BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DRIVER HEAD DEEP Japanese golfclubs

Test Hit Review of the BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DRIVER HEAD DEEP

I recently had the opportunity to test the BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DRIVER HEAD DEEP.

The test club used was the BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DRIVER HEAD DEEP, and I unfortunately forgot to take photos of it, but the shaft used was the VENTUS. The loft was set at 10.5 degrees, the club length is 45.5 inches, and the shaft flex is S.

This is the latest driver from BALDO. I’ve always had a great appreciation for BALDO since I first tested one, and I believe part of that comes from its resemblance to the old BS TourStage drivers, which I also loved. There’s a noticeable difference in how golf clubs are designed: some focus solely on functionality, while others, like BALDO, prioritize aesthetics while still integrating functionality. I believe BALDO strongly leans towards the latter approach, as each model is consistently beautiful and eye-catching.

Despite its mechanical design, the driver doesn’t come off as too extravagant, and it feels seamless, blending with the senses. The design simply feels intuitive and natural.

The BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DRIVER HEAD DEEP also has a solid “chunky” feel to it, which is rare these days as most drivers are shallow. However, I believe there is still a significant demand for drivers with this kind of substantial look and feel.

You’ll find the number “568” on the toe side, which is a recurring motif in past test models. I think this might hold a special significance for BALDO. In Japan, the number “358” is sometimes used on car license plates, symbolizing financial prosperity, and it reminded me of that.

The design is quite stylish and unique, and the weight is located on the back face of the club. Although there is no inscription to indicate the weight, it’s clear that this plays a role in the club’s performance.

On the heel side, you’ll find the word “DEEP”, which definitely adds a sense of allure. While shallow-face drivers have improved in recent years, I still find myself drawn to the deep-faced designs.

Despite the name “DEEP,” the actual shape is more semi-deep rather than extremely deep. For those who remember the classic “punch” shapes of older drivers, this one may feel familiar. It has a more substantial profile compared to most current drivers, which tend to be much thinner.

The neck length is standard, and from this angle, it’s clear that the driver maintains a certain elegance. The thickness of the head plays a big part in its visual appeal, and you won’t find this kind of presence in the shallower driver heads.

The driver also features an adjustable neck system for fine-tuning to fit your swing style.

I tested it with the N Position, which provided a nice balanced feel.

The face of the driver is finely milled, a feature we’ve seen in previous models.

As expected from BALDO, the driver has a great look, featuring the classic large, rounded face, often seen in custom club manufacturers.

When I set up behind the ball, it felt great. The design is easy to align with, and there’s a sense of familiarity that helped me relax. Some clubs make it hard to visualize the shot, but this one instills confidence right from the start.

Testing Begins

The feel was solid, not too soft but just firm enough, with no unpleasant aftertaste. The ball’s texture was clearly defined, and I noticed a “shrinking” feel upon impact, rather than a “spreading” one.

The sound was a pleasant surprise. It wasn’t the high-pitched tone I expected but was more satisfying and consistent. For those who like a louder sound, this might feel a bit quieter, but it fits the driver well.

As for launchability, this driver is clearly designed for stronger hitters. It’s not necessarily aimed at a wide audience, and I’d say a swing speed of 40mph or higher is probably needed.

Despite being a deep-faced driver, its stability was quite impressive, and I didn’t feel any severe shifts or instability. The weight on the back face kept the ball flight steady and reliable.

The distance performance was top-notch, providing the strong, solid ball flight that BALDO is known for. It allowed me to hit with a much heavier ball and strong trajectory, unlike the lighter, ballooning shots I prefer to avoid.

As for control, it was easy to shape shots left and right. While the driver felt almost neutral in terms of bias, its forgiving nature made it quite user-friendly.

After the Test

Despite the “deep” label, I didn’t feel any of the usual challenges associated with deep-faced drivers.

There wasn’t any of the expected harshness of a deep driver. Instead, it felt surprisingly forgiving and easy to handle.

With its excellent shaft match, the ball didn’t lose stability, and I didn’t experience any “loss of power” either, which contributed to its impressive distance performance.

This is a stylish driver that performs well under pressure. It satisfies both the desire for a beautiful design and the thrill of a solid hit.

I look forward to seeing what else BALDO has in store in the future!

☆ Rating
Setup: ☆☆☆☆
Feel: ☆☆☆☆
Sound: ☆☆☆☆
Launchability: ☆☆
Stability: ☆☆☆
Distance: ☆☆☆☆
Control: ☆☆☆

Note: Rating based on a 100-point scale:
☆1 = 0-20 points
☆2 = 21-40 points
☆3 = 41-60 points
☆4 = 61-90 points
☆5 = 91-100 points

*Addition: Introduction to this club (I researched this club after writing this article)

BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DRIVER HEAD DEEP: Complete Review and Performance Analysis

From the official website:

Overview: The Professional’s Choice for Precision and Power

The BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DRIVER HEAD DEEP represents the pinnacle of Japanese golf club engineering, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This driver head is specifically designed for skilled golfers who demand maximum control and penetrating ball flight. With its deep face construction and precision forging, the 568 DEEP delivers exceptional performance for players seeking a professional-level driver experience.

Key Specifications and Technical Details

Essential Specifications

• Head Volume: 460cc (full-size design)
• Face Height: 59.8mm (deep face configuration)
• Face Length: 102.1mm
• Body Length: 108.2mm
• Weight: 198g (standard configuration)
• Loft Options: 8.5° to 11.5° (adjustable)
• Lie Angle: 59°
• Center of Gravity Distance: 34mm
• Center of Gravity Depth: 34mm
• Center of Gravity Height: 31mm
• Center of Gravity Angle: 24°

Premium Materials and Construction

The BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DEEP features a sophisticated multi-material construction:

Body Construction: 8-1-1 Titanium precision casting with the innovative “THREE STEP SKELETON TSS” body design. This unique skeletal framework optimizes weight distribution while maintaining structural integrity.

Face Technology: DAT55G precision forged cup face with advanced heat treatment technology. The face bridge areas (upper and lower cup sections) and center face receive different heat treatment temperatures, creating an expanded sweet spot and enhanced ball speed across a larger hitting area.

Power Plate System: Standard 6g stainless steel power plate mounted in the body center, with optional 10g upgrade available separately. This system generates additional forward ball thrust while reducing unwanted spin.

Advanced Technology Features

Precision Forged Cup Face Technology

The DAT55G forged cup face represents a significant advancement in driver face technology. The precision forging process creates a more flexible face that absorbs ball impact energy more effectively than previous generations. The variable heat treatment across different face zones expands the effective hitting area while maintaining the signature BALDO feel that experienced golfers appreciate.

THREE STEP SKELETON TSS Body Design

The revolutionary THREE STEP SKELETON TSS (Three Step Skeleton) body design strategically removes weight from non-essential areas while reinforcing critical stress points. This engineering approach allows for optimal weight redistribution, creating a more efficient energy transfer at impact while maintaining the structural integrity required for consistent performance.

Adjustable Sleeve System

The driver features BALDO’s advanced adjustable sleeve system offering eight distinct positions based on “NEUTRAL, LOWER, HIGHER, UPRIGHT” settings. This system allows for fine-tuning of loft, lie angle, and face angle to match individual swing characteristics and course conditions.

Performance Characteristics

Ball Flight and Trajectory

The deep face construction produces a characteristically penetrating ball flight that cuts through wind conditions effectively. The 59.8mm face height creates a lower center of gravity impact point, resulting in reduced spin rates and a more boring trajectory that maximizes distance while maintaining accuracy.

Distance Performance by Swing Speed Categories

High Swing Speed Players (105+ mph):

• Expected distance: 280-300+ yards
• Optimal loft: 8.5° – 9.5°
• Spin rate: 2,200-2,600 rpm
• Launch angle: 11-13°

Moderate-High Swing Speed Players (95-105 mph):

• Expected distance: 260-280 yards
• Optimal loft: 9.5° – 10.5°
• Spin rate: 2,400-2,800 rpm
• Launch angle: 12-14°

Moderate Swing Speed Players (85-95 mph):

• Expected distance: 240-260 yards
• Optimal loft: 10.5° – 11.5°
• Spin rate: 2,600-3,000 rpm
• Launch angle: 13-15°

Workability and Shot Shaping

The BALDO 568 DEEP excels in shot shaping capabilities due to its traditional head profile and precise weight distribution. Skilled players can easily work the ball left or right while maintaining consistent distance and trajectory control.

Advantages and Benefits

Primary Strengths

Superior Control: The deep face design and traditional head shape provide exceptional directional control, making it ideal for players who prioritize accuracy over pure distance.

Penetrating Ball Flight: The low-spinning, boring trajectory cuts through wind effectively and provides consistent performance in various weather conditions.

Exceptional Feel: The DAT55G forged face delivers premium tactile feedback, allowing skilled players to assess impact quality immediately.

Customization Options: The extensive loft range (8.5° – 11.5°) and adjustable sleeve system accommodate various swing types and preferences.

Premium Build Quality: Japanese craftsmanship ensures consistent performance and durability over extended use.

Weight Optimization: The optional power plate system (6g standard, 10g available) allows for precise swing weight adjustments without compromising balance.

Performance Advantages

The THREE STEP SKELETON TSS body design creates optimal weight distribution, resulting in improved MOI (Moment of Inertia) while maintaining the compact feel preferred by better players. The stainless steel power plate generates additional ball thrust, effectively reducing ballooning and maintaining strong trajectory even in adverse conditions.

Potential Limitations

Considerations for Some Golfers

Higher Skill Requirement: The deep face and traditional design demand consistent ball-striking ability to maximize performance benefits.

Lower Launch Characteristics: Players with slower swing speeds may struggle to achieve optimal launch conditions without proper fitting.

Premium Price Point: At ¥88,000 (tax included) for the head only, this represents a significant investment requiring additional costs for shaft and assembly.

Limited Forgiveness: While the expanded sweet spot helps, this driver prioritizes control over maximum forgiveness compared to game-improvement models.

Setup Requirements: Optimal performance typically requires professional fitting to determine ideal loft, shaft pairing, and power plate configuration.

Ideal Golfer Profile

Best Suited For:

Low to Mid Handicap Players (0-12 handicap): Players with consistent ball-striking ability who can fully utilize the control and workability features.

High Swing Speed Golfers (95+ mph): Players who generate sufficient clubhead speed to optimize the deep face design and low-spin characteristics.

Control-Focused Players: Golfers who prioritize accuracy and shot shaping over maximum distance and forgiveness.

Wind Condition Players: Golfers who frequently play in windy conditions and need a penetrating ball flight.

Traditional Design Enthusiasts: Players who prefer classic head shapes and premium feel over modern, technology-forward appearances.

Less Suitable For:

High Handicap Players (15+ handicap): Players who would benefit more from maximum forgiveness and higher launch characteristics.

Slower Swing Speed Golfers (Under 90 mph): Players who may struggle to achieve optimal launch conditions with the deep face design.

Distance-Priority Players: Golfers whose primary goal is maximum distance over precision and control.

Budget-Conscious Players: The premium pricing may not align with cost-sensitive purchasing decisions.

Professional Insights and User Feedback

Performance Analysis

Based on the official specifications and design characteristics, the BALDO 568 DEEP demonstrates exceptional engineering focused on skilled player needs. The combination of traditional aesthetics with advanced materials creates a driver that appeals to players seeking tour-level performance.

Build Quality Assessment

The precision forging of the DAT55G face material and 8-1-1 titanium body construction represents premium manufacturing standards. The attention to detail in heat treatment processes and weight distribution reflects BALDO’s commitment to performance optimization.

Customization Value

The extensive adjustment options through the sleeve system and power plate configurations provide significant value for players willing to invest in proper fitting. This adjustability extends the driver’s useful life as swing characteristics evolve.

Comparison with Market Alternatives

Competitive Positioning

The BALDO 568 DEEP competes directly with other premium Japanese drivers such as MIURA, EPON, and select Titleist models. Its unique combination of deep face design and adjustable features distinguishes it within this premium segment.

Value Proposition

While the price point positions this as a premium option, the combination of advanced materials, extensive customization, and Japanese craftsmanship provides substantial value for committed players seeking tour-level performance.

Technical Specifications Summary

Customization and Optional Equipment

Available Weight Options

• Standard: 6g stainless steel power plate
• Optional weights: 2g, 4g, 8g, 10g, 12g, 14g
• 10g Stainless Power Plate: ¥3,630 (tax included)

Additional Accessories

• Head Cover: ¥4,180 (tax included, sold separately)
• Variable Sleeve 1.5: ¥4,400 (tax included, sold separately)

Finishing Options

• Crown: Night Black Finish
• Face: Satin Finish
• Micro Laser Milling Score Lines for enhanced spin control

Final Recommendation and Conclusion

The BALDO COMPETIZIONE 568 DRIVER HEAD DEEP represents an exceptional choice for skilled golfers seeking professional-level performance with extensive customization options. Its deep face design, premium materials, and innovative THREE STEP SKELETON TSS construction create a driver optimized for control, workability, and consistent performance.

The combination of DAT55G forged face technology and adjustable features provides significant value for players willing to invest in proper fitting and premium equipment. While the price point and performance characteristics target serious golfers, the quality and engineering justify the investment for players who can fully utilize its capabilities.

For golfers with consistent ball-striking ability, swing speeds above 95 mph, and a preference for control over pure forgiveness, the BALDO 568 DEEP offers tour-level performance in a meticulously crafted package. The extensive customization options ensure optimal performance across various swing types and playing conditions.

This driver excels in providing the precision and control demanded by skilled players while maintaining the premium feel and craftsmanship associated with Japanese golf equipment manufacturing. Players seeking maximum distance or forgiveness may find better matches elsewhere, but for control-focused golfers, the 568 DEEP represents one of the finest options available in the premium driver market.

Sources and References

Primary Source:

• BALDO Golf Official Product Page: https://baldo-golf.com/products/2023-568-deep
• BALDO Golf English Site: https://baldo-golf.com/en-us/products/2023-568-deep

Additional References:

• TourSpecGolf Product Listings and Specifications
• Official BALDO Technical Documentation

Note: All specifications, pricing, and technical details are sourced directly from official BALDO documentation and verified through manufacturer channels. Performance estimates are based on official specifications and typical player characteristics for the target demographic.