Overview/Technology-
Well, it looks like Adams has done it again. Just when the big boys are thinking they are creating distance from their competitors, Adams Golf comes up with another winner, the Adams Speedline. Too early to tell just how well this driver will do, but by the looks of it, well. Real well in fact.
Adams has a reputation of catering to the average golfer, the avid golfers that make the sport what it is today. And it looks like they have another one here, the Speedline was introduced and has gotten the attention with the recent Gold rating from 2009′ Golf Digest Hot List for Drivers Under $350.
The driver has been streamlined to help achieve aerodynamic efficiency. The design features a scooped heel and toe slots, a smaller face and optimal crown height and curve. The Speedline is the first driver in golf to be engineered using wind tunnel technology for superior aerodynamics. The unparalled aerodynmics translates into higher swing speeds for all types of golfers looking for more distance.
Speedline Spec Sheet-
Comes in 3 lofts for the standard 8.5, 9.5, 10.5.
Also available in the Draw at 9.5, 10.5, 12.5 and HL.
Pros/Positives-
This driver is geared for the player looking for distance, the aerodynmics should provide a boost. In fact, the talk from Adams is the Speedline will provide 3-4 mph more clubhead speed which translates to 3-9 more yards on the average carry!
Cons/Negatives-
It’s a high launch driver geared for the recreational player. Certainly not to say it will not suit the lower handicap, as proven it does with 3 Tour wins already!
Actual Player Feedback-
“We have a great one here…The New Speedline Driver…it’s fantastic!”
“The trajectory, feel and control is beyond any driver I’ve ever hit”
Overall Rating-
Golf Digest gave it two thumbs up, need we say more. I think this driver will do very well. Early indications are it provides the every-day golfer a big boost in distance. Already a three-time winner on tour, the Adams Speedline is designed with three main features that reduce drag for more speed which equates to additional distance, something most all golfers look for in today’s high tech drivers.
I was trying out the Nike dymo SQ STR8- FIT and the Cobra L5V at my local range and the Pro put the Adams Speedline in my hands “oh my god” what a club! It is so easy to hit, much more consistent than the other 2 and no messing changing the shaft position. ‘come on whats that all about’ if you’re like me and the vast majority of golfers, you need a draw club. The only time you will need to change the shaft position is if you get into handicap single figures, by that time you will probably need to change your club anyway as it will be obsolete.
I demoed the Speedline driver with a 10.5 loft and compared to my old TaylorMade R7. It took one round and a trip to the driving range to figure out how to square it up, but when I did it was very good, beating the R7. I particularly like the quiet, solid sound compared to the R7 and most other drivers these days.
I decided to buy it, but I got the 9.5 loft because I hit the ball so high. First full round was not good, with a lot of baloon balls to the right. Seemed like the shaft was even longer than the 10.5, although they are supposed to all be 46 inches with the Speedline. I just could not square up the face at that loft.
So, was getting pretty worried and thinking I should have kept the R7 I traded in.
But had a Eureka moment when I went out this week.
I usually grip it at the end of the shaft, but in order to square it up, I had to choke up about 3/4 inch. That was the answer, with the result I began hitting the ball straight (except for one hook and a pull) and about 25 yards longer than the R7 (15 yards longer than the 10.5 degree Speedline).
So, if you are having trouble squaring it up, try choking up a bit.