Interesting data. Take a long time to collect and we simply do not have the resources to do such a study or data collection. Difficult enough to find the time to maintain the MPF. I’ll say this, while the data is cool and provides some insight into the different drivers, it is not clear on how the data translates into performance. All drivers are basically the same size, have adjustability (you would need to measure all settings), and perform right up to the limit of what the USGA allows with regards to ball speed. One of the reasons Ralph did not do an MPF on Drivers like he did on irons is because when he tested them, the variations in cg locations and on the overall dimensions of the large drivers did not produce the wide ranging performance differences that the variety of iron designs did. In fact, it was difficult to conclude much difference at all. Of course when you see one model has a cg way further back than another, we know how it can effect trajectory, and if it’s inside (towards the heel) vs outside (towards the toe) we know what the affect could be, but from an overall performance standpoint, big differences with regards to forgiveness and playability, were not there. That being said, his conclusions were based on drivers tested back 15-20 years ago. The limitations the USGA put on driver performance still exists, but I’m sure there could be different conclusions on modern day drivers. Enough to warrant an MPF like rating I couldn’t say.
Do I think it’s valid and interesting data, sure. Do I wish we could measure everything on all categories of clubs, I do. Hopefully someone will pick up the torch and continue to do what the Mygolfspy guys did, but at least for now, it can’t be us.
Britt Lindsey
This driver data allowed me to focus on the actual outliers to see any differences in performance, and there definitely were some.
The Ping G400 Max by far had the most rearward COG, and yes, is VERY forgiving, but also just created too much spin for me.
The Cobra King Ltd had the lowest COG for the most MOI, but it’s performance wasn’t anything special.
The Taylormade M1 430 has the lowest and most forward COG, and sure enough, produces the lowest spin for me. The data showed that if the front weight is moved to the toe, it actually moves the COG to the center of the face. As such, on my M1 430 I have the front weight moved to the toe, and the back weight moved to the center of the front track, to move the COG even further forward.
It’s reassuring to know that there isn’t another driver with a more forward/low COG, probably even amongst current drivers (but I’d really like to see the data).
One valuable benefit of spin reduction that I don’t think get’s discussed enough is that driver spin is rarely only backspin. A reduction in spin also means a reduction in SIDE spin.
A slice/hook now has a good chance of being only a fade/draw. It’s been a huge benefit to my total driving performance.