Overview/Technology-

The Tour Edge Bazooka Geomax 2 provides the thing you might expect from a driver identified “bazooka” as a middle name – this is a bomber!  The Tour Edge Bazooka Geomax touts a more than generous 20% larger clubface that creates an unbelievable target of a sweet spot.  And if that’s enough to get you drooling for a slap off the tee box, well take hold of the four weighted cavities in the rear of the sole that lower the CG to its max.  No doubt, this driver is made for bombing.

Tour Edge Bazooka Specs-

Four lofts – 9.0 – 0 square, 10.5 1 degree closed, 12.0 – 1 degree closed, and 15.0 – 2 degrees closed.  Driver comes in five shat options made by Grafalloy.

Actual Player Feedback-

“Wow! What a surprise! This driver is sweeeet!”

“Great sound, control and distance”

“Super is all i can say. I had been using a Taylor 580Xd and boy how his stick has helped my tee game”

Pros/Positives-

The Bazooka GeoMax 2 is made for players who need help getting the ball in the air and down the fairway… even on mishits.  A very good driver that pads the distance and keeps the round-ending bad days off the tee to a minimum.

Cons/Negatives-

The driver is certainly not for everyone – definitely caters to the recreational player.

Overall Rating-

Again, the Tour Edge Bazooka GeoMax 2 driver is not for everyone.  The better player is best looking elsewhere to improve workability.  However for the golfer looking for foregiveness, this is DEFINITELY worth a look.

Taylormade R7 Limited

Overview/Technology-

The Taylormade R7 Limited is a thin wall titanium driver that allows room for three movable weights.  The stretched triangle shape dramatically increases MOI.  Nothing new with Taylormade.  They’ve got a history of stretching the limits on all the drivers they manufacturer.  But it should be duly noted that this driver can affect the ball flight by as much as 20 left and 15 yards right.  That’s definitely pushing the limit of manipulation by a change of a setting.  But its all good.  Even though adjusting ball flight by movable weights has been around a while, Taylormade is really the originator of the concept and probably has had the most success with it as well.

Taylormade R7 Limited Specs-

Face Height – 52 mm
Face Area – 42.5 cm
Heel to Toe – 106 mm
Shaft Length – 45.5″
Front to Back – 112 mm
MOI – High
Launch Angle – Low to Medium
Spin – Medium to High

Actual Player Feedback-

“I find the face of this Limited driver is hotter and carries further. The adjustability really works”

“Fantastic trajectory, but I don’t like the triangle shape…”

“Produces the best feel of any driver out there.  My wow club”

Pros/Positives-

Taylormade is the authority on movable weights and this one is another good one.  Sleek look, built on a 460 cc head with a Matrix Ozik stock option.

Cons/Negatives-

The knock on Taylormade is that they introduce new drivers every time you turn around.  Then after a new one comes out, the prices drop.

Overall Rating-

The Taylormade R7 Limited is another good driver.  The powerful feel of a Taylormade driver never gets old, and this one is definitely no exception.  The sleek look and finish makes this a definite driver to consider this year in your quest for the perfect driver.  Having the Matrix Ozik as a stock option doesn’t hurt either.

Adams Insight Tech A4

Overview/Technology-

Adams has been on the move this year introducing two new drivers, one of the the Adams Insight Tech A4 driver.  The pear shaped head features a 15 gram external weight on the rear of the sole that allows a lower and considerably deeper CG (Center of Gravity) by using an internal weighting system.  The curved sole is deigned to maintain structural strength with less weight.

Some of the characteristics of the Adams Insight A4 include-

• Patented Boxer Technology perimeter weighting that increase MOI
• Lightweight magnesium crown that is over 30% lighter than it’s titanium counterpart for optimal launch conditions.
• High technological materials with advanced design.
• Exceptional shaft selection including the Matrix Ozik.

Adams Insight Tech A4 Specs-

Face Height – 57mm
Face Area – 45 cm
Heel to Toe – 104 mm
Shaft Length – 45.5 ”
Front to Back – 109 mm
MOI – High
Launch Angle – Low-Mid
Spin Rate – Medium

Actual Player Feedback-

“I like square drivers,but none of them offered the explosiveness I was looking for until I hit the A4 OS,It does’nt sound as good as the Nike but definitely longer”

“It is not only one of the best LOOKING drivers on the market today but is also one of the longest”

“It’s more smartly designed that it appears”

Pros/Positives-

A driver built for distance and not bad on the forgiveness scale either.  Although it came in somewhere in the middle of the spin rate, Adams is known for it’s innate forgiveness catering to the recreational player.  The Matrix Ozik is a hot shaft and it comes as a stock shaft selection.

Cons/Negatives-

Without a true fitting system does not do itself any favor.

Overall Rating-

The Adams Insight A4 driver is definitely worth considering if you are in the market for a new driver.  It fits many types of players so getting fitted or at least giving it a whirl on the demo tarps this spring will give you a good indication if it’s for you.

Cobra LV5

Overview/Technology-

The new Cobra L5V is a large face driver that combines light carbon crown and sole insert to move the center of gravity (CG) so low that as much as 70 percent of the face is above the CG!  So if you are looking for a low CG, you’ve found you’ve found it with the L5V.

Tom Morris, Principal Design Lead Engineer from Cobra, states “this is significantly more than most drivers (CG) and ensures over a high ball speeds to optimize launch conditions over a large face area.”

Actual Player Feedback-

“played 36 holes this weekend with this driver with the stock Diamana Redboard stiff and all I can say is wow, this this is seriously long”

“blows me away, better then any driver i have hit including the FT-iq, 09 burner, cleveland launcher”

“I like the big, rounded head, and the dimples on the top are cool; it give me something to focus on…”

“Very lightweight and it screams confidence with its high trampoline effect…”

Pros/Positives-

2 adjustable settings to optimize your personal ball flight and a stock Diamana Red shaft makes for a great combination for the recreational player or better to fit nicely into this driver.

Cons/Negatives-

If it made the face angle adjustment up to 2 degrees instead of only 1, it would have been more meaningful.

Overall Rating-

The Cobra L5V driver may be a sleeper, but my concern is the marketing of this driver may have been sub-par.  Cobra for the most part, makes good drivers and markets them well.  But this one just didn’t catch one as much as the other in its class.  Nothing taken away from this driver though, it has had great comments.  My advice would be to demo it to see if fits your swing.

Tour Edge Exotics XCG-V

Overview/Technology-

The Exotics XCG-V is a very unique driver in that it uses a mixture of materials that include a lightweight magnesium crown, a larger sweet spot than last year’s model.  In addition, the driver touts lightweight titanium cupface, sidewalls and sole.  A V-shape stainless steel rear sole plate provides optimal CG force, much deeper than it’s model predecessor.

The materials used in the XCG-V are actually joined by a chemical brazing technique unique and patented by Tour Edge.

This driver is a low launch with low to mid spin rate making this one not for the faint of heart.  Although geared for a wide range of players, the driver probably fits into the better player’s bag more comfortably than a beginner or recreational player.  Golfers needing a high launch driver should look elsewhere or at a different model Exotics (review to come, stay tuned!).

Tour Edge Exotics XCG-V Specs-

Face Height……………….: 53 mm
Heel to Toe……………….: 108 mm
Face Area………………….: 44.7 cm
Front to Back……………..: 112 mm
Shaft Length……………..:  45 inches
MOI…………………………..:  High
Launch Angle…………….:  Low
Spin………………………….:  Low – Medium

Actual Player Feedback-

“the XCG-V is a very impressive club”

Pros/Positives-

Great low CG driver built for the serious golfer looking for a low piercing flight.  Comes with an option of either the Graphite Design Tour Ad or Aldila Voodoo shaft, a definite plus.

Cons/Negatives-

Low launch for piercing drives may not be for everyone however.  If you need a higher launch, you may want to check out other Tour Edge models (again stay tuned).

Overall Rating-

The Tour Edge Exotics XCG-V is a great driver that happens to look pretty cool too.  Produces low piercing drives with a low to moderate spin rate.  Great shaft option considering the VooDoo is one of the top rated shafts for 2009′.  Definitely a driver to look at this year.

Ping Rapture Driver

Overview/Technology-

The Ping Rapture is similar in shape to the G10, but incorporates a crescent shape with tungsten weights in the heel and toe that allow an optimal launch combined with a manageable spin rate.  Actually, the Rapture comes in with a mid launch and low spin rate, making it a very desirable driver for the recreational player looking for a straight driver.

The dense tungsten weight pads in the back of the lightweight titanium head on the Rapture, expand the perimeter weighting and position the center-of-gravity low and away from the face.

The Rapture touts a variable thickness titanium face that actually helps to promote or increase ball speed, something again, the recreational player needs to gain distance.

Ping Rapture Specs-

Actual Player Feedback-

“The club looks great, sets up nicely and has good balance”

“This round I blew by him by 10-30yds, with a 20-yard tee differential and I am still abuzz a day late”

“I am having so much more fun now,especially on the longer courses.The Rapture gives me a chance to hang with the longer hitters. This club has a square face which allows you to work shots”

Pros/Positives-

The Ping Rapture provides the recreational player the necessary technology to gain distance and accuracy. This is done through the weight pads in the back expanding the perimeter and positioning the center-of-gravity low and away from the face.

Cons/Negatives-

This driver is considered a Game Improvement driver.  Therefore, the better golfer may want to look at other models.

Overall Rating-

The Ping Rapture is an excellent driver for a player looking for distance and control built in.  The technology allows the recreational player to unleash with an element of control not found in other drivers.  A driver definitely worth looking at during demo days!

Taylormade R9

Overview/Technology-

Well, the long awaited arrival is bestowed upon us, the introduction of the Taylormade R9.  The R9 has received as much fanfare a new driver can receive.  And even though the jury is still out on it’s overall performance early indications are positive – the R9 has gotten some good reviews.

Taylormade made it clear out of the gate that the R9 will be it’s touted flagship.  Flight Control Technology (FCT), Movable Weight Technology, Inverted Cone Technology (ICT), and Ultra Thin Wall Technology, top the list of technological advances TM put into this driver.

Flight Control Technology - This is a cool and upcoming technology.  This allows the player to easily move or change loft, lie and face angle!  FCT uses a sleeve that is positioned over the tip of the shaft to accomplish.  The sleeve can be rotated into different positions, changing the characteristics of the head, by loosening the bolt that secures the sleeve and shaft into the clubhead.

Movable Weight Technology – is nothing new for TM.  The clubhead weight can be changed to by the player to change the characteristics of the club.   This allows the golfer to optimize CG.

Inverted Cone Technology - has also been available for some time and become quite prevalent, Taylormade and other driver manufacturers as well.  Nevertheless, it’s a sound technology that is gaining in popularity.  ICT optimizes the behavior of the clubface at impact, creating for an expanded COR zone.

Ultra Thin Wall Technology – this technology is also gaining steam amongst today’s drivers.  This allows saved weight and makes the incorporation of MWT and FCT possible.

Taylormade R9 Specs-

The R9 comes in 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5 with 59 degree lie angle.  For those that like the sleeker, smaller clubhead, you are in for a treat.   Similar to the R7 model, the R9 in 422 cc for the 10.5, 420 cc in the 9.5 and 418 cc for the 8.5 418 cc, well under the norm of 460 cc.

Actual Player Feedback-

“Yes, they did do it again. I played my first round with the R9 Driver and was in total awe”

“This driver is amazing”

“I have played many Taylormade Drivers and this one is the best”

Pros/Positives-

Well received with great reviews so far… this will be another popular driver by Taylormade.  Great features including the new Flight Control Technology and shaft options, including the Fujikura Motore, Mitsubishi Fubuki and the Aldila VooDoo and Matrix X-Con, make this a must-try this spring.

Cons/Negatives-

Too many options for the player?  Well, this could definitely overwhelm many recreational players.  For the avid, more advanced player however, it just adds more arsenal.

Overall Rating-

Great driver that has lived up to it’s fanfare.  You should try this driver out this spring, it’s beginning to catch fire and will soon be one of the better drivers available.  Give the Taylormade R9 a good look this year.

Wilson Smooth

Technology Overview-

Wilson may not be one of the big players on the block but they produce some great, relatively inexpensive golf equipment, the Wilson Smooth will fall into this category.  This driver incorporates a changing weight pad in the sole of the club to optimize the CG within each loft from middle-low starting in the low lofts, to low and deep in the high lofts.

This 460cc driver is one of a smooth shape outside matched by the powerful, efficient performance on the inside.  The Smooth is quite beautiful to look with great performance to match.

Wilson Smooth Spec Sheet-

Face Height……………..:  48 mm
Face Area………………..:  40.5 cm
Heel to Toe……………..: 127 mm
Shaft Length……………:  45.5″
Front to Back…………..:  111 mm
MOI………………………..:  High
Launch Angle………….:  Medium
Spin………………………:  High

Actual Player Feedback-

“That club’s on steroids”

“A terrific performer”

“Wow, that’s a good club, I missed two or three, and all would have been in the fairway”

Pros/Positives-

The CG based on loft seems to be a good concept.  This driver does not lack distance, Wilson even points to research that shows R (Regular) and S (Stiff) flex players picking up extra clubhead speed with the driver.

Cons/Negatives-

The Launch angle and Spin rate does not seem to favor the recreational player, low and high respectively.

Overall Rating-

The CG and face design do seem to favor added distance by way of increased clubhead speed.  There isn’t a lot of information available at the time of this writing however Wilson does seem to be onto something here with the Wilson Smooth.