Equipment Review:
Alpha Golf RX460 Carbon Driver
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

If you’re a regular visitor to London Ontario Golf, you’ll already know that we’re a big fan of Alpha Golf. In the past, we have reviewed and applauded the Alpha C830.2 Plasma Driver, now winning tournaments around the world thanks to its explosive distance and shot-making ability.

Another Alpha driver has crossed our desk, and we couldn’t wait to test it: the Alpha Golf RX460 Carbon driver. After extensive testing, we think this driver is even longer – and more accurate off the tee.

First, a bit about Alpha, well-known amongst the long drive community but now winning accolades for its tour-quality performance. Alpha Golf was founded in 2002 by Dr. Jim Yeh, following decades of innovative physics research and design for the aerospace industry. A multiple winner at the RE/MAX Long Drive Championship, Alpha Golf comes through with its promise to instil “confidence in your game.”

The RX460 Carbon driver is one of the longest drivers we’ve ever tested – that’s a given. But what did surprise us is the accuracy of this big dog. Power fades and baby draws were a cinch with this driver – one of the best we’ve ever tested, in fact. Even mishits off the heel or toe were relatively long and straight, thanks to the innovative design of this club.

Here’s the skinny on the RX460. It’s traditional in design – and I like that, as a low-handicapper. It utilizes a 15-3-3-3 Titanium forged Active Beta face insert, and a deep face design for maximum COR – Coefficient of Restitution. This means the RX460 features the maximum energy transfer ratio permitted by the USGA. I like that too – who wouldn’t? Alpha’s Super-lite Carbon Crown provides increased frame strength, and a large face area provides dynamic loft and low backspin, perfect for distance and control.

The RX460 Carbon Driver from Alpha Golf also features (no surprise) a high MOI – Moment of Inertia. The result? Maximum forgiveness, resistance to twisting on off-centre hits, plus straighter, longer shots. A uniformly thin outer face offers consistent flexibility across the face, too – explaining in part the consistent straight shotmaking. And a specially grooved sole reduces friction and promotes faster swing speeds.

In short, the RX460 possesses a trampoline-like face. You expected something else from this long drive contest-winning company? But you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of this club, too. I haven’t always found this to be the case with drivers utilizing lightweight carbon crowns, so kudos to the designers at Alpha Golf, who must have a few tricks up their sleeves.

I’ve been experimenting a lot as of late with clubhead-shaft combinations. The Alpha Platinum 360° Frequency Calibrated 65 g stiff shaft is the perfect match for the 9° RX460, in accordance to my abilities. Lofts range from 7.5, 9, 10.5, 12 and any loft from 13.5 to 15°.

This will be one of the top drivers we’ll test during the 2008 golf season. Hats off to Alpha Golf for producing another winner off the tee. What’s more, it sells for as low as $193.

Visit www.alphagolfclubs.com to learn more about Alpha Golf and all of its offerings.