Earlier this week a new driver appeared on the USGA Conforming List. The Ben Hogan GS53 Max Driver is now here and will be available as early as today from their website.
Before getting into the new GS53 Max, we want to say it is not necessarily replacing the current model from Ben Hogan. The current GS53 is a titanium driver with a forged face that got some rave reviews in our testing. The lineup that has been out will stay in line and available directly from their website.
The Ben Hogan GS53 Max driver offers a stark difference from the current model, which makes a lot of sense as a differentiator. Nearly 25% larger and 11% taller face than the original model, but the changes are more dramatic than just an increase in size.
The multi-material design is four separate pieces. Light weight and strong titanium is countered on the crown with a composite carbon fiber to add a large amount of flexibility with weight placement. This is where the Max in GS53 Max starts coming into place.
Ben Hogan R&D was able to work with dense Tungsten and position it low and deep in the club head. Weight has also been positioned internally along the edges of the driver to increase stability. The increase in moment of inertia (MOI) is quite staggering, as well as a higher initial launch, while still maintaining low spin.
“This is a special driver that is born off Mr. Hogan’s principles of club design,” said Scott White, CEO, Ben Hogan Golf Company. “Our R&D mission for the GS53 MAX was to keep the Center of Mass as low and as far rearward as possible, which is very different when compared to the original GS53 driver which is much higher and more forward. As a result, the combination of the lightweight composite crown and tungsten sole weight allow us to position the Center of Mass so that we maximize launch while decreasing the amount of ball spin. This provides a higher ball flight … especially for players who don’t have Tour-caliber clubhead speeds … for increased carry and roll out. “
The adjustable hosel is still in place and is what Ben Hogan calls Flight Control. The adapter has not changed, so golfers that were GS53 users can swap shafts in and out. Loft changing ability is 1 degree either way from the standard loft, as well as open or close the face angle to better fit your needs. Hogan got the hosel right in that shaft graphics and grip position does not need to be altered when making adjustments.
We know shaft choices are always a big thing and we can say that Ben Hogan has brought three different options to their GS53 Max driver. We can also tell you that none of these are made for altered from original specs. Each one is premium aftermarket shaft, the same you would find ordering directly.
Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black: Low Trajectory
Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue: Mid Trajectory
UST Mamiya Helium: High Trajectory
The Details
Available: Today on their website
Cost: $355
Lofts: 9 and 10.5 degrees available
I would guess you are correct.
It’s going to suck to sky-mark that logo…
Damn thats a good point.
Looking forward to the feedback from the winning team at the Hogan event
I’d expect nothing less. The GS53 was the saaaaame way.
Completely different drivers.
One is smaller, a bit lower spin and not as forgiving laterally.
The Max will get the ball up initially a little better.
yah, so I have read. I still prefer the smaller head size, but the supposed forgiveness is appealing. Oh well, not ready yet anyway. Thank You.
I am not too worried about that. The only driver that I ever put sky marks on was an Adams Tight Lies HL. That thing would go straight up when I did. I have always liked Hogans. I have had a couple sets of Edge and Apex Plus over the years. On The GS53 , the hosel adjustments are interesting although their instruction says you need to completely remove the head. I am not much of a fan of adjustable hosels anyway, probably would leave it at neutral setting. Although, I have tinkered a bit, but always come back.
Participants got new irons, wedges and putter.
The winning team will get a new driver.
Well Danny doesn’t need his soooo…..
No, thanks for the reminder. Looking forward to updates from Team Danny!
Looking forward to the Team Danny thoughts on the new driver
If it does… We might have to talk
The Hogan is the leader in the clubhouse after this weekend.
We’re gonna need more deets on heads and shafts that you compared…and your avg swing speed….please.
@BHGtylerb had the GS53 Max in the bag?! Not the standard model?
No he switched.
Based on GCQuad data from myself, Danny and Tyler, this is a low spin monster.
He had the max. It is shocking low spin
You expect more spin when you take a look at it and see the Max label. You don’t get that at all. Its fast, low spin and definitely forgiving laterally.
As the guy who reviewed the OG version, you now have my attention.
This one is headed in from THP HQ and going to get the full workout.
Oh yes, can’t wait
A little lower. But they are very different drivers in terms of design.
That UiHi is ???????
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I think they just hate everybody right now LOL!
The winning team of the 2020 Ben Hogan/UST Mamiya Experience (Team Danny) got a new Ben Hogan GS53 Max Driver w/ our choice of a UST Mamiya Driver shaft. Mine has arrived.
I chose a 9° Ben Hogan GS53 Max w/ a LINQ Purple shaft. The UST Mamiya Helium does come as a stock option for this driver.
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Looking forward to making some slight adjustments (Length & Grip) then getting it out on the course for some feedback against my Mavrik SZ (my Mavrik has a Helium in it). All of those that hit this driver at the event , walked away impressed as it showed to be a high launch / low spin bomber.
Enjoy ! That’s a great looking driver and shaft.
The color scheme of the shaft adds something. Lol
That’s not why I chose it, Danny thought that it would be a good pairing for me.
@JB
@GolferGal
@BHGtylerb
@DannyLe
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Beautiful set up there!