Will there be a unicorn driver in 2021 or just more of the same

[LowAndLeft32]

Are drivers about maxed out so no real new improvements (same ole same ole) or will 2021 produce a driver that is a unicorn that stands out above the crowd and is worthy of gaming? 

[EDT501]

Seems like for the last several cycles, all the big names are releasing high quality products. I really don't think there will ever again be one that stands head (pun intended) and shoulders above the rest.  For most players, there are probably several options that they could be optimally fit into and the decision making will be based more on personal preferences such as looks, sound, feel, and brand loyalty than it has been in the past.

Edited January 14, 2021 by EDT501

[pdiddy3]

Unicorn and sleeper will be srixon zx7!! Better performance at a cheaper price point.

[ebk]

The Titleist TSi drivers are pretty special, imo.

[scooterhd2]

the days of the unicorn are over. 

[Lobby]

Has there been a unicorn driver in recent years?   I'm not sure...

[codeman]

Unicorn in terms of performance? Doubtful. Technology seems to be pretty much maxed out. MOI will likely continue to incrementally increase, but as far as a measurable difference, it seems very unlikely. 

 

The modern unicorn is or will be (depending on your experience with the cheaper drivers) a driver that performs like the others for less than $300. 

[2Down]

I think a shaft and loft combo that’s right for me regardless the brand will be the unicorn I seek

 

I will be looking at mizuno and srixon in my quest

[fonesy]

Not sure about the unicorn but I"m pretty excited about comparing the Ping G425Max and the TSi2 at my upcoming fitting.

[Shupe]

Depends on you definition of unicorn: 

Will there be a driver that stands out far and above in all aspects(seems to be the other comments definition)? probably not. 

Will there be a driver that is known to have the occasional high launch/super low spin and maintain ball speed (the more popular definition of unicorn)?  One or two will probably stand out above the rest.  Tsi3 seems to have some nutty shots every once in a while.  If I had to bet, the callaway might have some of the unicorn balls in it.  One of the cobras has some unicorn balls in it also.

Edited January 15, 2021 by Shupe
added

[Drewhill44]

Looks like the Pear shape in Low spin or Tour inspired models is the theme from multiple manufactures in 2021.  

[RoyalMustang]

1 hour ago, LowAndLeft32 said:

Are drivers about maxed out so no real new improvements (same ole same ole) or will 2021 produce a driver that is a unicorn that stands out above the crowd and is worthy of gaming? 

 

I kind of wondered that myself.  I have been to the PGATSS 3 times over the past 2 weeks to try out the new stuff and haven't fared better than with my Srixon 785.  Maybe a 10 ball average with the new TSi3 netted me 5 yards and similar accuracy. I can't hit the 425 LST well to save my life.   Then again, a fitting might change all of this, as I have a 70TX shaft (CK Pro Orange) and it works really well for me.  The guy at PGATSS said the stiffest they have is a stiff shaft option.   He also said he doesn't know "anybody" who needs an X or TX.  I am not the biggest hitter around but anyone who can carry 280 (such as myself) probably should at least try an X shaft.  

 

Perhaps some people will find that holy grail match and gain 5-7mph of ballspeed. Question is, were they fitted before? Is the equipment that much better or is 95% of the improvement coming from a better equipment match?  It seems like Michael Newton is getting 3-8 yards more on the new equipment in his videos, but in the past, his numbers on one video haven't matched up to another session, so there may be simulator recording variance. I often wonder this myself; the numbers I see there never match up to what I can do on the course or the range.  Perhaps this is why we see so many TSi3 models for sale here: people try them on a monitor, love them, and get them onto the course only to find no measurable improvement.   

 

 

[RoyalMustang]

1 hour ago, pdiddy3 said:

Unicorn and sleeper will be srixon zx7!! Better performance at a cheaper price point.

 

The current 785 is the best driver I have tried.  I lucked out and got one with a perfectly matched Tensei $400 shaft for $185 all-in.  the new one should be great! 

 

 

[LowAndLeft32]

I’ve never hit a srixion driver. I might have to give it a go. 

[seth514]

Tsi2 will be the one to beat. Initial fits/results with g425 have been mediocre at best. Not exactly a g410 killer yet.

[craz-e]

There is the chance that one driver might significantly perform better for you than any other on the market, that's the beauty of individual testing

[Ereim]

19 minutes ago, seth514 said:

Tsi2 will be the one to beat. Initial fits/results with g425 have been mediocre at best. Not exactly a g410 killer yet.

TSi2 beat out my Sim Max. First Titleist driver that will grace my bag since 2010.

[doctorgriffo]

There has to be a driver one day that will recognize the fact that my swing is repeatable and on plane. Every one I’ve tried so far has disagreed and sprayed the ball all over the place. It is clearly the fault of the driver.

[TravAz]

Nope - keep that hand-me-down wood driver your grandpa gave you 30 years ago in the bag. 
 

[Moshjean]

7 hours ago, Lobby said:

Has there been a unicorn driver in recent years?   I'm not sure...

 2016 Taylormade M2 IMO

[ebk]

34 minutes ago, Moshjean said:

 2016 Taylormade M2 IMO

Just sold mine.  now in the TSi2.  First Titleist driver since the 975D

[Valtiel]

I think there is one "unicorn" performer left in a head that is truly high MOI (by modern standards), very low CG (also my modern standards). I think that will really be the last "it beat everything else by 10+ yards" type of club, anything else will be the product of a better fit over something else. I don't think it is a surprise that this head doesn't really exist yet, its either due to material limitations or the knowledge that it really is the end of the line, therefore lets take our time getting there. 

[JungleJimbo]

1 hour ago, Valtiel said:

I think there is one "unicorn" performer left in a head that is truly high MOI (by modern standards), very low CG (also my modern standards). I think that will really be the last "it beat everything else by 10+ yards" type of club, anything else will be the product of a better fit over something else. I don't think it is a surprise that this head doesn't really exist yet, its either due to material limitations or the knowledge that it really is the end of the line, therefore lets take our time getting there. 

@Valtiel: For a moment, I thought you were referring to the Cobra King LTD (circa ~2016?) = as the Unicorn 🦄  !

 

..https://www.golfwrx.com/345748/review-cobra-king-ltd-f6-and-f6-drivers/

..https://www.golfwrx.com/356688/2016-gear-trials-driver-analysis-cobra-king-ltd-pro/

Edited January 15, 2021 by JungleJimbo

[Albatross85]

6 hours ago, Moshjean said:

 2016 Taylormade M2 IMO

Cobra LTD Pro as well

[Valtiel]

1 hour ago, JungleJimbo said:

@Valtiel: For a moment, I thought you were referring to the Cobra King LTD (circa ~2016?) = as the Unicorn 🦄  !

 

..https://www.golfwrx.com/345748/review-cobra-king-ltd-f6-and-f6-drivers/

..https://www.golfwrx.com/356688/2016-gear-trials-driver-analysis-cobra-king-ltd-pro/

The LTD/LTD Pro and the 2016 M2 were/are definitely recognized as special, and for good reason. They exist in a performance/forgiveness sweet spot that is probably the most effective "jack of all trades" zone for driver CG placement, but the next step will be something around 20% higher in MOI with the same vertical CG location as the LTD Pro. By 2021 standards, the Cobra and the M2 are pretty middling in terms of MOI/forgiveness, and this could be improved upon without raising spin too much if the CG is kept down. 

Other notable big performers that exist in the same "2016 GOAT" territory are the TS3 and the SIM. 

[cgasucks]

Unless the USGA & R&A increases the COR and head driver head size and/or the laws of physics change no driver will be longer than the other (unless you go full DeChambeau).

[Mustard_Tiger]

We don't need a unicorn. Just off the top of my head Taylormade (SIM), Callaway (Mavrik), Ping (410), Titleist (TSi) and Cobra (Superwhateveritscalled) are killing it right now.

 

If you can't find a bomber with today's selection the problem is you.

[Davidv]

Not sure about a unicorn but one driver that has it all and is overlooked is the Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo.

[Lobby]

How many folks are still playing 5 year old drivers and getting great results?   Heck, even 8 year old drivers.

The improvements lie in club / shaft fitting, in my opinion

 

[Puttersaurus Rex]

Ask again in August.  There will be actual tour/golfwrx usage data then.