The Longest Driver of 2018

Golfers just love testing new drivers to discover how the latest technology will perform in their hands.

And when a golfer says they are going to ‘test a driver’, it usually means they are going to try to ‘smash the ball into tomorrow' to see how far it goes.

Now, the current crop of drivers are all rather brilliant and it usually comes down to a golfer's individual preference and unique swing characteristics when determining the best driver for them.

But as most keen observers will note, there is no-one more qualified to ‘smash the ball into tomorrow' than GolfBox reviewer and resident bomber Alex Etches.

See which driver is the most lethal in his hands.

UPDATE: Unfortunately the above video was flagged by YouTube due to copyright infringement on the music and was removed.

THE REVIEW:

Alex performed the on-course review of the five drivers using a Hzrdus yellow 6.5 shafts, all in 8.5 degree loft with 5 shots each using Bridgestone Tour-B XS balls.

THE RESULTS:

• Titleist and Rogue SZ = landed shortest
• Cobra F8+ = about 3 metres longer
• Mizuno ST180 = about 4.5 metres longer
• TaylorMade M3 = about 9 metres longer, than the shortest driver

THE WINNER: TaylorMade M3

Below is a quick recap of each driver featured in the above ‘Longest Driver of 2018’ review.

Mizuno ST180 Driver

The Mizuno ST180 Driver offers a new Wave Technology that enables the face to flex back and forward, producing increased ball speeds and limiting the backspin rate for a more penetrating ball flight.

Weight saving has been achieved by installing a new Waffle Speed Crown, which enables unwanted weight to be repositioned low and forward in the head for optimum launch and spin.

A Forged, SP700 Titanium Face offers a multi-thickness design, capable of improving ball speeds from mishits on the face.

• An Amplified Wave Sole contracts and expands to reduce spin rates whilst increasing ball speeds.
• A new Waffle Crown allows for weight to be redistributed low and forward within the driver head
• Forged SP700 Ti Face is a multi-thickness design that improves ball speed from all strike locations. 

Titleist 917D3 Driver

The Titleist 917D3 provides increased speed for more distance and the capability for precise adjustability so players can get the most out of every drive.

Faster ball speeds

Off-center provide more distance, more often, delivering superior forgiveness.

• Adjustability - Through industry leading SureFit® CG and SureFit® Hosel provide the best possible fit for every golfer of any skill level.
• Sound and acoustic - Frequencies have been Tour validated to inspire confidence and enhance feel.
• Trajectory and shot shape - Customization provide golfers a more consistent and repeatable shot from the tee.

Cobra King F8+ Driver

The Cobra F8+ is specifically engineered with the tour player in mind. It features the all new CNC Milled Face which is multi-directional, helping to achieve tighter dispersions and improve bulge and roll curvatures.

A New 360 Aero package enables airflow to pass the driver, limiting drag and prevent loss in clubhead speed. This has been achieved by installing a lightweight polymer on the front of the sole and crown.

The F8+ features a shallower head profile that encourages workability and will be aesthetically pleasing to the better player.

Two weights positioned on the sole of the driver can be moved to fine tune ball slight characteristics. A 12g and a 2g can be switched depending on the players preference. The 12g weight at the front will push the CG forward for a more penetrating ball flight, as the 12g weight positioned in the back position will create a more towering ball flight with increased spin.

Cobra Connect - Powered by Arccos, enables golfers to track their round stats as well as analysing post round numbers on the Cobra Connect App. 

Callaway Rogue Sub Zero Driver

The Callaway Rogue Sub Zero is targeting the golfer that requires less backspin, the Rogue Sub Zero driver features more ball speed than the Epic model due to the inclusion of the all new ‘Jailbreak Effect’ and X-Face VFT Technology.

Fine tuning is made possible with the inclusion of two interchangeable weights. These changes effect the spine and trajectory which will appeal to the better player.

Callaway have confidently stated that this Rogue Sub Zero is the “Longest, most forgiving ultra-low spin driver on the market” making this a serious contender for 2018.

• Exceptional Ball Speed from the Jailbreak Effect
• More MOI and Lower Spin from a Triaxial Carbon Crown
• Interchangeable Weights for Increased Spin and Trajectory Control
• Industry-leading Boeing Aero Package
• Premium Shaft Selection at Multiple Weights

TaylorMade M3 Driver (460)

The TailorMade M3 comes with new TWIST FACE technology that is a radical departure from traditional driver-face design, Twist Face is engineered to take you farther and straighter… right down the center of the fairway. 

Twist Face presents a revolutionary new face curvature with a corrective face angle on off-center hits, engineered to reduce side spin and deliver straighter shots. 

By providing more loft in the high-toe and less loft in the low-heel, this groundbreaking technology produces more consistent side spin in the areas where golfers commonly mis-hit.

Hammerhead Slot

TaylorMade’s new Hammerhead slot creates a massive sweet spot that pushes the limit of ballspeed to produce distance and forgiveness across the entire face. 

The reinforced outer portions of the slot allow for a lighter, more flexible face, while the center portion of the slot increases ballspeed on low-face strikes and drops spin for more distance. The result is a powerful and forgiving driver that delivers exceptional sound and feel.

Y-Track

The M3 driver features a new Y-Track, which offers two seamlessly movable weights, allowing golfers to adjust their settings for optimal trajectory, maximum forgiveness, or raw speed. Simple and intuitive, the Y-Track delivers a completely connected track system for the first time, giving golfers unrestricted movement of 22g of mass (two 11g weights). 

“From the creation of the first metalwood in 1979, TaylorMade has established a legacy of breaking from tradition to reach new thresholds of performance. In 2018, we have once again uncovered a new frontier of driving potential with Twist Face technology—a radical departure from traditional driver-face design, engineered to correct for inherent human swing tendencies in real-time, giving golfers a tangible competitive advantage. Combining our new Y-Track and Hammerhead Slot, the new M3 driver offers our most technologically advanced driver ever."