The heel miss isn’t nearly as common as the toe, but that doesn’t mean manufacturers aren’t taking it into consideration during the design process. During GOLF’s 2020 ClubTest, 5 drivers were found to offer similar distance numbers when struck out of the center and low heel. Take a closer look at these big sticks.
Callaway Mavrik Max
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Lofts: 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees
Our take: What happens when you invest in a powerful supercomputer capable of spitting out 15,000-plus face designs in a matter of a few days? You end up with products like Mavrik Max. One of the most requested drivers during GOLF’s player testing, the ultra-forgiving, draw-biased Max is highlighted by an AI-designed Flash Face SS20 architecture (made from an exotic FS2S titanium) that’s six grams lighter than traditional materials. The red-hot face is paired with an aerodynamic crown and the company’s JailBreak Technology to improve ball speed and the overall efficiency of the clubhead. And with weight ports positioned in the heel and back of the sole, it’s possible to max out the slice-busting technology or go for even more forgiveness, depending on where you position the 14-gram weight. Landing near the top in multiple performance categories in year one of production establishes Mavrik Max as a legitimate force in the driver category. The club was a mile per hour faster than the average ball speed for all drivers tested, while also ranking near the top in accuracy. It’s the kind of combination that should appeal to a wide range of handicaps, especially those who fight a slice.
ClubTester’s take (16-hdcp): “My slice suddenly became nonexistent—as was my awful toe miss. This almost feels like cheating.”
Robot’s take: High swing speed players will benefit from ball speed, a draw bias and impressive accuracy. Slower swingers can expect more carry, draw bias.
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Draw
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Lofts: 10.5 degrees
Our take: Designed to eliminate a slice, HB Turbo Draw offers a variable cup face that expands the sweet spot and ramps up speed. A redesigned HiBore crown lowers the center of gravity for a high launch. Also comes in a standard version without the draw bias.
ClubTester’s take (13-hdcp): “Can turn the ball over on command. I love the matte finish.”
Robot’s take: The draw bias works. Heel misses mitigated across both swing speeds.
Ping G410 SFT
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Lofts: 10.5 degrees
Our take: You can always count on Ping to create one of the most forgiving drivers on the market. But with the G410 SFT (Straight Flight Technology) forgiveness is just one part of the equation. A fixed weight on the perimeter, lighter D1 swingweight and 50 percent more heel-side CG than its predecessor (G400) all but guarantee golfers won’t see a lot of slices. If straightening out your shots doesn’t get you excited, a T9S+ precision-machined forged face and reinforced “creased crown” design dishes out all the ball speed and mishit protection you can handle.
Testers commented that the G410 SFT seemed to hang in the air longer than some of the other products tested. Those findings were confirmed by the robot, where the driver spit out roughly 500 rpm more spin, on average, than the pack.
ClubTester’s take (12-hdcp): “Makes me feel like I can hit a driver again. Nukes my slice into oblivion.”
Robot’s take: Fast swingers will find a high launch, spin and plentiful heel forgiveness. Ditto for those in the sub-95 mph range.
TaylorMade SIM Max D
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Lofts: 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees
Our take: Delivers the same forgiveness package as SIM Max, but with a built-in draw bias aimed at attacking slices. Low spin properties should help, too. Also features an 18 percent larger face than SIM.
ClubTester’s take (12-hdcp): “Haven’t hit one like this in years where my slice isn’t a problem.”
Robot’s take: Data confirms the Max D’s ability to reel in slices and reduce spin.
Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220
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Lofts: 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees
Our take: An elongated face-to-back shape, coupled with a 9-gram back weight, gives the EXS 220 a 20 percent bump in forgiveness when compared to its predecessor. Diamond face technology features 42 thick and thin diamond shapes to expand the overall sweet spot. Acoustics have been improved with the help of an internal sound diffusion bar.
ClubTester’s take (10-hdcp): “Maybe one of the best sounding drivers I tested. For someone who places a premium on feel and acoustics, this is it.”
Robot’s take: One of the best at correcting heel hits among the whole group.
