Results: Best Selling vs. Best Performing
Drivers

Results: Best Selling vs. Best Performing

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Results: Best Selling vs. Best Performing

Today, you’re not only going to see something the industry doesn’t want you to see, you’re going to see why they don’t want you to see it.

The information we are publishing today is typically only something the manufacturers get to see and they pay handsomely for this type of information.  But at MGS we base things on truth not hype, performance not marketing.  Invaluable as it may be, we’re sharing our results (free of charge) with you and the golf companies.

Just over a week ago we asked you to predict what you think will be the best selling and best performing drivers of 2015. And you sure did. Your participation in this survey was immense, and we think that’s awesome.

Believe me when I tell you that the golf companies follow these results carefully. They definitely want to know what all of you think about their brands and their products. By continuing to participate, you’re ensuring that your voice will be heard by nearly every company in the golf industry.

That’s part of how we intend to give the power back to the player.

Results: Best Selling

The reality is, the business of golf isn’t all about performance, it’s about perceptions. It’s about what the masses will buy and how golfers view and respond to a given company’s marketing efforts (even if some of us think we’re immune to them).

Here’s what MyGolfSpy’s readers believe will be the best selling drivers of 2015.

best-selling-chart1

Insights:

  • 36% of you believe TaylorMade’s R15 will be the best selling driver of 2015. That’s equivalent to the number that selected the PING G30 (16.5%), Titleist 915 (13.9%) and the TaylorMade AeroBurner (5.7%) combined.
  • After the Top 3, no driver received more than 6% of your vote. By the time we get to the 8th ranked club (Cobra FLY-Z) we begin to see how tightly a group drivers in the middle are.
  • Leading the Callaway pack was the Big Bertha 815 Alpha (no black diamonds) at 4.2%. The 3 Callaway Big Bertha Series drivers on our list combined for only 8.3% of the vote.
  • By way of comparison, Cobra’s FLY-Z Series accounted for 7% of your votes while Nike’s 3 Vapor offerings combined for 6.2%.

Results: Best Performing

How deep is your personal demo list?

If a golfer doesn’t believe a driver will be among the top performing, how likely is he to actually take the time to find out?

This is exactly why initial performance perceptions matter, and why we think our chart is likely very good news for some, and maybe not such good news for others.

Here’s what you anticipate will be the best performing drivers of 2015.

best-performing-chart1

Insights:

  • Although 36.1% of you believe TaylorMade’s R15 will be the best selling driver of 2015, less than half that number (15%) believe it will actually be the best performing. While that’s still good enough to rank 3rd, we think this speaks to the belief some hold that TaylorMade’s marketing might be stronger than its performance.
  • The tagline is Titleist is Performance, and so I suppose it at least fits that the highest percentage of you believe that Titleist’s 915 Series will be the best-performing drivers of 2015.
  • To put that 21.8% in perspective, it’s only .02% less than the bottom 14 on the list combined.
  • And speaking of the bottom…Cleveland’s .6% is more than doubled by sister brand Srixon (1.3%). While you guys are more in the loop than the average consumer, odds are most in the US have never hit a Srixon. The numbers would seem to support Cleveland’s decision to focus its metalwood efforts on a narrower demographic.
  • While 1.1% isn’t what we’d call a strong showing, it’s interesting that more of you believe Callaway’s XR, for which there are nearly zero details currently available, with outperform TourEdge, Wilson, and Cleveland.
  • Of the companies with a 3 driver ‘series’, Cobra led the pack with 15.8% of the total vote (FLY-Z), followed by Callaway at 8.7 (Big Bertha), and Nike at 8.2 (Vapor).

More to Come

These numbers barely scratch the surface of what we learned from this survey. You won’t believe what we discovered when we segmented the data by age and handicap.

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Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey





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    Join The Discussion

      Jay

      9 years ago

      Went last weekend – hit the Cobra Fly Z +, Titleist 915 D2 and Callaway XR
      I love the cobra shaft but the distant numbers were dissappointing on trackman.
      Down to 2 – the 915D2 and XR. Have to go back again to get more results.
      Bottomlne is distance – I have control. I play the XHOT2 – but I am not brand loyal

      Good luck in yr search

      Reply

      Fred Lens

      9 years ago

      There is always a major difference between who is Performing and who is expected to get a big buck. They’re never the same person. Ever.

      Reply

      AWOL

      9 years ago

      So i just got done testing some of my own the other day at golfsmith. I did the R15 vs G30 vs 915D2. My results were somewhat surprising.
      G30
      LA 17.7
      BS 1772
      CHS 102 mph
      total distance 276+/-

      R15
      LA 18.9-20
      BS 3300+
      CHS 98-99 mph
      total distance 250-255

      915D2
      LA 16-18
      BS 2000-2300
      CHS 95-97 mph
      total distance 268-275

      So clearly the G30 was the winner not only did i consistently hit above 275yds 4 out 5 drives thats not carry btw that is with subjective roll. My overall dispersion was within 10yds. The R15 was the biggest let down for me. Not only did i have a greater dispersion the distance was not as good. Although i had one hot ball come off and it totaled 274yd carry with 296yd overall distance. However most the time i couldnt keep it straight or in the fairway. The ping is awesome. All clubs were spec’d to my swing to the best that they could. So the winning combo was the ping G30 with the tour shaft 60gr stiff flex 9* head. At least for my swing. I was expecting ping to have the highest spin but for my swing it was the opposite and the club that supposedly had the lowest spin (r15) was the highest. Sorry if my numbers seem general but it was the best i could remember the averages so some might be slightly off but either way the winner was the same. And i did this hitting about 20 balls per driver alternating every 5 shots and eliminating the worst shot and best shot. Next will be the Nike lineup and then i will make the decision.

      Reply

      David W

      9 years ago

      I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t been on here much and didn’t see the survey. However, I see one place where the perception is wrong compared to actual performance. The Srixon Z series is a HOT driver and very forgiving. Anyone who wouldn’t normally demo a Srixon should give it a try or miss out big time.

      Reply

      Jonny B

      9 years ago

      Did a little testing of my own this weekend with my club’s PGA fitter. Hit 4 new drivers (Callaway BB Alpha 815, Titleist 915D2, Taylormade R15, and Ping G30) on the launch monitor. Used Nike RZN White balls to test. All were adjusted to same loft (9.5) and lie (standard), the ones with the adjustable weighting as close to the same as we could get it. The shafts were all the stock offerings in “stiff” flex, all weighed in the 60 gram category, except the Titleist shaft which was 70 grams. So take these numbers for what they are worth…

      My average driver swing speed currently is right around 97 mph. After a few minutes warmup with my current driver (Cleveland Classic XL Custom) I alternated hitting 5 shots with each driver until I got to a total of 20 with each (80 drives in all) and kept the top 10 from each driver after throwing out the bottom 10. Results below…

      1. Callaway (gravity core in “down” position):
      Swing speed – 98.4 mph
      Ball speed – 139.8 mph
      Carry – 240.4 yds
      Total – 254.1 yds
      Backspin – 3320
      Dispersion – 6 yds right

      2. Titleist
      Swing speed – 101.2 mph
      Ball speed – 144.7 mph
      Carry – 251.1 yds
      Total – 266.4 yds
      Backspin – 2950
      Dispersion – 9 yds right

      3. Taylormade
      Swing speed – 97.9 mph
      Ball speed – 141 mph
      Carry – 244.3 yds
      Total – 261.6 yds
      Backspin – 2570
      Dispersion – 1 yd left

      4. Ping
      Swing speed – 100.9 mph
      Ball speed – 143.5 mph
      Carry – 246.7 yds
      Total – 260.8 yds
      Backspin – 3400
      Dispersion – 3 yds right

      I’m not a big numbers guy, but just thought I would share these. As far as feel goes, the Titleist face felt hotter than any of the drivers I’ve hit in recent memory. I could really feel the compression of the golf ball and that seems to be reflected in the distance, as it outdrove the other clubs. I also did not care at all for the feel of the R15, which felt very harsh.

      I’ll be trying the new Mizuno and Nike drivers when my pro gets them in before I make my decision, but if I had to choose my new driver today it would be the Titleist.

      Reply

      David W

      9 years ago

      I find it surprising that you would choose 5 to 6 yards more distance over six yards more accurate (Ping). I would same the same about the R15 except that you mention you don’t like the feel and that does make a difference in continued use.

      Reply

      David W

      9 years ago

      say the same

      Dave

      9 years ago

      Excellent comments Golfangel, remember however that ALL shafts even the same shaft act and play randomly or differently, you have to test clubs based on the end result of that particular shaft compared to the another of the same shaft in that same club head. Example: I am an 8 handicap, I have a quick tempo, my worst swing fault without a warm up bucket before a round is to lead with the torso and shoulders at the same time instead of a lead with the hips. So- I am playing an Optiforce 43 gram shaft at 46 1/2 and am killing it and finding few if any penalties in a given round. This should not be as I have hit the same set up and hated the results and the consistency. Bottom line I believe you are correct about the shaft but there are many differences in the same shaft from off the rack (with custom shaft from factory)in any given club or clubs when compared to each other, not to mention the industry standard is 1* to 2* of loft accuracy for any given Driver head compared to another of the exact same configuration! Unfortunately, ( and Fun for us club Ho’s) the search for the Holy Grail will always be with us as long as there are shiny new offerings, promises and MONEY to pay for them. Dave L.

      Reply

      Regis

      9 years ago

      For a rare change, I actually agree with all the posts thus far. I think Taylor Made makes the best heads and Titleist offers the best stock shafts. I also agree that the average golfer would be well advised to look at getting fitted for a good aftermarket shaft. But that is not reality. When the average guy/gal goes to demo a new driver they are at the mercy of the retailer’s stock Titleist may offer the widest range of stock shaft options but how many will be in stock that day and in what flexes? Very few buyers are going to wait. They will demo what’s in stock and look primarily to what fits them best that day ( and maybe drop that gift certificate they got for Christmas) so they can bring it home and put it in play that weekend. Assuming they put their ego aside and choose the right flex, does the Titleist feel better in the 10 minutes the buyer spends hitting into the net as opposed to the Ping? And what’s the difference in price that day. That’s getting fit.

      Reply

      ryebread

      9 years ago

      The thing about “best performing” is really about who is it best performing for? I mean, just look at the MGS testing and the differences between the swing speeds. Rarely is there a winner across both classes. Then you have the handicap gaps.

      Are people answering “best performing for them?” Are they answering “best performer for the average golfer?” Are they answering “best average performer across all performance groups?”

      I answered the latter, and I think it’s the G30. I think that will best fit the largest majority of people because of the forgiveness.

      I absolutely think though that for some, the R15 will be the best performer. The SLDR obviously was last year, and this seems to be SLDR 2.0.

      Reply

      AWOL

      9 years ago

      I have seen some awesome reviews by others on the new Srixon driver. Only issue is i dont think there will be enough people to buy one. Im surprised about the Titleist be voted best performer. As my vote went i did the R15 as best seller and G30 as best performer. I just happen to be in a proshop yesterday in Portland and the Tmag guy was there and after seeing the R15 in action, it might just be the best overall as well. TMag looks like they got a real winner again. Funny thing of all the drivers will movable weights i actually like how Mizuno did theirs this year it seems to be very intuitive. Most likely though if i go to buy a driver this year its going to be between the R15, G30, and 915. I think any of those fitted properly will be hard to beat.

      Reply

      Eric

      9 years ago

      The shaft is everything. Ping has good stock shafts for average joe, that is why everyone raves about the g30.

      New srixon and bridgestone drivers are the gonna be the sleepers of the year.

      Reply

      xxio

      9 years ago

      Why are the R15 not separated into the 2 different model sizes (is there a TP?), the Titleist (and Srixon) as well. Yet the Nike and Callaways are?

      Since it is a prediction does the G30 include the anticipated G30 LST?

      Reply

      Tony Covey

      9 years ago

      It’s always a challenge where to draw the lines in cases where there is a Pro/Tour/Smaller head. In this case it came down a couple of things.

      What’s the footprint? If one is simply a smaller version of the other, even though we understand that brings performance changes, we tend to classify them together. The R15 430 is a smaller R15, D3 is smaller version of the 915 D2, while Callaway’s two offerings are distinctly different 460cc offerings. The same is basically true of Nike where the Speed and Pro are 460 (with very different design characteristics) while the Flex is in the 420cc range.

      Finally, we use price as a differentiator as well. TaylorMade’s R15 and R15 430, like Titleist’s D2 and D3 are the same price regardless of which model you choose. Callaway’s 815 and 815 DD are not sold at the same price point. The same is true of the 3 Nike models.

      Reply

      Xxio

      9 years ago

      Fair enough, but I would hope the designers of TM and Titleist designed the smaller version with a performance change in mind not just the same driver in a smaller footprint. Consequently since performance expectation and expected sales are the parameters being measured if I were asked which I expected to be better selling and better performing for me I would, 9xs out of 10, choose the bigger model. If I were asked my interest in a G30 I would say 5/10, if I were asked about the G30 LS It would jack up to an 8/10. I would think the market would be the same. Since there was no actual testing involved it would only take a few extra strokes on the keyboard to make the distinction that the company themselves make.

      Lou

      9 years ago

      Everyone and their mother will tell you Taylormade was first for selling. They’ve advertised it over and over for the pga tour. I voted on what will perform on the tour and not me. Even though, deep down in my gut the Tour Edge would be the best performer, no one I can think of plays them on the tour so I didn’t vote for them.

      Reply

      phil

      9 years ago

      Titleist always declines because they know they have NO chance

      Reply

      zerostate

      9 years ago

      And we’ll never know if the Titleist 915 is best performer, as they decline to participate in MGS’s Most Wanted Driver challenges.

      Reply

      Jonny B

      9 years ago

      What has happened to Cleveland? Another has been… the Adams Golf of 2015.

      It looks as is Cobra has garnered some serious attention and quite the following in the club business, despite not having a real large presence on tour (with the exception of Rickie Fowler).

      Reply

      Golfangel

      9 years ago

      I love your site MGS ! I love your reviews ’cause I love golf, technic and beautiful woods and irons!
      I’m scratch (in fact pro PGA teacher) and I am always happy to discover new clubs or fresh golf articles or news.
      But…when golfers will undestand that,since approximatively 10 years at least, no matter the golf driver head you play (at the same quality level, of course), the only thing who really matters is…THE SHAFT.
      For example : I’ve tried the G30 or the 915 D3 who both are excellent clubs. So I’ve tried them with a fujikura motore speeder 7.2 stiff on each club (set to 9.5°). Results : amazing average distance ! 274, 2 yards carry average for the G30 (on 50 balls/115 mph) total distance 296,1 average with roll and 274,8 yars carry average for the 915 D3 (50 balls, 115 mph) total distance 296,8 . Wow ! Trackman numbers with real pro V1x and outside range.
      Wow ! ? Wait a minute…
      The same day after a short rest I took my old Cleveland Launcher Ti 460 upgraded with the same shaft. Results : the same ! 274,4 yards carry average for the old (2006) Ti 460 with a little bit of roll more 297,3 (maybe the 8.5° loft ?)
      So, let’s be serious, I don’t want to ruin any reputation but the truth (my truth ?) is:
      No matter the (good) driver head you play, play a good shaft fit to your physical abilities and enjoy golf. And if you like a new driver buy it…and throw the stock shaft in the garbage can to exchange it for…your shaft.
      So, I will continue to read all of you my golf friends…and to dream with you.
      Eric

      Reply

      golfer4life

      9 years ago

      Funny how good a shaft makes a club isn’t it? Been saying the same thing for a while now. Just look at the PGA tour pro’s. They’ll switch to a new model head, but a good amount of the time it will have the same shaft they have been using. Spend the money on a good shaft fitting and it will be well worth it for years to come.
      G4L

      Reply

      MyBluC4

      9 years ago

      Terrific article and perspective. To differentiate best selling from best performing is refreshing.
      Best performing takes advertising, marketing, distribution and price out of the equation. Love it!
      Thanks.

      Reply

      Chal

      9 years ago

      I hit the new Titleist driver just a few days ago and it wasn’t even close in performance to the SLDR. I am sure it is better than the 913, but I don’t think it will be close to the overall best performing driver for 2015.

      Reply

      Heather

      9 years ago

      I too tried the 915. Hit my old Callaway RAZR Fit better.

      Reply

      Sandsonni

      9 years ago

      LOL at those who think the Ttileist will be the best performing driver..

      Reply

      Ringo

      9 years ago

      Interesting, which driver was best selling and performing for 2014?

      My guess is SLDR was best selling and we know what MyGolfSpy’s top rated performing driver was. Seems like Taylormade has proven they are good at marketing and performing. People want so badly for the other guys to catch up.

      Reply

      Dave S

      9 years ago

      Funny thing is, a good number of those who indicated that the R15 would be the best selling, but not top performing driver, will be the ones who end-up buying it instead of the better performing drivers.

      Reply

      Mikko

      9 years ago

      I think it shows just the opposite. People here think that the R15 will be the biggest seller because of TM marketing campaigns that attract the wider audience, not most of the MGS readers. MGS readers will be opting for what performs the best. I voted for R15 as the best-selling driver and JPX850 as the best-performing one. It’s interesting to see that twice (or actually closer to thrice) the amount of people who believe JPX will be the best-selling think it’ll outperform everything else.

      I also find it interesting that Titleist wins in performance as I’ve never thought of (or seen) them as the top performance clubs in test. They do well, but usually it’s a TM, Callaway or Cobra beating in distance and G-series winning forgiveness and usually total performance categories.

      Reply

      FTWPhil

      9 years ago

      Which one will be $100 off first?

      Not R15 is my bet. Besides the price restricted G30, and 915’s of course.

      Reply

      ryebread

      9 years ago

      Very interesting results and thanks for posting them. I would have loved to have seen performance ranked 1, 2 and 3. That would have given more insight into what people would demo.

      Reply

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