We have spent countless hours refining our testing protocols and data processing methodologies. We’ve worked with R&D experts from some of the largest companies in golf with the singular goal of creating the most informative test for the golfing consumer.
The number of testers we use, the number of shots we collect, they way we analyze data, even the way we sort and randomize clubs during the test itself was directly influenced by the conversations we had with those experts.
The result is what we believe to be the largest, independent, 100% Datacratic driver test you’ll find anywhere.
OUR TESTERS
For 2017, 30 golfers across a wide-range of ages, swing speeds, handicap and abilities participated. Our group of testers includes collegiate golfers, retirees, and average golfers just like you. Here are a few more details about our participants.
- SHOTS HIT: 7,330
- DATA POINTS: 250,000
- TIME: 120 hours
- TESTERS: 30
- HANDICAP RANGE: +2 – 16
- AGE RANGE: 18 – 79
- SWING SPEED RANGE: 75mph – 120mph
THE TEST
MyGolfSpy’s 2017 Most Wanted Driver test was conducted over the span of two months. In total, the 30 golfers who participated in our tests spent more than 120 hours hitting over 7,300 total shots.
In order to collect a valid sample size across all testers and all clubs, each tester participated in 4 sessions. To minimize the impact that day to day swing variances may have on the final results, club group order was randomized, as was the order in which clubs within each group were hit.
Testers were asked to take 3-4 swings with each club before moving to the next club in the rotation. The process was repeated until we achieved a sample size of 10-12 ‘good’ shots for each tester with each club.
Ball flight and clubhead data were collected with a with a Foresight GC2 launch monitor with an attached HMT. All testers hit Bridgestone B330-RX golf balls exclusively. Balls were inspected after each session. Any ball showing signs of wear was replaced.
Data was exported and checked for errors. Outliers were then identified using a statistical approach developed at MyGolfSpy. Shots identified as outliers were dropped prior to the data aggregation and final averages calculated.
THE CLUBS
MyGolfSpy tested drivers with lofts of 9°/9.5° and 10°/10.5° in both regular and stiff flex.
As adjustability is a key part of many modern driver designs, MyGolfSpy does make use of the adjustment capabilities of each club, including loft/face angle, and any movable weight features. We make every reasonable effort to optimize each club for each tester.
RESULTS AND RANKINGS
Unlike most other large equipment tests, our awards and rankings aren’t determined inside a conference room. We don’t have a panel, and there are no votes. The launch monitor is the one and only judge. We collect a standard set of launch monitor metrics (ball speed, launch angle, spin rates, distance, etc.).
Data Matters.
Overall winners are determined using a methodology we have developed called TRUERank. What we have developed is the most accurate test to determine the leaders in the driver category.
We do realize that data is inherently interpretive, which is why we choose to share our data with you. For those who prefer things clean and simple, we have provided our data-driven rankings. For those of you who want to dig deeper, make your own interpretations, and draw your own conclusions, we share our data with you.
This is your test.
Note: This page is updated on an annual basis to reflect the latest information about how we test. As such, it may not be wholly applicable to previous tests.
