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The Titleist GT3 driver has more forgiveness than should be allowed in a driver this good looking.  Mid launch and mid-low spin.  Excellent, impactful adjustability.

Introduction

Matt Meeker and I share a first name, but our golf games don’t have much in common.  Meeker rarely leaves the fairway; I rarely find one.  Meeker’s club head speed is around 80 MPH; mine can go north of 110 MPH.  Meeker is a model of consistency; I can look like an aspiring pro and a rank beginner, often in the same hole.

You wouldn’t think that we would get fit into the same club – and certainly not the same driver – but that’s exactly what happened with the new Titleist GT3 driver.  In this review, we’ll dig into how one club is able to cover such a wide range of players.

Looks

The Titleist GT3 driver might be the best looking driver on the planet right now.  And while, yes, looks are subjective, I don’t think too many people would argue with my assertion.

Starting at address, the GT3 has a tall face that contrasts beautifully with a compact front-to-back depth.  It’s just slightly pear shaped, leaning toward the toe like old school players drivers did.  The gloss black crown has a subtle “GT” alignment aid.  Also noteworthy is something you can’t see: seams.  My fitter explained that Tour players asked Titleist to keep the seams invisible from address, an impressive feat of engineering.

In the bag, the Titleist GT3 driver is very sleek.  The sole is predominantly gloss black with a slash of silver bearing the “GT3” branding.  Titleist remains at the head of the class for keeping their adjustability low key.  If you’re not a gear head, you could miss the CG Track entirely.

Sound & Feel

I rely on a handful of words to describe the sound and feel of golf clubs.  This is useful because it creates a common language that can be used for comparing different clubs.  The downside is that sometimes I encounter a club and wish I had reserved certain words just for it.  In the case of the Titleist GT3 driver, I wish I had never called another driver’s feel “solid.”  On center – and even a bit off – this club feels incredibly strong behind the ball.

This stout, traditional feel pairs well with the quiet impact sound.  I got to hit the GT3 head to head with some other drivers, which made it clear just how discrete the GT3 is.  There’s still a satisfying “crack” to good strikes, but the volume is dialed way down.

Finally, as you would expect from a players driver, the feedback is excellent.  You won’t hear a shocking difference between pure and poor strikes, but your hands will tell you everything you need to know about impact location.

Performance

Here’s a quick peak into how good the Titleist GT3 driver is: Matt Meeker and I – people who know equipment – both went into our fittings fully expecting to come out with the GT2.  We both left with the GT3.

My fitter told me that he begins every session with the GT3 because of the adjustability and because, I’m paraphrasing, “The GT3 is so forgiving, not too many people need the GT2.”  I started with a fantastic series of shots that gave me visions of putting this right into the bag.  I saw mid launch with lower spin, and the adjustability was huge.  Once my fitter understood my tendencies, he used both the CG Track and the SureFit Hosel to optimize my distance and keep my shots on track.

Matt Meeker went into his fitting expecting that the GT2 would be a fit because he needs more launch and spin.  Instead, his fitter found that by simply adding loft to the GT3.  Meeker didn’t need the additional forgiveness of the GT2, and the adjustability of the GT3 allowed him to dial in his shot shape with greater precision.

Comparing the Titleist GT3 driver to the TSR3 [review HERE], the biggest innovation is the Seamless Thermoform Crown.  This ultra-light material freed up more weight and fueled Split Mass Construction.  That saved weight was split – some forward, some back – to achieve a balance of speed, launch, spin, and forgiveness.  The result is that the GT3 has much more forgiveness without sacrificing high end performance.

Another thing that pushed me toward the GT3 is the improvement to the CG Track.  Though Titleist is famously short on specific performance claims, they state that moving the CG Track to the front of the club makes it “more dynamic.”  I found that it has a bigger impact on ball flight.  In previous generations, I felt that Titleist’s adjustable weight was only for small tweaks, but in the GT3 driver, it can significantly reduce a hook or slice.

Conclusion

In the last few years, a lot has changed at the top end of my bag.  I starting gaming a non-PING driver, and now I’m thinking seriously about putting a players driver in full time.  It’s a testament to just how good the Titleist GT3 driver is, and how much you can gain when you go into a fitting with an open mind.  If you’re looking for better performance off the tee, the Titleist GT drivers need to be on your demo list, regardless of your handicap.

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Titleist GT3 Driver Price & Specs

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The Cobra DARKSPEED MAX Driver is a draw-biased fairway finder.  The most forgiving of the three models.  Very attractive at address.

Introduction

The last Cobra driver I reviewed was the LTDx in 2022 (review HERE).  I was very impressed and that driver ended up in my bag for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.  While Cobra isn’t always the first name on golfers’ lips when it comes to hot new releases and coveted clubs, the company often shows why it should be in the conversation.  In this review, I’ll take a look at the most forgiving model of the 2024 releases, the Cobra DARKSPEED MAX driver.

Looks

When it comes to drivers and fairway woods these days, the appearance is steadily falling into one of two camps.  It either has a glossy or matte crown.  Occasionally you’ll find something which tries to occupy both worlds but the DARKSPEED models have a black finish that is firmly in the matte camp.  I would even go so far as to say they are more matte in their appearance than some other matte finishes out there right now.

In terms of other visible details, there’s very little going on.  The matte black crown has a subtle carbon fiber pattern which fades as you get closer to the topline, as well as a Cobra logo “C” alignment aid.  Flip the club over and you’ll see a few more visual elements on the sole, mainly calling attention to some of the technology in the club.

You’ll notice there are two weights (a 12 gram and a 3 gram) in the back and the heel.  These can be positioned to encourage more/less draw bias.  In terms of shaping, this club head is a little bit shorter in terms of crown height in order to be more stretched back from front to back.  That said, it doesn’t look unwieldy at all.  Perhaps the super matte finish helps the Cobra DARKSPEED MAX driver to look a bit more compact than it really is.

Find a balance of forgiveness and speed in the DARKSPEED X driver HERE

Sound & Feel

In the case of the Cobra DARKSPEED Max driver, the sound & feel correspond to its looks in an interesting way.  While I don’t want to give the impression that the sound of impact is flat or lifeless, it does remind me of the matte finish in its pitch (on the lower side of things) and volume (medium, at best).  That said, it does have a good bit of percussive oomph behind it.  This, of course, diminishes the further you stray from the center of the face.

In terms of feel, good impact feels solid in the way that I remember from my old gamer, the LTDx.  While it is the most forgiving of the three DARKSPEED drivers available, feedback through the hands is still plenty evident.  You shouldn’t have much of an issue locating your miss by feel alone.

Performance

The Cobra DARKSPEED MAX driver definitely gets the job done on the golf course.  I did find it to be forgiving on mishits.  I love the fact that it is able to provide that little bit extra forgiveness while still maintaining a fairly compact look at address.  It doesn’t look anywhere near as big as some other “max” models I’ve seen.

Like MAX forgiveness?  Check out the DARKSPEED MAX fairway wood HERE

That little bit of draw bias in the stock setting (heavier weight in the back) seems to help keep fades from becoming too slicey.  However, as with any club, there’s only so much it can do to correct user error.

I didn’t test any of the other models so I can’t confirm my suspicions, but I imagine you may give up a little bit of ball speed and carry distance to get the forgiveness here.  I wasn’t blown away by the performance of this club on the launch monitor, but then again I am not in a position to be chasing distance.  For a player of my caliber (read: very average) golf is more fun when I’m playing from the fairway.

Need lower spin?  Check out the DARKSPEED LS driver HERE

You get plenty of adjustability in these drivers, with each head being easily adjustable +/- 1.5 degrees, as well as a draw setting in the STD and +/- 1.0 settings.  Stock shaft options are a bit limited, with the Mamiya LINQ Red being the only one available in stiff flex.  The shaft is on the lighter, more active side of things, and it would have been nice to have something a bit more stout like the HZRDUS that I enjoyed so much in the LTDx.

Ultimately, I believe it’s very fine margins that separate the Cobra DARKSPEED Max driver from other top drivers out right now.  While it might be an ideal fit for some golfers, it doesn’t quite give me the same juice I’m seeing from my current gamer right now.

Conclusion

The Cobra DARKSPEED MAX driver is one of the better looking drivers I have seen this year.  Fans of matte black will definitely want to get a look at it.  While it doesn’t do anything that makes it stand out from the other major OEM offerings right now, it does enough to be considered in driver fittings for 2024.

Visit Cobra HERE

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Cobra DARKSPEED Max Driver Price & Specs

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The Cobra DARKSPEED LS driver is a low spin, highly customizable club with a large footprint.  The all matte black head was aerodynamically reshaped in 2024 to maximize club head speeds with a price point that spells value.

Introduction

The biggest story coming from Cobra this year is their use of computational air movement when designing their clubs.  Cobra found that through the study of high speed cars and aviation they could reconfigure the shaping and lift the rear of the DARKSPEED LS driver to reduce drag.  This lead to improved club head speeds and added distance across the board.  While much of these studies and designs are done on a computer or in a lab, I was able to get a one to review to see how well it performs in real life.

Looks

The Cobra DARKSPEED LS driver looks exactly like the name implies – dark.  The entire head is fully wrapped in a matte black color, including the headcover.  I am a fan of the all black especially with a club brand that is typically known for its bright yellows, reds, and oranges.  The sole of the club is highlighted by a carbon plate with three different removable weights.  Two weights are towards the face on the toe and heel while the third sits in the very rear of the sole.

At address, the club has a large footprint with a triangular shaping to it.  The edges are more rounded than in past iterations which creates a seamless look.   The matte crown covers the entire head with a very subtle block design watermarked throughout.  The Cobra “C” logo acts as an alignment aid at the leading edge of the crown.

Sound and Feel

The Cobra DARKSPEED LS driver has a sound that matches what I have experienced in previous Cobra drivers.  Each strike delivers a loud “whack” at impact but is devoid of any metallic sound.  My fitter James Kosek at Club Champion noted that it sounded as solid to him as it did to me.

The sound of the Cobra DARKSPEED LS paired nicely with its stable feel.  Good swings felt like the head was all one strong piece and not hollow at all.  Anything around the center of the clubface felt hot at impact like the ball melted into the club head.  I knew exactly when I hit it well and when I didn’t.  Toe and heel misses generated some increased oscillation through the hands and lessened the hot face feel.

Performance

The Cobra DARKSPEED LS driver performs as advertised.  The LS model generates a lower spinning flight than Cobra’s other offerings in this series.  During my testing at Club Champion, I saw spin numbers well under 3,000 RPM which not only beat out the other DARKSPEED drivers, but is right on par with my current gamer in the Ping G425 LST model [review HERE].  I did use different shafts during this testing, but the ultimate goal of killing spin was achieved here.

Get max forgiveness & slice busting with the Cobra DARKSPEED MAX Driver HERE

In addition to low spin, one big change Cobra made in 2024 was the improvements in aerodynamics.  These improvements included rounding the leading edges and raising the trailing edge which reduces drag and, in theory, improves club head speeds.  While I didn’t see any drastic speed gains, I did average 0.75 MPH more club head speed over my current gamer driver.

I was more impressed by the ball speeds, particularly with less than perfect strikes.  Despite my club head speed varying from swing to swing, smash factor and ball speeds were better than I deserved.  The aforementioned “hot” face definitely revealed itself in the form of consistent distance.

Find more forgiveness in the Cobra DARKSPEED X driver HERE

Typically with great ball speeds and low spin comes a wider dispersion.  This couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to the Cobra DARKSPEED LS driver.  Over the course of my indoor testing, my dispersion spanned a measly 50 yards and most balls landed just right of the center line.  If you have read any of my previous reviews, you know I like to play a fade, so this is exactly what suits me.  On the course, it was plug and play.  The Cobra DARKSPEED LS produced a low-mid trajectory with a matching launch angle which I had no problem putting in my bag for a few rounds.

These ball flight preferences won’t match every swing, so Cobra offers a variety of stock shafts in addition to the adjustable hosel and interchangeable sole weights to customize the fit to any golfer.  The Project X HZRDUS Black is aesthetically the most appropriate shaft choice while the UST Lin-Q shafts are also available.  Each driver comes in at $550 which is less than almost every other major club brand.

Conclusion

The Cobra DARKSPEED LS driver is a fully customizable, low spin club with a large footprint.  The all matte black aesthetic is as cool as the maximum distance and forgiveness it produces.  All of this packed into a club that is priced less than the other major brands which could make it the biggest value driver of 2024.

Visit Cobra Golf HERE

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Cobra DARKSPEED LS Driver Price & Specs

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The Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 and E524 drivers offer high-performance on a budget.  The Hot Launch C524 driver is a traditional setup for those looking to get the most out of their swings, the Hot Launch E524 driver maxes out forgiveness.

Introduction

Despite what most OEM advertisements would have you think, it’s not compulsory to spend $500+ on a new driver.  Tour Edge makes golf clubs all the way through the bag and they do it with the expertise and attention to detail one would expect from any of the top OEMs operating today.  I have been impressed with every club I’ve tried from them.  This will be my first look at their more affordable “Hot Launch” line of products.

Looks

Tour Edge produces a C and an E model in each of its iterations.  To simplify the difference, the C (above) is more of a players’ shape while the E (below) is more of a max forgiveness shape.  Here, that means the C524 driver appears with a traditional shape that is a balance of rounded and teardrop, while the E524 driver is longer from front to back with a shorter face from top to bottom.

The face of the C524 appears square at address while the E524 has a noticeable amount of offset, which causes it to appear closed at setup.  Those chronic slicers may find comfort in the looks of the E524, but it was a bit jarring for me.  The C524, meanwhile, appears very comfortable and natural, comparable to many OEMs standard driver models today.

You’ll notice a carbon fiber crown on both models, broken up by a solid T-shaped piece the company calls “Ridgeback technology.”  In addition to serving as an alignment aid, Tour Edge says that this element helps support solid sound and feel.  These drivers look modest from a materials and branding point of view.  There’s nothing flashy, but they don’t appear flimsy or cheap.

Sound & Feel

In terms of sound & feel, both Tour Edge Hot Launch drivers are very comparable.  They feel springy off the face, if not quite “explosive.”  The accompanying sound is mid-high pitched and not overly percussive.  While some drivers sound kind of like hitting a snare and a kick drum at the same time, the deep resonance of the bass is more or less absent here.  It isn’t a bad sound, by any means, but it lacks a bit of the satisfaction you might get from a driver that costs twice as much (or more).  Feedback through the hands is present, and slightly more noticeable in the C524 than the E524.

Performance

These drivers perform well.  Although the looks, sound, and feel of the clubs didn’t blow me away, I can’t lodge any complaints about their performance.  While I saw similar ball flight and launch monitor characteristics between the two, I did notice a few key differences.

I tend to be pretty high spin with any driver you put in my hand.  This proved to be the case with these two as well.  Unsurprisingly though, there was a difference between the two models, with the more forgiving E524 driver spinning about 800 revs higher on average.  Of course your results may vary, but the 2800 average produced by the C524 driver represents close to an optimal number for me.

I also saw a difference in launch angle, with the E524 driver launching noticeably higher.  While it flew higher, it didn’t carry as far as the C524 driver because of the excess spin.  In this case, I’d hope to get tighter dispersion, but that wasn’t the case here.

If you look at some of the other driver reviews I’ve done recently, the launch monitor numbers don’t represent much of a departure at all.  I don’t want to encourage any direct comparisons because tests happen on different days and my results can vary quite a bit.  But, in the context of the price of these drivers, the performance they offer is quite impressive, especially with the C524 in my case.

One aspect where the Tour Edge Hot Launch E524 and C524 drivers depart from what many other drivers offer in today’s market is adjustability.  There is no adjustable hosel for either and there is only one stock shaft option, which I think is a great one for many of the players who will be considering these drivers.  The C524 is available in 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees while the E524 comes in 10.5, 12.5, and 15 degree heads.

Conclusion

The Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 and E524 drivers make a huge statement by offering top-level performance at a basement price.  They completely dispel the notion that you have to pay $600 to get a decent driver that is brand new.  There are subtle but meaningful differences in the design and performance of the clubs, so consider getting fit if you have any uncertainty about which model makes the most sense for you.

Visit Tour Edge HERE

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Tour Edge Hot Launch C524 & E524 Driver Price & Specs

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The Kirkland Signature Costco Driver is their latest foray into value-focused golf clubs.  Its existence forces us to question how much a modern driver should cost.  It also begs the question, “How much performance do you sacrifice when not playing one of the major manufacturer’s clubs?”

Introduction

It’s always been expensive to play golf, and the price of equipment has gone up every year.  If you’re an avid reader of this website, you’re no stranger to drivers costing $600 or more.  However, Costco has now produced one for $200.  Their goal is to target the budget-focused customer.  My goal was to see how much performance you can get for one-third the cost of many other drivers that also released this year.

Looks 

The Kirkland Signature Costco Driver is reminiscent of several other major manufacturers, particularly Mizuno’s newest ST-X (review HERE) from the address position.  From that top-down view, it has a premium feel.  It’s simple and elegant, featuring a glossy black carbon composite crown with a singular alignment dot.  It does present a slightly closed face and upright lie. 

The titanium sole of the driver is a lot busier in design.  It features black, grey, and silver V-shaped accents that hint at the potential speed the driver can provide.  There’s a weight toward the back of the driver that also suggests some MOI and potential forgiveness.  The sole’s lower construction is reminiscent of some other direct-to-consumer clubs as well, like the Sub 70 Pro driver (review HERE). 

The headcover feels premium-ish.  It showcases the Costco Kirkland Signature brand logo embossed on a mostly white headcover that has accents of black and red.  The driver comes standard with a grey Lamkin Crossline 360 grip, and is only available in a right-handed model.  

Feel & Sound

In the past, I’ve been able to review the Kirkland Signature KS1 Putter (review HERE) and one of the only faults I found with it was the feel.  I expected the feel to be similarly lacking with the Kirkland Signature Costco Driver, and unfortunately, I was correct in that assumption.  It’s a hard, harsh feel off of the face, especially if not hit directly in the center.  As for the sound, it’s loud like an old-school PING driver.  Not particularly pleasant. 

Performance

While the feel of Costco’s putter wasn’t ideal, the performance of their wedges (review HERE) was better than expected.  So, when it came time to test the Kirkland Signature Costco driver, I didn’t know what to expect.  After extensive testing though, it became clear that you get what you pay for, and it doesn’t provide top-tier performance.  The model I used featured a stiff 60-gram True Temper EvenFlow Riptide Graphite shaft, but it is also available in a regular flex. 

The distance this club provided was lacking for me.  That was a result of lower-than-average ball speed combined with high spin.  For the drivers I have the most success with, I tend to carry in the 270s, total in the 290s, and spin in the low 2000 RPM range.  However, this driver typically spun around 3000 RPM.  Because it ballooned so dramatically, I lost nearly twenty yards compared to the drivers I tend to play.  

Forgiveness also wasn’t the best, as strike location caused dramatic changes to both spin and ball speed numbers.  To get lower spin results, I had to feel like I was dramatically shutting the driver’s face and hitting high-toe strikes.  Meanwhile, even slightly heel strikes tended to spin up dramatically, and I occasionally saw spin numbers over 4000.  On top of that, ball speeds were inconsistent, varying as much as 8 miles per hour.  

With all of that said, I am not the target audience for this golf club.  What this club was good at was launching high, spinning a bit more, and being draw-biased.  Every shot I hit with this club was left of the center line during my testing.  For the new, and/or budget-conscious golfers who would pick this up from Costco, this could be a great compliment to their swing.  That’s because those kinds of golfers tend to struggle with pushes, slices, and getting the ball up in the air.

The Kirkland Signature Costco driver also offers a bit of adjustability.  With the included wrench, you can unlock three different loft options.  It starts at 10.5 degrees but can also be played at 11.5 or 9.5 degrees of loft.  It also can be set to 10.5 with a draw setting as well.  While it does have a single weight on the back, it can’t be moved.

Performance can’t be just measured on its own when the whole point of Costco is value.  For the target audience – those looking to get their first-ever driver – it is of note that it’s a brand-new product for $400 less than others that were released this year.  It does seem explicitly designed to help those who struggle with the most common misses in golf.  

Conclusion

The Kirkland Signature Costco Driver encapsulates the expression “growing the game.”  Being available at such a low price point in a store filled with people who may have never even thought about playing the game is exciting.  This won’t be the best driver for nearly anyone.  However, it will be the first driver for many, and the first “new driver” for many others, and that’s a beautiful thing.  

Visit Costco HERE

Kirkland Signature Costco Driver Price & Specs

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The TaylorMade Qi10 driver is a wonderful, impressive, blend of distance and forgiveness.  The new sleek, clean look adds to the appeal.

Introduction

Like most OEMs, TaylorMade produces drivers to suit three categories of golfers: accomplished fast swingers, average players, and those that need maximum forgiveness.  Zack covered that first category with his review of the Qi10 LS [read it HERE], and Dylan provided his take on the latter with his review of the Qi10 Max [read it HERE].  In this review I’ll cover the base model Qi10 driver which has been “engineered to help players optimize distance and enhance forgiveness.”

Looks

Having gamed the TaylorMade Stealth 2 [full review HERE] for a year now, the look of the new Qi10 was familiar to me, yet with some definitely improved visual features.  The most obvious is the switch from a dominant red color scheme to more conservative black, silver, and blue.

I really like the cleaner look of the Qi10 at address.  The new Infinity Carbon Crown, with its 97% coverage, looks elegant compared to the framework surround of the Stealth 2.   A subtle pinstripe adds some definition to the trailing edge, while the TaylorMade “T” serves as an alignment aid.  TaylorMade also made the top edge of the face visible and light grey to assist with alignment – a visual element that instantly helped me.  As my photo reveals, the deep gloss of the crown is reflective, but adds to the elegant accolade.

That grey top edge of the face is more readily apparent straight on.  TaylorMade did another great job at adding interest to the face with a restrained honeycomb pattern and pops of blue graphic grooves.

In the bag, the Qi10 is distinctively TaylorMade.  That starts with the prominent, yet “nothing new here,” Inertia Generator pod and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket.  The somewhat large branding makes clear the club name and company behind it.

Sound & Feel

As the third writer covering the TaylorMade Qi10 drivers, I had the privilege of reading Dylan and Zack’s Sound & Feel sections for comparison.  As Zack noted, the sound didn’t change much from the Stealth 2 line – which is a positive in my book.  The pitch of the “snap” may have gone up slightly, but I still find it very satisfying.   The “clean sound” I made note of during testing adds to the satisfaction but provides little audible feedback on mishits.

I agree with Dylan that impact felt “explosive and powerful,” and would add the descriptors stable and solid.  It took a fairly bad strike to register strike location.

Performance

I gathered launch monitor data after returning from a whirlwind 700 mile drive, 10 hours walking, trip to the PGA Show [check out our recap HERE], and my swing definitely reflected the long journey.  Fortunately the TaylorMade Qi10 driver wasn’t concerned and produced solid ball speeds and serious forgiveness.  I can’t recall a tighter dispersion with a stock setup.

I attribute the consistency to Qi10’s high MOI and the hugely successful Fujikura Ventus TR Blue shaft [check out Matt’s review of the Velocore version HERE].  We toss around MOI frequently, so it’s good to remember that Moment Of Inertia refers to the clubhead’s resistance to change in rotational motion.  Higher MOI equates to less twisting on off-center strikes.  Stability better preserves ball speed and direction.  Bottom line:  MOI is your friend.

Also contributing to performance are the now “cornerstone” TaylorMade technologies: Thru-Slot Speed Pocket and 60X Carbon Twist Face.  It is important to note that the face has been re-engineered and according to the website “maximizes energy transfer at impact for better ball speeds and preserved performance on off-center strikes.”  For anyone who experienced issues with the Stealth 2 face (for the record, I did not), you may find their next statement intriguing and possibly reassuring:  “An evolved support structure bonds the face.”

Conclusion

The TaylorMade Qi10 driver stayed in my bag [full WITB HERE] after testing, and I couldn’t be happier with the performance.  I’m hitting balls notably further down the fairway, and equally important, finding the fairway more consistently.  The new clean look is a total winner in my book.  If you are in the market for a new driver in 2024, make sure to check out the TaylorMade Qi10 family.

Visit TaylorMade HERE

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Price & Specs

The post TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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The Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver is a solid performer and an excellent value.  Good forgiveness.  Noticeable draw bias.  Mid-high spin.

Introduction

I know this shows my age, but when I hear “Cleveland driver,” the first thing that comes to mind is Vijay Singh at the height of his powers playing the classic Cleveland HiBore.  While we don’t see Cleveland drivers on Tour anymore, they remain strong performers for the recreational golfer with more consumer-friendly price tags.  In this review, I’ll take a look at the new Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver to see if it can compete with the more expensive options on the rack.

Looks

At address, the Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver has the long, bullet-shaped head that’s become common among more forgiving drivers.  This longer front-to-back dimension allows for more stability and higher MOI.  The Launcher XL 2 also skews slightly toward the heel.  While that element does hint at a draw bias, the face sits nearly square in the neutral setting.  Cleveland gave this driver a gloss black crown with very faint graphics at the trailing edge and a small, silver alignment aid.

In the bag, Cleveland gave the Launcher XL 2 a unique look by framing the sole with large slashes of white.  The “XL 2” branding is centered in mirrored silver, and the Rebound Frame technology is called out.  There is a subtle nod to the color of the year with three sparkling blue stripes.

Sound & Feel

The Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver creates a high pitched impact sound that, surprisingly, lacks the normal metallic quality.  It’s closer to a piano key “plink.”  The sound is slightly above average in volume, becoming a little more robust and mid-pitch on perfect strikes.

Much like the HALO XL Hy-Wood, the feel of this driver is second to the sound.  It’s not overwhelmingly any one thing.  It’s more solid than not, but it isn’t sledgehammer strong.  The ball feels quick off the face, but not Usain Bolt fast.  There is good feedback available through the hands.

Performance

As someone who hates to see the ball streaking left, I was a little skeptical about the Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver.  However, when I set it down to hit my first shot, the slight skew of the shape was overwhelmed by how tall the face looks.  While the face is not actually that tall, the graphics and color make it look like it envelopes the ball.  With tremendous confidence, I started swinging away.

Much like the HALO XL Hy-Wood [review HERE], what the Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver delivers is consistency.  Shot after shot, the ball speed barely moved, and the flight was consistent.  While there are drivers with slightly more speed, the reliability of the Launcher XL 2 is elite.  This is a club that can take a lot of the stress out of your tee shots.

Comparing my results to what Matt Meeker saw in the original Launcher XL driver [review HERE], it seems that one trait that has been retained is the high launch.  However, for me, the Launcher XL 2 is fairly high spin, where Meeker saw low spin in the original.  Additionally, I found a noticeable draw bias in this model.  All that said, some or even most of those differences could be chalked up to how our swings interacted with the club, which is why we always stress the importance of custom fitting.

Players battling a slice should note that there is a Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Draw driver.  This, of course, has an even more pronounced draw bias, though it retains the adjustable hosel, so you can tune it to your needs.

Finally, golfers should be aware of Cleveland’s Accuracy Build option.  The standard Launcher XL 2 driver comes with an 8 gram counter weight in the grip and is built to 45.5″.  If you opt for the Accuracy Build, the counter weight is removed, and the driver is built to 45″.  While a shorter shaft is no guarantee of accuracy (more on that HERE), it will help some players to hit more fairways.

Conclusion

With tremendous consistency and a price that’s 25% less than many of its competitors, the Cleveland Launcher XL 2 driver is a compelling choice in a crowded driver market.  This club is designed to help the recreational player split more fairways, swing more freely on the tee box, and play more rounds thanks to the savings.

Visit Cleveland Golf HERE

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

Cleveland Launcher XL 2 Driver Price & Specs

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50 Words or Less

The PING G430 MAX 10K driver is the most forgiving driver I’ve ever tested.  Straight and consistently long.  Mid-low spin, mid launch.

Introduction

For almost as long as Plugged In Golf has existed, PING has been known to make some of the most forgiving drivers in golf.  Last year, the G430 MAX [review HERE] was definitely among the elite in that category.

New for 2024, they’ve gone up another level with the PING G430 MAX 10K driver.  This is their first driver to break the barrier of 10,000 g-cm² combined MOI.  What does that translate to on the course?  I tested one to find out.

Looks

At address, the PING G430 MAX 10K driver has the biggest footprint of any PING driver.  To my eye, it’s not dramatically different than the G430 MAX.  While I prefer drivers that are slightly more compact from front-to-back, I like the shape of the MAX 10K a lot.  It’s rounded and nearly symmetrical as opposed to the long, triangular or bullet-shaped drivers from other makers.

Those with a keen eye will notice one big change from the G430 MAX: the Carbonfly Wrap crown.  This was previously seen only on the LST model.  PING’s signature Turbulators are still present on the leading edge which is devoid of alignment markers.  In the neutral setting, the face sits right on the edge of square and is a little shallower than many of its peers.

Sound & Feel

PING states that this driver is “less muted and slightly louder than the G430 MAX to give you sense of even more powerful, satisfying tee shots.”  I found this a little confusing, because the PING G430 MAX 10K driver is not that loud.  My notes describe the sound of impact as “unobtrusive” and “medium quiet,” and that was on centered shots.  The sound of mishits is a little weaker.

Through the hands, impact is light and quick.  The club face feels solid behind the ball, but the dominant sensation is that the ball is gone quickly.  If there is a drawback to this tremendously forgiving design, it’s that you won’t feel the impact location precisely.  Short of using the edges of the face, every shot feels pretty good.

Performance

Every modern driver strives to get more performance out of mishits, and many do a great job, but the PING G430 MAX 10K driver is the most forgiving driver I’ve tested.  This holds true across every important metric: ball speed, launch, spin, distance, and direction.  The G430 MAX 10K is a joy to hit because you know virtually every shot is going to be long and straight.

The PING G430 MAX 10K driver achieves its record-setting MOI through three major changes from the original G430 MAX.  It has the largest head profile and a Carbonfly Wrap crown, something previously seen only on the G430 LST driver [review HERE].  The third change is trading the G430 MAX’s movable weight for a fixed weight.  As much as I loved the adjustability of the G430 MAX – it’s simple and very impactful – for my game, this is a trade worth making every day of the week.

Though the adjustable weight is gone, the 10K driver does still have PING’s adjustable hosel.  This gives you eight positions to choose from, adjusting the loft up or down as much as 1.5 degrees and the lie as much as 3 degrees flat.

In the past, some players have felt that PING drivers have traded top end performance for consistency, but I did not see that with the G430 MAX 10K.  In fact, I hit my all-time best ball speed with this driver…using a range ball.  There are many factors in that ball speed, including Katalyst [review HERE], but this club certainly deserves some of the credit.  The only high end category where it does struggle is shot shaping.  I felt like I had to work extra hard to hit cuts or draws, but why bother when long and straight always plays.

Something that surprised me about the PING G430 MAX 10K driver is the spin.  More forgiving drivers often have slightly higher spin, but this is mid-low spin with mid launch.  Just as important, the spin is extremely consistent (Spinsistent, in PING-speak).  From the sweet spot to the bottom groove to the toe, my spin only fluctuated a few hundred RPM.

Finally, something that has carried forward from the G430 MAX is PING’s High Launch (HL) option.  On the G430 MAX 10K driver, this includes a 19 gram backweight, PING Alta Quick shaft, and Lamkin UTx Lite grip.  According to PING, this lighter configuration helps slower swingers gain an average of nine yards off the tee.

Conclusion

During my first outdoor testing session with the PING G430 MAX 10K driver, I was hitting next to an older gentleman.  After a swing, I turned around to see him standing behind me, beaming.  “This is the new PING.  I just got it.  Even for an old guy like me, this thing is incredible,” he said.  He handed it toward me, “Try it!”  I held out my own 10K, and we shared a knowing smile before he went back to his bucket.

If you’re ready to be fearless on the tee and so happy with your drives that you’re offering your club to strangers, check out the PING G430 MAX 10K driver.

Visit PING HERE

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

PING G430 MAX 10K Driver Price & Specs

The post PING G430 MAX 10K Driver Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver is all about forgiveness.  While the carbonwood era continues, there is plenty to differentiate this club from prior generations.

Introduction

10k is the magic number when it comes to the Qi10 Max driver.  Qi, we’re told, stands for “quest for inertia.”  TaylorMade has made this the focus of its marketing for this club, highlighting the jump in MOI it has achieved with this club specifically.  While it sounds impressive on its face, what exactly does it mean and how does it translate to the launch monitor and the golf course?  Find out in this review.

Looks

The TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver represents a significant departure from previous generations but still reads clearly as a TaylorMade product.  First of all, the garish red face of the Stealth family has been replaced with a toned-down and much more palatable blue.  You’re now also looking down at a monochromatic black crown which is 97% carbon fiber and doesn’t have a lot going on visually.  There isn’t a lot there to help you get lined up, save for the small “TM” logo alignment aid.  A glossy black replaces the more matte finish of previous iterations.

In terms of its shaping, the clubhead has a massive footprint.  Many other drivers in comparison look noticeably smaller, even “Max” models from other OEMs.  The shape at address is stretched back and rounded.  Overall, the visual effect is one that feels more stripped down, less techy, almost reminiscent of some of the company’s legendary older models, like the R7.

Sound & Feel

I found the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver to have a distinctive sound that has become synonymous with forged carbon.  I would describe it as a mid-high pitched snap-crack.  It feels explosive and powerful off the face.  At times I found myself thinking “I really ripped that one,” only to find it was really not that great of a strike.  This is cool, but also don’t expect a ton of precise feedback about your strike location with this one.

Check out the TaylorMade Qi10 driver HERE

Performance

It’s important to point out that the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver is the only version of this driver that breaks the 10K barrier.  Theoretically, the shape of the clubhead sacrifices some of its aerodynamic qualities in order to add stability, relative to the other models in the lineup.  That said, as a player with average swing speed, I was able to swing this just as fast as the majority of other drivers I’ve tested.  I tend to produce more than optimal spin with driver, and I definitely found that to be the case here as well.

Need lower spin?  Check out the TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver HERE

In football, every player on the team has a job to do, but no one would dispute that it’s the quarterback who has by far the most influence on the outcome of the game.  The driver is the QB in your golf bag.  On course, the Qi10 Max is a reliable performer, consistently doing what you ask and limiting mistakes.

Somehow the weather allowed for some on-course testing here in Minnesota in early February, and the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver was a great fit for my mid-winter swing.  It consistently produced high-flying baby cuts, as it typical of my swing, but I could not get it to go hard right without really chopping across it aggressively.  As far as the the forgiveness claims go, I found them to be true.

As usual, loft is easily adjusted via the adapter sleeve.  There are no moveable weights to influence ball flight.  Stock shafts include made-for versions of Fujikura Speeder NX and Mitsubishi Diamana.  I tested it with the Diamana T+ and found it likely to be a serviceable shaft for a wide range of golfers.

Conclusion

For golfers in the market for a new driver whose top priority is consistency and forgiveness, the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver should be on the list to try.  Though general wisdom would probably put this primarily in the hands of higher handicappers, Collin Morikawa has chosen to game this model, serving as a reminder of the importance of getting fit.

Visit TaylorMade HERE

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Price & Specs

The post TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver has elite ball speed.  Very good forgiveness for a Tour-style driver.  Adjustable weights give it great flexibility for fitting different spin needs.

Introduction

Last year, the Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond driver [review HERE] raised the bar for how much forgiveness we can expect from a low spin, Tour-style driver.  This year, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver aims to kick it up again.  With a lighter 360° Carbon Chassis and even better face design, this is a players drivers that’s open to more than just the low single digit golfers.

Looks

At 450cc, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver is just about 2% smaller than the Max version, but the difference in address look is much larger than that.  The Triple Diamond is smaller front-to-back and more triangular in shape.  Its face looks very tall, accommodating whatever tee height you prefer, and the crown is free of alignment aids.

In the bag, every Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver is different with a pattern in the carbon fiber that’s as unique as a fingerprint.  The blue weights and “Smoke” branding pop off the grey backdrop, pushing everything else to the background.  This is a club with a lot going on – the carbon fiber pattern is mesmerizing – but somehow it manages not to look busy.

Sound & Feel

The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver has one of the more unique impact sounds on the tee.  It’s an explosive sound, closest to a “pop,” but it’s quiet.  The overall impression is almost confusing at first because you have the sense that it should be louder.  However, after a couple swings, I really enjoyed the miniature explosion.

The feel of impact syncs well with the sound.  My hands felt a quick pop that enhanced what I heard.  Surprisingly, the feedback on impact location was fairly muted.  I expect smaller players drivers to be uncensored in their critique of mishits, but the Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver gives only a subtle rebuke.

Performance

Thanks to two adjustable weights, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver is really two drivers in one.  With the 14 gram weight in the rear, it’s a bit closer to the Paradym Ai Smoke MAX driver [review HERE].  When you go all out and put the 14 gram weight near the face, it’s an unapologetic, low spin beast.

I started my testing with the heavier weight in the rear.  This setting offers more forgiveness and stability.  Just as with the Max, the ball speed was what caught my attention first.  Callaway’s face technology may be the best in the game.  Both on center and off, the ball speed is exceptional.  The spin was lower than the Max, but not wildly so.  I did see a more substantial drop in launch angle.  As a low spin player, this setting was a better fit for me, and my numbers above were created with this setting.

Shifting the heavier weight forward gives players enhanced ball speed on center, lower spin, but it does reduce the forgiveness.  My best shots were as fast as anything I’ve ever hit.  Mishits, however, lost more speed than they did with the weight back.  Putting the weight forward also put the Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver into truly low spin territory.  While this isn’t a plus for me, high spin players may find a lot of extra distance with this setting.

In addition to the lower spin, players may opt for the Triple Diamond over the Max for the neutral ball flight.  This is a very workable driver.  Where the Max wants to funnel all your shots into a tight circle, the Triple Diamond gives you full responsibility for direction and curve.  There is no sliding weight to set a draw or fade bias, but you can use the hosel to adjust the lie and face angle.  Finally, it’s worth noting that the stock lie angle on the Triple Diamond is one degree flatter than the Max making it naturally more right biased.

Conclusion

Whether you’re seeking a driver that reduces spin or one that allows you to shape the ball off the tee, the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver delivers.  The adjustable weights also give this driver a lot of flexibility for fitting and allowing a wider range of players to game it.  Get fit for the right shaft and specs and enjoy the benefits of some of the game’s best face technology.

Buy the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver HERE

Visit Callaway Golf HERE

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver Price & Specs

The post Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.