Equipment Review: Sonartec, by Jeffrey Reed

As a golf journalist, I’m faced daily with news about equipment innovation. However, the real test of new technology arrives when I put a club in my bag and head to the course. As a low-handicapper, I’m very particular about my clubs, and I stick with what works – especially this season, because I’ve restructured my swing to better my game even further.

Four Sonartec clubs, all with stiff shafts, have helped me from tee to green already this year, after only five rounds: the Md Transition Club; NP-99 premium fairway wood; and two new products from Sonartec – the SS-2.5 mid-face and SS-3.5 deep-face fairway woods.

A PGA Tour favorite, the Md Transition Club went from cult status to mainstream when Todd Hamilton used it to chip onto the green during his 2004 British Open victory. Featuring a high-end custom UST iRoD shaft, the MD Transition Club can replace any club from your driving iron to your 5-iron. I use the 19-deg. model for long, penetrating shots that land softly on the green. Whether I’m buried in the rough, or simply replacing my 2-iron off the tee, the MD Transition Club comes to the rescue.

The NP-99 looks and feels like a professional club – and it performs like one, too. It’s no wonder why it’s Nick Price’s fairway wood of choice – and carries his name as the 99th member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. A horseshoe-shaped weight in the back of the club head expands an already explosive sweet spot, and helps this club produce long, high shots with exceptional spin control. I’ve used the 14-deg. model both off the tee and from the fairway, and with good results.

Sonartec’s two new offerings are winning accolades from everyone from recreational golfers to demanding professionals.

The SS-2.5 fairway wood has become the most used Sonartec fairway wood on the PGA Tour. It features ST-385 alloy to increase ball velocity, and modified weight distribution for high launch and low spin. I use it on long par-5s when I don’t catch my drive, and it’s a pleasure to watch high, long shots get me home in two. 

The SS-3.5 is designed for golfers with higher swing speeds. Hot-Face alloy produces higher ball velocity, while internal rear-weight distribution produces mid-low launch angle. Spin is optimized for penetrating trajectory. In a nutshell, this club if for the better player, and it delivers with great shot-making ability.

Sonartec’s patented Driving Cavity Technology is already famous for its deep, penetrating ball flight and top-notch control. While every golfer’s swing relies on a myriad of mechanics, it is important to put quality equipment in your bag as you lower your handicap. In part, I can thank Sonartec for helping me lower mine.