Golf drivers are a crucial part of a golfer’s equipment. They are designed to hit the ball farther and straighter, and with more accuracy. In recent years, golf drivers have undergone significant changes, with new technologies and materials being introduced to improve performance.
In 2017, several golf drivers were released, each with its unique features and benefits. If you’re in the market for a new golf driver, this guide will help you choose the best one for your game.
Top 2017 Golf Drivers
When it comes to selecting the best golf driver, there are many factors to consider. The top 5 golf drivers released in 2017 are:
1. TaylorMade M1 Driver
The TaylorMade M1 Driver is one of the most popular drivers on the market, and for a good reason. It features a carbon composite crown that is lighter than titanium, allowing for more weight to be distributed in the clubhead for better distance and forgiveness. The M1 also has a T-Track System that allows golfers to adjust the club’s center of gravity and loft, making it customizable to different swing styles.
2. Callaway GBB Epic Driver
The Callaway GBB Epic Driver has a unique design that incorporates a “Jailbreak” technology, which features two internal bars that connect the crown and sole of the club, providing more stability and power at impact. It also has a lightweight and adjustable hosel that allows golfers to fine-tune the club’s loft and lie angle.
3. Ping G400 Max Driver
The Ping G400 Max Driver has a larger clubhead than its predecessor, the G400, providing more forgiveness and a higher moment of inertia (MOI). It also features a new “Dragonfly” technology that adds stability and helps to increase clubhead speed.
4. Titleist 917 D2 Driver
The Titleist 917 D2 Driver has a classic design with modern technology. It features an adjustable SureFit CG weight system that allows golfers to move the center of gravity for better ball flight and spin. The 917 D2 also has a new Active Recoil Channel 2.0 that helps to reduce spin and increase ball speed.
5. Cobra King F7 Driver
The Cobra King F7 Driver has a unique design that incorporates a “Cobra Connect” technology, which allows golfers to track their performance through a smartphone app. It also has an adjustable weight system that allows golfers to fine-tune the club’s center of gravity and a lightweight carbon fiber crown that helps to increase clubhead speed.
When choosing a golf driver, it’s essential to consider your swing style and skill level. All these drivers are excellent choices, but one may be better suited to your game than others.
Technology and Innovation in 2017 Golf Drivers
The golf industry has been continuously evolving, with new technologies and materials being introduced to improve performance. In 2017, several golf drivers were released that incorporated innovative features to enhance their performance.
Carbon Composite Crown
One of the most significant innovations in golf drivers is the use of carbon composite crowns. This material is lighter than titanium, allowing for more weight to be distributed in the clubhead. This results in a larger sweet spot, more forgiveness, and better distance.
The TaylorMade M1 Driver and the Cobra King F7 Driver both incorporate carbon composite crowns, making them lighter and more forgiving.
Adjustable Weight Systems
Many of the 2017 golf drivers feature adjustable weight systems that allow golfers to fine-tune the club’s center of gravity. This technology helps to optimize ball flight and spin, resulting in better accuracy and distance.
The TaylorMade M1 Driver, Callaway GBB Epic Driver, and Titleist 917 D2 Driver all have adjustable weight systems that allow golfers to customize the club’s performance to their swing style.
By incorporating these innovative features, golf drivers have become more forgiving, more accurate, and more comfortable to hit. When choosing a golf driver, it’s essential to consider the technology and features that will best suit your game.
Technology and Innovation in 2017 Golf Drivers
Jailbreak Technology
Another innovative technology incorporated into golf drivers in 2017 is the Jailbreak Technology. The Callaway GBB Epic Driver is the first driver to feature this technology, which uses two internal bars that connect the crown and sole of the club. This design provides more stability and power at impact, resulting in faster ball speeds and better distance.
Dragonfly Technology
The Ping G400 Max Driver features the Dragonfly Technology, which uses an ultra-thin crown and skirt design to remove weight from the top of the clubhead. This technology helps to lower the center of gravity and increase the moment of inertia, resulting in more forgiveness and better ball speed.
These are just a few examples of the latest technology and features incorporated into 2017 golf drivers. By selecting a driver that incorporates these innovative features, golfers can improve their game and hit longer and straighter shots.
Performance and Testing of 2017 Golf Drivers
To evaluate the performance of 2017 golf drivers, several testing procedures were conducted. These tests measured the distance, accuracy, and forgiveness of each driver, comparing the results across different models and brands.
Distance
Distance is a crucial factor when choosing a golf driver. To measure distance, testers used a launch monitor to track the ball’s speed, launch angle, and spin rate. The TaylorMade M1 Driver and the Callaway GBB Epic Driver both performed well, with testers reporting an average of 7-10 yards longer than other drivers.
Accuracy
Accuracy is another important factor when choosing a golf driver. Testers used a dispersion test to measure the driver’s consistency and accuracy. The Titleist 917 D2 Driver and the Ping G400 Max Driver both performed well in this test, with testers reporting a tight dispersion pattern and high accuracy.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the driver’s ability to minimize the effects of off-center hits. Testers used a mishit test to evaluate forgiveness, measuring the distance and accuracy of shots hit off-center. The Cobra King F7 Driver and the TaylorMade M1 Driver both performed well in this test, with testers reporting minimal distance loss and high accuracy on off-center hits.
Overall, each 2017 golf driver performed well in different aspects of performance. When choosing a golf driver, it’s essential to consider which factors are most important to your game and select a driver that performs well in those areas.
Price and Value of 2017 Golf Drivers
The cost of a golf driver can vary significantly, depending on various factors such as brand, technology, materials used, and customization options. The average price of a 2017 golf driver ranges from $300 to $500.
Brand name plays a significant role in the price of a golf driver. More established and reputable brands tend to be more expensive than lesser-known brands. The Callaway GBB Epic Driver and the TaylorMade M1 Driver are two of the most expensive drivers on the market due to their popularity and reputation.
Technology also affects the price of a golf driver. Drivers that incorporate new and innovative technologies tend to be more expensive. The Titleist 917 D2 Driver and the Ping G400 Max Driver are two examples of drivers with advanced technology that come with a higher price tag.
Finally, customization options also affect the price of a golf driver. Drivers that offer more adjustability options tend to be more expensive than those with fewer options. The TaylorMade M1 Driver is a prime example of a driver with extensive customization options, making it one of the most expensive drivers on the market.
When choosing a golf driver, it’s essential to consider the value for money. While some drivers may be expensive, they may not necessarily offer the best value for money. Golfers should consider their skill level, swing style, and budget when selecting a driver.
For budget-conscious golfers, the Cobra King F7 Driver is an excellent option. It incorporates innovative technology, such as the “Cobra Connect” feature, at an affordable price point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right golf driver can significantly impact your game, and 2017 saw the release of several models with advanced technology and features. The TaylorMade M1 Driver, Callaway GBB Epic Driver, Ping G400 Max Driver, Titleist 917 D2 Driver, and Cobra King F7 Driver are all excellent options, each with unique features and benefits.
When selecting a golf driver, it’s essential to consider your swing style, skill level, and budget. The right driver can help you hit the ball farther, straighter, and with more accuracy, while the wrong one can hinder your performance.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the different factors to consider when choosing a golf driver and provided you with valuable insights into the top 2017 golf drivers. Remember to choose wisely and share your experiences with others.
