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The latest driver to hit the shelves this year was the Titleist GT, and it's certainly made an impression on tour. But how does it compare to the other big names in the driver category?
We put the Titleist GT up against the Callaway Ai Smoke and the TaylorMade Qi10 to see how they stack up.
PROS
- All-new Seamless Thermoform Crown comprised of a new Proprietary Matrix Polymer to save weight
- Refined aerodynamics increase clubhead speed
- New Speed Ring and VFT face design contributes to faster ball speed on centre and off-centre strikes
- Three models to choose from, so you're bound to get something that suits you
CONS
- Does this mean we need to get rid of our Titleist TSR driver?!
The Titleist GT driver stands out this year for a number of reasons, but one of the main factors is it’s not a full titanium construction. That's a first for the brand, and it can help you hit better shots, too.
The Titleist GT drivers feature an all-new Seamless Thermoform Crown comprised of a new Proprietary Matrix Polymer, known as PMP for short. This unique, ultra-light material allows weight to be saved and discretionary mass to be placed in the optimal positions for each model, providing exceptional speed and stability with the GT’s Split Mass Construction.
As you can see, the GT maintains the classic Titleist driver look with a clean transition between the crown and the titanium body. The acoustic properties of the Proprietary Matrix Polymer preserve a player-preferred sound and feel. Refined aerodynamics increase clubhead speed, and a new Speed Ring and VFT face design contributes to faster ball speed on centre and off-centre strikes.
There are three models in the range, the GT2, GT3 and GT4. There is an option in there for the majority of golfers offering distance, consistency, forgiveness and speed.
FULL REVIEW - TITLEIST GT
PROS
- Ai Smart Face delivers faster speeds and consistency especially on mishits
- The 360 Carbon Chassis has been redefined, saving that weight and being able to reposition it to maximise performance
- Developed using real player data, so it's better for those of us who mishit drives
- Four models to choose from, so there's something for everyone
CONS
- The colours might not be for everyone, but you won't care about that when your ball is flying down the fairway
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke range has been very popular with everyday golfers and those plying their trade in the pro ranks.
Callaway's Ai Smart Face technology delivers a new level of forgiveness across the clubface acting as mini sweet spots so when you have those off centre strikes you’ll still see impressive ball speed, distance and consistency. The 360 Carbon Chassis has been redefined and is now lighter. That weight which has been saved can now be repositioned across the head of the driver, allowing for a more forgiving performance. It also has a raw carbon gloss finish on the crown which looks very slick at address.
With this range, you have a few differences in head options. There's the Triple Diamond, Max, Max D Triple Diamond Max. There is an option for every golfer, offering the right amount of forgiveness, consistency, distance and speed.
FULL REVIEW - CALLAWAY PARADYM AI SMOKE
PROS
- Carbon Twist Face technology delivers straighter drives on mishits
- The range features a 10K MOI model, TaylorMade's most forgiving driver to date
- 97% carbon driver head allows weight to be better distributed around the head
- New ledge design that houses the face which helps to maintain and transfer energy for better speed off the face
CONS
- You'll not be able to work on punching out from the trees anymore
Another popular driver on tour, the TaylorMade Qi10 has found its way into the bags of many of the world's best, including Rory McIlory and Scottie Scheffler.
Firstly, this driver's big selling point is the fact that it is extremely forgiving. The Max model features 10,000 MOI, which is the most forgiving driver that TaylorMade has ever made. A big increase in carbon on the crown makes it 97%, which allows weight to be better distributed around the head. This has allowed TaylorMade to lower the centre of gravity in this driver head, which helps to increase launch and ultimately increase distance off the tee.
Internally, there is a new ledge design that houses the face in a position that flexes on impact, which helps to maintain and transfer energy for better speed off the face.
Again, with three head options to choose from there is an option for any golfer. The Max, which caters for a huge range of golfers, including one of the world's best golfers in Nelly Korda, is a big hit.
FULL REVIEW - TAYLORMADE QI10
Titleist v Callaway v TaylorMade drivers - The Conclusion
Firstly, the new Titleist GT driver is impressive. It’s more forgiving with the new enhanced Speed Ring and VFT Face. Not only that, but the sweet spot is bigger, so you see great speed on off-centre hits.
When you compare that to the Ai Smart Face of the Callaway Ai Smoke and the Carbon Twist Face of the TaylorMade Qi10, there is similarities, but the Titleist GT’s speeds on the mishits and distance is very consistent.
Between the Titleist GT and the Callaway Ai Smoke, things are pretty close, as they are both fast off the face and mishits, but the Titleist just edges it on distance. The TaylorMade Qi10 is long and with the twist face tech the carbon face delivers a tight dispersion but the distances can vary a little. To me, it's just not quite as consistent as the Titleist.
When it comes to looks, as ever, it all comes down to personal preference. You have two sleek gloss finishes in the Titleist and TaylorMade and a raw carbon gloss finish in the Callaway, which all look great at address.
The biggest standout with the Titleist GT driver is the consistency on the off-centre strikes. It’s one of the fastest drivers on the market and offers incredible forgiveness, feel and distance. Titleist has come to play with its new driver offering and it’s clear with its added forgiveness and new crown design, it delivers the feel, consistency and distance we all want.
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How we picked
Performance Consistency
We meticulously evaluated each piece of equipment's performance across a number of variables.
Forgiveness and Playability
With golf clubs, our assessment always considered the versatility and forgiveness levels, especially on off-centre strikes.
Innovative Technology
We scrutinise the incorporation of innovative technology in each piece of equipment we review.
Customisation
We consider factors like adjustable features and customisation options available to the buyer.
ALL ABOUT THE OPEN
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