Interview with Bombtech Golf Designer Tyler Sullivan

Hello everyone, thanks for stopping by, today we’re going to share with you a recent interview with Tyler Sullivan of Bombtech Golf, the man behind the new Grenade driver set to launch in March. We had a chance to catch up with him to chat about the new driver, the process behind making it, the …

Hello everyone, thanks for stopping by, today we’re going to share with you a recent interview with Tyler Sullivan of Bombtech Golf, the man behind the new Grenade driver set to launch in March. We had a chance to catch up with him to chat about the new driver, the process behind making it, the science behind the design, and grill him a bit about the technology. We hope you enjoy this inside look into the making of a new driver.  Enjoy!

Hi Tyler, what made you want to make this new driver?

Bombtech Golf Grenade Driver

I was always looking for new and different golf driver heads, shafts and grips that would give myself and my customers an advantage.  I enjoy custom club building and specifically working with golfers to find their perfect fit so much that I decided to make my own brand.  There are great products on the market, but I felt that I could build a brand and golf driver that not only performs well but is unlike anything on the market.

What was one of the biggest challenges in designing this driver? 

This has to be to develop a design with an actual purpose.   I decided early in this process that I needed to find some smart minds to engineer an unique design that would have  a defined benefit to golfers.  For this reason, I partnered with the University of Vermont’s Engineering department.  I worked hand in hand with four engineering students to design a product that would increase club head speed while offering a large sweet spot or “BOMB ZONE”.

Marketing lingo aside, what’s the process these students used to build this driver? Was it a start from scratch design, or based off something?

Great question, this golf driver design was completely from scratch. The requirements I gave the students were the following:

  1. USGA conforming
  2. Increase Aerodynamics
  3. Unique design – unlike anything on the market

The students came out with 4 distinct designs and they are continuing to improve the other designs.  This design we now call the Grenade had the best aerodynamic performance based on their engineering programs.


Bombtech Golf Grenade Driver

What characteristics of this driver were specifically built for increased club speed with a large sweet spot?

The dual cavities on the back of this new driver were designed by the Vermont engineers in a way to decrease drag as you swing the club.  The picture shows that vortexes of air are created when the golf driver is swung and the engineers found that this will increase club head speed.

Bombtech Golf Grenade Driver
How is this driver unlike anything on the market today? What makes it unique?

Bombtech Golf Grenade Driver The dual cavities are really what makes this driver different.  You can see form the mold below how large the dual cavities are.  The impact of this design will be dramatic. *please note the piece on the outside is not a part of the driver.

Tell us about the dual cavity technology, is this similar to the Nike or Adams cavity technology?

The Grenade dual cavity technology is very different than both Nike and Adams.  The dual cavities original design was to increase aerodynamics.  When you swing the Grenade, the dual cavities create a vortex of air behind the club head which increases club head speed throughout your swing.  I haven’t been able to test this part, but I believe the cavities will also give better feel and increase accuracy and distance, especially on slightly off centered hits.

How did you come up with the name Grenade?

It just made sense.  I want to launch the Grenade by BombTech Golf… just sounds right!

How did you find the perfect stock shaft?

This was one of the most exciting experiences in launching this new company.  I am grateful and thrilled to have a aftermarket quality shaft made by Matrix for my “stock” shaft.  I believe that a high quality golf shaft is instrumental in creating a high performance golf driver.  This is why I am working with one of the best golf shaft companies in the world.  My costs are higher because I am using premium materials, but I believe to offering a better product is more important to my customers.

Are other shaft options, lofts, left-handed models available?

For the initial launch, BombTech Golf is offering the Grenade in 10.5 degree right hand with Regular, Stiff shaft options.  I will quickly be offering, Senior and Extra stiff flex shafts upon request and will be releasing a 9 degree right hand soon. Left-handed in the near future.

Has this driver undergone robotic tests, how did it perform? Was it compared to any other drivers?

Not, but this is in the works for Summer 2013.

Bombtech Golf Grenade Driver We’d love to see the results of those test.  This driver features titanium face and 0.83 COR – has it been tested and approved by the USGA?

The design has been submitted to USGA but the live titanium club head has not been tested.  The foundry that I am using is one of the most high tech in the world and they do all testing in house before any club head is completed.  I will be offering a club head that offers the max USGA limit of 0.83.  I am also using a TI-1188 face which extremely durable and strong.  The Grenade club head also uses a 2 piece cast design which is used to increase that durability and feel of the driver.

What are your thoughts on adjustability for drivers these days? Why did you move away from this in your driver?

In my personal opinion, I believe adjustable drivers are more helpful for the club fitters than the golfer.  This way, a customer that wanted to get fit in person could go hit balls in front of a monitor with the fitter to find their loft, flex and shaft length. But I think selling an adjustable driver as an off the shelf product is not a benefit to golfers.  Too many options keep golfers wondering is this a good configuration out of the 150 that this golf driver can do.  I think working on a repeatable swing with one driver configuration would truly help you be longer and straighter off the tee. This is why I enjoy consulting with my customers directly on our website, it allows me to get to know them and their swing, to be able to produce the best driver for their needs. 

Do you have any pros on tour interested in your driver?

At this point, no. But the truth is that I can’t afford to have any pros on tour carry my products. And if I could afford it, that would increase the price of my product to consumer. So in order to keep quality up and price down, I don’t plan on going down that route. With that said, I would love to have any professional try the Grenade!

How can we buy the driver?

For the initial launch, you can order the golf driver on www.bombtechgolf.com or call me at 802.448.2094. The driver costs $349, but the first 100 through pre-order will be $249. To start I am planning on selling direct to consumers, until one of the big box stores calls me anyway, haha.

Thanks Sully, what’s next? Any plans on a new club?

Right now, my plan is to get the Grenade in more lofts available soon.  I don’t believe in bringing new products to market unless they truly are an improvement from the original.  I may offer a Grenade 3 wood and 5 wood in the future. Check back to find out or like us on Facebook.

Grenade Driver Details & Specs

The Grenade golf club head was designed to offer a large hitting area while maintaining an extremely aerodynamic shape. The dual cavity design is what makes the Grenade so fast! These dual cavity speed accelerators do just that, allow you to swing faster! In addition, the Speed Accelerators increase club head feel on off center hits. A TI-1188, a high tensile strength titanium was used to increase durability, feel and most importantly distance. The club head was built using plasma welding technology to increase structure rigidity and overall performance. All of this performance is packed into a competitively priced golf driver that is designed for all golfers to bomb.

A portion of all profits will be donated back to the University of Vermont where the golf driver was originally designed!

img_grenade Grenade Golf Club Head Specifications:
Dual Cavity Speed Accelerators
Loft: 10.5 degrees
Design: 2 Piece Cast Design, Plasma Welded
Max COR 0.83
Weight: 199 Grams
CC: 460 CC

Price: $349 (first 100 sold via pre-order- $249)

Shaft Specs

Brand: Matrix
Flexes: Regular, Stiff and Stiff Plus
Kick Point: Mid-Low
Trajectory: Mid-High
Weight: 65 Grams
Length: 46 inches