TaylorMade Jetspeed
According to research conducted by TaylorMade, 72 per cent of all golf shots are struck below the centre of the clubface. This is a good thing when hitting wedges, but a liability when striking drives. So-called ‘thin” shots generate too much spin and “cause the ball to fly too high and land too short,” according to the company’s Senior Director of Metalwood Creation, Brian Bazzel. But there is hope, at least if you believe the, well, spin about the company’s new line of JetSpeed metalwoods. The addition of a Speed Pocket (a hollow slot behind the face that produces greater clubface flexibility and faster ballspeeds) helps to minimize spin on shots hit below the centre of the face.
Like most new drivers this year, the JetSpeed, which comes in three different lofts, is adjustable. TaylorMade’s Loft Sleeve Technology gives players the option of adjusting the loft 1.5° up or down. In addition to the drivers, the Jetspeed metalwood lineup includes Rescues (four lofts) and Fairway Woods (five lofts). Prices for the collection range from HK$2,050-4,280. www.taylormadegolf.com
PING i25
Since the advent of adjustable drivers (made adjustable by a separate shaft and clubhead), manufacturers have struggled to keep the club’s swing weight consistent. PING has addressed this issue with a variety of shaft offerings that accompany their latest offering, the i25. The shafts can be matched to individual golfers by their weight and flex, thus fitting the motion of the swing and desired shot shape. “With adjustable clubs, fitting for shaft weight has been limited because of its effect on swingweight,” says PING Chairman and CEO John A. Solheim. “The PWR series [Performance-Weighting-Responsiveness] overcomes that by varying the CG location of the different weights so we can offer options that optimize ball flight while providing a better-feeling, more responsive shaft.”
Put simply, golfers of all abilities can now find a consistently weighted club that fits their desired shot shape. Another standout feature of the i25s is a golf ball-wide racing stripe on the crown that helps players better align their shots. The 45.25 inch/460cc clubhead comes in three adjustable loft offerings. From HK$3,400. www.ping.com
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