Titleist Pro Titanium 905R

Reviewed by: simon221065 ,  Shoots in the 80s

Model Reviewed:
Titleist 905R

Summary:
Following some lessons at the end of last season I had to go on the hunt for a new driver. My old Wilson Deep Red II had a draw offset that I didn't need any more.
Having read the reviews here and having talked to a number of players at the club I went for the 905R from eBay and it came with a fujikuro Speeder (Titleist factory fitted) s-flex shaft.
The first thing I noticed was how much lighter the combination was (mostly down to the shaft) which allowed me to swing quicker and as long as I turn my hips fully in the down swing to close the face I get fantastic results.
The sound at impact is a nice solid metallic ring (not too loud) and the ball has a high trajectory but really powers through the flight. I am getting many positive comments and my distance has definately increased - forgiveness on off centre shots is good too. I do have to watch that I don't go at it too hard (which is very tempting) but other than that the club gives me a great sense of confidence and some very good results.

Customer Service:
Not used

Similar Products Used:
Wilson Deep Red II
Callaway ERC II (fantastic)
Callaway X (didn't like but it had a R-flex shaft which was probably why)

Reviewed by: oldmanpar ,  Shoots in the 70s

Model Reviewed:
905 R 10.5 degree V2 X-stiff

Summary:
I have been hitting Titleist since the first generation 975J. I also had the 983K and now the 905 R. I find that Titleist had gone away from the old pear shape a little bit with 907, but have returned with the 909 series. Big headed drivers with big MOI and forgiveness are here to stay. I will say I have a hard time finding a better model that Titleist has made than the 905 R. I feel I can still definitely work it with the R. I am a drawer, but I can alter my mechanics and grips and hit reasonably reliable cuts. Like all the new bigger drivers, the 905 R has the vertical gear effect when hit purely on the top two grooves on the sweet spot. If you read about golf swing physics you will know about this. If you do not essentially when the ball is hit in this special place, (which you can tell with this driver), you get higher launch angle and lower spin. Higher launch angle has been shown to increase distance and lower spin keeps the ball in the air longer. ALL golf shots are hit with back spin which causes lift on the golf ball. Lower spin prevents the ball from prematurely falling back to the earth. Anyway, the 905R does this as well as any other drivers. I think maximum COR and vertical gear effect have kind of leveled the playing field in high end drivers. This driver has not sufficiently added length over my other Titleist, but when I do hit the club in that sweet spot, it is probably 5% longer than my old 975J and 983K. This may even be an exageration. I particulary like the x-stiff and 10.5 degree loft. I have a driver swing speed of 102-105 mph. I carry the ball about 260 yds off tee with an above average contact. Many people will lie to you about this. Also, even with all the new age tech of this club, you can flight it lower and you can reliably still hit draws, fades, cuts or hooks...if you could hit them before. In conclusion, very nice club, with enough feel, but all the niceties of the high tech to not have you suffering distance envy. Even some current pros agree, ie zach johnson, this is probably the best driver they have made to date. I haven't tried the 909 in comparison

Reviewed by: 1tallrider ,  Shoots in the 70s

Model Reviewed:
905R V2 stiff

Summary:
I bought this driver about 18 months ago after giving up my 983k for a Launcher. I then went to a number of clubs - Launcher comp, Cobra 424, 905t and even a Bang. I never really felt comfortable with any of them. I was fit with a launch monitor and the NV was said to be my shaft ( know one knows your swing like you, and watching some hack stumble through a fitting was sad. Thank god Roger Dunn did not mind that I brought back 4+ drivers). Well as it turned out it was not. Like a putter, a driver (really all clubs) is a personal preference based on fit, feel, and performance. This inspires confidence, which breeds results. My $ .02.

That being said, the 905R is great. I will be keeping this until it is worn out. As much as I like this driver, I like this shaft more. The low torque keeps a stable head and boring ball flight. It plays stiffer than most stiffs, but it does not feel like swinging a 2x4. Not as workable as the 983, but enough for a 460 head as one can expect. Super solid feel at impact, and forgiving on toe hits (where I miss). DOES NOT look like these hyped up soda cans, shoe box on a stick, etc... The pear shape just looks right.

Funny thing... I now have all Titleist clubs in my bag minus my Precept lob wedge I just can not part with. Titleist gets it, but i wonder whats up with the pocket back A1 and A2, not to mention the D series drivers...save that for Cobra.

Customer Service:
Roger Dunns

Similar Products Used:
Cobra, Launcher and Launcher comp, 905t, Bang, Tsunami, ping

Reviewed by: DaveL ,  Shoots in the 70s

Model Reviewed:
905r

Summary:
Traded a 905T for this club on a whim, MAN was that the right move. I have played just about everything the next best driver was my 975jvs with a speeder shaft. I cant believe how accurate and long this club is. It has the YS-6 regular in it. Superior product Callaway/Taylormade who??????

Customer Service:
Never needed

Similar Products Used:
Callaway BBII 415 and 380 cc in various lofts, Cleveland Launcher, FT-3 and FT-5,FT i Callaway and Cobra.