Wilson Launch Pad driver Review

With the average age of golfers creeping up, there’s a surge among top brands to target lightweight super game improving ranges as areas for significant growth in 2020.

Wilson are joining the emerging category with a brand new Launch Pad concept. While this driver won’t suit every golfer it should be one to consider alongside the best Wilson drivers for golfers struggling to find the fairway. The whole idea is centred around helping golfers avoid the need to shout ‘fore right!’

In development Wilson researched 27 self-described slicers, and found their typical swing path was 5.5° outside to in, with a 3° open club face at impact. That naturally robs ball speed, carry distance and means shots end up consistently down the right side of the course.

So the new Launch Pad woods specifically target closing the face at impact and neutralising any fade bias. How have Wilson done it? They’ve created a whole toolbox full of hidden tech, so golfers don’t feel self-conscious about playing a family of super game improver clubs.

ROBOT TESTED: Which golf ball suits my game?

TESTED: Which Wilson iron suits me?

Launch Pad woods have a large heel weight (13g), which naturally helps square the face at the impact. There’s extra loft and a forward centre of gravity to launch shots high with less backspin. Extra face radius disguises the closed face angle and an offset hosel with upright lie all help eliminate the frustrating high block right which is the taint on so many golfers’ games.

With golfers over 60 typically losing 0.5mph of club speed each year, Wilson have also made it their business to ensure the whole Launch Pad family is very lightweight, to boost speed, launch and carry distance.

BEST DRIVER 2020 – How the leading drivers compare in data

TESTED: Longest iron 2019

What Wilson say about the Launch Pad woods

Launch Pad woods (driver, fairway and FYbrid) all incorporate moderate hosel offset to help provide consistent contact and tight ball dispersion on every swing. The centre of gravity is postioned towards the heel and further forward to set golfers up for a left swing path, which promotes a closed face at impact and neutralises fade bias for straighter shots.

The Launch Pad is one of the lightest drivers the brand has ever created, at 272g. The ultra-lightweight feel translates into an effortless increase in club speed for greater distance with every swing. Variable Face Technology, ensures a solid connection, regardless of where contact is made on the club face.

13 grams of weight in the heel and a +2˚ upright lie angle generate a draw bias and cuts the frequency of sliced shots by over 50%. “The main goal with Launch Pad woods is to help the golfer hit straighter shots in the air more often and gain distance and accuracy off the tee,” said Jon Pergande.

The Launch Pad driver comes in 10.5° and 13° lofts in left and right-handed options, and the stock shaft is the UST Mamiya Helium, expect an RRP of £269.