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TaylorMade Burner SuperFast TP Driver

by James on September 28, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Drivers, Manufacturers, TaylorMade with No comments
The TaylorMade Burner SuperFast TP Driver

The TaylorMade Burner SuperFast TP Driver

Besides being one of the ‘sexiest’ looking drivers to come out of TaylorMade‘s workshop in recent memory, the Burner SuperFast TP Driver also features a lot of brawn to go along with its beauty.

First off is the aerodynamic head shape. TaylorMade promises that the shape will help you get the club through the air faster during your backswing and downswing, therefore increasing your clubhead speed… which translates to more distance. If you’ve seen the TV commercials, TaylorMade is all about pushing how ‘Fast’ the driver is. Guess that’s why they named it the ‘SuperFast’. Makes sense.

The clubhead itself is maxed out at 460cc’s, and features a dual crown to promote a higher flight. If you prefer to keep the ball low, or like to see a more boring trajectory, the R9 is probably a wiser choice. Not only will the R9 come off lower off the clubface, but if you don’t like the launch angle or trajectory, you can always tweak up the loft and face angle.

Finally, the Burner SuperFast TP Driver comes stock with a Matrix HD6 65 gram shaft for optimal trajectory and of course, ball speed off the clubface.

8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 degree options are available on all right-hand models… But sadly, only the 9.5 degree model of the SuperFast TP is available for lefties. That is, off the shelf anyway… 🙂

For more information on the Burner SuperFast TP Driver, or any other club in TaylorMade‘s lineup, you can check out their website at TaylorMadeGolf.com.

Cobra S2 Driver Photo Gallery

by James on September 28, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers, Manufacturers with 2 Comments
The Cobra S2 Driver

As you may have noticed, I recently posted my first impressions of the Cobra S2 Driver. So far so good with the S2, and for the moment I’m quite content to keep this bad boy in the bag.

You’ll want to stay tuned here at GolfCrunch for a more thorough review of the S2, but until then I’ve posted a few photos for your review below. I think you’ll find the Cobra S2 is not only a powerful and forgiving driver with great feel… but the darn thing looks mighty nice as well. Enjoy.

The Cobra S2 Driver

The Cobra S2 Driver at address

Face of the Cobra S2 Driver

Sole of the Cobra S2 Driver

Stylish Cobra S2 Headcover

The Cobra S2 Driver and Headcover

The Axis1 Eagle Putter: Engineered to Turn Heads (and Sink Putts!)

by James on September 28, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Putters with No comments
The Axis1 Eagle Putter

The Axis1 Eagle Putter

Dubbed ‘Best in Show’ by Sports Illustrated (Golf Edition), ‘Best new golf product’ by Golf.com, ‘Most innovative club’ by the PGA Show and ‘Most innovative putter’ by MyGolfSpy, the Axis1 Eagle Putter is an innovation in putter design that will make your head turn… and perhaps sink a few putts too.

Created by Luis Pedraza, the Axis1 Eagle putter is noted to be the first 100% perfectly balanced putter. The uniquely designed hosel and clubhead give the club perfect balance, which, in theory, should result in more on-line putts because your putter won’t naturally open up. The face will want to stay square to the target line throughout your entire stroke. Interesting.

Axis1 Eagle Putter

The club itself is made from 17-4PH stainless steel, and features a copper insert for a soft feel off the clubface. Stainless steel counterweight screws are also inserted in the putter before it comes off the assembly line. The counterweights used precisely balance the putter, which, in the end offers up a 0 putter torque rating. Twisting and turning when you strike the ball? Not with the Axis1 Eagle Putter!

I have to say, I’m VERY intrigued about the Axis1 Eagle Putter. I’m not quite sure how I stumbled across it, but I’m glad I did. To the folks at Axis1, expect an email from me in short order. I’d love to get my hands on this one to give it some thorough testing on the greens. When it comes to putting and the technology imparted to help improve our games… I’m open to anything!

Stay tuned for more…

Jim Furyk Wields a used Yes! Sophia Putter to Win at Tour Championship

by James on September 27, 2010 in News, Golf Equipment, Manufacturers, More..., Putters, Yes! with No comments
The Yes! Sophia Putter

The Yes! Sophia Putter

So what was that mystery putter, anyway? I could see the traditional yellow, white and black grip on the putter, so I could tell it was a Yes! putter. But just what model was it that Jim Furyk had in the bag this weekend at the Tour Championship? After some quick sleuthing, I came away with the knowledge that it was a Yes! Sophia putter, and a model that Furyk had picked up in used condition at Joe & Leigh’s Discount Golf Pro Shop in Massachusetts. An interesting story, for sure.

When asked about the new flatstick, Furyk commented:

“It was used. It was a used putter. It’s got a nick on the back flange, it’s got a little ding in the top line. I never loft and lied it which is rare for me because I’ve always got my putters on a loft-lie machine at home, and the way the grip is on it, it might be slightly off center but that’s kind of how I like it anyway. I guess we were meant to be, who knows.”

I have a number of used clubs in the bag as well… I’m glad to see professionals taking to the used scene as well. Used doesn’t always mean abused, there’s still plenty of life in many clubs out there if you give them a chance! Furyk went on to explain further:

“They had some that were bigger, more like a mallet head that were heel shafted, kind of like Faldo used to putt with in his heyday, but they had lines on them, and I wanted something without a line. I just wanted it as simple as it could be, heel shafted. It was the only one in the shop of about 300 putters. At the time I didn’t think it was all the that pretty to be honest with you, but it’s getting a lot better looking every day.”

Very cool indeed. I love the classic look of the Yes! Sophia, reminds me very much of the Wilson 8802. Timeless.

Yes! Putters have a few other similar models up for grabs as well… that is, if blades are your thing. In addition to the Sophia, there’s the Mollie and Morgan. Both are inspired by classic designs… and both feature Yes! C-Groove technology.

For more information or to take a look at Yes! complete lineup, head on over to Yes! Putters.

The Yes! Sophia Putter

The Yes! Sophia Putter Top View

The Yes! Sophia Putter

[Via: PutterZone]

The Cobra S2 Driver: First Impressions

by James on September 27, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers, Manufacturers with 2 Comments
Out on the course with the Cobra S2 Driver

I had been wanting to get my hands on the Cobra S2 Driver for some time now. A few months back, the good folks at Cobra Golf were nice enough to send me the Cobra ZL Driver for review… and after putting that one through its paces, I loved it. Naturally, with the S2 as their other big driver option, I wanted to do the same. Without hesitation Cobra obliged my request, so… the other day I took the S2 to the range, and then out on the course for some testing. What I found was all good.

The club in my hands was a 10.5 with stiff Cobra Fit-On Max 65 gram shaft. On the range, my first few drives were straight and true. Much like the ZL, the feel at impact was solid as a rock, and I was able to work the ball either direction with ease. It’s important to note that the Cobra S2 Driver has Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT) built-in as well, so if you’d rather not make changes to your setup, simply adjust the clubhead to the open, neutral or closed position to help you work the ball (or straighten out that slice!).

Out on the course, my drive off the first tee made me smile. Straight down the pipe, right down the middle of the fairway leaving me a gap wedge into the green. Needless to say, I was loving the Cobra S2 already. Never mind the fact that I missed the green and 3-hacked it from there for a bogey… the purpose of my round was to get some initial impressions of the S2 🙂

The Cobra S2 Driver in the bag!

The Cobra S2 Driver taking its place in my bag. You may also notice the Cobra Baffler Pro Hybrid in there too. Solid club.

As the round went on, one thing became quite apparent to me. The 9 Point Face Technology that Cobra touts was clearly in effect. If you have never heard of this, Cobra advertises that their drivers have 9 ‘hot’ points across the clubface, giving you consistently long and accurate drives no matter where you strike the ball. As long as you make contact in the area containing these 9 points, you’ll feel the difference. And, I’ve got to say… in comparison to the ZL I really felt this in the S2. Maybe it’s because my swing was a little bit off, but I was hitting quite a few drives off the toe-side of the driver, and all of them took off like a rocket. The feeling of these drives off the face was as if I had pured it off the sweet spot. It felt great, to say the least.

Much like the Cobra ZL Driver, the S2 sets up nicely to the ball, and inspires confidence. The overall look and feel of the club is sharp as well. In fact, I prefer the styling on the S2 over the ZL. Not by much, but I have to admit, the S2 wins in overall looks.

I’m going to stop here for now, but expect a more thorough review (with pictures) in the near future. I’ll probably put the S2 through some more testing, and form some takeaway conclusions for you to keep in mind.

At first blush though, the S2 is certainly getting my seal of approval. Solid distance, great accuracy, and a consistent feel off the face.

For more information on the Cobra S2 Driver, head on over to CobraGolf.com.

Stay tuned for more.

Note: As always, a special thanks goes out to Terra and the team at Cobra Puma Golf.

Cobra ZL Driver Photo Gallery

by James on June 15, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Drivers with 2 Comments
Cobra Zero Limits Driver and Headcover

Cobra Zero Limits Driver and Headcover

The Cobra ZL Driver (Zero Limits) is a solid piece of equipment. I can say that with certainty now, after having tested it numerous times on the range, and on the course. The feel off the face is solid, and making adjustments to the club face is fast (and easy). One other thing I’d like to note today is the trajectory of the tee. It’s piercing, and the ball looks like it never wants to come down. It goes without saying, I’m loving it.

While I’d love to blab on and on about the Cobra ZL Driver, I’m going to save that for a later date. What I’d like to do now is share some photos with you. Go ahead and take a look-see below. I hope you enjoy!

The ZL Driver, bag with AFT face adjustment tool, and headcover

The ZL Driver, bag with AFT flight adjustment tool, and headcover

The ZL and black suede bag containing the face adjustment tool

The ZL and black suede bag containing the face adjustment tool

A look at the face of the Cobra ZL

A look at the face of the Cobra ZL. '9 hotter points'? You betcha!

ZL profile view

3/4 Profile view of the Cobra ZL

The sole of the Cobra ZL Driver

The sole

Another look at the sole!

Another look at the sole!

A closeup of Cobra's AFT Technology (Adjustable Face Technology)

A closeup of Cobra's AFT Technology (Adjustable Flight Technology)

Adjusting the face of the ZL

Adjusting the face of the ZL

Changing the face to the closed setting

Changing the face to the closed setting

The head and shaft

The head and shaft

The driver head, shaft and adjustment tool

The Aldila Voodo stiff flex shaft

The Aldila Voodo stiff flex shaft

A view from behind

A view from behind

The stylish headcover that comes with the ZL

The stylish headcover that comes with the ZL

So there you have it! Hope you enjoyed this photo gallery of the Cobra ‘Zero Limits’ driver. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter – An Overview

by James on June 13, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Putters, TaylorMade with 2 Comments
The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

Earlier this month (June 2010), TaylorMade introduced the Rossa Corza Ghost putter. You may have spotted it in play on the PGA tour over the past few weeks… remember that strangely white putter you noticed on TV? That’s the Rossa Corza Ghost putter!

I can already hear you saying, ‘so what’s the deal with the white?’. TaylorMade breaks it down for us nicely on their site. Here are the key points as to why the Rossa Ghost putter should help you on the greens:

  • the contrast of the white head against the green makes it easier to see the topline and target line
  • the contrast of the 3 black alignment lines against the white crown makes it easier to aim
  • a circular hole through the head works with the alignment lines and ball to make it easier to aim
  • 2 outer alignment lines are one ball-width apart, making it simple to align your ball with the center of the face to promote solid contact
  • an AGSI+ insert negates backspin and promotes forward spin for better roll

The TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

Easier to lineup and aim you say? The ball will come of the face with a true roll too? Sign me up! While I haven’t rolled the rock with the Rossa Corza Ghost putter as of yet, I am somewhat dying to get my hands on one.

Key specs on the Rossa Corza Ghost putter:

  • Loft: 4 degrees
  • Lie: 70 degrees
  • Offset (mm): 3/4 shaft
  • Length: Available in 33, 34 and 35″

Top View of the TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

I have to admit, when I first noticed Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose with one of the new Rossa Corza Ghost Putters in-hand, I was heard to remark ‘what the heck is that!?’ They really do have a unique look to them, with the white clubhead and all. But hey, if the contrast in color helps you with alignment, then all the more power to this new bit of gear. Heck, I suppose it worked for Justin Rose last week at the Memorial, right?

In the end, I break it down like this: If the Odyssey 2-Ball had a baby with traditional Rossa styling, the Rossa Ghost is what we’d get. At least, something like that 🙂

I’m looking forward to what TaylorMade has in-store for the ‘Ghost’ line of Rossa putters. With the success the putter has had already on tour, they’re no doubt prepping other models with a fresh coat of white paint and AGSI+ inserts!

Face View of the TaylorMade Rossa Corza Ghost Putter

For more information, visit TaylorMade.

Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid: First Impressions

by James on June 10, 2010 in Golf Equipment, Cobra, Hybrids with 1 Comment
The Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid

The Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid

Before I take the Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid to the range, I thought I’d ‘tee off’ on it with my initial impressions. I currently carry a 20* Cobra Baffler Pro Hybrid in my bag, so I’m really curious to see how it performs in comparison. The club that Cobra sent my way is the new 17* Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid… and it looks sharp.

Besides the obvious difference in loft, the other major difference between the two Cobra hybrids in my possession are the shafts. My 20* baffler has a stock stiff steel shaft, while the new Rail Hybrid is packing a Fujikura Motore graphite shaft in a stiff flex. The difference in weight will be obvious, so it should be interesting to see what I prefer. I know it’s more of a personal choice… From my point of view I always shafted my hybrids with steel, as I considered them part of my pseudo iron set… Will the graphite shaft perform for me? Will I enjoy the feel and performance of the graphite? You’ll just have to wait and see!

While I’m talking shafts, I might as well touch on the shaft options available on the Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid. It comes stock with the Fujikura Motore (in your choice of regular or stiff flex), and both of these shafts have a mid-kick point, weigh in at 65 grams, carry a 5.0 torque rating and produce mid to high launch conditions. For those that maybe don’t have the fastest of swing speeds, a ‘Lite’ flex is also available, and this one offers a low kick point, weighs in a 60 grams, carries a 5.0 torque rating and offers a high launch trajectory. If the Fujikura Motore shaft options aren’t for you, Cobra also offers quite a few custom shafting options. You can check out the options (including shafts from Aldila, Fujikura, Graphite Design, NS and True Temper) in this PDF (go to page 4 under ‘Baffler Shafts’).

Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid with Fujikura Motore Shaft

Finally, I simply have to mention the sweet looking headcover on the Baffler Rail Hybrid. I snapped a quick photo of it below… it certainly puts the previous generation of Cobra headcovers to shame 🙂

Cobra Baffler Rail Hybrid Headcover

Stay tuned for more photos and a thorough review of the Cobra Baffler Rail H Hybrid. Can’t wait for the first practice session with it in the bag!

Special thanks: To Terra and the team at Cobra-Puma Golf for the continued support!

Did You Know? PGA Tour Texts Players Their Tee Times

by James on June 3, 2010 in News with No comments

PGA Tour Texts Players their Tee Times

…and you thought the only one doing the text messaging was Tiger Woods! Ok, ok, that was bad. Sorry.

The other day while reading the GolfCrunch Twitter Feed (follow us @GolfCrunchLive) I happened to notice a few tweets from British Open Champion Stewart Cink (@StewartCink). He first posted an image of one of the tee sheets posted in the locker room. This is typical week-to-week stuff that players see. In fact, in my younger playing days myself I can remember this being the case. I played in quite a few amateur tournaments, and it was normal (and expected) to see tee times posted in the locker room and pro shop… and in the local paper (of course!). Nothing about this shocked me at all, but Stewart’s following tweet certainly perked my interest.

Cink went on to note that the tour sends out text messages to each player, letting them know exactly when their tee time is. Talk about convenient! I trust that all tour players have a cell phone handy, as they are world travelers, are always on the road, and need some sort of communication device at all times to stay in touch with family. When the PGA Tour sends texts like this to players, it’s not only convenient, but it’s instant, and the tour can be assured players know INSTANTLY what their tee time is once the message goes out. Great stuff.

Win McMurry Describes Tiger’s Bulging WHAT?

by James on May 10, 2010 in News, Humor, Players with No comments

Win McMurryOh Winnie… Winnie, Winnie, Winnie. Win McMurry, (one of my favorites at The Golf Channel) had a little slip up over the weekend. I do truly feel for her, but I hope and pray she can see the humor in it… and I trust the good folks at The Golf Channel do to. These things happen… No ill intentions were had, this was just a mistake.

That said, check out the video clip from coverage of Sunday’s final round at the TPC Sawgrass. Reporting on the situation with Tiger, she was heard to remark:

‘he says he’s been playing with a bad back for about a month, and thinks it could be a bulging dick’.

Oh Win. Chin up, have a laugh.

[Via: WaggleRoom]

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