This is the final part in our four part series on the new 2013 Drivers. As we touched on before, the year of 2013 has quickly become the year of the “new” club. With over 20 new drivers coming out in 2013, it is clear that this is one of the biggest years for new releases in golf history. With each company competing to put out the newest and best driver, it is a great time to be a golfer.
In Part One of our series, we looked at the Titleist 913D3, TaylorMade RocketBallz Stage 2, Wilson Staff D-100, Cleveland Classic XL and the Nike Covert Driver. In Part Two we looked at the new Ping Anser, Callaway X-Hot, Mizuno JPX-825, Tour Edge Exotics XCG6 and the Cobra AMP Cell drivers. In Part three of the series we looked at the Ping G25, TaylorMade R1, Callaway Razr Fit Xtreme and the Nike VR_S Covert Tour.
Click the link above to see parts one, two and three.
In our fourth and final issue we look at the Titleise 913D2, Adams Speedline LS and the Cleveland Classic XL Custom.
Thank you for checking out our look at the new drivers of 2013. Now go out and blast some down the fairways.
NOTE: There is no particular order or ranking to our series.
Titleist 913D2
For some reason many people think of Titleist and tradition which would be a correct assumption. They also assume that their line of clubs is only for the better player.
Not exactly true. The 913 D2 460 cc feels exceptional due to a forged face insert. They have also improved the cg location and have an additional rear weight added to lower spin, improve launch, and forgiveness . Titleist was the first to offer the independent loft/lie adjustment with surefit and it still stands up to anything on the market. Is it the longest driver this year? I will say that if you are properly fitted there is no way any club will be more than a few yards shorter or longer. They nailed the feel and acoustics paired with the traditional shape makes this driver a excellent option. I think the Diamana Blue and White are an excellent pick and will almost any golfer.
Recommended for: All levels of golfers can play this club. Even the lower handicap player could use this club due to it’s low spin.
Adams Speedline LS Driver
I had a bad start with Adams a few years ago with one of their drivers. It cracked and then the next one cracked… you get the picture. Well it’s 2013 and they are part of TMAG and have taken some cues on the quality control side, I hope. Was a huge fan of the Fast 12 LS and a bigger fan of the new Speedline LS for 2013. This driver really performs. It has very low spin and has just enough forgiveness (460cc) to keep you from being too far off line when struck off center. The only negative is the weight of their clubs. I can never manage to get where I am totally comfortable and they seem to feel like there is something missing, sort of hollow. Despite that the ball seems like it stays on the clubface a bit longer due to the speed slot and then just rockets off. It has eight different adjustments and loft goes from 8.5 to 10.5 with stock shaft being the Mitsubishi Kuro Kage.
Recommended for: High spin player to the better ball striker. Also for the guy who likes Taylormade tech, but refuses to play their driver.
Cleveland Classic XL Custom
Do not overlook this driver! I played the Cleveland Classic Tour some of last year and really felt confident in my driving for the first time in years. The new Classic XL Custom adds 12 different settings for face angle and flight while lowering the center of gravity deeper for a more penetrating trajectory. You also have a choice of four premium shafts that will fit pretty much any player along with an interchangeable weight system. This thing is deep! Not only does it have the deepest face in golf of any club it is made for distance too. If you ever fear hitting a pop up with your driver and leaving a mark, say hello to your new driver. The Cleveland XL Custom is very forgiving and gives off a nice metallic ping when struck that I really enjoy.
Recommended for: All golfers. So many options to choose from to fit your game and it’s the most confidence inspiring club at address on the market.
By Matt Delancey
There are some exciting things happening in the world of Drivers this year. Golf is just evolving too quickly. You spend a fortune on the latest driver, then they just launch an “upgrade” of your driver every few months. Bought an RBZ September last year, by Feb this year, RBZ Stage 2. Will there be a stage 3 in 6 months?