LA Golf Driver: What You Need to Know About Bryson DeChambeau’s Latest Creation
Hey fellow golf enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping up with the golf world, you’ve probably heard about Bryson DeChambeau and his innovative ideas around equipment. Recently, the buzz has been all about his collaboration with LA Golf to design a brand-new driver. I was curious and excited to get my hands on it for a test drive, so let’s dive into what I discovered!
The Big Reveal: What’s So Special About This Driver?
First off, this driver is not just another pretty face in the golf world. The tech behind it is intriguing, especially the focus on face curvature and gear effect. What does that mean? Well, Bryson and the LA Golf team believe that every player has a unique swing speed and, consequently, should have a driver designed specifically for that speed. This could potentially change the game for many players, and I was here for it!
Understanding Face Curvature: A Game-Changer?
Most players know that face curvature exists to help correct mis-hits—think heel or toe strikes. But let’s break it down: as you swing faster, the need for more curvature might actually increase. During his long drive competitions, Bryson realized that more curvature helped him hit straighter shots at high speeds. LA Golf has labeled this concept “FACE ID.” Depending on your swing speed, you could be fitted for a different curvature radius, ranging from 13 inches for speeds below 90 mph to 8 inches for the elite in the +135 mph category.
The Fitting Process: A Mixed Bag
To get started, I hopped onto the LA Golf website for an online fitting quiz. It asked about my swing speed and what kind of shots I typically hit, and in the end, I was recommended the 10-10 head. Honestly, as a seasoned fitter, I was moderately underwhelmed. It felt too simplistic to nail down what shaft and loft I would need based on just a few questions. But hey, they’ve gotten positive feedback, so maybe it was just me!
What About the Technical Details?
One bummer about the pre-purchase journey was the lack of in-depth technical info. The LA Golf website didn’t provide much guidance about the materials or features of the clubhead itself. Luckily, I reached out to the PR team and found out it’s built with a forged beta titanium cup face that’s laser-welded to a cast titanium body. That’s great and all, but why isn’t this info available for the average golfer? Transparency could go a long way here!
Aesthetics: Sleek and Clean
Now onto the looks—a crucial part of any golf club! The LA Golf driver has a stellar design. The sole has minimal branding, which gives it a nice, clean look. The crown features a smooth black finish that walks the line between matte and gloss. Just one tiny detour: it shows smudges and fingerprints like nobody’s business. You’d better bring a microfiber cloth if you’re planning to impress on the course!
Performance: The Moment of Truth
Alright, let’s get to the juicy stuff—how did the driver actually perform? I brought along my current gamer, the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond, to compare. Here’s where things got a bit disappointing; while the LA Golf driver felt good, it didn’t quite deliver the numbers I hoped for. I averaged out at 284 yards with the LA Golf, while the Callaway soared to 297 yards. Spin was also noticeably higher with the LA Golf, averaging about 2868 rpm.
What’s All This Mean?
You might be wondering about accuracy—well, the LA Golf driver didn’t quite nail that either. In comparing wider shots and overall dispersion patterns, it fell a tad short. My personal hunch is that the driver’s shaft—particularly the Bryson Series 65W Low shaft—didn’t mesh well with my swing. It felt softer at the tip compared to my regular shaft, leading to mis-hits, which could’ve skewed performance.
The Online Fitting Dilemma
I watched another review from a high-speed player who got awesome results, and guess what? He had fitted his driver with a shaft he was already comfortable with. This highlights a significant pitfall of the current online fitting model. Premium clubs deserve personalized fittings; relying on a quiz might not cut it for most serious players. It’s a gamble that might not be worth taking, especially for a high-priced driver.
Looking Ahead: Potential and Possibility
I reached out to LA Golf about trying out different shafts because I truly believe there’s something special here. The technology they’ve put into this driver has potential, and I hope to unlock its best performance in a more tailored way. It’s currently priced starting at $494, with an additional $150 if you go for the Bryson Series shaft.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
To wrap things up, my experience with the LA Golf driver was a mixed bag. While it has a solid head and intriguing technology, the performance didn’t quite meet my expectations—yet. I’m looking forward to giving it another go with different shaft options. If you’re curious, head over to the LA Golf website to learn more!
In the end, golf is about finding what works best for you, so whether you’re all in on the latest tech or sticking to tried-and-true options, keep swinging and having fun out there!
