Is this driver OVERRATED and OVERPRICED?

[@RickShielsPGA]

I'm BACK! Tell me... Who will make the *BEST* driver in 2020?

[@jefferyli8472]

Rick Shiels Golf Taylor made

[@TsionBenJudah]

Maybe Callaway!

[@maxthecatwizard7937]

Cobra?

[@VicenteGarzaIII]

The taylormade sim driver looks pretty cool

[@stuartnash5371]

Wilson staff launch pad. Would love to grab one to stop me slicing

[@toerqio123]

Yes please move back to the “old school” reviews for 2020. Imo, this way of reviewing is much more interesting compared to on course testing.

[@KvandeO]

Agreed!

[@cgasucks]

Yes. Reviews were the reason why the is the most popular golf channel on KZbin.

[@hiltonr1845]

Agreed

[@animatorstevevyas]

100% . These academy reviews with the gcquad was what got me addicted to his channel. Then he switched and unfortunately i lost interest. Glad to see him doing this again!

[@bryanh6856]

toerqio123 if it’s a straight review of performance then sure, I want to see raw data but that said there’s nothing scientific about hitting 10 balls at a screen and making a determination. I really enjoy his on course “qualitative” feedback. And a driver is just 1 club in the bag. I enjoy the rest of his on course content because ultimately irons, wedges, even woods are less about distance and more about feel and control and you can only get that on a golf course.

[@jpm.06]

Not going to lie, but from face on it looks like the Slazenger driver you tested a while back. Not a fan

[@joshyxz]

James Moores was thinking the same thing! I’ll keep my M2

[@kizza82ful]

That was exactly what I thought. The Slazenger v300, probably doesn’t even perform any better either. With a £540 price difference.

[@djr4840]

The adjustment on a Honma is a little different. You adjust the head and the shaft stays still and is spined, unlike other driver. Then you click it in. The shafts on them are all stiff for accuracy reasons, but are light to keep the speed up. You’re right though probably a little too light for you.

[@ratnejaitomar626]

Missed these type of reviews so much😍😍😍

[@RickShielsPGA]

Thanks for watching

[@winstonsmith11]

I can say with confidence that it's overpriced without even seeing the club. Literally every new driver is overpriced.

[@minto8147]

I totally agree. But I also think most things golf are overpriced.

[@UpToScratchGolf]

Adam Barnett 100%

[@BundyPoppy]

GOLF, in general, is overpriced, but supply/demand allows it.

[@dustin5007]

I agree. But as long as people keep shelling out $500+ for a driver the companies will keep raising the price. After Taylor Made made the M2 and Cobra made the F9 I honestly don't think anyone can make any better drivers. I think those two clubs are the top of the mountain and they are only $150 to $300.

[@BundyPoppy]

@@dustin5007 100% Agree, Drivers have all hit the Maximum C.O.R '0.83' It is the Shaft(s) that are the only difference now.

[@alexsmith4689]

Who is their target market? People who like being ripped off and don’t like to hit it far?

[@eoinmurphy8761]

Sandy Smith Wealthy CEOs who can’t play golf but like to be seen with the latest technology.

[@ivyfalls1]

I marshal at a course in Atlanta and lots of Koreans and Japanese love Honma. I imagine Honma is trying to sell this, yes LOWER price driver, to people who have always wanted Honma but can not afford the higher quality products.

[@minto8147]

Definitely not me lol

[@scannon4492]

Without trying to massively generalise but older Asians with money... Who would want a smaller lighter product.

[@wilsonhung8654]

@@scannon4492 Or Asian juniors with money from their parents. Ha

[@azraai9044]

Love the old school review u did. No flashy gimic and music. Just straight to the point and view every shot on your GC2 monitor and longer duration.

[@shasler]

I really like the old school review you brought back with this one! I love the GC Quad ball flight with your thoughts intertwined.

[@ryanscrutchfield534]

Great to see you back! Cant wait for all your videos! Cheers!

[@gereeezya.2141]

Rick! Finally back in the studio. Can we get down the line and more face on views when you review? You look like youre grooving your swing so well!

[@vinnie4118]

Such a Good Video Rick Loving the Content Lately.

[@RickShielsPGA]

Thanks so much

[@BundyPoppy]

I would like to see Drivers tested against each other on a Robotic Testing System with each having 4 different shafts tested, swing speeds etc. A truly comprehensive test.

[@BobBoonah1]

Hi Rick had a few lessons off you before youtube seven or eight years ago. Always came off as a genuinely nice fella. Glad to see you having all this success!

[@ageary]

Old school honesty from Rick, this is what people subscribed for. More please in 2020.

[@benjamintoups953]

Miss these videos. Glad to have them back. Hopefully more to come this year.

[@seankenny7040]

Finally someone agrees with me that homna clubs arent as good as you think

[@PoorGamer13]

Tried their driving iron and it was fine but got outperformed by Srixon pretty easily.

[@maxbrick7op667]

Finally!! Great review per the usual. Love em. One request if possible. More course vlogs! I love seeing you actually play golf every now and again. Keep up the good work!

[@JohnDavis-ol7qg]

This driver is designed for the slow swing player. It is also described in the XP-1 Club market as a club for the Amateur player who needs forgiving clubs. The driver that Justin Rose is the driver suited for you and your clubhead speeds. I play Honma and it has really improved my game. I have the 2018 Tour World 737v 6-11 irons, Tour world 737c 7,5,3 woods and the 445cc Tour World driver at 9.5° and a 25° TW Hybrid that replaces my 5 iron. and a Tw-W 56° & 60° wedges. I bought these starting in February of last year and originally my Driver was $600 and onsale as a 2018 leftovers was$129. They are now $99. I am expecting this XP1 will drop in price next February

[@markwebster6237]

Loving the old school format Rick bring back more of these please!

[@JoppersGolf]

Loving the old school reviews. Need these badboys back. Happy new year mate!

[@AlexNblue]

Enjoying the old school format! Happy new year 👍

[@shaunconnolly2534]

I swear I thought I heard “Honda” 🤯

[@peterthrun2768]

So did I

[@robertberardy2612]

The proper Japanese pronunciation is "home-mah". Easy to say but everybody still gets it wrong. The old Honma irons were easily the best irons made. Drivers have never been stand outs.

[@adampilot6265]

Thank you for getting back to the academy and doing an old school review. This is my favorite format by a mile.

[@tylershumaker4242]

20 seconds into this video and I already love it. Miss the old school reviews so much. Hope there are more to come.

[@_BLacKWaTeR_]

LOOOOVVVEEEE the old school review style PLEASE do more like this!!! These videos are how I found you 2 years ago

[@markfogden4549]

Great to have you back Rick, Happy new year!!! Please dont leave it so long in-between videos now new year is here and lots of matches this year please especially with Pete Finch...…...

[@rosehu5761]

Happy new year Rick, hope you keep giving us amazing videos!

[@jayehgaming1671]

It’s about time . I like these kinds of reviews . Tried watching other Similar club testers but they weren’t as good lol bring these back please

[@peturstefansson]

Good to see you're back. Looking forward to seeing more of your reviews 👍🏻

[@patrickweikle5824]

Love the channel. Please just do reviews like this for the rest of 2020!

[@michaelmullins2996]

Happy new year Rick, you’ve helped rekindle my love for golf! And starting to sway me from my titleist obsession..almost!

[@chrisbowling4874]

I just thank you for the review on the Cobra F9, because it got me to go and try it, and I bought that beast. Keep up the great reviews, they truly do help us all.

[@festarnbecknarnback452]

Hey Rick! Love ur vids keep it up man!!

[@FluffMuffy]

good to have you back rick!

[@zachholmlund5668]

my driver right now is a honma twin marks driver and i couldn't ask for another one better although it was ridiculously expensive.

[@MM-zb9kc]

Rick, would love for you to test this driver out with a person with a much slower swing speed. Honma is huge in Japan and Korea and especially with business men/women. Those folks usually don’t have a high swing speed and maybe this driver was made to optimize their swing speeds and why they made it so light of a swing weight.

[@chanm3598]

Totally agree. I have a slower swing speed & Honma clubs are made for people like me. Beautifully made.

[@larslewis7189]

I love these reviews way more than on-course ones. Bang on Shielsy for bringing this format back.

[@joshnusenbaum7687]

Old school reviews is what attracted the audience! We want more!!! Well done sir

[@cameronlarson2472]

I miss these old school videos on the GC Quad!!! Keep them coming Rick!!!!

[@madman8452]

Great info! I’m in the market for a new driver this year! Thanks Rick!

[@RickShielsPGA]

Thanks for watching

[@jordanlovelace6712]

Nice vid and thanks for all the reviews

[@danielrisi4856]

Happy new year Rick love the old school review! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us in 2020

[@victorgregerswinkel3084]

Great Work Rick👍

[@RickShielsPGA]

Thanks so much

[@paulp2055]

Glad to see your back to the old school testing...just love these reviews!

[@devindazzlenl]

Happy new year Rick! Great to see you're back with a review vid.

[@wesb3342]

Rick, I love hype background music, it really works for this review

[@Travissmith-nc9ms]

Glad to see these reviews back rick! But you forgot to go over the numbers

[@BANDANA960]

Good stuff Rick, have to say there's a place for both types of reviews on your channel. That'd be awesome but either way great stuff!

[@anonymous1aoLang]

Honma ,Xxio , Yamaha , marumann clubs mostly target elderly n ladies golfer ... very light n high torque shafts,irons usually very strong lofted also

[@andrewstarkey8400]

Nice to see you back at the old school stuff great video.

[@cjmontgomery6696]

This format of reviews are the best!

[@breeze787]

i like your reviews you tell me what to look for. Thanks for putting this up.

[@astroidother3609]

Happy New Year Rick. 2020 sounds like it will be another good one. Thanks

[@donaldcampbell4518]

Thanks to your coaching videos I have been to the driving range many times working on a different iron swing. I am now hitting the ball further and better. Time to test it on the course Sunday.

[@jbspullins1725]

Love the look of that driver, I don’t think anything is over priced as long as someone is willing to pay it. It’s weird watching the ball flight it seems to drop out of the sky. They are not the big name but I am looking forward to testing the Turbo Launcher HD when its available

[@paulbeurskens2371]

I'm loving seeing the old style reviews rick. Let's have some more👍👍

[@lianamitchell1083]

love your vids keep it up

[@ultrapail]

Great video review Rick! Keep it up

[@cheeks9596]

welcome back old school reviews!!LOL Rick all of your reviews are great...#1 driver this year Mavrik...

[@bryceknackstedtknackstedtb2324]

Please test the C3 wedge please. thx Rick

[@anth115]

When are you testing Jack Hamms Hammer Driver. Looking foward to it

[@anth115]

Fun video yes in summary of his review he hit the $600 taylormade m5 305 meter and the $129 Hammer driver 303 meters. Cool review and mind blown

[@markus.kuerschner]

An happy and successful 2020 to you, Rick! ☺

[@speterj]

ULTRALIGHT VIZARD SHAFTS Produced in Sakata, Japan, the 43-gram shaft has a soft feel but ultra-responsive graphite fiber for faster swing speed and effortless distance.

[@taylormilton3]

No joke Rick, I actually love these reviews. A lot..... it’s gives me so much info RIGHT AWAY! Your new way is awesome, and the new on course is legit, don’t get me wrong, but a blast from the past is cool.

[@johnzelenjak]

Love love live the old school club review format. I play at a club with heaps of Korean and Japanese members and they love Honma because it suits their slightly slower swing speed. Im not sure if body geometry is part of the reason why, but it works for them.

[@khaliphilemoyo607]

Feels great to be the 100th comment on the first video this year hopefully we see Rick on a tour this year Love the videos rick

[@RickShielsPGA]

Thanks so muc

[@sirtogii5216]

Not starting the year with a bang then... Welcome back!

[@tltltltl5964]

From instagram❤️🙌🏼love the videos, keep up the good work

[@daveeastcott9323]

Amazing when U think how much better the Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo performed for you! 🤔😂 Happy New Year Rick, all the best for 2020 and thanks for the great content!!!

[@wesleyfontaine3438]

More of these kinds of reviews please. Crown and face look exactly like my cobra s3 driver, even the greyish colour. Cheers.

[@smokeyjoetn]

Hey Rick...love these types of videos much better.

[@aimeagle]

Bought one late late fall of 2023 brand new for $119 US. Also, grabbed one of their tr420 drivers for $119 lol. For that price I had to try them. Yet to be determined on the Xp1. The tr420 is really good for that kind of money.

[@jorgeorosjr5575]

These old school videos are my favorite. The reason I started watching. 👍

[@seanmessina5724]

Hey rick, have you been able to test any of the new taylormade woods? Love the content

[@RickShielsPGA]

Yep!

[@VicenteGarzaIII]

On my way to the course right now lets see how it goes ! Happy new year btw

[@Kridian01]

With... Honma clubs? 🤔

[@VicenteGarzaIII]

Kridian01 no not wirh homna

[@dduplessis399]

Hey if I was using a extra stiff shaft then I got an injury now I'm swing a little slower would that affect my game

[@SteveSmith-wv8ug]

Slow swing speed I have, but not enough to warrant buying a driver for that ridiculous price, just for a few extra yards. Great honest review Rick..

[@sg5733]

I've got the solid gold driver, 3 wood, 5 wood and hybrid. Great clubs. 😉⛳️

[@wesbender8413]

Hey Rick, loving your content this year... in your opinion, what is the best drill for someone who is very close to breaking 80 but cant quite get there??

[@gawoo1012]

Easy....Work on your short game

[@joshellis493]

I broke 80 for the first time today. My keys were short game and ball striking with my irons.

[@bencuff6368]

Consistency in your entire game but most importantly your short game will lead to breaking 80. This only comes with practice and playing. Good luck!

[@MrShanghai34]

At the local golf shop here, there was a Honma driver on the trade in rack. Used $250(US)... Still on the rack.

[@scaffoldawg]

Rick says "I like it stiff"

[@Libbyyyyyyyyyy]

That's probably why we don't see Peter Finch around as much.. 😆😆

[@user-ys6hl1uy1t]

Paige likes it in!

[@quakecon2009]

Whether you're a dude into dudes. A woman into dudes. Or a man into dudes, we call agree on rick with Ricks sentiment on this one!

[@mhay7628]

Absolutely love the old school review. Thank you for doing that again

[@scottford84]

I think thats the first driver in the past 2-3 years you haven’t hit 300+yrds!!!! Highlights the importance of ‘getting fit’. Keep em coming rick 👊🏼

[@andrewthompson2692]

Love ya Rick! Ur objective view is refreshing!

[@bryanh6856]

Hey Rick! Happy new year. Ive got a video request/suggestion that could be fun... In this video I couldn’t help but think that you looked a bit restricted by your clothing.... we cold weather golfers (I’m canadian) know the struggle well; trying to balance swing comfort with physical comfort. I think you should test how much additional layers actually restrict your swing and affect performance! You could try a short sleeve polo as your baseline... then maybe a wind/rainproof tee shirt, vest, sweaters jackets etc. And see how the additional layers affect your performance. For me, I HATE feeling restricted by my outerwear so I would rather be cold than restricted. But I’d love to see what the stats suggest!

[@scottspearink7912]

Happy New Year Rick! Decent video nice to see you going back to the old format 👌 Have you got any putter reviews coming up?

[@cryptti_2551]

Love the vid rick what ball you going into 2020 with ?

[@jeffreylardizabal3964]

YES! Most drivers are!!! I'm a huge fan of lead tape. It has become a personal quest to buy nothing more than old, used drivers, under $50 dollars, and optimize them with lead tape placements, bringing them on par with whatever is out on the current market (consider the fact that ALL drivers must conform to COR values!!!; yet, lead tape placements for balancing ones play is legal). A package of lead tape is around $4.00. With correct placement, considering ones swing characteristics, great advancement in ones play can be realized - given, their smash factor is consistent.

[@thomashenryirvin]

Happy New Year Rick. Looking forward to watching this year but what's with all the hip hop hand gestures?

[@andrewmacdonald6742]

I swing at 115 mph and this driver goes better than the ping and Titleist, I tried the different shaft a evenflow X stiff, but ended up using the vizard stiff 50 gram and it performed the best for me with the genuine shaft

[@taekec7531]

Yes, I love the old school review style, I've missed this, thanks for this video, I hope you can make more of these in the future, much appreciated, thanks, Rick!!

[@stuallen2029]

Hi Rick ... can I use the garmin g80 with a stand alone driving net in the back garden? Will it work as a launch monitor?

[@urojoe]

hi. love your interesting top videos. can you review PRGR?

[@nymapleleaf]

I actually won the XP-1 from Honma, haven’t hit it yet. I currently have the M4 but am considering a move to the Cobra driver (last year’s). Thinking of putting my Honma up for sale, this video helps that decision!

[@patrickkaack2122]

I won one too! Haven’t hit it yet. Too cold here in Chicago.

[@edjcambridge]

I got fitted for last year's model ...hit it 15 yards further then titleist taylormade and Callaway... it was also way straighter... it seems I'm pretty happy I'm playing last year's model ... I was hitting over 300... 😉

[@marya.crittenden8919]

You were hitting it straight, that impress me .....

[@frietztallo9892]

Great Stuff! Been playing about 3 months now with the Iron 2 and everyday I watch your reviews on everything. Hopefully I can saved some money soon so I can buy a good driver. Keep it up!

[@maxmurdock6277]

Finally some content hah can’t wait to c the new Taylormade drivers

[@aimeagle]

Hey all! I'm a bit late to the party bc I just bought a new tr20 440 driver. Originally $650 US$ now $140 US! Amazing right lol?! Ric is not wrong about the adjustments on this driver. I have owned about all of them and this thing is a rubix cube compared to all the others lol. Haven't hit it yet but was setting it up for what I like and it took more than a few minutes lol. Also, only 1° adjustment up or down. I was thinking a 9.5 would go down to 7.5. I was wrong lol

[@frankhernandez958]

Rick keep up the great work! I absolutely love the old school club review. Please do more.