Titleist 907D1 and 907D2 Driver Review
Posted May 18th, 2007 by Erik J. Barzeski
Titleist may be the "traditional" golf company, but that hasn't stopped them from introducing a triangular driver. How's it play? Read to find out.
Some have called 2007 the year of the square driver. After all, big names in the golf industry - Callaway and Nike - have pushed square drivers on the market with others (Nickent) following. And hey, the logic behind pushing weight to the back corners makes sense. These facts have led some to claim that within five years, all drivers will be squarish in shape.
But not so fast! Feedback from demo days is that the square drivers are shorter than the traditional drivers. And, since they're engineered hit the ball straighter, the better players who likes to shape their tee balls aren't taking to the shorter, straighter, squarer drivers at all.
With all the hype, it's easy to overlook the more traditional drivers from companies like Titleist. This April, Titleist followed up on their 460cc 905R with the fairly traditional 907D2 and the triangular 907D1. Both designed for the better player - and neither at all resembling a box - the 907 line continues Titleist's "two-driver" strategy.
How do these drivers stack up to the competition? Is a triangle better than a square? Which of the two is better for you? Read on to find out.
Construction and Technology
The 907 duo, like the 905 and 983 lines before it, continues Titleist's history of all-titanium clubheads. The 907s feature a 6-4 Titanium body with an SP700 beta titanium face. On both the D1 and the D2, the thickness of the beta titanium face is tapered from a thinner top to a thicker bottom, leading to more optimal launch conditions across the face - high launch, low spin. You've heard the mantra before.
Like the 905 (S, T, and R models), the 907 drivers both feature an aluminum bore-through hosel and sleeve that better marries the shaft to the clubhead. Unlike in the 905 series, the 907 hosel sleeve is threaded and screws in, eliminating concerns of clubmakers and avid golfers that they could accidentally pull the hosel sleeve when changing shafts.
The "Big Vicks" shape appears a bit more pronounced from the bottom than at address and the 907D2 is more circular than pear, marking a substantial change for Titleist. Both drivers are 460cc.
Titleist calls this dual titanium/aluminum trio "multi-material design," and it's interesting to note that Titleist is one of the few companies not including carbon composite materials in their drivers. In the words of someone famous, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." If nothing else, Titleist's all-titanium construction has continued to create some of the best sounding drivers on the market.
The buzz word with drivers this year is, as mentioned earlier, MOI. These three letters stand for "moment of inertia" and the higher a club's "MOI," the less it will twist when a shot is struck off-center. MOI is measured in two directions: horizontal (heel/toe) and vertical (high and low on the clubface). As a general rule, higher handicap players mis-hit shots on the toe and heel, while better players miss high and low.
Model Heel-Toe MOI vs. 905R High-Low MOI vs. 905R ----- ------------ -------- ------------ -------- 907D1 5000+ g cm^2 + 14% 3100+ g cm^2 + 24% 907D2 4500+ g cm^2 + 2% 2700+ g cm^2 + 8% 905R 4400 g cm^2 2500 g cm^2
The 907D1 - the triangular one - uses what Titleist calls a "Limit Geometry Triangle" to maximize MOI, leading to improved stability on off-center impact and improved ball speed. In fact, Titleist claims that the peak ball speed face map area of the 907D1 is double the size of the 905R.
The 907D2 - the more circular driver - uses a "Traditional Geometry Circle" to blend higher MOI with workability. The USGA and R&A limit for heel/toe MOI is 5900 g*cm2, and though neither 907 model approaches the limit, this is to be expected from Titleist. High-MOI clubs, like ultra-game-improving irons, benefit the higher handicapper. For high handicappers, Acushnet has Cobra drivers. For single-digit handicappers, Titleist drivers - "serious clubs for serious players" - will do just fine.
Other changes have been introduced that may not be as noticeable as some of the above. The crown has lost some weight and is now "low mass," allowing Titleist engineers to move more discretionary weight around (likely lower and deeper) to tweak or enhance the center of gravity (CG) and the MOI. Finally, the clubface on both the D1 and the D2 is more symmetrical, unlike the 905R which featured a more pronounced toe and a smaller heel.
Esthetics
The symmetrical face helps usher in another change: the "pear" shape for which Titleist is known is gone. Even the 905R was described as a "pear-shaped" driver, but the 907D2 is described by Titleist as having a "traditional geometry circle" design. Most drivers these days are more circular than pear, so the moment of silence I took to observe the death of the pear lasted longer than my adjustment period to the more circular clubhead.
Adjusting to the 907D1, on the other hand, took a little time. I'm fairly quick to adjust to unusual looking drivers (like the FT-i, SUMO2, and HiBore), so after hitting a few balls on the range I was rather comfortable over the club. The triangular shape, at address, is not nearly as pronounced as it looks from the bottom, but I did find that I had to focus on using the clubface to align the club to the ball. If I wasn't careful, I found that I'd often set up a bit left.
The D2 is more circular than pear, and the D1 is of course triangular. Beware of your alignment with the D1, though.
Other than the above, most of the rest of the club is true Titleist. Both drivers feature the classic triangle/bar alignment aid on the crown. Both feature the shiny metallic black look Titleist has used with their drivers lately. Both feature the bore-through hosel and a slightly redesigned sole, complete with a new "foggy mirror" finish instead of the satin finish used on the 905 series. The model "D1" or "D2" is stamped and paint filled on the toe, and the symmetrical face and a slightly adjusted set of scorelines really look great at address and inspire confidence.
Performance
Last year I found that the UST ProForce v2 75 shaft suited my game well, and so I tested both the 907D1 and 907D2 with this shaft. The Titleist stock ProForce is the 75, a 76-gram shaft weighing nearly 10 grams more than the UST ProForce v2 65 (67 grams) that most other companies will stock by default. I like a slightly heavier shaft in my driver, so this works out well, but beware the difference if you're coming from another company's driver with a ProForce v2 shaft.
According to Steve Pelisek, Vice President of Titleist Golf Clubs Sales and Marketing, in Golf Talk [Episode 058], the 907D2 is an evolution of the 905R. I was not the biggest fan of the 905R because it didn't really suit my game - it spun a bit too much and seemed to send the ball left a little more than I'd have liked. The 905R was itself an evolution of the 905T, and I was always more comfortable with its sibling, the 905S - the lower spinning, deeper-faced driver of the pair.
So, with Titleist sticking with the two-driver approach with the D1 and D2, I was worried that I'd be left out in the cold. If the 907D2 was an evolution of the higher-spin 905R and the 907D1 was the high-MOI, resists-working-the-ball driver, what would I do?
I needn't have worried. The 907D2, while an evolution of the 905R, is an evolution forward as well as towards the middle of the S-T/R line. It spins less and launches higher than the 905R and, from what I can tell, performs like a larger, more powerful, and more forgiving 905S.
The 907D2 has a relatively deep face, and combined with the symmetry and the more circular head shape, works to really inspire confidence at address. This driver sets up beautifully for draws or cuts, and I've always preferred a driver I can work both left and right. My home course demands it, and the 907D2 is as capable a driver at hitting shaped shots I've ever hit. High, low, left, or right - this driver will respond like a finely tuned sports car. If your swing is on, this driver delivers, consistently, shot after shot.
The 907D2's length is impressive. I lost distance with the 905R due to ballooning from time to time, but the 907D2 suffers no such problem and outdistances virtually every other driver I've hit. I've never hit higher, longer drives than I am with the 907D2. Shots from the center of the clubface rocket off the face with a crisp, powerful crack and gain altitude quickly. The ball carries substantially farther than I've seen with most other drivers and still lands with a little kick and roll. Shots into the wind still get up quickly, but without ballooning and without much loss of distance. This driver's a bomber, folks, and it does so without employing any of the tricks other companies are using (like 50-gram 46" shafts).
The toe stamp tells you all you need to know. The D1 is sleek and pulled back to the maximum allowable dimensions under the rules while the D2 is more classic in form.
Though the distance really knocked my socks off, I was more impressed with the forgiveness. Though this is not Titleist's high-MOI driver, Titleist may have found the perfect middle ground between workability and forgiveness for the better player. My barometer is the 17th hole at my club, a par-five with a fairway measuring only 17 yards in width (seriously). Over the course of 15 rounds, I'll normally hit the fairway three or four times. With the 907D2 in the bag, I hit the fairway 13 times, and not all of them were with sweet-spot contact. I specifically remember one drive that caused me to wince right after impact. I'd hit the ball about ¾" towards the toe and expected a high, weak shot to curve left into the trees. I looked up only to find the ball starting down the center of the fairway, curving gently into the left side of the fairway… and almost exactly as far as my normal drive on that hole would go.
I've always liked Titleist drivers because, through a combination of the sound and the feel, they let you know exactly where they've been struck. I like knowing if I'm consistently missing the sweet spot so that I can correct my swing. The 907D2 is the first driver I've ever hit that communicates that information to me without penalizing me substantially on the resulting shot. It is, by far, the most impressive driver I've ever hit.
Of course, I also tried the 907D1 with the same shaft. Though available as a stock shaft with the D2, the ProForce v2 75 is a custom-order shaft with the D1. I think part of the logic here may be tip stiffness, weight, and torque - the stock D1 shafts (Aldila VS Proto 65, GDI YS-6+, Titleist Spec Grid 67) launch a little higher, weigh a little less, and have a bit more torque.
While the 907D2 evolved from the 905R, the 907D1 didn't so much evolve from another model as mutate into a related but different species. This is the high-MOI driver of the two, though it's still aimed at the single-digit handicapper. This isn't a game-improvement driver - it's got a neutral face and neutral weighting. If you battle a huge slice and play to a 20 handicap, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.
As I mentioned above, I battled setting up a bit left with the 907D1. The triangle is fairly symmetrical from straight above, but when viewed from the address position I subconsciously closed the clubface. The more upright lie angle (59° versus 57°) may have also contributed to the leftward tendencies. Once I learned to focus on using the clubface itself (or even the triangle/bar crown alignment aid) for alignment, the "left" problem was solved - just a little heads up for those of you who might demo this club.
The 907D1 stretches the clubhead size boundaries to the maximum allowable limits established by the USGA (see Appendix II, rule 4b(i)) in an attempt to increase the MOI, or forgiveness, of the driver. For the better players who tend to over-work their shots, it works beautifully. The 907D1 is not going to cure your 30-yard slice - it's still built for the "serious players" and lower handicappers - but it's virtually impossible to over-work a shot with the D1. As I mentioned, my course requires draws and cuts from the tee, and I had to work a lot harder to get shape from my shots with the D1. In testing on the range, even the most dramatic slice or hook swing produced a much straighter cut or draw than the swing deserved.
Though I prefer the deeper face of the 907D2 (left), the 907D1's face (right) is fairly deep, too.
The ball flight with the D1 was a bit lower than with the D2 and with what felt like a tiny amount less backspin. Total distance was perhaps a few yards shorter than the D2, though both the distance and trajectory difference may have been a result of me teeing the ball just a bit lower to allow for the shallower face on the D1. Any small distance loss from D2 to D1 pales in comparison to the square drivers I've tested, both of which suffer distance losses of 10-15 yards from their siblings in my experience.
The 907D1 is perhaps the loudest driver Titleist has ever made, but as with the D2 and perhaps due to the all-titanium construction, both drivers still sound rather good. The D1 has a higher-pitched, more reverberating sound, but it still says "Titleist." And though I've called the 907D1 "louder," please realize that its sound is much quieter and more pleasing than even the more traditional drivers from Callaway, Nike, and others.
All told, these drivers really impressed me. Though I'd strayed to the FT-3 Tour and the r7 425 TP in recent years, what with the 905S being "only" 395cc or so, I'm now happy to be back and driving with a Titleist 907D2. The symmetrical face, the Titleist sound, and the incredible distance, workability, and forgiveness afforded to me by this driver astounds me every time I pull it from the bag.
Comparison
This chart could be seen as a lineage chart, with the 905R on the left leading to the 907D2 in the middle. The "mutant" 907D1, which I've taken to calling "The Big Vicks" due to its resemblance to a Vicks cough drop, appears at the far right.
| Titleist Drivers (2007) |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Player | Serious | Serious | All Around |
| Head Volume | 460cc | 460cc | 460cc |
| Head Shape | True Pear | Traditional Geometry Circle | Limit Geometry Triangle |
| Ball Speed | Maximum | Maximum | Maximum Across Face |
| Playability | Distance w/ Workability | Distance w/ Workability | Distance w/ Forgiveness |
| MOI | Medium | Enhanced | High |
| Forgiveness | Very Good | Very Good | Maximum |
| Workability | High | Medium | Low |
| Trajectory | Penetrating | Penetrating | Penetrating |
| Feel/Sound | Solid & Hot | Solid & Hot | Solid & Explosive |
| Body | 6-4 Ti | 6-4 Ti | 6-4 Ti |
| Face Insert | SP700 Ti | Tapered SP700 Ti | Tapered SP700 Ti |
| Face Angle | Square | Square | Square |
| Hosel | 6061 T6 Aluminum | 6061 T6 Aluminum | 6061 T6 Aluminum |
| Crown | Traditional | Symmetric, Low Mass | Symmetric, Low Mass |
| Bulge | 11" | 11" | 11" |
| Roll | 11" | 11" | 11" |
| Length | 45" | 45" | 45" |
| Lie | 57° | 57° | 59° |
| Paint Finish | Metallic Gray | Black | Black |
| Sole Finish | Satin | Foggy Mirror | Foggy Mirror |
Specifications
Some of the specifications are listed above. You'll want to note a few of the differences between the 907D1 and the 907D2. For example, the lie angle on the 907D1 is 59° and 57° on the 907D2. A more upright lie angle will lead to a little leftward bias, helping those who likely need a little help.
The D1 and D2 are available in 7.5°, 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, and 11.5° lots. All but the 7.5° and 11.5° models are available for lefties. Both drivers use a standard-length 45-inch shaft. The bulge and roll radius of both clubs is 11 inches.
The 907D2 is available with four stock shafts: the Aldila VS Proto 65, the GDI YS-6+, the Titleist Spec Grid 67, and the UST ProForce V2 75. The 907D1 is available stock with the first three, and a significant number of shafts are available for special order (including the UST ProForce V2 75 for the D1).
Stock grip is the Titleist Tour Velvet Rubber Round, though you can - as I do - custom order my own grips (Golf Pride New Decade Multicompound is my preference). As is the norm with Titleist drivers, the face angle on both drivers is square - no closed faces here.
Finally, and at the risk of sounding incredibly silly, I've got to comment on the headcovers. You see, Titleist has finally done away with the socks and gone with a leather-like and heavy fabric zippered headcover. Both drivers fit in their respective headcovers quite easily, and the distinctive patterns draw the eye without being gaudy. Though some will miss the socks, the convenience of the new headcovers far outweighs the nostalgia for me.
Both the 907D1 and 907D2 are available for $399 at Edwin Watts or local golf shops nationwide.
Conclusion
Titleist puts a lot of emphasis on PGA Tour validation, and the 907 drivers are no different. Jason Dufner and Tag Ridings are playing the 907D1. The 907D2 is in the bags of Bens Crane and Curtis, Luke Donald, Brad Faxon, Bill Haas, Arron Oberholser, Mark O'Meara, Tom Pernice, Jr., Brett Quigley, Adam Scott, and others.
Titleist, a company known for its deep roots in traditional equipment, has broken the mold and zigged with a triangular driver when others have zagged with their boxy looking behemoths. Do the 907 drivers herald a new era at Titleist?
Both the 907D1 and 907D2 offer incredible distance with fine-tuned amounts of forgiveness and workability. If you're a single-digit handicapper or a good driver of the golf ball, I encourage you to track these clubs down at a demo day. Odds are, one may make its way into your bag.
Like the bumper sticker says, "I'd rather be driving a Titleist." It doesn't just apply to the golf ball, folks.
Feedback
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Posted 18 May 2007 at 10:23am #
Great review!! I'd like to know your opinion on the D1 with the stock Aldila Proto shaft.
Posted 18 May 2007 at 1:57pm #
Awesome drivers!
Posted 18 May 2007 at 2:26pm #
mdenari said on May 18, 2007:
I wouldn't know - I haven't hit it with that shaft. I'd suggest finding a demo day or looking at fittingworks.com for a fitter near you.
Posted 19 May 2007 at 9:25am #
Extremely thorough review, Erik. I've hit both of these drivers at ranges a couple different times and agree completely with your conclusions. They are both solid clubs with exceptionally good sound and feel.
I also think that the many shaft options Titleist offers is a huge advantage. No one should buy a driver without hitting it first and, ideally, being fit for the club. It's a little more work and time to go through the process but the end result is a club you know is the best for you.
Unlike competitors with a very limited selection of shafts, you can start with a great clubhead like the D1 or D2 and find the ideal match in a shaft for your swing.
Posted 20 May 2007 at 1:50pm #
I made the move from the 983E to the 907D2 and wont look back!
Posted 21 May 2007 at 2:55am #
Good to see Erik Barzeski, The King of Club Reviews, back in action!
Posted 22 May 2007 at 8:47am #
Jack Waddell said on May 19, 2007:
Jack, I think you might be selling some of the other manufacturers a bit short. I'm sure that availability of demo clubs varies from shop to shop, but my experience was that I was able to try a greater variety of shaft/head combos with both Callaway and TaylorMade than I was with Titleist. To the best of my knowledge (and by all means correct me if I'm wrong), Titleist does not yet offer any type of dynamic (interchangeable) fitting system. My proshop, however; had fitting carts for both Callaway and TaylorMade.
With Callaway and TaylorMade I could have tried something like 12 different shafts with each head (I only tried 3 each as I had narrowed it down by that point). With Titleist, I was limited to the handful of demo models that were in the store.
That being said, Titleist does a much better job of keep the cost of shaft "upgrades" reasonable. With stock options like the V2 on the D2, and the VS Proto on the D1, you'll have trouble convincing me that any other manufacturer provides more bang for the buck... at least with their drivers.
I also give high marks to Titleist's customer support (they agreed to reshaft my 585H with the VS Proto shaft for a very reasonable upcharge).
To answer mdenari's question about the VS Proto on the D1... I like the shaft/head combo a lot - it's the combo I would have bought if I had bought Titleist. As far as ball flight goes, I find that (for me anyway), the launch characteristics were very similar to the Proforce V2. The VS felt a little softer to me, whereas I found the V2 just a tad too firm (I'm talking about feel, not flex).
Posted 23 May 2007 at 6:59pm #
hi erik
just wanted to point out that this driver (D2) is not just for lower handi cappers at least in my case, I'm a 14 and never broke 79.
I used a nike ignite for the last 3 years and hit fairways 1/2 the time.
i tried the d2 out of our proshop and was hitting the fairways 75% of the time.
I took it out a second time and broke 79 for the first time. the first time i swung it i hit the ball 20 yards farther then i ever hit my nike.
It flew about 10 yards farther then the nike most other times.
i'm ordering 1 tomorrow, i'm sold on it
Posted 28 May 2007 at 12:21am #
I just bought one, 907D1. Great driver, it is! Both sound and distance are terrific!
Posted 30 May 2007 at 7:13am #
Hi There, great review & HELP, but Please i like to ask you, I had the 905R 10.5' on a Prolaunch S65 & V2 S65,(SOLD BOTH), and thinking about the 907D2...Will a 9.5' (D2) on same shafts have just as a high launch as the 905R 10.5' loft ??
My swing speed is only 100mph.
Rgs
Andrew
Posted 30 May 2007 at 3:55pm #
How important is it to get properly fitted for these drivers?
How much of a difference in distance and accuracy can one expect when he's properly fitted vs getting a loft/flex that's in the general ball park of his swing?
Posted 01 Jun 2007 at 1:03pm #
Excellent review, I somewhat cynically demo'd both D1 & D2 and agree with all points mentioned. I did also find that the standard stock grip was unusually small even for my average hands, which made me a little wristy. However a couple of wraps added I was so impressed I bought a D1 X shaft V2. I didn't think either seemed as long as the Mizuno MX500, but was significantly better than Sumo, FT-i et al and very much more controllable.
Posted 03 Jun 2007 at 2:05am #
Just been fitted with D1; 9.5; NVS stiff - and make no mistake this combo (for me) is awesome!
I went to a Tour van fit session at my local driving range and after trying 10 or 11 combos we hit it just right with this. THEN IT WAS MADE UP FOR ME ON THE SPOT....IN THE BACK OF THE VAN - So I left with the exact club.. Great service indeed!
I now have a Ping Rapture for sale as the D1 is 20 yards longer and 20 degrees straighter - and I can state this as i have played 3 rounds with it and hit 13 outta 15 fairways in each 3 rounds (I am 11 h/c) and carried several bunkers off the tee that previously were all precariously in 'range'.
This is the first Titleist driver I have ever owned an I now feel like a real golfer as I now have 'that' brand in my bag ... thanx Titleist, thanx.
FWIW - I also tried the D2 on the fit session. It seemed to hit a lower more piercing ball flight (again far better than the Rapture i was fitted for) but was not as forgiving with off centre strikes, and thus I hit a few fades that I didnt want!
Posted 11 Jun 2007 at 2:21am #
Have the Superquad with the Proto by-you shaft...nice...but also have the D2 with the same shaft....Taylormade is nice..but D2 is has a solid feel and penetrating ball flight..picked up 20 yards of carry with the Titleist..Superquad for sale!!!
Posted 21 Jun 2007 at 10:51am #
Great review - thank you.
I have a question:
I've been using the 983E for the past 4 years now and to be honest with you have been very pleased with it. Never one for fitting, I just ordered one that was 9.5 degrees with a Graffolloy Prolite shaft.
About a month ago I played with a couple of guys using these funky new 460cc drivers and they were hitting it 50 yards by me. I'm not a long hitter neither am I short, but this really surprised me as it was so noticeable.
Anyway, to cut a long story short I decided to get fitted and was recommended the D2, 8.5 degrees loft, 76 gr, V2 shaft.
How much extra distance and accuracy do you think I'll get if I purchase this new club?
Thanks again.
Posted 29 Jun 2007 at 1:33pm #
I demo'd the D1 on a local military course and hit a couple push slices swing too hard but the result wasn't bad and still outdrove my Cleveland Launcher 400. 4th hole I decided to swing smooth and got a center contact that was 310 with bounce and roll - same thing on a hole back the opposite direction (no wind aided).
I didn't try to work the ball but all 3 shots were amazingly straight and good angle on bounce for some more distance on the ground. I'm a 2 handicap so I guess I need to consider the D2 with a demo session but I almost had the credit card out for the kind of distance and forgiveness the club gave me.
BP
Posted 02 Jul 2007 at 8:22pm #
I've played the 907 D1 for 3 rounds and it is the best driver I have ever used (12 handicap). I'm bombing the ball off the tee
(280-330 yards) and that makes golfing fun. Mis hits are forgiving and I recommend this club.
Posted 03 Jul 2007 at 5:53pm #
just bought the D2 and for the first time in my young life i am in love. the ball jumps off the face and is shockingly playable for a titleist driver. i have my state junior amateur in a week im hoping my new distance and accuracy may take me to the top. THANK YOU D2!
my bag:
Titleist 907 D2, Aldila By You Shaft
3 wood- Titleist 980F 15 degree S300 shaft
Hybrid- Nickent 3DX 17 Degree- Aldila NV
Irons 3-pw- mizuno MX-15
Gap wedge- taylor made rac fe203 52 degree
sand wedge- vokey spin milled oil can- 58 degree
Putter- YES! c groove marilyn
Posted 04 Jul 2007 at 8:12pm #
Great review of the D2! I bought the D2 last week after multiple demo sessions with Calloway, Ping, Nike, Cleveland, etc. This is one fine club. It's long. It's relatively forgiving (esp. relative to my old Orlimar). It's easy to shape if needed. In summary, I love it so far. (15).
Posted 09 Jul 2007 at 11:59pm #
Philip said on June 21, 2007:
I recently bought a 983E 9.5 with a prolite stiff shaft and for me it goes further than anything else out there. I have a high ball flight and really load the shaft up so needed a lwoer trajectory club, and the 983E with this shaft is perfect for me. It probably wouldn't be as forgiving as the new 460 clubs, but when struck in the sweetspot I couldn't imagine any clubs being longer or straighter for me. Having said that, the 983E really seems to be a specialist club that not everyone can hit, it's a bit of long hitters club. You said you've never been a long hitter so it may not be suited to your game, so the D2 may give you extra distance. But no new club will give you an extra 50 yards, no matter what all the hackers on these forums allege. Maybe you should demo the new combo before you make a decision to buy.
Posted 13 Jul 2007 at 9:28pm #
When Titleist says "all around" for Target Playr (D1), what does that mean exactly? I've always had the idea that Titleist makes products for the more ... skilled player. The guys at my local golf shop say that if you don't have a single digit handicap to not even consider Titleist products.
Anyone think I should even bother trying the D1? I'm hitting high 80's, mostly because I trouble keeping the ball in the fairway off the tee. I'm leaning towards an R7 460 (the price is great now), but am open to any suggestions.
Posted 13 Jul 2007 at 9:32pm #
Hans said on July 13, 2007:
"All around" in this sense is about 5-15 handicappers. If you're a dedicated golfer and you're looking to improve, the 907D1 is probably a great driver. As always, get fitted for the proper shaft/head combo.
Posted 14 Jul 2007 at 5:22pm #
I took my 16.1 Hcp Index and 6'0" frame to a Titleist fitting session to replace my driver. The launch monitor and profesional advice from the Titleist fitter moved me into a configuration with the D1 model that was counter intuitive to where I thought I should be. I ended up with less loft at 9.5, a shorter than standard shaft length of 44.5, and the standard spec Titleist shaft.
And guess what . . . I hit the ball straighter and longer than I have in years. With this shaft and set-up, I can still work the ball left or right on command. I expect to be hitting many more second shots from the short stuff for the rest of this season!
Posted 14 Jul 2007 at 10:56pm #
If the 907 Ds are such an improvement over the 905R, then why do so many tour pros use the R instead?
Posted 29 Jul 2007 at 1:01pm #
Marshall said on July 14, 2007:
Good question!
For what I can see a lot of pros stick to their R's, I think the difference between the D2 and R are not so big, more a preference thing and looks of course. I still find the traditional R pear-shape and grey metallic colour the very best for set-up, confidence and feel, I hit both on several sessions with the same shafts, and concluded: I'll keep my 905R, it's still the best for me!
Posted 30 Jul 2007 at 3:43pm #
I'm a 5 hdcp. Hit drives about 280-290. Traded my Ping Rapture 10.5 w/ a VS Proto 65 for a 907D1 10.5 w/ same shaft. Titleist is straighter than Rapture and just as long. Happy to play Titleist again. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Posted 08 Aug 2007 at 8:16pm #
To carry on the thread I started above on 21 June, I received my D2 about a month ago and after 8 rounds am now in a position to provide honest feedback.
For the first 5 rounds I just couldn't get the hang of it. I wasn't sure if it was the size (I was previously playing the 983E), the loss of one degree (down to 8.5) or the weight (at 76 grams it feels extremely light compared to the 983E). I just couldn't find the sweet spot and all my shots ended up short and right. I really thought I'd made a huge mistake but I stuck with it and boy am I glad I did.
Halfway through my 6th round it just clicked and I started bombing it. It was like I found the ideal swing and sweet spot at the same time. The ball really started springing off the clubface, very similar in fact to the trampoline effect I experienced with old ERC 2 - but with so much more control! I never had that feeling with the 983E. Although I hit some solid, long drives with the 983E it always felt like I had to muscle it out there and only really got the best out of it when I was on the top of my game.
As golf slob rightly pointed out, I haven't gained 50 yards, but on average I'd say I'm up 25. This is taking into account ALL drives and not just a direct comparison between my longest drive with each driver. Now I have the hang of the D2 I find it very forgiving, only losing 10-15 yards with off centre hits. I'd lose 30+ with the 983E.
I honestly think the 8.5 for me has really helped me too as the fitter told me I'd get more hang time and more roll with less loft as I actually 'add' loft at impact. Well he was right as I have now lowered my trajectory and getting decent roll which was rarely the case with the 983E. And with this I am now no longer afraid of hitting into the wind.
The biggest benefit I've found though is that I cannot hit it left at all. I've always been a fader but capable of the ugliest pulls you're ever likely to see at any given point in the round. Many were round wreckers. But no matter how hard I try to turn the D2 over the best I can do is a little draw! Is this just me or have others found this? One thing that has just occured to me is the fitter recommend I add 2 layers of tape under my grips. Whatever the reason I am now no longer afraid of left!
Anyway, I am delighted with this club and so happy I was patient during those first 5 rounds. I never played the R so I cannot comment on some of the posts above, but to reiterate David Baker's remarks, "I made the move from the 983E to the 907D2 and wont look back!"
P.S. My handicap index is currently 0.8 and as you can all probably tell, I strongly recommend everyone gets fitted and buys the D2!!
Posted 21 Aug 2007 at 11:15am #
Thanks for a great review, im here in the UK and have been searching for a review since trying the D1 with a proforce v2 75 shaft. Ive been using a Cobra F Speed 10.5 reg(the original legal one) since it came out a couple of years ago and its been ok.
But the other day i took out a 10.5 reg with the above shaft and hit it longer and straighter than ever before.
Just as Philip said previously it seemed that my swing just found the right tempo and it just flew.
Can you tell me does the proforce shaft give a lower trajectory as this seemed to be so during my round ive never had problems getting the ball airborne.
Also to say out of the 9 holes i used the driver on out of the 13 i played i hit 6 fairways.
Posted 06 Sep 2007 at 4:02pm #
Question for anyone. I've hit the D1 & D2 on an indoor range and love the feel but I'm not sure what shaft to get. I was previously using a Ping G5, 7.5 degree, extra stiff shaft. This was setup for me by the Ping guys on a local driving range. Do you know which stock shaft on either the D1 or D2 will keep the ball flight a little lower for me on an 8.5 Titleist driver? Since the 7.5 is pretty hard to find and really expensive I'm thinking an 8.5 with lower launch angle shaft will work for me. Thanks for any of your feedback.
Posted 23 Sep 2007 at 4:11pm #
great review site, very indepth.
i am a 2 handicap using the D1 9.5 with proto s flex shaft.
awsome club.
Posted 02 Oct 2007 at 7:26am #
Kirk,
Based on what you currently play with, I don't think that any of the pre-assembled Titleist drivers are going to work for you. I suggest that you call Titleist to find out what their tour vans carry--as far as shaft varieties--and when they'll be near you.
The reason why I say this is because the pre-assembled clubs are geared towards more "mainstream" swings (i.e., slower and /or shallower). The average golfer doesn't load their clubs at the top of the backswing enough to require a 7.5* loft combined with an X-Stiff shaft. So, your needs tend to be quite unique.
As a general rule, one way to lower your ball flight and spin is to use a stiffer overall shaft with a lower lofted head. However, that is just one way. There are other ways as well. Choosing a shaft that has a higher kick point will lower the ball flight and lessen spin. To further reduce spin, chose a shaft that has a stiffer tip. If the tour van carries it, I would suggest starting with the 8.5* head with the Grafalloy Blue shaft in X-Stiff. This shaft has a high kick-point with a stiff tip. Have them put you on the launch monitor to check your initial launch angle and spin.
Once you have the right combination of shaft and head that puts you in the proper range (launch angle and spin), hit some balls on the range to make sure you can control it (soft draws and fades vs. hooks and slices). Also, have them check your grip size to make sure it's not too big or too small for your hands, as this will affect the type of shot you get as well.
Be sure to bring your old driver. Do some comparisons between the two. So many times, my golfing buds show up with new drivers, because of hype, only to find that their old ones were just as good or just a few yards shorter.
If you decide to get a new driver, the good news is that most of the Titleist optional shafts don't have an upcharge, so it shouldn't cost you any more for a club that is truly fitted to your swing.
Lastly, I think I read somewhere that one of the officials at Titleist--when asked about the importance of club fitting--stated that approximately only 5% of the general public fits their "standard" spec clubs. While I think he was refering to irons, there is some carry-over to drivers.
Hope this helps,
DT
Posted 08 Oct 2007 at 2:50pm #
executive summary is this is a very good club.
have been hitting nike ignite for last 3 yrs. i demoed it vs. many other drivers and kept coming back to the nike as it was consistent and long. being a golf hound and technological advances being what they are, it came time to start looking at new drivers. i took the d2 to the range and immediately started hitting it straight w/o any distance loss over the old club. i banged alot of balls, switching back and forth between the two drivers. the d2 was much more forgiving, which prompted me to keep it in the bag to demo it on the course. in the space of 3 weeks and 6 rounds, i found the d2 (10.5 ust proforce v2 75, reg flex) to have great feel and sound. it is amazing to get back in touch with "feel". i am amazed to hit the ball, knowing and feeling that i didn't hit it pure, but finding the ball in the fairway a healthy distance away from the tee.. the low torgue(2.2) in the shaft is opposite of what i expected--with the old nike i knew when i hit it on the toe and club twisted, trying to send the ball back into the fairway;now i don't feel the twisting, but the ball just starts a little right and comes back in. i thought it would start right and stay there.
i thought the f or m speed cobra would be the new driver for me since i liked the look at address(very important) and many members at my club were having great success with it.. that thought ended quickly, the cobra was not longer and the shots were going everywhere.. and the nasty metallic clang when club face met ball sent shivers to my joints.
last four rounds were 78,78,78, and 75 and the d2 had something to do with it since my handicap hovers between 10 and 13. my opponets were heard saying automatic every time after i teed off. half of the game is confidence and when i stand on the tee i am not wondering where my shot is going to land, but whether i am going to move it left to right or right to left.
the d2 is strongly recommended.
Posted 11 Oct 2007 at 11:17am #
Hello Friends,
I have to say this review is spot on. The Titleist D2 is the very best driver I have ever owned period. I have a 2 hdcp and 115 mph swing speed. Regardless of speed, the combination of low spin and playability makes this a great driver. I would highly recommend the Proto shaft. I needed a low torque shaft as I normally use the V2. I went to 85 gram Proto and it is extremely long and accurate. I use a 7.5 degree with the proto and found that I have gained over 30 yards in distance. I hit a 604 yard par 5 in two by driving my tee ball 337 and hit by Titleist 906f4 13 degree 270. What a great combination. I have tried the Super Quad, FT-3, Hi Bore and these Titleist sticks are much more accurate and long. Plus they set up square. No hard hooks left because of a closed face or whippy shaft. I have played three rounds with this driver and have to warn all of you. Get really good with your 60 degree lob wedge, because where you normally hit PW you will get much closer. I am so impressed with this club that I had to tell everyone. It is worth every penny and not many of the other drivers mentioned are in the same category. Also, misses on toe or heal still maintain long distance, my old 905R had much more spin and misses lost 40-50 yards. The D2 may loose 10-12 yards and still on edge of the fairy. Go to a demo shop and get the right loft and right shaft and prepare to be super long off the tee. I am 45 and blowing it by my club champion who is 25 years old. How rewarding is that. Give it a shot, you will not be disappointed.
Posted 16 Oct 2007 at 4:44pm #
I have just been bought a 907 D1 by my company for my retirement. I tried Ping G10, Callaway BB460, Nike Rapture, and a few others. I have a tendency to 'push' right quite a lot. However the D1 has nearly cured that and reaching distances I thought only PROs were allowed to do. It totally flew past my playing partner using a Ping G2. It is an awesome (much overused word these days), so I'll say stupendous. I'm not sure if it is possible to produce an easier club to use for a 16 hdcp player. I've just got a set of Mizuno MX900 irons, Mizuno MP-R 56 wedge, and Never Compromise 'Voodoo' putter. I believe these are a great set of clubs and look forward to playing many rounds of golf in Portugal where we have just bought a small villa for our retirement.
Posted 11 Nov 2007 at 12:57pm #
By far, the best and most informative review I have come across while researching these drivers. You are to be commended and thanked for your efforts.
I now have the 905R and will be moving to either the D1 or 2 drivers. The leading candidate is the D2 with Zcom SIX shaft but have had great results with the NV line also. While a mid handicap player, the Titleist drivers have always been the best for me going back to the 975D. For some reason, they just work the best for me. I wouldn't let a higher handicap keep anyone from at least trying a Titleist. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Thanks again for a truly great and helpful review!
Posted 26 Dec 2007 at 8:19am #
Love the D2. It replaced my Ping Rapture driver, which while nice, didn't set up nearly as cleanly at address, nor does it sound as nice as the Titleist when hit in the sweet spot. As for distance I thought I had lost some distance at first, but that was due to my swing taking a turn for the worse with my driver. Now that I have sorted out what was wrong with my swing, I'm bombing drives longer than ever. I hit a drive 340 yards on the 17th hole the day before yesterday, which was at least 20 yards further than my best drive on that hole before. I also find that the D2 is much easier to hit straight than the 905r with a much more solid feel at impact, while allowing you to work the ball left or right when you desire to. A great club and one that won't be leaving my bag anytime soon.
Posted 28 Jan 2008 at 12:26pm #
As a 14 handicap who struggles most with his short game,
should I consider either of the Titleist Drivers D1,D2?
I'm 6'4 /230 lbs, and normally hit longer drives with decent control. Currently using the Cleveland 460 launcher with good results, but always an itch to try something new every 3-4 years. Are the new Titleist Drivers manufactured primarily for better players?
Posted 02 Feb 2008 at 9:23pm #
John,
I would recommend giving either a try but start with the D1. It is noticably more forgiving than the D2 in my opinion. FYI, I am a 6'1"/235 pound (muscluar build) and have tried both clubs. Either is fairly straight, though you really have to try to miss the ball to hit a bad shot with the D1. I've tried the D2 (8.5, S, speeder), and D1 (9.5, S, proto). For comparison I shoot in the mid to lower 80's with a swing speed of 110 to 120.
I would suggest testing both at the range AND on the course. Bottom line both are straight and long, but the D1 wins the forgiveness test.
Good luck.
Posted 24 Mar 2008 at 8:13pm #
im 14 and off 6 and ive just ordered a d2 with a grafalloy prolaunch red stiff shaft, i havent hit the d2 with this shaft in but ive hit a callaway with the shaft in, (i cant remember wether the callaway was a bore through shaft or not) and i hit it really low for me (which i like as i play at a course where its nearly always windy)and pretty straight (right 2 left slightly) does the bore through shaft effect the stiffness or playability of the shaft? i hit the d2 with the v2 shaft and found it really too stiff and wasnt sure about the proto and hit it with the matrix ozika(or something) shaft in andabsolutey bombed it miles and straight as an arrow but i am definateley not forking £300 for a shaft as tempting as itmight be
also im getting the prolaunch red shaft pured, can you tell me what i should be expecting to see with the pured shaft in, thanks !!!! 
Posted 14 Apr 2008 at 6:48am #
Great review!
Just moved to D1 after 2 very happy years with an R5.
Firstly, the build quality is first class. the club also feels better at address and inspires a lot of confidence.
I'd say it's probably a touch longer, but so far hasn't been quite as forgiving as the Taylor Made, although it's still early days.
Posted 01 Jun 2008 at 9:50pm #
Is the D2 a good driver for a 5 handycap and lower?
Posted 13 Jun 2008 at 5:40pm #
GREAT GREAT REVIEW!!
Because of it I bought a D2 ... with Zcom six shaft! Marvelous! I gainned more 20 yards!
I am a 10 handicap and played for the past 1.5 years a 905R with Aldila NV Regular (65 g) - 100-105 mph swing speed.
The Zcom Six shaft Stiff is awsome! Great Combo. You should give this a try and I believe you do not want to comeback to previous driver!
My advice is, at least try it in a Range and you will see the results!
Regards
Posted 28 Jun 2008 at 12:56am #
This review is for all of us average players (at least my 2 cents):
I just returned from 3 days of "golf school". I am 6'1", 250 lbs, and around 17-24 handicap. I have never had formal lessons or instruction, so 20 years of bad habits needed to be broken. Before this weekend, I had a horrible slice and could not figure out how to correct it - and when it did go straight, I could drive for 200 - 250 yards
It took "coach" 5 minutes to correct my swing (inside-out, instead of outside-in, grip adjustment, relaxed arms, wide stance beyond my shoulders and a focused effort to close the face at point of impact). So now, it was 3 days, 36 holes and hundreds of range balls to get used to the adjustments.
"Coach" took a look at my 20 year old clubs and told me to clip the head off the driver and it would be a good stick for picking up garbage! So, I got fitted for a set of Ping Rapture green dots. The trick was the driver. I really wanted to like the Ping driver. Or even the Taylor Made R series driver. But, the stats were only so-so. With both of those clubs, here were the stats:
95 - 100 MPH swing speed
3,200 -3,500 ball rotation
18-20 degree flight
200 - 220 yards
And then, the golf pro said he wanted me to try the Titleist 907 D1. Ick...is all I could say when I looked at the club. It looked like an alien's head compared to the other drivers I was testing. And then I started smacking some range balls.
HOLY HOTSHOTS BATMAN! This club made me look good. The feel was solid, but soft; crushing but smooth; interesting crack and whoosh sound when swung: I fell in love! I played 18 holes with the driver and have never hit the ball straighter or farther in all of my life. I was so happy; I just had to buy the sucker. All of my clubs had to be special ordered (stiffer, longer, fluffier grips, etc.). The BOTTOM LINE: This 907 D1 club is truly amazing. It is forgiving and ball crushing at the same time. I have never been more pleased with a club in all of my life. Here are the stats using the D1:
95 - 100 MPH swing speed
2,500 to 2,800 ball rotation = more distance.
12 - 15 degree flight = more distance
270 to 295 yards - CONSISTENTLY
And do not forget, I am just your average ordinary golfer!!! My suggestion is to borrow a D1 from the Pro Shop & play 18 holes - I would bet money that you will fall in love with this driver.
Posted 21 Jul 2008 at 4:59pm #
Bought a d2 10.5 with aldila vs proto shaft 2 weeks ago and have only missed 1 fairway in 4 rounds due to a bad swing this club just goes for miles even into a 25mph wind like i played on Sunday I was 25-30 yards past my plaing partners every time now they all want one.
steve
ps keep up the great reviews erik i bought my ap2s and my d2 on the strength of them.
Posted 29 Jul 2008 at 11:44am #
Great reviews and great insight. I have been playing the D2 now for about a month and a half. I really am impressed with not only the feel and distance that the driver offers but also the fact that I can work it a little bit when needed.
Thanks again.
Posted 11 Aug 2008 (4 weeks ago) at 6:01am #
[...] the vast majority of golfers. The 905R produced a little more spin than some players liked, and the 907D1 and 907D2 offered little change in the launch characteristics. A lower-spinning driver has been missing, and [...]