Big Driver Test 2007

The Test

The primary objective of the test is to remove the confusion surrounding drivers, and to identify what type of golfer each are suited to: Low, Mid or High handicap. Rather than give a number to define these categories, there is a short description of the type of player each might be. The most favoured driver in each category has been given our ‘Best On Test’ seal of approval, though others may also come Highly Recommended. It is important to choose a driver based on your golfing ability and your desire to improve, as selecting the wrong club can have a negative impact on your game - always seek advice from your local PGA professional. Note: Some drivers offer various configurations, and may therefore be able to cover multiple categories.

Cleveland Hi-Bore XL

Though not as extreme visually as the square Nike, the Hi-Bore XL is anything but a conventional looking driver. A large scoop has been taken out of the top and back of the clubhead giving it a quite unique appearance that has a certain appeal, and which claims to help on off-center hits.


Initial comments were that it did not feel anywhere near as forgiving as it’s radical shape might suggest. Anything hit low on the face felt dead, and had an entirely different sound to a shot struck off the top of the face, though it was easy to get the ball up in the air which will certainly help the high handicap player.

Overall our pros were unconvinced by the Cleveland, describing it as lacking a feeling of power. It sets up reasonably, and could well find some loyal friends amongst golfers who normally slice the ball.

There is a Tour Spec version available with a 3° open clubface and toe-biased internal weighting designed for the better player.

For
➲ Easy to get the ball up in the air
➲ Looks will appeal to some

Against
➲ Mishit shots don’t sound good
➲ Lacking a feel of power

Conclusion
Other than the looks, which are certainly different, there is little to make this driver stand out from the pack.

Nike Golf SasQuatch Sumo2

The Nike is most likely to appeal to a higher handicap player due to the large clubface and deep clubhead which promote confidence at address, but this driver divided the panel more than any other on test.


The two major problems picked up on were that the head is extremely square, which is visually off-putting and doesn’t convince the better player that the head and shaft will be in line at impact. Also the top of the head is grey in colour, drawing the eye towards it rather than the ball.

Mix into the equation the rather shocking and extremely loud sound the club makes when the ball is hit and things aren’t looking or sounding too good.

However the panel agreed that it was a fairly forgiving club, even though it was felt that anything struck on the lower half of the clubface didn’t fly. If you are new to golf, you may be able to overcome the faults of the Sumo2, but this is not a driver for accomplished golfers (which is also reflected in the upright lie angle).

For
➲ Reasonably forgiving

Against
➲ The loudest driver on test
➲ Clubhead very distracting

Conclusion
A brave attempt to bring something new to the market, the Sumo2 will have very limited appeal to golfers other than real beginners.

Cobra Speed LD

The Cobra range is quite large and complex, but does allow for a multitude of options. The Speed LD version tested sits quite upright and closed, which makes it more suited to our high handicap category. (The Pro versions sit more open at address, and have a slightly flatter lie angle.)


This is an attractive looking club, with a large face and big, deep confidence inspiring clubhead, whilst the black colouring on top of the head helps to make it appear smaller than it really is.

The Cleveland, Nike and Cobra all have quite extreme shaped clubheads and a large clubface, presumably in the quest to produce maximum forgiveness on off-center hits. A common problem with the large face is a less solid feel at impact, but in this respect the Cobra performed better than its rivals.

Like the Nike this has a very loud sound when the ball is hit which could put some off. Regardless, it wins the high handicap category on the strength of feel, looks and solid performance.

For
➲ More forgiving than its peers
➲ Good performance
➲ Attractive clubhead design

Against
➲ Sound could put many off

Conclusion
Far and away the best driver we’ve put into the high handicap category, so long as you can live with the noise.