+TourSpecGolfer Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 A few weeks back I posted imagery of the new X-Drive 709 450cc driver, We received a few inquiries from customers on the fence between the two heads so I've decided to make a post sharing what a players may notice if they had the two side by side. We've been testing both of these drivers for over a month now and can say comfortably that these perform in all areas from feel to spin as well as forgiveness, and trajectory. You can't go wrong with either one, both equals so it really only depends on what's most important to you. If it's setup and look go with the 430, if you need confidence the 450 is an obvious choice. They are both almost equally forgiving it just depends on where your misses are. It's obvious they are both closely related and this includes it's shape from most angles, it would be hard to tell the two apart if they weren't side by side. In the image above It shows how the 450 on the right has an elongated appearance most apparent from this angle. The 450 extends back further not only heel side like the red lines show but also toe side making for a more rounded look. When it comes to performance the first major difference is shot shape, the larger head was easier to draw while the smaller easier to fade. This is because the 430 has neutral internal weighting to promote a straight ball flight while the 450cc has a small draw bias within. The trajectory in the 450 should be a little higher than the 430 on paper but we didn't notice a big difference in the real. I'll also note that both drivers were built to the same loft, swing weight, length, and featured the new Graphite Design Tour AD GT-7 in Stiff flex. If you look closely you can see that the toe to heel length is longer on the 450 located on the right side and this caters to players that miss in those areas while the 430 on the left has a deeper face which is geared toward misses high and low of center which is often caused by an improper Tee height, The deeper face also aids in keeping the trajectory lower. I think this is the main benefit of owning the 450 over 430. Both drivers are square, both setup near perfect, If I could change anything I think I would want the 430cc to be a bit more pear shaped, they are both so similar I think TS could have just built 1 driver at 440cc instead. Both perform and feel superb so it's really a hard decision to make if you had to choose between the two. Remember that both the new TourStage 709 drivers are adjustable. The lie angle can be adjusted from 58* to 60* which has been a request from many players seeking a flatter lie but keep in mind in doing this the face angle also changes. Above the images show just how similar they are. Both heads look fantastic from above In this regard if I had to choose based on top down appearance the 430cc seems more powerfully proportionate. It isn't exactly pear shaped but its still beautiful to look down at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIduffer Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 430 looks way better and appears to have a deeper face. Are they selling loose shaft adapters? While cc wise they are very similar, I don't think a 440 would allow them to split the difference. The face depth on the 430 seems to be where all the volume is at kinda like the XV to .338 comparison to the XT… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted May 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 430 looks way better and appears to have a deeper face. Are they selling loose shaft adapters? While cc wise they are very similar, I don't think a 440 would allow them to split the difference. The face depth on the 430 seems to be where all the volume is at kinda like the XV to .338 comparison to the XT… Your probably right, I just sat here starring at them both and while your correct the deep face etc.. makes them different I'm still blown away why they would produce two uber expensive molds for such similar designs. The 388 and XV are separated by feel, performance, many things I think. the 709 430 vs 450 looks, performs, feels so similar they are hard to tell apart even when hitting them. just my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIduffer Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 I can only go by looks, unless you want to send me a demo in an SX - X flex... The comparison to the SYard lineup was not about design objective, more about hiding the volume based on head shape. Again from the pictures, the XV while significantly larger than the 388, it seems appears to be all tied up in the face depth. Similar to what is shown on the 430 709. I don't think they could have kept the elongated face of the 450 and deeper back while keeping the depth of the 430 face. The combination would be over 460, compromises would have to be made. As to having similar designs, they do have a MB, MC CB in the irons why not do something matching in the woods. Would be curious to see differences between the 909 and the 709 X-Drives... Any idea on loose shaft adapters? My biggest complaint about these adjustable drivers is the inability to get the sleeves for the shafts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted May 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 As far as I know they wont sell the shaft adapters alone but we will ask, I have the same gripe! The 909 is a distant cousin of the 709's, totally pear shaped and on the launch monitor was about 15 yards shorter than the 430 & 450 709's. And this is with Tatsuro hitting straight shots all day, he's consistent with hitting center of the face so it was interesting to see that the 909 was just all around more demanding and while being a little shorter than the others. The only upside on the 909 is workability. I'd have it to compare but only 8.5 was still available by the time I got around to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjr. D Posted May 17, 2013 Report Share Posted May 17, 2013 How fast does Tatsuro swing? I'm debating between getting the 709 - 430 model or the 909 model, or something else like the Kamui Pro or Maxima Type V. Or maybe a combo of two... Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIduffer Posted May 17, 2013 Report Share Posted May 17, 2013 I believe Tats is at ~105, but incredibly consistent... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted May 17, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 17, 2013 How fast does Tatsuro swing? I'm debating between getting the 709 - 430 model or the 909 model, or something else like the Kamui Pro or Maxima Type V. Or maybe a combo of two... Thoughts? Maxima Type V. Blown away by this club, It's got my two SYD's scared at the moment! btw Mr. D have you tried the 388? In regards to the TS drivers, great all the way around. I like the feel as the 450 kinda reminds me of the Epon 460ZR, kinda. I have the head only of the demo's we used on the launch monitor if your interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjr. D Posted May 17, 2013 Report Share Posted May 17, 2013 I haven't tried the 388. I like the size but it's only 9.5. Too much loft for me. I think I'm going to go Maxima V 8.5 and Tourstage 430. The adapters though... can I get one so I can put my Diamana X in it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIduffer Posted May 17, 2013 Report Share Posted May 17, 2013 The 388 is a low launcher, without a high launch shaft it will stay low... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+TourSpecGolfer Posted May 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2013 I haven't tried the 388. I like the size but it's only 9.5. Too much loft for me. I think I'm going to go Maxima V 8.5 and Tourstage 430. The adapters though... can I get one so I can put my Diamana X in it? Adapters are a pain. TourStage isn't isn't offering them so you would need to buy the shaft with the adapter installed by them. Don't overlook the 388 or XV. Both can handle your swing speed, both spin low, feel great, and are very straight. Both the XV and 388 fly low. Ryoma Maxima 8.5 is a must though. To confuse you more I'm guessing the 8.5 Maxima flies like the 388 9.5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mjr. D Posted May 23, 2013 Report Share Posted May 23, 2013 Good to know. I ordered the Maxima! Still not sure about shafts but I did read your post regarding the Bangvoo. Thanks for the insight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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