Drive for Show: 3 Drivers to Impress Your Golf Buddies

Like the saying goes: "Drive for show, put for dough." Only thing wrong with that statement is you are more than likely paying to golf rather than being paid to swing the sticks.

When it comes to a round of golf, we want any and every advantage to make our game a little more respectable. Tried a ton of swing gadgets, putting styles, different grips and golf balls. Some of those seem to work for a little while but the truth to the matter is most of us are weekend warriors who sometimes do take our game very seriously but for those or you just looking to get out, drink some cold ones, put on your fancy new shoes, display those shinny clubs and impress your buddies, here you go.

You know there is always one or two in the group that has to have the latest and greatest and is always more than happy to show it off. If your that guy well then hello. We decided to showcase three drivers guaranteed to have those guys green with envy. Kind of like walking into a bar and bumping into your ex while you have a Jessica Alba look-a-like on your arm. Unlike that priceless moment, these drivers do have price tags so be ready to drop some serious loot!

1. Callaway RAZR X Black Driver

Now this one just look cool on it's own. No swinging needed just let it sit in the bag, head cover off and shortly your buddies are going to want to test drive this bad boy.

Price: $249

KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The aerodynamic, forged composite head creates 17 percent less drag than Diablo Octane to increase swing speeds. Its “Speed Frame” face technology improves performance on offcenter hits, and the club also has a higher MOI and more draw bias than the Diablo Octane.

TESTERS SAY: Among the higher-rated clubs. One of the longest, straightest drivers. High marks for accuracy.

PROS
DISTANCE: Smooth, easy swings yield big results, even on toe and heel hits.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: It keeps you in play and goes where you point it, with no surprise hooks or slices.
FEEL: Crisp, satisfying composite “click” that Callaway drivers are known for; square shots with the 46-inch club feel like they’ll travel a mile.
PLAYABILITY: Shots get up in the air easily but maintain a consistent trajectory; no ballooning.
LOOK: Red alignment lines on the crown draw your eyes to the sweet spot; relatively shallow, long face (from heel to toe) sits below the ball to give the appearance of a high-launching club.

CONS
Off-center hits feel “heavy” to a few testers; a minority of guys are turned off by the tortoiseshell look on the crown.

2. TaylorMade RocketBallz Driver

You have to have immediate curiosity for any driver with a name like RocketBallz! Taylor made has always been a brand that I look at as playing it safe when it came to club design and branding. The more conservative of the big three. Looks like TM is coming out of their shell and in a big way. I'm liking the look, design and overall statement this club makes. I got a rocket ball launcher in my hands so watch out!

Price: $299

TESTED: 9.5°, 10.5° with SuperFast Matrix Ozik XCon 5 graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The club’s “Flight Control Technology” (FCT) hosel has eight settings to adjust clubface angle, loft and lie for as much as 60 yards of side-to-side correction. Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) bolsters ball speeds on off-center hits.

TESTERS SAY: One of the top-rated drivers. High marks for feel, playability and looks. Adjustability features allow you to tweak ball flight to your liking.

PROS
DISTANCE: Searing, penetrating flight helps to maximize roll, especially on firm fairways; off-center hits don’t leave you disappointed.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Sweet zone covers up misses, keeping them from being too penalizing.
FEEL: Very pleasing, emphatic feel at impact; light, stable club is easy to square up to the ball.
PLAYABILITY: Medium-high ball flight with a fair amount of hang time; easy to alter shot shape left or right by adjusting the clubhead.
LOOK: Contrast between black face and white head makes it easy to aim; wide body gives “can’t miss” confidence.

CONS
A few guys prefer a bit more forgiveness; its name, “RocketBallz,” draws some quizzical looks and laughs.

3. Titleist 910D3 Drivers

Titleist, what more can I say but that I am very partial to these clubs. My first real set of clubs were the Titileist 990 muscle backs with stiff steel shafts. While I may of had no business swinging those clubs I still loved them when I was having a good round, good 9 holes, okay maybe just a few holes. Since then I have gone to a more forgiving cavity back with a regular flex graphite shaft. Although I do swing Titleist irons my driver and 3 wood are Callaways. It's time to save up a little bit of cash. I want this one in my bag which by the way is also a brand new Titleist bag.

Price: $399

TESTED: 8.5°, 9.5° with Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana ’ahina graphite shaft; 9.5°, 10.5° with Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Kai’li graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The slightly deeper, smaller face (445cc to the 910D2’s 460cc) targets players who prefer less spin. The adjustable SureFit Tour hosel allows you to alter launch conditions. A thinner crown (than the 909) and lower rear profile shift the center of gravity (CG) lower and deeper for improved stability.

TESTERS SAY: One of the top-rated models. Best in class in several categories.

PROS
DISTANCE: About as long as any club tested; many guys say it’s a bigger hitter than their current model; moderate distance loss on off-center hits.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Pinpoint accuracy with good swings; prevents hooks and keeps the ball in play when you miss the sweet spot.
FEEL: Arguably the most outstanding in the field; classic, crisp feel on center hits with plenty of feedback to the hands.
PLAYABILITY: Top-shelf performer; very responsive and reacts well to swing cues; playable, penetrating trajectory in all conditions.
LOOK: A definite favorite; pear shape and tasteful finish with small alignment aid.

CONS
The club’s slightly heavier weight isn’t ideal for all testers.