2019
GEAR GUIDE By Ted Johnson
YOU DON’T HAVE TO CELEBRATE Chinese New Year to know this is the Year of the Big Dog. Never have so many manufacturers simultaneously come out with as many high-end, highperformance drivers. Titleist, Mizuno, Srixon, PXG, PING and standard bearers Callaway and TaylorMade all have products that require a long look. So do Wilson and Tour Edge. The common denominator is better performance off the face. Some use refined internal weighting combined with multi-materials, such as a carbon composite crown and a titanium face. Others use unique shape to improve aerodynamics and thus speed at impact. Some require a bit self-fitting for peak performance while others are grab-and-go. There is, however, a caveat: To get the most out of these high-tech clubs, you need to match shaft type with swing speed to go along with face loft and lie angle. This applies not only to the drivers, fairway irons and hybrids, but also to new multi-material irons; to wedges with different grooves for different lofts; and to putters with unique weighting properties and inserts. In other words, game, GET FITTED!
COLORADO AVIDGOLFER | April 2019
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