Big Driver Test 2007

Srixon Z-Ti

The Z-Ti sat the most upright of all the drivers on test, promoting very high hands at address which will encourage golfers who normally slice the ball to hit it straight, or with a draw.


In the hands of an experienced player such as our professionals however, it was almost unplayable - causing them to hit blocks and hooks, and loose distance. This is obviously not a club for the low handicap golfer as it stands. This is a pity, as the lie angle is the only real negative found in a cosmetically attractive club, with a shaft that is better than the majority of off-the-shelf drivers.

For the player in the high handicap category, there are better alternatives available, and for those in the mid handicap category the lie angle alone makes it unsuitable for players aiming to improve their game.

Perhaps the introduction of their new W-506 which Srixon claims has a lie angle of 57.5 degrees will pave the way forward.

For
➲ Good cosmetics
➲ Solid feel
➲ Good shaft

Against
➲ Lie Angle ridiculously upright

Conclusion
No other driver on test proved the effects more of putting an upright club in the hands of a good player. Let’s hope the new W-506 has truly addressed this problem.

KZG Gemini II 460

KZG claim that the Gemini II uses a revolutionary twin-face technology, which gives it unbeatable accuracy and forgiveness. At impact, the second titanium plate behind the hitting surface helps transmit energy to the perimeter of the clubface. The result is an effective sweet-spot literally spanning the entire face of the club, making off-center shots fly further and straighter than ever before.


At address the Gemini II actually sits as flat as any of the clubs on test, and is quite traditional in appearance despite all the technology inside.

Performance was good, and as claimed, very forgiving on offcenter hits. Fitted with a top of the range shaft, feel and sound were also very pleasing.

This driver will certainly appeal to accomplished golfers, and those who aren’t necessarily looking for a driver from the big name manufacturers. Not one to be overlooked, the Gemini II comes highly recommended.

For
➲ Excellent feel and sound
➲ Very forgiving
➲ Novel technology

Against
➲ May look too traditional for some

Conclusion
With solid performance and forgiveness, it would be a shame for golfers to miss out on this driver simply because it isn’t from a big name manufacturer. Highly recommended.

TaylorMade Burner

The Burner is TaylorMade’s modern interpretation of a driver. Visually it has a lot of fun about it, but is not necessarily one for the purists. The length of the clubhead from front to back promotes a great deal of confidence.


In the standard set-up there are a variety of shaft and lofts available to choose from, but all have a closed face which will put the better golfer off. There is a TP version with a 1° open clubface to suit the lower handicap player, but TaylorMade’s lack of options on lie angle are a disappointment given that it is fixed at 59°.

The club performed extremely well, with good results from off center hits, and a lot of carry. Feel was also excellent.

This was a popular club for our testers and certainly had that ‘onemore- go’ appeal. Perhaps a little cheap looking for some golfer’s tastes, this is a ‘grip-it-and-rip-it’ club in every sense of the phrase. And that is surely going to convince a great many golfers out there!

For
➲ Confidence inspiring looks
➲ Excellent performance

Against
➲ Standard shaft a bit too long
➲ Sits quite upright and closed

Conclusion
An exciting driver that will appeal to golfers who want to ‘grip-it-and-rip-it’. Recommended.

Callaway Fusion FT-i

The FT-i came as a big shock to all of the testers, in that its quirky looks defy the clubs excellent performance. In fact the club does not appear to be so large or square at address, featuring a tapered shape from front to back which aids the player in their alignment.


The shape of the head also helps to encourage the player to take the club away on the right path, leading to a solid swing plane and the correct positions at the top. The clubface sits well, without being so visible as to be distracting, and gives both excellent feel and sound on impact. The only downside is that the shaft might be a little long for some, but with numerous options available the FT-i is more than capable of appealing to players of all handicap categories.

Regardless of any preconceived notions you might have about where Callaway are taking club design, we would recommend that players of all levels take the opportunity to demo this driver. And for that reason, it receives a very special ‘Editor’s Choice’ award.

For
➲ Innovative clubhead shape works
➲ Good lie angle
➲ Great sound and feel

Against
➲ Standard shaft a bit too long
➲ Shape will not appeal to all

Conclusion
The design of this driver is a brave step by the manufacturer, but is more than justified by it’s outstanding performance. Highly recommended.