Equipment Review:
Tour Edge Exotics CB3 Tour Driver
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, www.LondonOntarioGolf.com

In 2009, we gave rave reviews of Tour Edge Golf's XCG-V Tour Spec fairway wood. You can read that review here. This time around, we tested the Tour Edge Exotics CB3 Tour driver, and it didn't disappoint. In fact, its overall performance sees it near the top of the list of best new drivers tested this spring.

The CB3 Tour driver promises tour-caliber performance in a traditional-sized head, and it delivers. Offering a classic shape and appealing 430cc head size, the CB3 is aimed at golfers who desire a driver that delivers the same tour-caliber performance as their Exotics fairway woods. The smaller head (not a maximum head size of 460cc) delivers an extremely controllable driver that conveys explosive distance. Technical features include a 15-3-3-3 Beta titanium cup face, crown, and neck that are joined to a heavy hyper steel sole using our no-weld combo-brazing process.

Our first test with the CB3 Tour driver left us speechless at first (not including a few expletives when the ball jumped off the club face with explosive initial impact). A boring low trajectory cut through the wind like a heat-seeking missile. The CB3 further differentiates itself from other Exotics drivers in that it has a higher centre of gravity location for tour-preferred trajectory compliments of its titanium cup face and heavy steel sole. The thickness of the face is variable and includes a thinner perimeter ring around the striking surface. The result is a driver that produces the same crisp, reactive launch as the Tour-famous CB2 fairway wood.

I tested a 9° model (there's also a 10° driver). Both have a 2° open face. I really like the Fujikura Motore Exotics Tour 65 g lightweight stiff shaft - its 45 in. and offers outstanding control. Balanced with a 430cc head that feels heavier because of its finely-tuned design, this club felt right at home in my hands during the first time at the tee. That's important to performance.

The early-season street price on this baby is $349.99, and worth every penny if you are looking for a premium player's driver. There was no adjustment period for me when hammering the pill with this big dog. Explosive initial compact, and length matching any other premium driver I've tested give the CB3 Tour driver top marks.

Tour Edge Golf has done it again: it has designed and manufactured a driver like no other. It looks great, feels great and delivers as promised.

For more information on the Tour Edge Exotics CB3 Tour driver, visit www.touredge.com.