2017 – The Year of Driver Tech

Normally every year brings the same old song and dance from club manufacturers: “Our new driver [insert crazy name] hits it 15 yards further than last year’s model.”

However, how many times have we heard this story:  you finally get that brand new, “totally revolutionary” driver in your hands after you just upgraded from the previous model, or maybe even one that’s 2-3 generations back, and you’d don’t see any drastic differences in distance or accuracy that justify the $500+ you just spent to upgrade on something that probably just got some new paint.

THAT SAID, it seems two companies have stepped forward and released products with new technology that’s worth talking about.  The first is Callaway.

While some people get nauseous every time they say “Epic”, the Great Big Bertha Epic offered a worthwhile advancement–Jailbreak–that’s worth applauding.

The Callaway Epic and Epic Sub Zero drivers (no love for the fairways) have two titanium rails behind the face that connect the crown and sole of the clubhead.  The idea is that the titanium rods reduce distortion and, as a result, more energy is transferred into the face. which transfers more energy into the ball.  To put it mildly, reviews have raved about the Epic and Epic Sub Zero.

A post shared by Callaway Golf (@callawaygolf) on Jul 26, 2017 at 11:05am PDT

But now Cobra has decided to join the party with the release of their new F8 and F8+ drivers.  However, Cobra’s innovation is a bit more subtle than screwing two titanium rails through the clubhead.  Instead, the new F8 and F8+ drivers both come with an industry first, 100% CNC milled face.

As a result, Cobra is able to institute stricter tolerances, which will increase manufacturing consistency, allow thinner faces which are much closer to the USGA’s limit, and save weight.  Plus, the milling produces additional friction which should lower ball spin.  While not as sexy as the milled face, Cobra Cobra will also continue to sell the F8 clubs with Arccos Connect.

A post shared by Golf_News_Reviews (@golf_news_reviews) on Nov 15, 2017 at 4:54am PST

So the big question:  will the new Cobra F8 and F8+ receive the same praise as Callaway for the Epic?  Are the 100% milled faces the next evolution in driver technology?  Who knows, but this definitely will help continue to push the envelope with new driver tech and, for once, provide some legitimate gains over previous models.

Cover Image via Instagram