Geotech sent me their new Prototype RF700 driver to check out. The great thing about this driver is its their Alpha Spec model which is Hi Cor/Non conforming at close to 0.88 COR. Non Conforming models seem to be making a come back of sorts these days after nearly reaching extinction with most major manufacturers moving to USGA conforming heads in the last decade. Recently however, many amateurs who play for fun and recreationally simply want more distance and don't mind playing a non conforming driver.
The RF700 is finished in all black and it looks pretty good. It is aimed at the better player all the way up to average golfer wanting a head that maintains a traditional shape and has a square face angle. With a non conforming SP700 face, this driver is obviously aimed at distance performance but at the same time Geotech did not want to sacrifice control and stability.
The SP700 face features variable thickness which provides pure feel when struck in the center. The CG point is located right in the center of the face and pushed back deeper in the head for a high launch but low spin trajectory. The face of the RF700 is actually on the deeper side which allows for control and workability. It's score lines do not go all the way across the face which seems to be preferred by those looking for less spin and distance.
The head itself is 435cc and features a semi high back design. This allows the player to produce a level blow on the ball but still create a higher launch with low spin. The hosel insertion depth has be increased on the RF700 to create more stability and control.
Players will like the look of the RF700 at address as its shape is on the compact side and face angle open to square. The 9.5* is spec'ed as 0.5* open and the 10.5* as a 0* square face. The 10.5* tester I had certainly appeared square at address and looked to have very little bulge.
I spent a bit of time with the driver at the range here and it was more forgiving than I expected for a 435cc driver with deep face. Shots of the toe and heel did not lose too much distance and those struck in the middle launched very easily and with both good carry and run. As with most Geotech drivers, the sound is more muted. They never seem to make drivers that produce that high pitched metallic impact sound you can find in many drivers today. Like usual, the strength of Geotech's heads lie in its cost performance value. The RF700 is no exception as it provides pretty good looks, feel and performance for a fraction of what other top JDM Hi Cor heads cost. I'll be adding it to the shop for those who want to try it out this week.
How is Geotec able to make products so for much less money than everyone else? Lower quality or do they own certain things which allow for cheaper production costs?