TED JOHNSON
Tour Edge Exotics | E8 fairway
[+] Tour-level performance
[+] Adjustable from 12 to 15 degrees, traditional look, hot face
[–] Some disagree on its value
Price: $350
Nike | Vapor Speed hybrid
[+] Channel slot and sole cavity duo
[+] Slot makes face bend for distance; cavity-back weighting for stability
[–] Clubhead branding gets a little strong
Price: $230
Adams | Red hybrid
[+] 25-gram weight for fitting
[+] Company that started it all lets mid-handicappers custom fit = trust
[–] Some may want higher performance
Price: $230
Callaway | 815 fairway
[+] Highly adjustable=efficiency
[+] 2 weights=better launch angles; welded steel face=more flex
[–] Best for shot-shapers
Price: $300
TaylorMade | R15 TP fairway
[+] Sliding weights, sole channel
[+] Almost mandatory for better players; long, high flight
[–] Adjustability is the key
Price: $280
TaylorMade | R15 hybrid
[+] Sole slot gives more distance
[+] This is a club for the confident golfer; small head, playability
[–] Can intimidate high-handicappers
Price: $220
RELATED LINKS
2015 Buyer’s Guide: Balls and Shoes
2015 Buyer’s Guide: Golf Accessories
California-based CAG Contributor Ted Johnson writes our annual Buyer’s Guide. For the latest on golf equipment, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter at www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.