Vaguely interesting article on where the COG is on modern drivers

Really interesting to discover that I'm using one of the least forgiving drivers out there. Makes me want to try one of the more forgiving, low launching models, like the Nike Vapor or Adams in the second graph.
 
Really interesting to discover that I'm using one of the least forgiving drivers out there. Makes me want to try one of the more forgiving, low launching models, like the Nike Vapor or Adams in the second graph.

I think that is one of the things that potentially winds people up about the marketing as when the SLDR was launched all the marketing was about low spin higher loft more distance, accompanied by videos of tour pros and very good you tube golfers smashing it out of the park. But mention of the the relative lack of foregiveness was mostly conspicuous by its absence (and TM are by no means the only brand to do this). So you could argue that for the vast majority of amateurs the SLDR was probably too inconsistent as they may well nut one out of the middle occasionally and get massive distances, but more often than not the lack of forgiveness would end up biting them.

I suppose it again reiterates the need to get fitted. But you could also argue that how many golfers realistically can test several models against each other. I know as a lefty this is very difficult to do unless you want to travel very long distances to Silvermere.

So playing devils advocate, would I as a higher handicapper who has heard all about the magical properties of the Aeroburner, actually be better buying say a relatively forgiving driver like a Fly Z/G30 off the rack in regular flex as that is what I have always been fitted for, as opposed to say going to a TM fitting centre and getting fitted for said Aeroburner (and again I am not picking on TM specifically as I could have used other examples like a JPX850).

Which is why the graph where they plot launch,spin and foregiveness was an eye opener for me.
 
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I think that is one of the things that potentially winds people up about the marketing as when the SLDR was launched all the marketing was about low spin higher loft more distance, accompanied by videos of tour pros and very good you tube golfers smashing it out of the park. But mention of the the relative lack of foregiveness was mostly conspicuous by its absence (and TM are by no means the only brand to do this). So you could argue that for the vast majority of amateurs the SLDR was probably too inconsistent as they may well nut one out of the middle occasionally and get massive distances, but more often than not the lack of forgiveness would end up biting them.

I suppose it again reiterates the need to get fitted. But you could also argue that how many golfers realistically can test several models against each other. I know as a lefty this is very difficult to do unless you want to travel very long distances to Silvermere.

So playing devils advocate, would I as a higher handicapper who has heard all about the magical properties of the Aeroburner, actually be better buying say a relatively forgiving driver like a Fly Z/G30 off the rack in regular flex as that is what I have always been fitted for, as opposed to say going to a TM fitting centre and getting fitted for said Aeroburner (and again I am not picking on TM specifically as I could have used other examples like a JPX850).

Which is why the graph where they plot launch,spin and foregiveness was an eye opener for me.

I think it's more about being realistic than just being fitted - then again you may mean the same thing and I would certainly expect a good fitting to cover expectations!

Sadly it's an unavoidable fact that most will choose a tour head over a forgiving one (based on that critical element of looks but more grounded in ego :)) in their iron selection. Note alex1975's post today on his iron conaiderations is the exception rather than the norm!

I do use TM and am sure that if I had stayed with the Burner 09 driver I would be off a lower handicap today...but to be off an even lower one I need to conquer a more challenging model! (I would have gone back to it but I sold it on to someone on here who sounded as though they needed it more than I thought I did. I did the same with the other easy to hit model, the RBZ, but I do (can) get significantly more out of the SLDR and can get pretty much the same as those drivers out of the SLDRmini 16 that's firmly in the bag (and quite forgiving)
 
After looking at the charts I decided to try out a Nike Covert 2, which has similar characteristics to the Vapor, and it was only £130. I tried it at the range and loved it with the stiff Kuro Kage shaft. It's the only stock shaft I've ever used which doesn't send the ball into the stratosphere. I went from a SLDR, which came up as very unforgiving, to the Covert 2 and love the forgiveness & penertating flight it gives me. Last time out the worst shot after driver I had to play was from 1 yard into the semi rough.

I think that the charts are a great tool for narrowing down the club that might be right for you.
 
I will admit to not really knowing the tech behind drivers. Simply using what felt better and I've gone through 6 of them in as many months settling on the 915 D2. However, if I have read that right the CG is lower and more to the toe on that driver?
 
I really liked this article. Definitely put the G30 and Cobra Fly-Z on my test list. It also suggests why Ping and Titleist have longer product cycles (low back = harder, low forward = easier) thanks again for sharing :thup:
 
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