20       CALIFORNIA GOLF NEWS  • JUNE 2010
EQUIPMENT 
T
he driving game has become a 
story of speed. That is, golfers are 
looking for a slow backswing, fast 
clubhead speed through the impact zone, 
and a rocket-like ball speed as it leaves 
the driver face. All of this translates to a 
longer drive. 
Club manufacturers can’t help you 
slow down your backswing, but they can 
do a lot about getting you more club-
head and ball speed. So this year, sev-
eral major companies have paid detailed 
attention to their marquee drivers to help 
you maximize tee-shot distance – even if 
you don’t necessarily hit it on the sweet 
spot. 
Technology has allowed engineers to 
toy with materials old and new, produce 
clubfaces that are thinner than ever, 
employ state-of-the-art welding process-
es, precisely alter weighting positions, 
carefully sculpt clubhead shapes, and 
implement inventive adjustment mecha-
nisms – all in the name of helping you 
increase clubhead speed as you come 
into the ball at impact. That starts the 
domino effect: The more clubhead speed 
you generate, the higher the ball velocity 
is as it leaves the clubface and the fur-
ther your shot travels. The basic rule of 
thumb is that for every mile per hour you 
increase clubhead speed you get nearly 
three more yards of distance.
That’s why this year’s crop of drivers 
is well worth trying. They’ll absolutely 
help maximize your tee shot distance – 
regardless of your handicap or ability.
By Scott Kramer
 
Callaway Diablo EDgE
The clubhead’s body has streamlined, 
refined edges that reduce drag by eight 
percent over other 460cc models, which in 
turn boosts clubhead speed.  
$299, CallawayGolf.com
Speed demons
The driving game is quickly changing speeds, and 
here are some drivers ready for The shifT 
ClEvElanD 
launChEr DST
Its grip weighs 10 grams less than the average 
standard-size driver’s, the shaft 15 fewer, and 
the clubhead two less – all translating to 
lightning clubhead speed. Its shaft is 1/4” 
longer than normal and hikes clubhead speed 
via sheer leverage.  
$299, ClevelandGolf.com
Cobra golf S2
A sleek, adjustable driver with an 
enhanced version of the company’s 
renowned 9-Point Face Technology 
that maximizes ball speed across the 
clubface. Three face-angle settings 
provide golfers options to fine-tune 
ball flight. 
$375, CobraGolf.com

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