Ezone XP Driver

The EZONE XP range features the YONEX Dual Tungsten Power [DTP] System - an innovative engineering breakthrough that produces maximum power and distance. The newly designed DTP System, featuring Tungsten in both the grip and club head, works in conjunction with the Lightweight Shaft.

It’s apparent as soon as you pick up the driver that this is not a standard big stick because…it’s not. The Yonex Ezone XP is the first ever counterbalance driver and I was eager to see the outcome.

It incorporates a classicly shaped head and the white grooves on the face contrasted appealingly with the predominantly black face.  However, overall I‘m not a fan of the appearance of the club mainly due to its colour palette.

The orangey-red shaft and outer-lines on the club head stick out and not in a good way. While this is not detrimental to the performance of the driver in any way it may put some off picking it off the shelf.

I was excited to see if all the hype of the first counter balance driver was lived up to as I tentatively placed the driver behind the ball. A heavy club head generates faster ball speeds, but golfers struggle to maintain club head speed with the added mass so Yonex put a weight in the butt of the club. In conjunction with a lighter shaft, it allows players to feel like they are swinging a standard club although the head is heavier than on a  ‘normal’ driver.

The main thing to take away from this is that this driver absolutely flies. Off the face it feels springy and it just doesn’t seem to stop going…ever. It produces a penetrating ball flight and the ball fizzes through the air after a good bash.

It has a solid feel which also allows you to work the ball relatively easily as well. Whether you want to manipulate the ball up, down left or right the Yonex Ezone XP allows you to.

Interestingly, I also found the driver forgiving which is normally not the case with a driver built for distance. With hits that weren’t struck just right I found the ball still travelled a good distance and relatively straight. 

I don't think it will be long until other brands bring out their own version of a counter balance driver. 

Verdict

While the appearance won’t be to everyone’s taste the length and forgiveness will.  A fantastic driver which will add a good amount of distance to your drive.