29 out of 29 people found this review helpful.
Awesome firepower
Date of Review: Aug 2, 2006
The Bottom Line: A must try for Titleist fans. The most forgiving Titleist driver ever.
I played long time with 983K. Loved it, but messed up good tinkering with too many different custom shafts. The only thing that needed some improvement on the 983K was forgiveness (at least for me). Then came the time for an almost constant battle between the SMT 455, the R7 and a Cleveland Comp, but this Driver switch-a-rama has done more harm than good.
I had been eyeballing the 905R since it first came out a few months ago, but finally had the chance to test drive one last weekend. And even though it takes A LOT for a driver to impress me nowadays, this 905R REALLY made my eyes open wide.
SPECS
Not too long ago I used to think that Titleist would NEVER go all the way and offer a 460cc head. Now it is a reality, despite the fact that it was the last of the major golf companies to offer a 460 cc head! The classic, pear-shaped head is as beautiful as the 983K was to me, at this point in time no 460 head looks monstrous anymore. The sole still has the same diagonal "K" shape but now you can find a sole plug that dampens vibration and "improves" sound.
One thing I loved about the 905R is that the face is shallower than most I've seen lately, or at least it SEEMS like that. Made of titanium, and still using the "bore-trough" technology, there are not many cosmetic changes, but inside, and all around, there has been some major improvements. Lofts start at 7.5 trough 11.5 in one-degree increments.
The "stock" shaft is the Titleist-Fujikura Speeder that I dont know much about, since I tested a custom option. However, the stock options include some extremely good shafts at no charge, such as the ProForce V2, or you can go all the way for the latest Fujikura wonders (from the ZCOM to the SIX) FOR ABOUT $175USD a pop, or even put a Mitsubishi Diamana for $200. Aldilas and Graphite Design also included in the lineup at no extra cost!
I tested a 10.5 fitted with a 44.5 inch Proforce V2 75 S flex. What a GREAT shaft!
PERFORMANCE
After one day at the range, and 2 days of course play, I can understand why so many tour players chose to play with the 905R. This drivers begs to be bombed every single swing, and while this may sound like a good idea at first, it may take its toll on you later on. This driver/shaft combo DEMANDS almost perfect tempo. Slow swings will get you straight on the fairway, but perhaps a little too close to the tee than you may like. Loading the V2 75grm shaft requires a fast tempo, and when you give it time on the back swing, it will come down at the ball and smack it with impressive force.
The feedback is pure and immediate. GOOD hits feel and sound like a celestial choir (well... more like a loud BANG on the course), really NICE. I got a few heel shots that traveled fast and left, with trouble-finding distance. It takes a little time to get used to the kick of the V2 Shaft, but the head of this 905R is an absolute hammer. Hit it on the spot and you will actually FEEL the ball compress and launch far-far away.
I had one complaint about this club, and it concerns the grip. I've always found the Tour Velvet Cords are too hard and firm for my hands, contact feels TOO crisp. I would prefer a softer, more shock absorbing grip like the dual Durometer, for example.
BOTTOM LINE:
This driver is certainly tour caliber material. The most forgiving Titleist ever, but still requires a good dose of SKILL to master it. It is a driver that offers much more distance than it does forgive, even though it leaves the good ol' 983K in the DUST when it comes to correct your mistakes. The feel at impact is incredibly powerful, and the sound matches accordingly. This driver will not make you a tour caliber driver instantly: it is still far more demanding in terms of control than the Launcher, G5 or TM R7 460, for example, but instead will give you the ability to put more "oomphhh" in your drives if you like to play hard.
I love this kind of drivers, maybe not the best for most double-digit handicappers, but certainly a MUST TRY for all who love long drives. At $400 USD fitted with a custom shaft like the V2, this is a very good price, considering that Titlesit is known for being a bit pricey. Really exciting stick!
