Equipment

A driver with vertical grooves is about to hit the market

Published

9 years ago

Nov 17, 2016

Vertical Groove Golf is set to debut a (you guessed it) driver with vertical grooves in December. And the Boston-based company claims the USGA conforming club offers golfers improved distance and accuracy off the tee.

The theory is that the vertical grooves reduce “side spin” at impact. (Yes, we know “side spin” isn’t technically a thing). According to Vertical Groove, the groove pattern leads to a 40 percent straighter ball flight on average.

And another claim from the company: The “array of shorter vertical grooves combined with vertical land areas perpendicular to the club face” contribute to added distance and better forward roll.

In independent testing at Golf Laboratories, Inc., the Vertical Groove driver outperformed market leaders in spin rate and distance, in addition to center, heel, and toe dispersion.

“The performance attributes of the Vertical Groove Driver will benefit all golfers, including low-handicappers and golfers that have a tendency to hook or slice off the tee,” said Rubin Hanan, Managing Partner, Vertical Groove Golf, LLC. “Vertical Groove technology on the club face reduces side spin at impact, while generating more forward spin, resulting in better accuracy and increased distance off the tee.”

Additional specs

Available in both right and left-handed models
450 cubic centimeters
Offered in 9.5, 10.5 and 12-degree lofts
Aldila NV2K series shafts come stock
Flexes include: 45 gram L (Ladies), 50 gram A (Senior), 55 gram R (Regular), 65 gram S (Stiff) and 65 gram X (Extra-stiff)
45.75 inches
Suggested retail: $399.99
Available in December 2016

Check out the Vertical Groove website for ordering information.

And an interesting side note: An earlier iteration of the Vertical Groove Driver showed up in the forums back in 2015. User JGalls wrote about his experience hitting the club at a demo day and snapped this picture.

Related Topics:drivers

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Ben Alberstadt

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

30 Comments

Nonymous A

Nov 28, 2016 at 9:10 am

I hit this driver many times, and if you think of the physics in grooves, spin increases perpendicular to the groove. The dispersion on a low torque shaft was dreadful. The vertical grooves produce generally low spin, but biiiiiiiig sidespin. As a longish hitter (270-300) at 13 years old, I’ll keep my D4

Reply Report comment
Wayne

Nov 24, 2016 at 11:23 am

My buddy still games an old Killer Bee B-Sting with vertical groves. He’s almost always right down the middle and fairly long.

Reply Report comment
The Greatest Game

Nov 22, 2016 at 11:42 am

I had the chance to hit the driver this past summer. Just like any other drivers that have a different look on the crown other than the traditional black, it didn’t doesn’t bother me looking down at address. I only focus on the ball with my eyes, everything else gets phased out. The club itself performed exceptionally well compared to my Nike Vapor Pro. I didn’t have a launch monitor at the time, but I could definitely notice an increase in launch angle, and most importantly a much straighter ball flight. I’m looking forward to further testing, and hopefully adding one to the bag.

Reply Report comment
bradpuma

Nov 22, 2016 at 10:00 am

First thing in this thread that is wrong is that the company is Boston based, The company is based in Jupiter Fl. Second this driver was just featured at Ibis Demo day and sold 20 drivers straight from the range anyone who is knocking it before they try it is getting way ahead of themselves almost the entire Ibis staff has put this driver in play already.

Reply Report comment
Dave

Nov 20, 2016 at 7:19 pm

Steve,
I still have one of those drivers here in the fitting studio. Interesting pattern but unplayable with today’s golf balls. Smiles, Dave

Reply Report comment
- Dave Aceto
  
  Dec 26, 2020 at 1:56 pm
  
  dave excellent point i like the driver but cant hit it high enough for my low clubhead speed my friends tried it same results explain your comment with todays golf balls thank you
  
  Reply Report comment
DJ

Nov 18, 2016 at 5:33 pm

if it had a TM, Titleist, or Callaway badge on it, you’d all be lining up to hit it. Price in the stores will drop to $249 – $299.

Reply Report comment
Scooter McGavin

Nov 18, 2016 at 3:56 pm

“more forward spin”….?

Reply Report comment
- Nocklaus
  
  Nov 19, 2016 at 7:24 pm
  
  Yeah, thats a good one…
  
  Reply Report comment
Jonah Mytro

Nov 18, 2016 at 11:35 am

Poor pricing model at $399, thats going to be a tough sell to a golfer who can get a TM, Callaway or Ping driver at the same or lower price…Design of the driver isnt appealing at all. I am getting tired of all of these companies telling us their driver is LONGER, STRAIGHTER and MORE FORGIVING than the other guy. I think most of us are smart enough to know most drivers/irons perform the same, its all about the golfer using the equipment.If you slice a TM driver, your probably going to do the same with all of the other OEM drivers..It comes down to the mechanics of your swing..Id rather spend $399 on lessons to fix my hook or slice on my current driver…

Reply Report comment
Tider992010

Nov 18, 2016 at 11:09 am

I remember several year ago with a drive had no groves. I don’t believe they matter just what the consumer is used too.

Reply Report comment
John

Nov 18, 2016 at 10:38 am

not 460cc …. not interested

Reply Report comment
Guia

Nov 18, 2016 at 10:19 am

I am not convinced that Vertical or Horizontal grooves on a driver have any affect. I have a driver that has no grooves, and it performs the same as those with.

Reply Report comment
FX

Nov 18, 2016 at 9:57 am

Wouldn’t vertical grooves encourage MORE side spin, especially for those who already have issues with that?

Reply Report comment
- Yearight
  
  Nov 20, 2016 at 5:23 pm
  
  I am confused by the same thing. Unless it has something to do with the curve of the face (roll and bulge)
  
  Reply Report comment
Wow.....

Nov 17, 2016 at 10:34 pm

I’ve obviously never designed a club a before, this is just total speculation.

So thinking about iron and wedge grooves only, and thinking back on the whole groove ban back in 2010 or whatever, and the size of horizontal grooves, and then seeing these grooves…..I don’t know…. In my non-engineer and club designing mind maybe it could work to a bit? I’m talking only about the grooves not the head, aerodynamics, CG, ect. Maybe it’s outside the box thinking….

AGAIN, it could be,and might be complete BS, this is just my ignorant thought on the vertical grooves only.

Reply Report comment
D. Jenkins

Nov 17, 2016 at 7:43 pm

Pure gold. Well done Mrs. Smizzle.

Reply Report comment
ACGolfwrx

Nov 17, 2016 at 6:41 pm

Ugly as a hat full of “arseholes”

Reply Report comment
Bert

Nov 17, 2016 at 5:27 pm

Big Deal – does nothing!

Reply Report comment
Double Mocha Man

Nov 17, 2016 at 12:10 pm

Where can I get an Otterbox case for the driver head?

Reply Report comment
Greg Meyers

Nov 17, 2016 at 11:56 am

I currently have this driver in my bag. Its a pretty solid driver… what I notice most is:
1: It goes just as far as my Bridgestone J715 on good swings
2: Bad swings stay between the trees

Reply Report comment
Cris

Nov 17, 2016 at 11:02 am

So less “side-spin” and puts “top-spin” on the ball. Definitely defies the laws of physics. Powered by Antineutrino technology.

Reply Report comment
- skip
  
  Nov 17, 2016 at 12:50 pm
  
  “Vertical Groove technology on the club face reduces side spin at impact, while generating more forward spin, resulting in better accuracy and increased distance off the tee.”
  
  LOL. Forward spin, good luck getting the ball off the ground if that’s the case. Over/Under on how long this new company lasts? haha.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - blink3665
    
    Nov 18, 2016 at 10:59 am
    
    I’m glad someone else saw that. It was the only thing that registered after reading that article. “Forward spin”?
    
    Reply Report comment
  - creeder
    
    Dec 8, 2016 at 8:23 am
    
    could forward spin be speaking towards a gear effect the “reduces back spin”. i am not defending, it is really more of a question if it is bad semantics. depending on construction, there could be a reverse effect on back spin hence more forward spin. i dunno, i could be talking out my butt as much as they are.
    
    Reply Report comment
Golfbuddy

Nov 17, 2016 at 10:01 am

Interesting. Might be fun to hit a few and see what’s up. Could be interesting to see if the vertical grooves help with hitting a draw.

Reply Report comment
Deacon Blues

Nov 17, 2016 at 9:56 am

Nothing new. Golfsmith had a Killer Bee B-Sting driver with vertical grooves in 2006: http://www.jeffsheetsgolf.com/killer-bee—past-projects (scroll down a bit)

Reply Report comment
- Scott
  
  Nov 17, 2016 at 3:28 pm
  
  Nice link. Funny that the comments on the link made no mention of the side spin.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Shallowface
  
  Nov 17, 2016 at 6:57 pm
  
  I knew I had seen this somewhere before.
  
  Reply Report comment
Feel the Bern

Nov 17, 2016 at 9:31 am

certified showstopper.

Reply Report comment

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Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.

The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod

An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.

Equipment

Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:

“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.

My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”

Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”

Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules