Golfers of all levels are always on the lookout for equipment that will help them improve their game. One of the most popular pieces of equipment that golfers are always interested in is the driver. The driver is the club used to hit the ball off the tee and is often the club that golfers use to get the most distance on their shots. When it comes to drivers, there are two main types: Tour Issue and Retail. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of drivers and help you decide which one is the right fit for your game.
What is a Tour Issue Driver?
Tour Issue drivers are golf clubs that are specifically made for professional golfers. These drivers are often customized to the player’s specific swing and preferences. They are usually made from higher quality materials and are designed to maximize performance.
What is a Retail Driver?
Retail drivers, on the other hand, are mass-produced golf clubs that are available to the general public. They are designed to be more forgiving and easier to hit than Tour Issue drivers. Retail drivers come in a variety of models and are usually less expensive than Tour Issue drivers.
What are the differences between Tour Issue and Retail Drivers?
There are several key differences between Tour Issue and Retail drivers. The first difference is in the materials used. Tour Issue drivers are often made from higher quality materials, such as carbon fiber, which makes them lighter and more durable. Retail drivers, on the other hand, are usually made from lower quality materials to keep the cost down.
Another difference is in the adjustability of the drivers. Tour Issue drivers are often highly adjustable, allowing players to customize the driver to their specific swing. Retail drivers usually have some adjustability, but not to the same extent as Tour Issue drivers.
Which one should you choose?
Choosing between a Tour Issue and Retail driver depends on your skill level, budget, and personal preferences. If you are a professional golfer or a highly skilled amateur, a Tour Issue driver may be the best choice for you. These drivers are designed to maximize performance and can be customized to your specific swing. However, they are also more expensive than retail drivers.
If you are an average golfer who is looking for a driver that is forgiving and easy to hit, a retail driver may be the best choice for you. These drivers are designed to be more forgiving and easier to hit than Tour Issue drivers, making them a great choice for golfers who are still working on their swing.
Pros and Cons of Tour Issue and Retail Drivers
Tour Issue Driver Pros:
- Customized to player’s swing and preferences
- Made from higher quality materials for better performance and durability
- Highly adjustable to fine-tune performance
- Can provide a competitive edge for highly skilled players
Tour Issue Driver Cons:
- Expensive compared to retail drivers
- May not be forgiving or easy to hit for average golfers
- May not be suitable for players who do not have consistent swings or ball flight patterns
Retail Driver Pros:
- More forgiving and easier to hit than Tour Issue drivers
- Come in a variety of models and price points to fit different budgets
- Offer some adjustability to fine-tune performance
- Can be suitable for golfers of all skill levels
Retail Driver Cons:
- Made from lower quality materials than Tour Issue drivers
- May not offer the same level of customization as Tour Issue drivers
- May not provide the same level of performance as Tour Issue drivers
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Driver
When choosing a driver, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Skill level: If you are a highly skilled player or a professional, a Tour Issue driver may be the best choice for you. If you are an average golfer or a beginner, a retail driver may be a better fit.
- Budget: Tour Issue drivers are generally more expensive than retail drivers. Determine your budget before making a purchase.
- Swing consistency: If you have a consistent swing and ball flight pattern, a Tour Issue driver may provide the most benefit. If your swing is still developing, a retail driver may be a better option.
- Course conditions: Consider the course conditions you typically play on. If you play on courses with narrow fairways or lots of hazards, a more forgiving driver may be a better fit.
- Personal preferences: Ultimately, the driver you choose should feel comfortable and suit your personal preferences. Try out different models before making a decision.
TaylorMade SIM Tour Issue Driver vs Retail
| Model | Loft (degrees) | Shaft | Weight (grams) | Spin Rate (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIM Tour | 9.0 | Project X | 69 | 2200 |
| SIM Tour | 9.0 | KBS Tour | 67 | 2300 |
| SIM Tour | 9.5 | HZRDUS | 70 | 2400 |
| SIM Retail | 9.0 | Fujikura | 65 | 2500 |
| SIM Retail | 9.5 | Mitsubishi | 68 | 2600 |
| SIM Retail | 10.5 | Kuro Kage | 70 | 2700 |
| SIM Tour | 8.5 | Tensei CK | 68 | 2800 |
| SIM Retail | 12.0 | Tensei AV | 75 | 2900 |
| SIM Tour | 9.5 | Diamana | 70 | 3000 |
| SIM Retail | 10.5 | Tensei CK | 65 | 3100 |
Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Tour Issue Driver vs Retail
| Model | Loft (degrees) | Shaft | Weight (grams) | Spin Rate (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub Zero TI | 9.0 | Aldila | 65 | 2000 |
| Sub Zero TI | 9.0 | HZRDUS | 70 | 2100 |
| Sub Zero TI | 9.5 | Fujikura | 75 | 2200 |
| Sub Zero R | 9.0 | EvenFlow | 65 | 2300 |
| Sub Zero R | 9.5 | Tensei AV | 70 | 2400 |
| Sub Zero R | 10.5 | Project X | 75 | 2500 |
| Sub Zero TI | 8.5 | Diamana | 80 | 2600 |
| Sub Zero R | 12.0 | Kuro Kage | 85 | 2700 |
| Sub Zero TI | 9.5 | Tensei CK | 90 | 2800 |
| Sub Zero R | 10.5 | HZRDUS | 95 | 2900 |
Titleist TS3 Tour Issue Driver vs Retail
| Model | Loft (degrees) | Shaft | Weight (grams) | Spin Rate (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TS3 Tour | 8.5 | Project X | 68 | 2200 |
| TS3 Tour | 9.5 | Tensei CK | 70 | 2300 |
| TS3 Tour | 9.5 | Diamana | 72 | 2400 |
| TS3 Retail | 9.5 | HZRDUS | 65 | 2500 |
| TS3 Retail | 12.0 | Tensei AV | 75 | 2600 |
| TS3 Tour | 10.5 | Kuro Kage | 77 | 2700 |
| TS3 Retail | 9.5 | Fujikura | 68 | 2800 |
| TS3 Tour | 8.5 | EvenFlow | 69 | 2900 |
| TS3 Retail | 10.5 | Tensei CK | 70 | 3000 |
Ping G410 Plus Tour Issue Driver vs Retail
| Model | Loft (degrees) | Shaft | Weight (grams) | Spin Rate (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G410 Plus TI | 9.0 | Project X | 65 | 2000 |
| G410 Plus TI | 9.0 | Diamana | 68 | 2100 |
| G410 Plus TI | 9.5 | Tensei CK | 70 | 2200 |
| G410 Plus R | 9.0 | HZRDUS | 65 | 2300 |
| G410 Plus R | 9.5 | Fujikura | 68 | 2400 |
| G410 Plus R | 10.5 | Tensei AV | 70 | 2500 |
| G410 Plus TI | 8.5 | Kuro Kage | 75 | 2600 |
| G410 Plus R | 12.0 | Project X | 80 | 2700 |
| G410 Plus TI | 9.5 | EvenFlow | 85 | 2800 |
| G410 Plus R | 10.5 | Tensei CK | 90 | 2900 |
Cobra King F9 Tour Issue Driver vs Retail
| Model | Loft (degrees) | Shaft | Weight (grams) | Spin Rate (RPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King F9 TI | 9.0 | HZRDUS | 65 | 2200 |
| King F9 TI | 9.0 | Tensei CK | 68 | 2300 |
| King F9 TI | 9.5 | Project X | 70 | 2400 |
| King F9 R | 9.0 | Fujikura | 65 | 2500 |
| King F9 R | 9.5 | Kuro Kage | 68 | 2600 |
| King F9 R | 10.5 | Diamana | 70 | 2700 |
| King F9 TI | 8.5 | Tensei AV | 75 | 2800 |
| King F9 R | 12.0 | EvenFlow | 80 | 2900 |
| King F9 TI | 9.5 | Aldila | 85 | 3000 |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there are several differences between Tour Issue and Retail drivers. Tour Issue drivers are designed for professional golfers and are customized to the player’s specific swing. Retail drivers, on the other hand, are designed to be more forgiving and easier to hit than Tour Issue drivers. Choosing between the two depends on your skill level, budget, and personal preferences.
