|
Thomas AT-460 SQS Square Driver Review
If you are looking for a standard/traditional pear-shaped driver, you should look elsewhere. This review was very straight forward and revealing as to what a golfer can gain by going square. Geometry 101 said, a square is much easier to align to a target then an oval (standard shaped driver head). We had no problem squaring the AT-460 SQS to the target, giving our testers more confidence at the address position.
-
Distance – The driver tested within the limit set by the USGA for maximum face spring effect. Like with other Thomas brand woods, the flat top seemed to add strength to the face, delivering more power at impact.The forgiveness of the large head and face did very well at improving the distance of mis-hits, the full size head helped increased the average distance with added forgiveness from off center hits. The high MOI improved average distance as well.
-
Accuracy – The combination of a high MOI and square alignment produced pin-point accuracy 2nd to none. Like other Thomas woods the club head has a unique flat top that supports a straight gold aiming indicator which is parallel to the ground, which we found much more useful than indicators we have seen on other brands of clubs. The large size of 460cc also seems to give it plenty of forgiveness on miss-hits, without being too bulky looking considering its size. It also has 2 weight ports that were pre-set at the factory for a draw bias, but can be reversed for a neutral bias.
-
Feel – Our golf testers reported they had an intimate feel of where the AT-460 SQS golf head was at throughout the golf swing. This positive feed back helped to hit the golf ball better. The AT-460 SQS good feel helped us to place a lot less emphasis on our hands and arms so that our big muscles were used to control the golf swing. This produced great feedback, and we did not lose control of the golf club through the ball.
-
Forgiveness – The AT-460 SQS did well in this category. The square shaped head with high MOI produced game improvement heel and toe forgiveness. Like with other Thomas drivers, the testers found it helpful that there was a distinct sound difference between centered and off-centered hits. This gave a clear feedback as to what happened with the shot.
-
Appearance – The all Titanium head is polished on the face and sole. The square shape, and flat top gives the club a look of direction with accuracy, and the AT-460 SQS looked less blocky and bulky than other square drivers. The driver came to us with a Men’s Stiff-Flex graphite shaft and Thomas pro grip. The shaft was black with attractive gold graphics, and the grip had a nice feel and helpful gold hand placement line for consistent hand placement.
Conclusion – Our testers tried to answer the question which shape is best, square or standard? Although we found both models had very similar shot performance, the main difference between them was obvious… the look. We spoke with many of our testers about how a golfer would determine which model is right for them, and the consensus was to simply to look at the clubs from the address position.Ask yourself, which look am I more comfortable with, which look gives me the most confidence.The AT-460 SQS is priced at $189 (purchased direct from Thomas Golf). It’s available in 9, 10.5 and 13 degree lofts, Right or Left handed.For more information, visit their website https://www.thomasgolf.com/Drivers/
|
