Ping G15 Driver Review

Category: Game-Improvement Drivers
We tested: 9°, 10.5°, 12° with Ping TFC 149D graphite shaft

Key Technologies: Ultra-thin crown frees up six grams that get redistributed to the external sole weight. This plug helps to optimize the center of gravity for higher trajectories and reduced spin. The larger clubface (by 7 percent) increases ball speed and provides consistency across the face.

OUR TESTERS SAY: One of the top drivers tested; produces a steady pattern of consistent results.

PROS
DISTANCE: One of the longer hitters; several testers see improved spin and ball-speed numbers, which translates to longer shots than with own clubs; little distance loss on off-center hits.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Quite good results, directional misses are of little to no concern.
FEEL: Considered to be one of the best in the test — lively face pounds the ball; well-balanced club encourages an aggressive swing.
PLAYABILITY: Flat, mid-trajectory flight; shots don't balloon; fairly low-spin club for many testers.
LOOK: Typical Ping understated look; crescent-shaped marker on crown helps when addressing the ball.

CONS
Some testers are disappointed by the lack of clubhead adjustability based on other models tested; a few dissenters experience a harder, subdued feel on well-struck shots.

From Golf Magazine(March, 2011)

Nike SQ Machspeed Black Driver - Round Version Review

Nike SQ Machspeed Black Driver - Round Version Review

Category: Game-Improvement Drivers
We tested: 9.5°, 10.5° with Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki graphite shaft

Key Technologies: The aerodynamic head (360° air flow) produces faster clubhead speed by reducing drag. It generates less spin and a lower ball flight than the original SQ Machspeed for longer drives. The "STR8-FIT" adjustable face-angle technology provides eight options from 2° open to 2° closed. The round head is meant for golfers who seek more workability.

OUR TESTERS SAY: Easy-to-swing club suits a broad range of handicaps. Definite improvement over previous Machspeed driver.

PROS
DISTANCE: Not the longest but several testers experience good, honest output with no surprises.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Directional misses are minimal when properly fit using the adjustability feature; does a good job of keeping you out of trouble.
FEEL: Soft feedback in the hands but a loud "crack" or "clank" might fool you into thinking it's a hard hit.
PLAYABILITY: Face adjustability allows testers to swing away with confidence; several testers experience a medium-high, straightish ball flight.
LOOK: Big, all-black head is all business, looks mean, powerful.

CONS
A minority of testers seeks longer distance; a few want "pop" or springy feel; some find the face slightly closed in neutral setting.


From Golf Magazine (March, 2011)