Golf Monthly Verdict

This very striking driver was easy to use in all adjustable loft options, and was very powerful at impact. The flight produced subtle, but measurable, changes when I adjusted the hosel settings, and this really gave me confidence that it would perform as required. The crown design helped with alignment at address, making it easy to start the ball in the intended direction.

Reasons to buy

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While many golfers benefit from lightweight designs, there are also plenty who struggle with control and consistency when they can’t feel the head while swinging.
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Yonex designers have addressed this brilliantly with the new XP line.
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The new technology works best in the driver, where it feels as though you’re swinging a more traditional weight of driver, but with the distance benefits of modern lightweight models. There’s also plenty of forgiveness on offer.

Reasons to avoid

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The red and black crown won’t be to all tastes.

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By Nick Bonfield

published 5 February 2015

Our test team heads to the course to bring you this Yonex Ezone XP driver review

Yonex Ezone XP driver review:

The ‘XP’ stands for extra power, which has been achieved by increasing the weight of the head, but without making the swing weight heavier.

A lighter shaft has been introduced, while the grip is weighted with 20 grams of tungsten powder in the butt end. This should increase swing speed without affecting the feel.

Will suit:

Players after a lightweight shaft, but with added control

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

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