EQUIPMENT
DRIVERS FOR THE NEW SEASON BY ED TRAVIS The California Golf + Travel staff spends a week each January attending the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla. in order to find the latest information about the equipment that will be in shops for the new season. Every major manufacturer is in attendance (with the exception this year of TaylorMade Golf) providing us with the opportunity to not only see and hit their clubs but also allowing us the chance to talk with top members of management and technical staff. Should you be looking to purchase a new driver and build a short list of models you are interested in here is a rundown worth considering. And as we “preach” every year the most important step to buying a driver is getting a professional club fitting. Tour Edge EXS 220 $350—Tour Edge continues to make top quality clubs at walletfriendly prices and the EXS 220 proves the case with a unique thin titanium face using 42 thick and thin diamond shapes for hotter response and a larger sweet spot plus 20% higher MOI than 2019 model. Head shape is slightly elongated and has three areas (crown, heel and toe) made of carbon fiber. A 9-gram rear sole weight is standard (3, 6, 11 and 14-gram optional) as is the adjustable hosel which gives +/- 2° from nominal loft. An internal sound diffusion bar builds confidence by improving impact sound.
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo $350— Cleveland’s Launcher HB Turbo gameimprovement driver has a variable thickness cup face that provides higher rebound values over a larger area. The head construction combines a fixed hosel saving the extra weight of an adjustable hosel and the HiBore stepped core to lower the center of gravity and move it towards the rear for improved launch. The sole has one nonadjustable weight pad of 35 grams. The counterbalanced Miyazaki C. Kua shaft allows MOI to be increased by adding mass to the clubhead. Draw model also available.
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MAR/APR 2020
California Golf + Travel
