More Info on Titleist 909D2, 909D3 Driver

Titleist 909D2 Driver

Category: Game-Improvement Drivers
We tested: 9.5°, 10.5° with Mitsubishi Diamana Blue 65 graphite shaft; 9.5°, 10.5° with Aldila VooDoo graphite shaft

Company line: "909D2 is engineered to produce mid-launch shots with low to mid spin. The tuned sole has pockets and an internal rib to reduce vibration and provide solid feel and improved sound. A blindbore hosel saves weight, aids feel, and allows for more shaft options."

OUR TESTERS SAY:
PROS: Best in class for feel—testers embrace the informative, firm signal through the hands; consistent, stable, dependable club; better players can take advantage of its workability; great choice for the consistent ballstriker; slightly lower ball flight than most; responds well to subtle swing changes; classic, good look.

CONS: Perceived distance loss on mis-hits; decent for directional consistency, requires more precise ballstriking than some.

Titleist 909D3 Driver

Category: Tour Drivers
We tested: 8.5°, 9.5° with Aldila VooDoo graphite shaft; 9.5°, 10.5° with Mitsubishi Diamana Blue graphite shaft

Company line: "This classic, pear-shaped clubhead is engineered to produce low-spin, mid-launch shots. The combination of a compact, 440cc head and a deep face promotes more shot-shaping control than typical oversize drivers."

OUR TESTERS SAY:
PROS: Among the top-rated drivers for look, playability and feel; provides superb workability and shotmaking ability; effectively eliminates the left side of the fairway—there's very little fear of hooking; attractive, traditional appearance and slightly open setup invoke positive thoughts; VooDoo shaft works in harmony with D3 head; testers appreciate the precise impact sound.

CONS: Not ideal on days that you struggle with inconsistent ballstriking; adequate distance but some panelists expect more.

From Golf Magazine (Buyer's Guide, May 2009)
It's for: Primarily 0- to 9-handicappers, but playable to 15

Dan Stone, VP of R&D, Titleist: "Our driver development research indicates a significant variation in players' swing speeds and attack angles when delivering the club to impact. We designed three distinct 909 drivers to meet the different launch requirements and maximize distance across our entire target audience.

The 909 D2 delivers mid launch with low- to mid-spin. The 909D3 is designed to deliver a mid launch with low spin. The composite crown of the 909D Comp allows us to lower the center of gravity (CG) without increasing backspin. 909 DComp delivers high launch with low to mid spin.

How it works: The new family includes the 909 D2, 909 DComp and 909 D3. Each stick has a CNC-milled trapezoid face insert—thickest in the middle, thinner around the perimeter—to maximize ball speed across more of the face. A blind-bore hosel combines with small, stiff ridges inside the head to promote crisp acoustics and feel. Yet the heads differ in shape, construction and, ultimately, performance. The 460cc 909D2's all-titanium head falls between the other two in terms of size (face to rear), CG location and overall ball flight. It comes with the Titleist Aldila Voodoo shaft (low to mid launch with lower spin) or Titleist Diamana Blue 65 shaft (high launch with moderate spin).

At 440cc, the 909D3 is the smallest of the bunch. It has the deepest face, the lowest CG and is the narrowest from face to rear. The 909D3 is the easiest to manipulate shots with high or low, left or right. It also produces the least backspin and lowest ball flight. Company testing shows that the 909D3 launches shots 1° lower with 300 to 500 rpm less spin than the 909 DComp. A curved sole, blindbore hosel and internal ribs all contribute to sweet feel and sound. You'll find it with the Titleist Aldila Voodoo (low to mid launch with lower spin) or Titleist Diamana Blue 65 shaft (tour preferred high launch with moderate spin).

The 460cc 909D Comp's multi-material head (titanium body, composite crown) is stretched longest from face to rear among 909 drivers. It also has the deepest CG, highest MOI and belts out the highest ball flight with the most backspin. Expect more help on misses, too. A factory-installed swingweight screw (2, 7 or 12 grams) is used to match head weight with your preferred shaft. Comes with the Titleist Matrix Ozik XCon shaft.

You can be fit for 909 drivers through the company's SureFit adjustable fitting system (includes seven driver heads and 16 shafts).