5 drivers that’ll help you increase launch | ClubTest 2023
PXG's 0211 can help induce a higher launch angle.
Ryan Barath/GOLF
Nearly every major equipment manufacturer has released their 2023 club lineup. Now the work begins. If you’re in the market for a new driver, consider this guide a roadmap to tracking some potential options to complement your game.
To be clear, the goal of this guide is to highlight clubs that do certain things well. We’re of the belief that golfers deliver the club differently, thereby making it impossible to claim any one club is the “best” for someone with a tendency to slice
But with the help of our robotic and player testing insights, we’re able to whittle down the field and provide some options to test. It’s up to you and a certified club-fitter to determine where you should go from there.
5 DRIVERS FOR EVERY PLAYER TYPE: 5 drivers to help you fade the ball | 5 drivers to help you correct a slice | 5 drivers to help you boost distance | 5 drivers to help you lower launch | 5 drivers to help you increase launch | 5 drivers with pinpoint accuracy | 5 drivers with a generous sweetspot | 5 drivers with a low spin rate | 5 drivers with a high spin rate
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Callaway Paradym X
Callaway Paradym X
The Paradym driver lineup — which comes in three models to help you find your best fit — incorporates proven technologies that Callaway has refined to blend greater forgiveness with more distance. The main attribute of the Paradym is the 360 Carbon Chassis that eliminates any titanium from the driver’s body to push mass to where it can best help the target player. Models include the Callaway Paradym, Callaway Paradym X and Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond.
READ FULL REVIEW | ROBOT INSIGHTS | PLAYER TESTING | MORE CALLAWAY CLUB REVIEWS
Cobra Aerojet Max
Cobra Aerojet Max
Well, if the name wasn’t already a dead giveaway, a key component of what makes the Aerojet faster is its new aerodynamic shaping which streamlines the front and rear of the club, along with the crown and sole to help the club head move through the air with the least possible resistance. Models include the Cobra Aerojet, Cobra Aerojet LS and Cobra Aerojet Max.
READ FULL REVIEW | ROBOT INSIGHTS | PLAYER TESTING | MORE COBRA CLUB REVIEWS
Mizuno ST-X 230
Mizuno ST-X 230
The key piece of technology across Mizuno’s ST230 line is the CORTECH Chamber, which is a high-density stainless-steel weight encased in elastomeric TPU on the sole. The TPU material fills a through slot in the sole behind the face to allow for greater flex and an expanded COR zone. The stainless steel weight serves a secondary purpose, by positioning more mass low and closer to the face to help increase energy transfer, launch, and lower spin, while the TPU Insert also provides acoustic tuning for a powerful impact sound. Models include the Mizuno ST-Z 230, Mizuno ST-X 230 and Mizuno ST-X PLTNM 230.
READ FULL REVIEW | PLAYER TESTING | MORE MIZUNO CLUB REVIEWS
Ping G430 SFT
Ping G430 SFT
Five months after Ping’s G430 took the PGA Tour by storm in Las Vegas, the driver lineup is officially coming to retail. As we’ve come to expect from Ping, all three drivers (G430 LST, G430 SFT and G430 Max) are plenty forgiving and boast a heaping helping of stability. But there’s more to G430 than pure stability. Ping engineers cranked up the speed with the help of a shallower and thinner VFT forged face designed with the same Spinsistency technology the equipment manufacturer first debuted in its fairway woods and hybrids. The complexly curved clubface features a modified roll profile with less loft on the lower portion to normalize spin and increase ball speed. Models include the Ping G430 Max, Ping G430 SFT and Ping G430 LST.
READ FULL REVIEW | ROBOT INSIGHTS | PLAYER TESTING | MORE PING CLUB REVIEWS
PXG 0211
PXG 0211
The new 0211 line of clubs continue to offer high-end technology but scales back on everything that many golfers aren’t looking for in the first place. The 0211 driver utilizes a premium 412 titanium face with a variable thickness design to improve ball speed on mishits. Models include the PXG 0311 Gen 5, PXG 0311 Gen5 XF and PXG 0211.
READ FULL REVIEW | ROBOT INSIGHTS | PLAYER TESTING | MORE PXG CLUB REVIEWS
Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out the Fully Equipped podcast below.
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