Game-improvement drivers: OUR VERDICT

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

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

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

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