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reviews
Latest reviews
Game-improvement drivers: OUR VERDICT

published: Apr 18, 2012

|

updated: Jul 19, 2023

Game-improvement drivers: OUR VERDICT

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NCG’s team of experts review all the latest kit independently. Find out what they thought of the latest drivers on the market…

FIRST HIT: Ping G20 driver

Table of Contents

Jump to:

    GOLD MEDAL

    Ping G20
    WHAT WE THOUGHT
    “I like how both a pro and a beginner can pick this up and use it well. The feel is good, the distance is excellent and it’s very forgiving. My only slight criticism would be the grey crown colour.” JaW
    ” really like the head shape, if not necessarily the grey finish. I gained a lot of trust in this club – it produces good ball speed, is forgiving, sits square and has appeal to such a wide range of abilities.” DM
     “The only problem I can find with it is the grey crown – it just doesn’t do it for me. Other than that, what’s not to like? Long, straight and easy to hit.” JoW
    DETAILS
    SRP: £255  LH? Yes 
    LOFTS: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 & 12º  
    SHAFT: Ping TFC 169D
    w: pinggolf.com  
    t: 01427 615 405

    SILVER MEDAL

    Nike VR_S
    WHAT WE THOUGHT
    “Undeniably quick off the face and arguably the most powerful club on the test. The head is very round and the standard shaft is superb.” JoW
    “The only flaw I found with it was the closed face but if you choose the STR8-FIT option, you can change this very quickly. Consistent and forgiving.” DM
    DETAILS
    SRP: £199.95  LH? Yes
    LOFTS: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 & 13º
    SHAFT: Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki K
    w: nikegolf.eu  
    t: 08000 561 640

    BRONZE MEDAL

    TalyorMade Rocketballz
    WHAT WE THOUGHT
    “It felt and performed so much better than the R11S. I love the head shape. It feels very fast off the face and looks like a club that would work for a large variety of abilities. Excellent.” DM
    “The sound is really powerful and confidence inspiring and it is much more forgiving than it looks. Great for the mass market.” JoW
    “Neutral flight, forgiving and a great price point. This represents a giant leap from the Burner SuperFast range.” JaW
    DETAILS
    SRP: £249  LH? Yes 
    LOFTS: 9.5, 10.5 & 13º 
    STANDARD SHAFT: Matrix XCON
    STANDARD GRIP: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
    w: taylormadegolf.eu
    t: 08000 728 624

    Advertisement

    RECOMMENDED

    Callaway RAZR X Black
    WHAT WE THOUGHT
    “I don’t like the crown illustration but I do like the shape. My ball speeds were fast off this.” DM
    “You can tell it’s 46” – it feels very long. It comes off the face quickly but, for me, at the expense of accuracy.” JoW
    “This isn’t a game-improvement head to me. Easy to align and good components.”JaW
    DETAILS
    SRP: £229  LH? Yes 
    LOFTS: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 & 11.5º 
    SHAFT: Motore F8
    w: callawaygolf.com 
    t: 08000 964 591

    RECOMMENDED

    Cobra AMP
    WHAT WE THOUGHT
    “Launched very high with a lot of spin so is ideal if you have a slow swing speed and want to maximise hang-time. The shape is very nice.” JaW
    “It looks like a players’ club but plays like one made for an improver. Very impressive. Not much more you can ask for.” JoW
    DETAILS
    SRP: £259  LH? Yes 
    LOFTS: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 & 11.5º 
    SHAFT: Aldila RIP
    w: cobragolf.co.uk
    t: 084 512 378 628

    RECOMMENDED

    Cleveland CG Black
    WHAT WE THOUGHT
    “Very easy to hit. There’s no doubting it will help slow swingers improve their club speed. In the right hands this is a fantastic club.” JaW
    “Lightweight and closed so will help anyone who hits it short and right.” DM
    DETAILS
    SRP: £329  LH? Yes  
    LOFTS: 9, 10.5 & 12º
    SHAFT: Miyazaki C.Kua
    w: clevelandgolf.com

    ALSO TESTED

    Adams Speedline F12
    Mizuno JPX800
    Benross Quad Speed
    John Letters T9+
    Wilson Staff DXi SuperLight
    Yonex EZone SD
    MD Golf Superstrong ST2
    TaylorMade R11S

    DETAILS

    TEST DATE: February 2012
    TESTERS: James Whitaker (pro); Dan Murphy (3hcp); Joe Whitley (7hcp)
    TECHNOLOGY USED: TrackMan launch monitor, video software

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