MyGolfSpy's 2013 ULTIMATE Driver Test

[Tony Covey MGS]

 

 

MyGolfSpy's 2013 Ultimate Driver Test (Coming Soon)

Attention Fellow Golf Spys: This is happening!

 

 

Although we've been hinting at...and discussing in another thread, consider this the semi-Official Announcement that MyGolfSpy will be putting the hottest drivers of 2013 to the test, and head to head (providing a given manufacturer is willing to send them).

 

We're not spilling all the beans yet, but what I can say is that this will be the most intensive, and extensive test we've conducted to date. I will eventually provide more information on both the testing procedures and scoring.

 

Here's an excerpt from the invitation I sent to each OEM (slightly modified based on the current product offerings):

 

 

On behalf of MyGolfSpy I would like to extend and invitation for Company Name to participate in our 2013 Driver Test. We fully expect that this test will be the most comprehensive, data-driven club test conducted by anyone this season.

 

Our test panel consists of 6 golfers of differing ability levels. Launch monitor testing will take place over several days with each tester hitting each driver on multiple occasions.

 

Each participating manufacturer is invited to send 1 model of your choosing from the current product lineup. Pro/Tour heads from the same series will be considered to be of the same model.

 

To participate in our test we ask that you provide drivers with the following specifications:

 

7.5°-8.5° (8.5° preferred) X-Flex - Pro/Tour Head where applicable

9.0°-9.5° (9.5° preferred) S-Flex - Pro/Tour Head where applicable

9.0°-9.5° (9.5° preferred) S-Flex - Standard Head (disregard if no pro/tour option exists)

10°-10.5° (10.5° preferred) R-Flex

11°+ (12° preferred) R-Flex

 

Drivers should be of standard length and configured with "stock shafts" (any configuration available for off-the-rack retail purchase is acceptable).

 

Where multiple stock shaft options are available, we'll be happy to make recommendations based on our previous experience with our testers.

The invitation has been sent to 17 different manufacturers (the last few went out only moments ago). At this point we're not disclosing any more than we already have about who has been asked to participate. I'm sure you can make an educated guess here or there.

 

Although invitations were sent less than 24 hours ago, we've already received responses from 7 manufacturers, and each of those has agreed to participate.

 

As GolfSpy Matt and I are fond of saying, there's BS and then there is product in hand. Until it's the latter, it's the former. Point is...not everyone always sends what they say they will. To that end, as I did with the Ultimate Fairway Wood test, I will reveal the participants as the product arrives for testing.

 

Stay Tuned...and as always, feel free to ask any questions you may have.

[Matt Saternus]

Everyone who is excited about this test should start sending T boxes full of aspirin and/or his adult beverage of choice. Massive headache does not begin to describe what this test is going to be.

[whiskey golf]

This sounds like an awesome test but good luck with all that hitting.

[Walkerjames]

I can't wait!

[ANGRYGOLFHULK]

good luck to everyone who ia chosen...get those swings in shape!!!!!

[The Dansome]

Video documenting this experience could be gold. Thanks for going through all this for little old us guys.

[SPY ZINGER]

Equipment journalists have it easy, the launch monitors tell the story. It's hard work looking good enough to wear products you test. But that aside, I can't wait to see this one!!

 

An endeavor like this takes a considerable amount of work and coordination. I look forward to the results and thanks for putting this together.

[BK in TEXAS]

An endeavor like this takes a considerable amount of work and coordination. I look forward to the results and thanks for putting this together.

X2 Well said.

[Blade]

Are ya done yet? Are ya done yet? Huh? Huh?

[Blade]

Just kidding. Really looking forward to this one. You're setting a pretty high bar for sure this time!

[SPY ZINGER]

I predict RAZR Fit X to be the lowest spin but the Covert will be the most desirable among testers.

 

Edit: That's if Callaway sends it, but I digress.

[RookieBlue7]

I predict the Covert Tour to be lower spinning than any driver that's tested (least that's my results from all of the ones I've hit thus far. That sucker goes low and spins even less).

[Will Par]

Seventeen manufacturers, multiple drivers with different lofts and shafts, six testers, launch monitor data... That's going to be one very large spreadsheet. Good Luck. I can't wait to see the results.

[Tony Covey MGS]

Heard back from another company today, bringing the total commitments to 8. A few of the bigger names and a few smaller ones as well still out in the wind. My guess is we won't get all 17, but I believe 12-14 is where we'll shake out. My guess is that despite all the talk about "driver x" being as good or better than anything else on the market, there are some, when asked to step up and give us the opportunity to prove it, will likely pass.

[The Dansome]

12-14 would still be quite impressive. Hell I can live with 8!

[Tony Covey MGS]

Commitment total holding at 8. Of the 9 that remain:

 

I'm 99.9% one of them is a go.

Guarded but optimistic on 3 others.

One we've never worked with before, so I have no idea.

One I'm...let's call it 95% certain won't participate, but I'm hopeful nonetheless

2 I'm 99.9% certain won't participate

and finally, one I'm feeling 80% good about.

 

Updates to follow...

[Tony Covey MGS]

And Now...the 1st Confirmed Entry in MyGolfSpy's 2013 ULTIMATE Driver Test...

 

No big surprise, and don't hold the reuse of pictures against me...

 

Nike VR_S Covert

[ANGRYGOLFHULK]

sweet

[Tony Covey MGS]

And Now...the 2nd Confirmed Entry in MyGolfSpy's 2013 ULTIMATE Driver Test..

 

Mizuno JPX-825 Driver

[Tony Covey MGS]

The latest count is 9 confirmed (pending arrival of clubs). There are 3 more that I would list as probable, but not 100%.

 

There is one company for which I would describe the status as: "discussion pending"

 

 

At this point I have ZERO explicit "Declined to Participate", however; as of this writing 4 companies have yet to reply to the invitation.