Pinemeadow Excel Lightning Driver

In these recessionary times, off-brand clubs are looking better and better. Unlike the cheap knockoffs you see in bargain stores and at disreputable golf shows, the Pinemeadow clubs I’ve bought are well constructed from quality materials. As a some-time clubmaker, I’ve been impressed with the little details, like the close fitting, turned ferrules, and perfectly aligned grips.

The difference in the price is not in materials or workmanship, but that they are design followers, not leaders. What Pinemeadow offers are last year’s designs.

But the prices! This square driver is stylistically out of date, but at $99, you can afford to play last year’s design. Constructed of 6/4 titanium, the square head is supposed to provide the maximum possible MOI, straightening out your drives. The big sweet spot also will maximize distance.  That’s why Nike, Callaway and others were touting the square design. If square worked a year and a half ago at $500, it works this season at $99.

ADAMS Speedline Fast10 Draw Driver

The new meme in golf is “speed.” Seemingly technologically tapped out with Moment of Inertia and Coefficient of Restitution, more and more companies this spring are telling us that more clubhead speed will give us more distance. And it should, ceteris paribus.

The Speedline is a good example of this new mindset. The key with this one is the aerodynamic shaping, including FEA (finite element method) simulation, CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis, wind tunnel testing and other things borrowed from the aerospace industry. It’s also weighted to encourage a draw (which in itself should get you an extra yard or two).

Adams claims up to 15 yards more than other drivers on the market. Hmmm.

MIZUNO MP-630 Fast Track Driver

With two adjustable 8-gram weights, the Mizuno MP-630 driver gives you forty five different settings. Not only can you adjust the left-right trajectory, but also the vertical trajectory by increasing or decreasing spin rate and launch angle.

The Mizuno MP-630 has a hot metal Ti-9 Titanium face that Mizuno says offers superior distance. Unlike some of the stranger designs out there, this one has a relatively traditional head.

Mizuno has a ball flight simulator on its site so you can see how the weights work.

But remember: its illegal to change a club during the course of a round. So you can’t adjust the trajectory to fit the shape of whatever hole you’re on.

I’m a bit skeptical of all of this adjustable club stuff, though, because I’m not sure how often you’ll use it. My favorite driver of all time is my R7 with an adjustable weight system. I monkeyed with it quite a bit the first few weeks I owned it, but then left the weights in place. I don’t even know where the wrench is at this point. I’m absolutely certain that I haven’t adjusted it in three seasons.

If you’re not going to adjust it constantly, I think a player would be better off getting a good driver clubfitting. You can then be assured of getting a driver attuned to your needs, without all of the self-medicating experimentation.

NIKE Victory Red Tour Driver

Designed for the better player, the Nike Victory Red Tour has a 460cc head in a more traditional pear shape. The big piece of technology is a “compression channel” running across the body, which is supposed to increase the overall rebound of the face.

With all of the bizarre shapes out there, its refershing to see a new club with a “traditional” shape. I’d also like to see one with a slightly smaller head.

I wonder if Tiger will be using a version of this when he returns.

TAYLORMADE Tour Burner Driver

Golfsmith is offering the Tour Burner Driver for just $149—$250 off list. This is one that I seriously considered buying when it was new. I really liked the way I hit it the couple of times I visited a TaylorMade Demo Day.