TOP GEAR 2021
We’ve tested it all, so here’s our pick of the best drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters you can buy this year
Over 100 of the latest clubs from major manufacturers have been launch monitor tested. These are the best of them categorised and rated so you can make an informed buying decision.
Top Gear 2021 is the where you’ll find all the latest drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters compared against each other with recommendations of the top performers. Despite all our efforts, there were two clubs (Callaway’s Apex TCB and Srixon’s ZX4 irons) that we didn’t quite get to test, but based on what we know about them and how models from their matching families performed, we’ve included them to ensure you have a full picture of the market. For 2021, the top models of each category are the cream of this year’s offerings highlighting which clubs will perform for you, based on data from our launch monitor. If you’re in the market for any new clubs this year, use our recommendations to narrow your shortlist. Then get fitted, as that’s the only way to optimise new models for you.
HOW WE DID IT
We asked all the major equipment manufacturers to submit their entire 2020 ranges for testing. We created a controlled test environment indoors and used Callaway Chrome Soft X premium golf balls, played by some of the world’s best players including Jon Rahm and Xander Schcuffele. We collected a ton of data from every shot hit, using a Foresight Sports GC Quad launch monitor.
USEFUL DATA
Before we came to any conclusions, we analysed the data for each club tested (excluding putters); on distance, spin rates, and forgiveness. The latter we refer to as drop-offs; the differences in ball speed, spin and carry between our test pro’s on- and offcentre hits. This insight gives a reliable indication of how forgiving each model will be on the course, as we’ve argued for years that dispersion can be very misleading as it’s based on how you swing on a particular day. We analysed all that data before choosing winners.