MOI DSII Driver: Cheaper, Longer, Better

AS TESTED: 9*, 455cc, MOI Rebellion shaft in stiff flex (powered by Harrison)
PROS: 46", high torque shaft makes a setup for the long drivers accessible to slower swingers
CONS: Head cover could be punched up a bit, otherwise, still looking
AVAILABILITY: $200, available at http://www.moigolf.com/darkside-2-pro-sf/


From the blog: MOI Golf is quietly and efficiently producing woods that are beating the big box brands, no question. No gimmicks, no fancy graphics, no astronomical marketing budget. MOI is a testament to the movie quote, "build it and they will come".

Appearance: The MOI DSII showed up at my door during a transitional time in my driver cycle. I've been auditioning drivers for a few weeks now, and had hit just about everyone's 2011 offerings. I was really starting to lean towards the Titleist 910, because of it's sleek black looks and contrast to the ball at address. And, although I was bombing an R11 demo unit, I just couldn't get past the white on white. The DSII from MOI, however, scratched two itches I had in my trials: a longer shafted driver that did not look awkward at address. The head is somewhat compact and round, and is a bit intimidating, until you realize the face isn't nearly as deep as it appears to be. It's actually a very pleasing address setup, as it becomes second nature to line the ball to the center of the face. Also is refreshing is the lack of a center alignment marker, as this driver at address simply "wants" to line up center.

Simple and long

Performance: A lot has been made of adjustable drivers in the past 18 months. Really, Taylormade started the trend with MWT in the R7 line. But it was with the R9 line that TMaG pioneered adjustable hosels to enhance ball flight. Given that most clubs are technologically at their limit according to USGA/RA regulations, these companies have to find a different way to sell a new model every 6-10 months. MOI, with the DSII, proves that a driver engineered for distance from the ground up can have some forgiveness worked in to create an accessible package for golfers of all skill levels.


The DSII simply does not disappoint, and much of that performance has to do with the shaft. The MOI Rebellion shaft, a collaboration with Harrison, is a long, high torque, low kick shaft that compliments the lower loft head very well. In the interest of full disclosure, I struggled at first, really whipping this club through the hitting plane, and hitting more slices than anything else. After a bit of counsel from Scott Chandler, President of MOI Golf, I realized the shaft was a tad heavier than what I had been playing in my off the shelf woods. The Rebellion is 78 grams, where most of my other drivers have been somewhere between 58 and 63 grams. Although this doesn't seem like much, it was causing me to release the club late in the swing, hence keeping the face open and producing a face/slice. Given that I wasn't having success trying to change my timing, I placed the ball a little forward in my stance. What came next were some of the best and longest drives I've hit in a very long time.  In typical fashion, I asked a few of my friends to hit the driver on the range, and all but one shared the same sentiment that the DSII was one of the longer drivers they've played lately.  One of my pickier friends noted how little he was able to work the driver left to right, and how he was not all that impressed.  I have to admit I snickered a bit when he picked up Burner 2.0 back up and hit essentially the same shots he was with the DSII.  In short, this driver delivers all the performance with none of the hype.
One other key to the performance of MOI drivers is the fact that cup-face technology is used in the construction, which eliminates a welded sweet spot on the face.  The welds are around the sole and crown, which ostensibly produces a sweet spot much larger than conventional drivers and is a key enabler of the distance to be had with a well struck hit.


Mishits are not particularly punishing, although with the high torque rating on the shaft, hits on the extreme toe will feel very much like you're twisting the club a fair amount.  Heel hits rocket off to the left, and do not lose any distance.  Overall, this is a very accessible club for all levels of play.








Conclusion: The combination of a hot driver head, hot shaft and great price are all signs that you should have the MOI DSII near the top of your list when you go shopping for your next driver.  Visit them at http://www.moigolf.com

Ogio Ultralite Velocity - A Featherweight That Hits Like a Heavyweight

AS TESTED: Ogio Ultralite Velocity stand bag
PROS: Super light, super functional, 9" club holder, tons of storage
CONS: The straps for carrying the bag chafe during a long round
AVAILABILITY: $195 via http://ogio.com/golf/ultralite/velocity

From the blog: One of the lightest, most functional bags I have ever put into play, with a few caveats.

Upon review of the features list of the ultralite series, it seems impossible that the bag itself weighs 3.6 pounds.  Suspension straps, a fleece-lined valuables pocket, 7 zippered storage areas, a 9" diameter top with separate woods area and even a pocket to carry a water bottle all make for a super compact, highly useful package that can quickly become a full-time bag.  Typically, lightweight bags are relegated to range and light playing duty, simply because they cannot hold enough clubs to adequately play a round.  Not only did the Ogio have room for all of my clubs, there was also a slot left for my Orange Whip trainer and 4 alignment sticks.  In the utility department, the bags gets an A+.

Tons of Storage

Everything but the kitchen sink

However, the ability of this bag to do so much comes at a small price.  Fully loaded with 3 woods, 6 irons, 4 wedges, a putter and my training aids, the bag's minimalist straps began to dig into my shoulders 12 holes into my first walking session.  The next time out I wore a thicker shirt to no avail.  The problem was alleviated somewhat when I stripped the contents down to only my clubs, my rangefinder, and a dozen balls.  The point here is that if you're a serious walker and pack rat like I am, you will want to assess your bag for the bare necessities before heading out to the course with the Ogio on your back.  A huge plus is that the Ogio fits absolutely perfectly on a cart, something I cannot say for the Sun Mountain bag I used to use, so if you ride more than walk, this bag is a must-have.

Sleek and lightweight

Overall:  At 3.6 lbs empty, and the capacity to carry just about everything you have in your old bag, the Ogio Ultralite Velocity bag should be on the top of every avid walker's wish list.

MOI DSII Irons: A value packed muscleback from an up-and-comer

As tested: 3-PW with stiff flex Apollo shafts and Tacki-Mac grips.  Custom options available via MOIgolf.com

PROS: One of the softest, best feeling castings I've ever hit, excellent looks, pleasing price tag

CONS: Finishes wears very easily, grips lose tack rather quickly

OVERALL: A $500 set that plays to easily double that price.  If you're looking for something to stand out with, give these guys a call.

From the blog:

For a company most well-known for producing long-drive competition equipment, MOI golf has cast a formidable contender into the ring of player's irons at a price that should have the big guys sitting up and taking notice.

Address:

Even though they are a player's iron in a muscleback configuration, the generous offset and medium thickness top line inspire confidence from the minute you set the club on the turf.  As evidenced in the pictures, the sole is a little wider than my current 710MB set, making these a fairly forgiving set of irons.  The other notable trait in this set is that they seem to play a shade lighter than anything else I've tried, making the initial takeaway very smooth, and I found my swing plane to be much more consistent when banging test shots between my own Titleist 7 iron and the MOI 7 iron. 

Here you can see the compact head, excellent contrast, and propensity for wear.

Feel:

I normally devote quite a bit of space to feel.  I can do that here, but honestly, there isn't much need to read past the next sentence.  These are, quite simply, the best feeling set of $500 irons I have ever hit.  I had to re-confirm with Scott Chandler, President of MOI golf, that these were indeed cast and not forged out of a hard steel.  While they aren't as buttery as a classic Mizuno, they rank right up there with classic cast irons like the Ping Eye 2 and the TaylorMade R7.  Solid hits are rewarded with a muted feeling and incredible distance, and off-center hits are not punished nearly as harshly as they should be.  Trust me, I had more than my share of mishits.  Because I didn't want to skew this review too much, I asked both our club champion and the senior club champ to put these irons through their paces on the driving range.  Separately, I was told they felt incredible, and when told the retail price, were shocked to learn that quality can still be had so cheap.

Finish:

The catch-22 on this iron set is the finish.  When they arrive, they are nothing short of stunning.  White grips, black Apollo shafts, black ferrules, black PVD finish on the clubheads.  These clubs are meant to be shown off, and even the most equipment shy golfers will have trouble keeping these bad boys under wraps.  That is, until you hit a few warm-up balls on the range.  The finish instantly begins to wear, and my set suffered from significant finish wear from bag chatter after a session where I walked 9 holes.  The good news is that I was able to touch them up somewhat with some Birchwood Casey Super Blue from out local outdoor store.  Honestly, I'd be upset if these were $1000 irons wearing this way, but at $500, you cannot go wrong anyway they come.

Sole wear and comparison between MOI 7 iron and Titleist 710MB 7 iron.

Overall:

Despite the minor drawbacks on the finish, it is highly encouraging for me to see a small niche company such as Scott's take off.  The thing that impressed me the most is that irons are not his primary business, yet he (through MOI Golf) has found a way to create greatness at a price point that rivals the big box stores, and turns up the heat on some of your all-time favorites.  If you're looking for something that feels fantastic, is unique, and can shoo your old Pings away, check out Scott and his company at http://www.moigolf.com.  You'll be glad you did.

Piretti Cortina: A Diamond in the Rough

Available Specs: unlimited options via http://www.pirettigolf.com

As tested: Piretti Cortino putter, headweight 360 grams, True Temper putter shaft, Lamkin grip

PROS: Softer than Country-Crock in the microwave, classic styling, heavy weighting, lower-than-normal loft ensures a true roll off the face
CONS: A little pricey for a smaller manufacturer, some golfers find the weight to be too much
OVERALL: Worth a roll if you're looking for a conversation starter that can actually sink putts

From the blog:
Not just another Anser clone, the Piretti line of putters is from a surprisingly small Houston outfit that has every intention of running with the big boys...and they have the talent to do so.  I met these guys at the AT&T Championship in San Antonio last October, and it was all I could do to get a word in with Mike Johnson, President of Piretti.  The Champions Tour players were walking off left and right with his creations, and it was immediately evident that Mike couldn't have been happier.  However, he gave me his full attention on the putting green when I asked if I could roll a putter.  Because I love the Anser style, and I was playing a Scotty Cameron California Monterey at the time, Mike suggested I try the yet-to-be-released Cortina.  The rest is outlined below...

Just another Anser clone?  Think again...

Address:
There isn't much to say about the address of this stick and, for once, that's a good thing.  I was immediately put at ease when I put a ball down.  It's a classic style, plain and simple.

Address

Feel:

From the instant you pick a Piretti up, the weight is evident.  It's heavy -- my model is 365 grams, almost 30 grams over normal retail putters.  The reasoning for the weight is sound - a heavier putter smoothes out an imperfect stroke.  It also allows for a more natural stroke on slower greens and uphill putts.  One drawback: on greens I play at my club (ranging from 9 to 11 on the stimpmeter), downhill putts can really get out of hand.  There is a learning curve, but its not that big of a hinderance.  Once you get past the weight, the next thing you notice is that putts come off the face with very little hop - even long lag putts come off smooth and true.  The reason is because Piretti employs a far lower loft than other putter manufacturers.  Unless its been to a shop, any Scotty or Bettinardi you've played has 4* of loft.  At that loft, a well struck putt may actually come off the green for a short time, possibly leading to a poor putt or a modified line than originally intended.  Piretti goes with 2.5* of loft out of the box, and I noticed right away that my putts rolled truer, and started out on the line that I intended them to be on. 

Sole

Deep Face Milling

Overall:

It is strikingly evident from the instant you set your grip on a Piretti that you're handling a quality flat-stick.  The depth of knowledge these guys have, coupled with the incredible enthusiasm they have for design-enhanced function is a breath of fresh air among the faceless and personality-free assembly lines that so many other "premium" putters are born from.  If you're looking for Tour treatment, endless customization and a putter that may never leave your bag, look up Piretti Golf.

Titleist 710MB: A Blade for Everyone?

Available Specs:

Lofts: 3-PW

Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 (upgrades available via Titleist)

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Finish: Bright Chrome

As Tested: 4-PW with TT DGS300 shafts (stiff flex), GP Tour Velvet Grips

PROS: Compact, Forged, soft 1025 carbon, pleasantly forgiving

CONS: Thinner-than-normal-for-a-blade sole, slightly intimidating at address, offset more-so than most blades 

OVERALL: One of the most forgiving blades available, feels great, an argument could be made for Titleist’s strongest offerings in player’s clubs to date

From the blog:

In the middle of its product lifecycle, the Titleist 710MB is the current player’s iron in the lineup.  Soft and long on pure hits, surprisingly forgiving on mishits and a sexy, simple design make the 710MB worth a hard look if you’re considering a set of do-it-all blades.

Address:

One of the first things you notice about the 710 MB is just how little of the club you see at address.  It takes a little getting used to, but soon you find yourself less concerned with seeing a shovel and focusing on the ball.  On the range, I hit 10 balls with a 710MB 7 iron, and then 10 with an AP2 7 iron and by the 4th ball with the AP2 I was itching to ditch it for the 710.  One thing to consider, the 710s are only slightly less offset than the AP2, which says more than a mouthful for its forgiveness.

Feel:

I have played just about every Titleist iron out there...starting from DCI all the way through the Z-Muscle Backs.  Until this review, my favorite set was a tie between the 680 blade and the 735.CM blended set.  Both were a simply designed, soft forged iron offering superior playability and feel.  My new favorite is the 710.  On a pure hit, it's buttery soft, emanating the signature Titleist ‘click’, and mishits are not punished nearly as harshly as other blades.  Sure, you’ll lose some distance, but you aren’t treated to stinging in the hands or rocked elbows, even with the DG S300 shaft.  Short of the Mizuno MP32, its the best feeling blade I’ve ever hit.  Something to note...if you hit your shots fat, you may want to consider another set with wider soles.  The 710s have a very thin sole, and fat shots are especially exaggerated with the club’s tendency to dig.  These are fairly low bounce clubs as well, so you will want a good option to get you out of deep rough (I carry an 18* hybrid for knockdowns out of thick rough).

Overall:

The Titleist 710MB shines as one of the best player’s sets on the market...good enough to run with Scratch and Miura by all means.  If you’re in the market for a great set of highly playable blades under $1,000, the 710MB deserves a test hit.

Titleist 910H Hybrid: A solid long-iron replacement

Available specs:

Lofts: 17*, 19*, 21*,  24*

Shafts: Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana 'Ahina and Kai'li for Titleist (other options available via custom order from Titleist)

As tested: 21*, 'Ahina stiff-flex shaft

PROS: Larger than last years 909, SureFit Tour adjustability, hot face, great distance off the deck or the tee

CONS: Black face wears with use, SureFit Tour wrench is not included with hybrid or fairway woods

OVERALL: A worthy upgrade over the 909, and a great replacement for your ailing 3, 4 and even 5 iron(s)

MyGolfConcierge.net Review:

A model-line refresh did not overlook the hybrids at Titleist.  The 'made-for' shafts are very good, the feel and sound are exceptional, and the option for SureFit adjustment make the 910H a solid performer and replacement for your long irons.

Address:

The 910H inspires confidence at address.  The toe of the club is a little more square than the 909, which aids in squaring the ball in the center of the face.  It's subtle, but natural.  In the configuration I tested, the black 'Ahina shaft blended into the black SureFit hosel and ran uninterrupted into the black crown and face.  I am really starting to prefer this look, because of the great contrast between the white ball and black face.  The Adams I recently reviewed executed this concept very well, and the 910H does too.

Face/Sole:

This is one of the most attractive Titleist woods to date.  The black face, although it will wear with use, is a work of art.  Aside from a weight screw, the sole is no-frills, as is the face

Performance
To me, hybrids and rescue clubs were never accurate tools that facilitated scoring opportunities.  They were crutches that I used when I was not hitting a 3-wood well, or a just a long club with a flat sole that I could really punch out of the rough with.  My favorite shot with these clubs is one where I take my hands back to 9 o'clock, hold the release a bit, and hit a 160 yard slight fade that would put me within a sand wedge of the green.  The 910 has changed that.  I found the 21* model to be incredibly accurate and forgiving with an 80% swing and 200 yards in.  To ensure this club wasn't a range queen, I played a few balls from a 180 yard approach on my favorite par 5 at my club...one that has a large oak tree about 100 yards in front of the green...meaning that not only would I have to get the ball in the air, I needed to carry about 120 to ensure I wasn't punching one out from under a tree branch.  The 910 performed wonderfully.  I could dial in the ball flight by opening or closing my stance slightly, which translated into a really nice running draw or a fade that actually would check up and stop.  It's the first club longer than a 6-iron that I have had true confidence with.  I would imagine that the shaft had something to do with it, as Titleist claims that the stock offerings are no longer the junk they sold as 'made for' in last years models.  The "blueboard" in my 909 was an absolute joke, and before the club met its demise on craigslist I put a 3 iron steel shaft in it, to no avail.  It was just not a quality club by any stretch.  Again, the 910 changes that entirely by offering a quality shaft and consistent performance.

SureFit Tour Adjustability
I'd really love to write about the SureFit Tour hosel that offers 16 settings of adjustability for loft/lie, but Titleist does not include a wrench with the hybrids or the woods.  Its a shame, because I feel like I only have half the story with this club.  When I asked the guys in the pro shop, they told me that when the shipment of 910 gear arrived, they were only given 5 wrenches for the year, and to only include them with the drivers.  I am going to scour ebay and try to find one that I can use for testing.  But, based on looks alone, the hosel is only slightly fatter than a normal offering, and certainly does not detract from the looks of the club.  Again, I am really taking a shine to the black shaft/black hosel/black head/black face look...contrasts very nicely with the ball.  I am hoping to review the R11 TP soon to see how a white head matches up.  Overall, Titleist gets an A for design.

Overall
More than just a model-line refresh, the 910 Hybrid combines an excellent stock shaft, visually pleasing head and fantastic performance from the tee or off the deck.  It should definitely be at the top of your list when you're shopping for your next utility wood.

Pardon MOI? Moment of what??

5 years ago, buying a new driver was a far less scientific purchase than it is today.  Marketers hyped up volume...most drivers were between 380-420cc, and all you needed to know was that bigger was better.  I remember when a good friend of mine got an early Nike Sasquatch that was 460cc and I thought it was an absolute monster.  It was huge, and rewarded a far less than perfect swing.  Little did I realize that it was MOI, or moment of intertia, not the size, that was rewarding a poor swing.  Nike just happened to be on the cutting edge of the MOI wars.

So, what is MOI?

Simply put, MOI is a resistance to twisting.  Because I am not an engineer, I will not bore you with the science, just the practical knowledge.  But, Imagine the feeling you have when you hit a ball off the toe of your driver.  If you hit it far enough off the toe, you get a sensation that the head turned out a bit, right?  Thats MOI at work.  Low MOI, but its MOI.  When you hit a ball in the center of the face, it feels stable, solid, and powerful.  MOI is also at work here as well.  A club with higher MOI will resist the urge to twist against the force of hitting the ball more so than a club with low MOI.  Every club in your bag has some sort of MOI rating (even your putter).  However, you probably feel it most in your woods because of the lighter weight of the overall club and a hollow chamber behind the clubface.

How do clubmakers compensate?

Although I am not a huge fan overall of Nike, in my opinion, they lead the MOI charge (or at least effectively marketing it).  Most of their driver line over the past 3-5 years have been leaders in MOI.  Simply put, their drivers are a little more forgiving on mishits than most others.  TaylorMade has also jumped into the game, and part of the movable weight technology that started in the R5 series helps spread even weight across the clubface to help balance MOI and hit straight, long shots regardless of impact area.

What does this mean for me?

I would say that if you’re playing a driver from 2005 or earlier, you’re leaving yards on the box.  Just about every manufacturer is making clubs these days with a much higher MOI rating than they were even 2 years ago.  I’d say if you’re anywhere near the market for a new driver, start looking now.  Personally, I’d start with the Adams I recently reviewed, the 9064LS and then the new Nike VR Red Tour driver with the variable compression channel.  Above all, hit them straight!