What are some good non-mega OEM drivers out there?

[hwturner17]

Looking for something off the beatin' path. Not the big names or even tier 2 names (srixon etc). Tourspec seems to have some stuff i've never heard of. Any ideas?

[SugarLandGolfer]

Tour Edge is known for their woods, and the reviews on the exs 220 were fantastic. Their 3 woods have a following on tour, and a bigger following on the champions tour. 
 

more of the beaten path will be your direct to consumer brands like Ben Hogan and Sub70 that offer drivers. I have a Sub70 3 Wood that I like, but no configuration in it. Not sure about the driver though. 

[Mych]

You can always go component custom... Maltby and Wishon always have very good technology for the price. 

 

If you have some cash to burn, XXIO and PXG have made some noise the last couple years. Both of them snuck into some "best of" lists in the last couple years.

Edited January 22, 2021 by Mych

[95124hacker]

jBEAM (JDM) makes good drivers using DAT55 material. Their FX BM 435 model is considered classic. I have one but don’t like the feel (very hard).

[asKaasa]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRn9HOYQsZw

 

Seems like this might be a decent new option.

[Kingcat990]

PRGR makes some awesome drivers. Have had a few, have all been great. Yonex also makes a great driver. 

[theboypinoy]

Yonex makes a very good driver, as mentioned above.

 

Maltby is a solid shout. I think there's a thread here somewhere comparing their latest offering with Taylormade.

[LukeDonaldsTiger]

TEE EXS-220 or Pro

Wilson D7 (too OEM?)

Maltby KE4 ST-2

 

[Chip Out Sideways]

6 hours ago, asKaasa said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRn9HOYQsZw

 

Seems like this might be a decent new option.

I was also going to say Wilson. Excellent clubs again and very good value.

[kiwii]

Tourspec sells brands from Japan. They are common to us in the US but would be recognized by people from Japan. If budget is not an issue than of course you could go all out on JDM equipment. So are you looking for uniqueness or value (low price)?

 

For uniqueness: just fully customize your club. High end shaft, non stock grip, custom colors (Callaway) and custom headcovers for woods. That usually sets people apart enough. Black iron shafts and custom finished irons will stand out enough. 

[NRJyzr]

In brand terms, I'd look to Maltby or Wishon.  Both make solid products.

 

I've had success going back in time, sometimes quite a bit farther back.  In the last couple years, I've spent considerable time on the course with a Fly-Z+, R11s, and even an older Dynacraft component driver (which surprised me). 

 

There are multiple ways to go the "non-mega-club" route.  <shrug>

 

[Davidv]

Tour Edge Exotics

XXIO

Cleveland

[OsnolaKinnard]

Nakashima

Grindworks

Tour Edge Exotics 

[Mych]

Could also look at something like Krank that normally caters to the long drive crowd. 

[Carolina Golfer 2]

The Ben Hogan GS53 Max is one of the best drivers i have hit. 

[grm24]

3 hours ago, OsnolaKinnard said:

Nakashima

Grindworks

Tour Edge Exotics 

Hax what Nakashima and Grindworks drivers have you actually played recently if any of them at all? Given your recent health issues aren't you still gaming your beloved Blade driver and Kasco hybrids?

Edited January 24, 2021 by grm24

[OsnolaKinnard]

I had a Nak NP1 years ago, and while it was long as hell, I hit it all over the place.  I loved my X400...it was like a 983E on steroids.  I know that the owner was an odd duck, but that driver was the real deal.
 

I am currently using an Epic SZ with an Aldila NV 2KXV green 75 gram stiff at 44.5” long.  I like it, but I have always had an affinity for the “little guy” in the equipment industry.

 

I love the look of the Grindworks 400 cc driver...I just don’t know if I am strong enough to make it work.  Their adjustable driver is sharp looking.  I actually emailed them to find out more info as the closest dealer is like 4.5 hours away from me.

 

I still have my kasco K2K hybrids, but finally replaced them with a Tour edge exotics CBX 116 18* hybrid and the CBX ironwood in 22 and 25*...the high winds on the coast play hell with the K2K which is very high launch and high spin.  
 

I am getting stronger,2 months ago, I was barely hitting my driver 200 yards and all other clubs were 2 clubs short.  I was contemplating switching to regular flex shafts and just accepting it.  I started using the speed sticks and just making myself swing harder, and last week, I carried a drive on a par 4 about 240 yards and about 260 total distance.  I also went from flailing with a 7 iron to 130 to hitting my 7 about 155 or so.

 

I have one more surgery, a third occurrence of cancer, but it is in my thyroid, so they won’t be cutting my torso/abs so I don’t have to start all over again.

 

 

Edited January 24, 2021 by OsnolaKinnard