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Usually we cowl a wide range of matters in AskMyGolfSpy. Nonetheless, at this time we’re specializing in Most Needed Testing. Particularly, our Most Needed Drivers 2024. Let’s dive into a few of your questions.
Q. Why didn’t you check PXG 0311 Black OPS or 0311 Black OPS Tour drivers?
We did all the pieces we might to incorporate them in testing. Nonetheless, PXG declined to submit samples in time for testing so we opted to incorporate the PXG 0311 and 0311 XF GEN6 drivers. Neither was examined in 2023 and each is accessible at retail. Each had been distinctive and the most effective PXG drivers we’ve got examined up to now. We’re inspired and enthusiastic about how the Black OPS lineup will carry out in our subsequent Most Needed Check.
Q. Will you be releasing swing velocity articles this yr?
Sure! We’re thrilled with the brand new additions to our scoring methodologies and with these modifications we can execute swing velocity articles for Most Needed Driver 2024. These articles will probably be damaged down by low, mid and excessive swing speeds. Keep tuned for these as a result of they’re extra relevant to golfers.
Q. If these exams are correct, why has the TaylorMade Qi10 received a majority of the tournaments this yr?
First, a “majority” of tournaments is a stretch. Scottie Scheffler and Nick Dunlap are the one two winners on the PGA Tour this yr who play a TaylorMade Qi10 driver. PING has a number of winners. Callaway has a number of winners. Titleist has a number of winners. Shoot, Srixon and Mizuno have winners. To imagine a driver is sweet just because a touring skilled is successful tournaments with it is likely one of the largest errors you may make. Enjoying professionals have entry to golf gear in a manner the remainder of us don’t. For instance, we check drivers using an “off-the-rack” method. This implies we solely check inventory shaft choices, not premium, aftermarket driver shafts. Most enjoying professionals should not enjoying “off-the-rack” driver shafts. They’re enjoying aftermarket choices, which you and I are paying a premium value for, and will have restricted entry to. These aftermarket driver shafts are leaps and bounds higher than most “off-the-rack” and even “made for” driver shafts.
This isn’t to say TaylorMade Qi10 isn’t good. TaylorMade Qi10 LS was within the high 10 for our distance effectivity metrics (carry yards and whole distance). Total, it positioned sixth with an MGS Rating of 8.9. In our check this yr, there are merely different drivers that carried out extra effectively for a majority of our testers versus the TaylorMade Qi10 lineup.
Q. For testing, which OEMs have the most effective “off-the-rack” shaft choices?
This one is straightforward – Titleist, Mizuno, PING, PXG, and COBRA.
The primary three are infamous for having a plethora of inventory shaft choices out there to us for testing. For instance, Titleist has 4 totally different inventory shaft choices and every have 2-3 weight specs out there. It’s intensive. For those who comply with PING intently, they all the time have a brand new proprietary providing (PING Alta CB Black 55 for the G430 lineup) along with a handful of different choices. Mizuno continues to supply a stout and numerous choice of inventory shaft choices.
PXG and COBRA are the sleepers, with the latter frequently enhancing their choices over the previous few years.
You simply needed to go there, didn’t you? An argument might be made for each side of this dialog.
We focus on unbiased testing. Through the years, we’ve seen that it takes three to 5 years for producers to create drivers which are appreciably higher than newer fashions which is why we all the time ask, “Is newer higher?”. In case you are not seeing efficiency advantages which are appreciably BETTER than your present driver, why change? Save the $600 and make investments it elsewhere. Possibly classes?
The opposite facet of this dialog is intriguing. In case you are seeing higher efficiency, particularly by way of distance, then sure, $600 is value it. Right here is why: 5 to 10 yards is a recreation changer. It means you is perhaps hitting one or two golf equipment lower than you had been. Mix further distance with accuracy and it’s a no-brainer.
Ultimately, are you seeing advantages that justify spending $600 on a brand new driver? Solely you’ll be able to reply this query.