Design Comments on the GX Squared Ti Driver - By Robert Wilson

Comments Courtesy of GigaGolf

The idea behind the design of the GX2 was to improve on an already successful design. Last year's Ozzy Moto was our first try at a high MOI square design. Feedback from customers was good but it was apparent that there were a few issues that needed to be resolved before we felt we had achieved the level of quality and performance GigaGolf is know for. The first and most dramatic change is in the face.

For the GX2 we used a Power Max forges cup face similar to the one found on our higher end C9 driver. The face is made by a multi step forging process that allows us to precisely determine its thickness at multiple points on the hitting surface. To expand the sweet spot, the center is thicker than the edge. While the edge thickness is engineered to be as thin as possible and still pass the USGA and R&A’s COR limitations.

The cup face is reliable and transmits a more solid feel and sound. The number one complaint we had with the Ozzy driver was that the sound at impact was too loud and too high pitched. We found that very few players returned their clubs due to this issue, but we were looking for a higher quality sound at impact that the cup face provides.

We selected an open model design that had nice lines and did not scream “square”. Comfort at address is a major factor when you need a long and playable tee shot. Players have not adapted well the boxy designs that some companies have offered as their versions of the squared phenomenon. The better, more successful square woods have obtained the high MOI benefit of the square shape while appearing more traditional in the playing position. The GX2’s sleek shape inspires confidence at address but it has all the benefits of the square shape.

Read Bill Baxter's review of the KC2 Ti Driver

The GX2 also incorporates an internal weight chip. In the neutral configuration, the chip is located to the rear and center of the sole plate. This placement allowed us to calibrate the MOI and helps the player achieve the higher launch angles that are necessary with today’s golf ball designs. The draw configuration (Available 3/7/2008) has the chip to the rear and toward the heel. This placement is the best choice for players who fight a slice and are looking for ball flight control without using movable weights.

I cannot remember who, nor would I publish his name if I did, but one of the head executives at a large and unnamed golf club manufacturing company said that the square driver would be a 90 day flash in the pan. Trends in golf technology are fast and fleeting. Rare is true innovation, however, it is clear that the principles behind MOI and the square shape are sound. And although there are other ways to manipulate MOI, square drivers have lasted longer than some predicted they would. The second generation of these drivers being introduced by several manufacturers including GigaGolf is a welcome improvement on what was already a good thing.