ToddKolbGolf
X59 Smart Draw Driver: Should You Buy One?
X59 Smart Draw Driver
11/28/2017
If you’ve been trying to fix your slice, odds are you’ve discovered a few drivers promising to do exactly that. One of the newest on the market is the X59 Smart Draw Driver. Golf draw drivers are nothing new, but they do have some specs that aim to promote a draw over a nasty slice (or at least calm down the slice, as explained by Mark Crossfield).
DISCLAIMER: USGOLFTV IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH NOR DO WE SELL THE X59 SMART DRAW DRIVER. THIS ARTICLE IS INTENDED AS AN OVERVIEW TO HELP GOLFERS LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRODUCT.
What makes this particular driver unique is that it is has been designed specifically for amateur golfers. Most club manufacturers use cutting edge technology to create drivers that enhance a golfer’s skill. The X59, however, is actually designed to correct and forgive the errors of the weekend golfer.
Now, you likely already know that there’s something to be said for having a club to match your abilities. After all, custom club fittings are a common part of golf. But exactly how much can the X59 Smart Draw Driver correct your slice? How many yards will it add to your distance? And is this a real solution to the weaknesses in your game, or is this just a quick fix?
I hope to answer all these questions for you right now. Let’s start by getting an idea of what the X59 is all about.
Background and Philosophy
The X59 Smart Draw Driver was created by a design and engineering team with experience developing high-tech drivers. Typically, these state-of-the-art clubs are designed to support the skills of top golfers. It usually takes a high-performance athlete to make the most of a “high-performance” club.
The idea behind the X59, however, was to create a driver that would correct the swing of an amateur golfer. No lessons. No conscious swing adjustment. Just a high-tech driver with a forgiving design.
To put it simply, the X59 is not meant for someone who wants to master technique and become a more skilled golfer. Rather, it’s meant to be a club for the “everyman.” It’s for golfers who really just want a fun day on the golf course, making easy long drives.
Now, if you’ve been golfing for any length of time, the idea of an “easy long drive” may sound a little far-fetched. Let’s talk about the technology of the X59 Smart Draw Driver, and why its engineers claim it can add 30 yards to your drive.
Technology
The X59 is designed to help you consistently hit the sweet spot, even if your swing is a little off. The sweet spot is, of course, the center of the clubface. Here’s how this driver is designed to help you find it:
One of the first things you might notice about the X59 is that it’s a couple inches shorter than a typical driver. This may surprise you, as traditional wisdom suggests a longer driver is better. However, the designers of the X59 argue that a 44-inch length is better for amateur golfers. This shorter length gives the golfer more control over shot direction and makes it easier to hit the sweet spot.
This driver is also made with a large clubface, leaving a greater margin for error. Of course, the question that follows is, “Won’t a larger cluface slow down my swing?” Typically, yes. This is why the clubhead also features an aerodynamic, sloped crown to ensure you don’t lose speed.
The X59 Smart Draw Driver is made with “smart turn” weighting. This means the clubhead has been designed with more weight in the heel. That placement of weight makes it more intuitive for the user to release the club correctly and square the face.
Features
That’s not the only feature created to guide you through a better swing technique. Draw-guide clubhead graphics decorate the crown of the clubhead. These are angled lines that serve as a visual cue to swing your club along an inside-to-out path for a nice draw.
The X59 even has a higher loft than the average driver. With two choices of either 12.5 or 14.5 degrees, this club can help a struggling golfer achieve a higher launch angle and longer distance. The designers of the X59 argue that most golfers are playing with too low a loft on their drivers. Once again, the idea is that the average, amateur golfer should not be expected to excel with a club designed for a tour professional.
Finally, this everyman’s driver is lightweight. It features a “draw-flex” graphite shaft with a 460cc titanium clubhead. This sturdy-but-light design intends to increase your swing speed and help you achieve a high launch angle and low spin.
Now, let’s discuss how much bang you can expect to get for your buck.
Is the X59 Worth It?
The X59 is factory-priced at $349. You will not find this driver in sporting goods stores. You have to visit X59golf.com to order. The club comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.
Of course, the biggest question here is: Does it work? Does the X59 Smart Draw Driver do everything it says it’s going to do?
The X59 website features several testimonials from golfers who have tested the driver for themselves. Two common observations arise time and time again. The first is that the X59 adds 20-50 yards to each golfer’s drive. The second is that this driver has enabled each golfer to shoot more consistently. Because this club is engineered to intuitively swing the correct way, it does enable you to draw the ball with greater predictability.
At least that is the claim.
In Short…
The X59 Smart Draw Driver is a club that is designed specifically to help amateur golfers enjoy longer drives out on the golf course. The driver has been developed by experienced designers who know how to enhance a player’s abilities through state-of-the-art club design. Every feature of the X59 is engineered to guide the user into proper form and golf technique.
However, the X59 cannot make you a more skillful golfer. Only regular, focused practice can do that. What this driver can do, however, is help you make longer drives, regardless of your skill level.
Now if you want some help fixing your slice without changing your golf swing, we can help.
And if you are looking to shop around or just want more information on other drivers, check out Sports Gears Lab.
What Do You Think?
Does the X59 Smart Draw Driver appeal to you? Have you tried it out already? What do you think of a club designed to improve a drive without necessarily improving the golfer?
Let us know your thoughts, ideas, and questions in the comments. We always love hearing from you!
A 44″ driver is long overdue and should be the norm for the vast majority of amateurs. Even some of the pros are going back to shorter drivers. A club designed specifically for amateurs is also overdue and I hope this one is truly a success for the amateur. That said, I tried out the GX-7 which was supposed to be “designed for amateurs with swing speeds below 100 mph” and that did not work out well for me. The ball flight is too low most of the time in spite of the 14 degrees of loft. I did find a way to get the ball up but it also resulted in a slice. I normally hit a draw so did not like the slice.
I think it’s a great idea if it really works. Most seniors (70+) as myself need help with distance. If this club can reduce the slice effect and increase distance then bring it on. The cost is prohibitive in my personal opinion.
I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE REVIEWS ON THE GX-7 DRIVER, BUT I AM UNABLE TO FIND.
CAN YOU HELP?
Gary, here is a link to our review of the GX-7:
https://youtu.be/-q5LGs84500
Hope it helps!
I bought the X59 Smart Draw driver back in Oct 2017, regular flex shaft with 14.5 loft. It has definitely stopped my slice and improved my game. I’ve only been golfing 10 months now and my swing speed is not really that fast. My shots off the tee have improved distance wise as well, averaging 225-250 yards with this driver. The extra loft provides more distance. Even though I can’t really hit a draw with this driver, it has helped me hit the ball straighter off the tee. The length of the club has enabled me to become more consistent as well. The price of the club didn’t deter me from buying it, since the price is cheaper when compared to other name brand drivers. It has a 60 day money back guarantee, which is another reason why I gave it a chance. I tried the GX-7 as well, but decided to return it. It didn’t feel and look like a driver, since it is a 43 inch shaft and size is not 460cc like a typical driver. The GX-7 is more like a fairway wood. Hope this helps.
Bought a GX-7 and found it unsatisfactory compared to my regular drivers. Trajectory was extremely low which was surprising given the 14 degree loft. Would have returned it but had regripped to a larger grip (very large hands) I have ordered the X-59 driver with 14.5 degrees loft and a regular shaft. I hit my regular drivers (Callaway and Cobra) relatively straight but with a swing speed of approximately 85 MPH, I can only hit the ball around 200 yards. Hope the X-59 lives up to its promises. Will repost after I get the new one.
The GX-7 was a bust, it did not really help my swing out at all. I would definitely shy away from that club
Offering a review: I purchased the X59 smart draw, R-flex, 12.5* driver within the past week. I’m a 18-handicapper and wanted a driver that would fix a problem I have with those occasional pull hook, push slice shots. I wanted consistency. I’m currently using a Taylor Made M2, 10.5*, R-flex driver and the X59 was targeted to replace that driver. I took the X59 to the driving range and found that it truly eliminated any possibility of a push or push slice. However, even with the 12.5-degrees of loft, it launched the ball with a low trajectory regardless of tee height. The ball flew lower than the TM M2, 10.5-degree driver, and drew or hooked quickly toward the ground. The ball had more than normal roll-out, but lacked significant carry. Regardless of my attempts to try different tee heights, move the ball forward or back in my stance, open or close my stance, I could not get the ball launch high enough for my likely. I even tipped the club face backward to promote a higher face angle. I lost distance to that of the TM M2 driving I’m currently using. The club face lacked the energy I felt with my M2 and that might explain my distance loss. I rejected the X59 as a club that would improve upon my game and opted to return it. If you are fighting a significant slice, this driver will eliminate that; but you may give up 10 to 20 yard of carry to do so.
I have been using the X59 for 75 days (about 25 rounds). I am a 14 handicap with an 85mph swing speed. My results are as follows: 1) I definitely hit it straighter and in the fairway more often 2) I only slice when I make a terrible swing 3) the ball flight is as high or higher than my Calloway Epic 4) if I make a similarly good swing with both the X59 and the Epic, the Epic is 15 yards longer. In summary, the X59 is clearly not as long with a good swing but that is too be expected as it is a shorter shaft. Physics is physics. BUT… the X59 is much easier to hit and more forgiving. That results in many more drives ending up in the fairway. So take your chances with a conventional drive to pick up 10 or 15 yards or use the X59 and be in the fairway most of the time.
Dan, thanks for taking the time to provide some good insight on how the club works for you.
It sounds like you understand cause and effect on your golf swing. Is there a part of your golf game that you are looking to improve?
Is it possible to bend this driver down a couple of degrees of loft?
Would the club change by decreasing loft by 1-2 degrees? I hit the ball too high at 12.5.
I hit driver on all 18 holes. I have used it for app 1 year ,About 300 games as I go every day weather allows.
Probably buy new replacement soon. Best club I’ve ever owned I am a terrible golfer ,just go for something to do,but a huge difference ,90 % of the houses I used to hit are now safe.
Thanks for the comment Bill, good to hear you are hitting them straighter!