Royal Collection aka Sonartec used to be a favourite with the proficient golfers. Their claim to fame was the tour favourite fairway wood, which made them the choice of champions.
Over the last decade, the brand has had to reinvent itself in a game that's dominated by brands with the financial depth to sponsor prominent players. These led to a decline in its popularity and its not due to performance but rather but what the golfing masses percieved.
But the last 2 years have seen an interesting turn…..
Royal Collection is starting to set a clearer vision for its product development. From a design perspective, they are making products that the average golfers can use as well as the elite golfers can enjoy.
2014 will see some very interesting friendly performance products and the best part is their recognition for the professional fitting industry, hence the Custom Series. its not available at retail level and the products are made better especially with a limited production run.
Without much ado, let's look at what 2014 offers…..The BBD Custom Series.
The signature BBD fairway wood - it has now added a bit more cushion to the split sole. The form looks better but the function has not been compromised. Its now a product that a 24 handicapper will be comfortable to use with the right shaft installed.
Shown here a 5 wood - the crossed weight ratio (note the cavity at the toe and sole) is not meant to make the fw looks good but rather funnels the force at impact towards the sweet spot. This is meant to reduct the effects of mishits.
Clever!!!
The BBD hybrid series - the market is rather crowded and RC has stayed on its path on the deep face design. It is especially easy for golfers who prefer to play their hybrid like an iron rather than a fw sweep. The signature cross sole cut is incorporated here too.
Next we look at their new BBD driver. Unlike the current Vintage Series, the BBD driver is definitely not for everyone but more for the competent golfers. Its deep face makes it the perfect driver "update and upgrade" for those who are ardent fans of
pear shape deep face. those who are looking to modernised their titty 975, 985, 909 D3; R9 deep face; Tourstage X-Drive will appreciate this bomber.
Compact deep face.
This one is definitely not for the faint hearted as you need to power this to maximise its potential. The hosel depth is deep too so it will play very stable. The cushioned sole is also a very well thought-out design both aesthetically and functionally.
Now comes the 2 most interesting development…the irons and wedges.
I was personally very interested how RC will line up these 2 products - the irons and wedges did not disappoint.
Starting with a boxy toe design like the early Talyormade 300 series, its a classic. Its also meant to put more weight towards the toe and makes it a great irons for those who like to shaper their shots. The top line is sexy and the sole is friendly without looking like a overweight wrestler.
The reverse is even better. starting with the budge and cut cavity, its makes the irons look very mean at a glance while its actually very friendly.
Think of it as a
"Hunk who is also the Sunday Choir Boy"
Here's another look at the quiet achiever…its forged, looks like a muscle back at address but played truer to a fishy stick. Watch out for their grooves in the wedge section - same groove and very sexy.
Finally the wedges….we have checked the hosel length, depth and toe to heel ratio and it looks like its nice wedge to play with. Compared to the fishy wedge and the famous Akira wedges which is taking the world by storm, i feel its up there in terms design and the function it is supposed to produce.
a different perspective…..
there is a bit of optical distortion here but rest assured, the hosel is very well proportioned..
i hope we have the best for the last, it turns function into an art piece and i am dying to put in a shaft to try this out.
its my favourite line from a movie…Just look at those snappers……..
Thank you for your interest. i hope you have as much fun looking at these as i have as much fun shooting them and trying to articulate them without sounding like a Sim Lim Square salesman.
demos are progressively being built from tomorrow and i am seriously thinking of sticking the fw and wedge into my bag.
Have a great week ahead……DGman
Subject: The 2014 Royal Collection BBD Custom Series (pics intensive) 
Sun Nov 10, 2013 12:26 pm
and the poison is as usual lethally concocted ... 
