On 2004-12-18, Dan Powers rated this Acer XP Graphite/TI a 5...(4863)
Purchase: I have been struggling with my tee game for the better part of two years. I could not find a consistent solution to my problems, and was really going nowhere fast. I had made the switch to Acer irons this season and was very pleased with the results I was seeing on the course. I was carrying the clone of another driver that was supposed to "ignite" my game, but I couldn't predict where or what I might be igniting. More often than not, it was the heavy rough on the links style course I call home. I switched to the XP based on what I was hearing about the Callaway Fusion (The XP is a clone of the original)and, based on how pleased I was with the Acer irons. I also made the decision to bail on a graphite shaft, and instead went with a stiff Dynamic Gold steel shaft. I have been building my own clubs for years, so I purchased the components from Hireko Golf online for around $75.00 with shipping.
Pros: I can really bang this club! The attractive appearance of the clubhead at address is really a confidence boost. I am keeping my drives in the fairway, and in addition to the accuracy, I have actually gained some distance. A lot of that has to do with dropping the ball in the fairway versus the rough and taking advantage of a good roll. The other added benefit is that the clubhead seems to have greatly improved my ability to work the ball off the tee. I find that I a having a much easier time sliding the ball off in the direction I want. The XP's predecessors only seemed to magnify the ball flight I was wanting and I would find myself missing fairways. I really feel that the key for me was making the switch back to a steel shaft versus graphite. I really feel like I have total control of the clubhead during my swing now. I decided to make the switch after reading both Tiger and Ernie Els were doing the same thing. I figured that if two of the better players in the world were doing it, maybe there it's something i should experiment with. I really feel that it was the difference maker. I wonder how many golfers out there would benefit from a similar switch?
Cons: The only downside that I have found with the club is the sound the ball makes at contact. Most of us have gone from the crack of persimmon to the click of titanium. The XP is a more muffled version of that. My playing partner described it assounding like a wet sock smacking a painted wall. Other than the auditory oddity, I have no complaints.
Quality: Like I said, I build my own clubs, so I really have no construction complaints. For those of you who want the specifics they are; Acer XP 10.5 graphite/Ti head. The head is really very attractive, and did indeed turn the heads of my foursome on the tee box. I used a True Temper Dynamic Gold shaft at the traditonal 43 1/2 inches. It's a stiff shaft. My swing speed is on the cusp of a stiff/x-stiff, but I think the weaker of the two was the better play for me. I used a rounded ferrule, and a Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip with two wraps of tape.
Review Summary: This club has made the difference for me. I am so pleased with all of the Acer products I have added to my bag this year. For me, this was the season I really embraced golf's technology break throughs and it made a world of difference in my scores. The driver for me was the final piece of that puzzle. I had to be able to hit the fairway and take advantage of scoring opportunites. This club has provided me the confidence to do so. I am in the fairway, or at worst the first cut, and I am seeing a lot more greens in regulation. It is a great feeling to stand on the tee box, visualize your shot, and then pull the trigger and make it happen. The XP is a great looking club with a tremendous amount of feel that should really help to improve your game.
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