The 8>9 Challenge: Nike SQ Dymo STR8-FIT vs. TaylorMade R9

Top view - STR8-FIT on the left and R9 on the right

I love a challenge.  There’s nothing better than laying down the gauntlet and doing battle.  For this reason, I was intrigued to learn about the 8>9 challenge. Nike Golf is so confident that the SQ Dymo STR8-FIT driver is longer than the TaylorMade R9, that it asked consumers to hit both and see for themselves.  I was happy to participate when a representative of Nike Golf asked me to take the challenge.  STR8-FIT driver in hand, I went out and procured an R9, and then it was ON. For those not familiar, these two drivers are the latest in the blossoming trend of adjustable drivers.  Each driver has the ability to remove the shaft, change its position, and create a different face/lie angle combination. For instance, if you slice, you can set the face closed a little to help you straighten out.  Or, if you’re playing a course that challenges you with a lot of drives that set up left to right, you can set the face to be open a little, to help you

Putter Review: Odyssey White Hot XG #7

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I’m not one to change putters frequently, but sometimes the mood hits and I start thinking about it.  A few months back, I was perusing the putter selection at my local Golfsmith store. I’m a huge fan of Odyssey putters, so naturally I was leaning toward those.  After trying several different models, I found myself drawn to the White Hot XG #7.  It was no impulse purchase, though.  I stewed over the decision for several weeks, trying to decide whether I was ready to let my White Hot #1 fade into retirement. As you certainly guessed, I bought the putter, and am glad that I did. Let’s have a look at the official line about the XG line from Odyssey Golf: The White Hot XG is the next generation of White Hot Technology. Inspired by proven, high-performance, multi-layer golf ball technology, the White Hot XG is Odyssey’s latest advancement that utilizes a multi-layer insert for phenomenal performance on the green. It combines two materials with different properties to take the level of feedback, feel and

Club Review: Callaway FT-i Tour Driver

I couldn’t help myself. I joined the square driver revolution. I recently bought a “like new” FT-i Tour driver from Callaway Golf Pre-owned. I think I can accurately sum it up with: “I love it”. For the last couple of seasons, square-headed drivers have been starting to gain popularity. The high moment of inertia that they offer leads to excellent forgiveness for off-center hits. Let’s have a look at a few of the features of the FT-i Tour driver. Click here for a full product description. According to Callaway: Fusion Technology – Designed to be the world’s straightest driver, the FT-i Driver is Fusion Technology pushed to the extreme, creating golf’s most Complete Inertial Design. To exploit Fusion Technology—our weight-shifting science that uses multiple materials in clubhead construction—the design demanded a new shape. The FT-i Driver pushes the boundaries of shape, of our imagination, of the rules. 460cc Complete Inertial Design – Positions discretionary weight to the extreme corners of the clubhead, raising the moment of inertia (MOI) for unparalleled resistance to twisting both horizontally