“Extreme” is operative word for this aggressive looking design. Some are going to love this radical look, many are going to be so initially uncomfortable with it that they won’t want to swing this weapon at all. Wind scoops and a thick, deep parallel, green alignment channel on the top of the large head present a unique look at address. The bold shaft graphics are obviously aimed at generations “X” and “Next”. Our testers were split between loving it and hating it.
This driver got off to a rocky start with the first three testers, but numbers four and five loved the look, the feel and especially the performance. One had it easily outperform his own Callaway Steelhead in all regards while the other found that he gained a slight advantage in both accuracy and distance over his own Great Big Bertha. They were both exceedingly comfortable with the club from the first swing on.
The Alien is an easy driver to use; it swings nicely and feels sweet. A number of big hits have been registered, but accuracy has been erratic for some until they gradually get used to the club. Most of our testers have found that the Ultimate has too much loft for them, hitting more like an 11.5 degree than 10 degree. Much of this has to do with the nature of the trajectory. Shots don’t balloon, but they do come close for some. There is very little roll. For those who need loft to their drives (and very many do) this will work well. For most of us, a 9 or 8 degree driver version would be more productive. Even those who normally hit 10 degree or more drivers have commented on this tendency.
- Alien Ultimate Driver
- Driver, 10 degrees, Alien Extreme graphite, regular
- Length 45 1/2″, Swingweight D 0.5, Overall Weight 311gr
The two who tested best with the Alien have also hit their drives very high, but good high – long, straight and consistent with a slight draw. At first, they thought that the trajectories were too high until they realized how consistently far the balls were carrying. One has gotten his best drives ever with the Ultimate. They have also found the Alien very easy to use from the fairway.
On-course testing has progressed better than on-range testing. One tester has made it a permanent addition to his bag. Denny, traditionally erratic with a driver, has found new length, and more importantly, consistent accuracy. The added loft imparted by the Alien to its trajectories works well for him by neutralizing the spin that turns many of his low draws into hooks. Long, high, soaring draws that leave to the right and arch gracefully into the center of the fairway are now common. It’s the best we’ve ever seen him drive the ball. Funny, he liked the peculiar looks of this driver from the first moment he saw this distinctive club.
