Titleist 913D2 driver

Brand: Titleist
Driver: 913D2
RRP: £345 Best price: £345
Lie: 58.5-degree Length: 45” Swing Weight: 
Shaft: Phenom 60 S (custom fit to Andy - 8) Grip: Golf Pride Titleist Tour Velvet 360

Summary: Although it's been around for more than a year now, the 913D2 driver still packs a punch with the premium drivers for 2014, and for that reason alone, it makes this test. D2 features a 460cc full-pear shaped head designed for maximum forgiveness and a slight draw bias. Unlike the previous 910 series, both D2, and also 913D3 model, provide the same launch and spin characteristics to provide maximum fitting flexibility. The 913D2 has the same SureFit Tour hosel that debuted in the 910 series, which allows the customer to set loft and lie independently to optimise ball flight. The golfer is then able to raise or lower the loft and open or close the face depending on preference. The hosel sleeve is adjustable by changing the club to one of 16 settings; one ring has settings of 1, 2, 3 and 4, while the other has settings of A, B, C and D.

Looks: Classic looks, perfect for the traditionalist. Not the best alignment aid but it does a job. Cosmetically, red and silver go-faster stripes enhance the sole and there’s an arrow-style plate which houses a screw weight which Titleist engineers have designed to keep the centre of gravity low and to reduce spin. 4 (out of 5)

Feel: The best aspect of this driver, as it's perfectly balanced - much to do with the correct custom shaft fitting. Perfectly balanced driver. The custom fitted Phenom 60 S shaft (for Andy; 8) helped retain launch angle. Balls rose consistently on a penetrating, mid-high trajectory and landed with hot feet. This driver also sounds terrific with a real thwack at impact. There's a soft feel on offer, yet at the same time, a real sense of fire off the face. 9.25 (out of 10)

Performance: Above-average distance but not the easiest to hit down the line. A more forgiving option than the 913D3 but I personally believe there are more forgiving drivers out there right now. A better player driver, no question. Decent workability, however, and ideal mid-high launch with low spin once hitting the deck. 8.75 (out of 10)

Verdict: 913D2 consistently delivers a lovely mid-to-high ball flight, tremendous accuracy and a beautiful crunching sound at impact. It's not the most accurate stick, though, and falls a little short of several others in the distance stakes. Not cheap at £345 but the Titleist fitting process is well worth the extra time and money. It's a very professional service, one of the most impressive I've had the pleasure of reviewing, so I would thoroughly recommend making sure you get yourself custom fit if deciding to take the plunge on the Titleist 913D2 or D3 driver. 22 (out of 25)

Click here for our full Titleist 913D2 driver review and click this link for our full Titleist National Fitting Centre review at St Ives Golf Club.

Next driver, Wilson FG Tour M3