After testing the Geotech GT N SWS Fairway Wood the other day, I was confident that the new GT N SWS would be just as good.  So instead of just borrowing a demo from Geotech, I took  a leap of faith and asked Geotech to build me a GT N SWS Utility 24* to game in my bag.  With Geotech able to custom build any of their clubs with any available shaft in Japan, I had a lot of options to choose from and was considering the new Tour AD DI Hybrid as well as a Crazy Black Utility shaft. Then I thought about how the Geotech heads are ultra attractive due to their cost performance value so why not build the club for me with their most entry level shaft and see how it performs?

Value performer…

Geotech sent over the complete club built to my requested specs which were GT N SWS UT 24*, Geotech Hybrid 75 shaft Regular Flex, Tour Velvet Lite Grip, 39.25″ 357g D0.5 Swing Weight.  This combination comes out to 180.00 built to spec which is less than any other shafted utility we offer. They also sent me a GT N SWS 19* Utility demo for me to test side by side with my RC TRC 20*. The GT N SWS shares the same visual cues and technologies and materials as the its Fairway Wood sibling. Stability Screws in the toe and heel allow for altering of bias and trajectory and the stepped sole create trailing edge relief and less friction through the turf and rough.

Wide sweet spot…

Like the FW, the GT N SWS features the Maraging face which provides Titanium like performance and feel equaling nice pop at impact. The Utility face is shallower than the FW and long heel to toe which stretch the sweet area towards typical miss spots for the average golfer. With the shallower head and back weighting, the GT N SWS Utility is very forgiving and designed to launch the ball high and far with a soft landing from any lie. Feel is similar to the FW though not quite as crisp bordering more on the soft but solid side. This is probably due to the size of the head and its more compact shape (being a utility vs a FW).

Nice looking at address…

At address all GT N SWS Utility lofts feature a square face angle and no offset.  This UT targets the average golfer but characteristics like face angle and offset will also appeal to the better golfer wanting something forgiving and easy to hit.  You can see from the picture above how long the head is from heel to toe. The head shape is very nice and appealing at setup. The GT N SWS UT’s lines flow very well and frame the ball quite nicely providing plenty of confidence.

Reasonable “entry level” shaft…

I was torn over getting the Crazy Black Utility or trying Graphite Design’s new DI Hybrid but as I mentioned, I opted for a basic shaft from Geotech just to see how the the head would perform. Many people are drawn to Geotech clubs for their cost performance so it makes sense to test the club with an equally based cost performance type shaft. The Geotech Hybrid Series shaft are 75 and 85 models that cost around 45.00 (even less if the yen was not so strong).  They range in weight from 74 to 89g and are mid torque type shafts with low mid kick. These numbers translate into a stable shaft with good feel thanks to the torque and active tip area. Shafted with the Utility the 75 Regular which I chose created a higher but stable and straight ball trajectory. Performance was very acceptable especially considering its cost. at this point I have no urge to swap it out and will play with it as is. It’s certainly as good as any stock shaft of the shelf from any top manufacturer if not better since you can have it custom installed to spec.

Great workmanship… Great Cost Performance…

One thing you can be certain of is the club work done by Geotech. They are after all Japan’s largest component brand and because of this they assemble a lot of clubs and do a good job of it. Specs are always right on and workmanship is always superb with perfectly matched and turned ferrules which result in better looking work than some of the mass produced big brands off the shelf. Overall I’m impressed with the GT N SWS Utility and its cost performance.  There are many utilities that will cost 2 to 3 times more which are out of many players’ budgets. If you want a utility custom made for you under 200.00 (or more depending on the shaft you choose) and want something with top notch materials like a maraging face and technology like interchangeable weights, the GT N SWS is something worth seriously considering. Couple that with its ease of use and high forgiveness and you have a club deserving of a place in any average golfer’s bag. We’ll be adding the GT N SWS to the pro shop this week as heads only (17 19 21 24 27 30* lofts – quite a wide selection) and as a custom club listing with some of the more popular shaft options. As always you can contact us directly for a custom quote and build by Geotech with any shaft and grip of your choice.