DRIVERS: Drivers over $350 | Drivers under $350

* Category Leader

: NIKE SQ DYMO/DYMO² STR8-FIT; STREET PRICE: $450
WEBSITE: nikegolf.com
LOFTS: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5, HL

TECH TALK: Dymo and Dymo² versions allowed designers to manipulate the CG, lie angle, rear weighting and face size, but the most interesting feature is the adjustable hosel. Players can change to one of eight lie- and face-angle combinations. (Lie angle and face angle can change by 4 degrees.)

PLAYER COMMENTS: (H) "I like the ball flight, and it's long. The ball goes left, for sure."... (M) "A good-looking club at setup. It sounds a little thud-ish, but the ball went forever." ... (L) "My favorite of the square shapes."

HOT: It's easily the most interesting, effective and flexible implementation of the USGA's recently relaxed rules on club adjustability. The three weight options of the impressive UST AXIV Core shaft are unique.

NOT: The high MOI doesn't push the USGA limit as it did in last year's SQ Sumo² 5900.

: PING RAPTURE V2; STREET PRICE: $450
WEBSITE: pinggolf.com
LOFTS: 9, 10.5, 12, 13.5

TECH TALK: The clubhead is similar in shape to the Ping G10 and incorporates crescent-shape tungsten weights in the heel and toe of the sole. The variable-thickness titanium face is milled to help improve ball speed on off-center strikes.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "The club looks great, sets up nicely and has good balance. It gives me the right kind of feedback, and the ball carries a long way." ... (M) "I can feel the way the ball jumps off the face, and the head is easy to look at, too." ... (T) "I give it high marks: It spins less than the G10. I'd like it even more if it didn't have the decal on the crown."

HOT: Like a Mercedes, the look doesn't veer too far from traditional design, but the engineering is top-notch. The nFlight fitting system is a cool benefit, too.

NOT: Chiclet-green shaft seems a bit much.

: TAYLORMADE r7 LIMITED; STREET PRICE: $400
WEBSITE: taylormadegolf.com
LOFTS: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5

TECH TALK: The thin-wall titanium construction allows room for three movable weights, and the stretched-triangle shape increases MOI. The weights can affect ball flight by as much as 20 yards left and 15 yards right.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "Fantastic trajectory, but I don't like the triangle shape." ... (L) "Produces the best feel of any driver out here. My 'wow' club. Call her Crush-A-Rama." ... (T) "It's a great driver. Other attempts at a triangle shape have looked irregular and unbalanced, but not this one."

HOT: Maybe you're over the weights, but the powerful feel of a TaylorMade driver never gets old. The sleek look and finish make this a memorable club. The Ozik shaft is a plus.

NOT: There's a history of $400 TaylorMade drivers dropping in price quickly after introduction.