I wrote a post about this a few days ago but guess it didn't go through for some reason. Anyhow, the 919 face change took place long before the summer of 2016, and long before Diamond Golf was part of the picture. Here's a quote from Tom on the subject: "Spring 2014 we made a change from SP 700 to 6/4 because I just found that it wasn’t necessary anymore to use the SP alloy and get the same COR, same off center hit performance." He has also commented several times about increased costs of SP700 playing a part in the change. Bottom line, he felt he could deliver the same performance for less $$ by using a 6/4 face, so it was purely a business decision.
I'm a huge fan of all things Wishon, but for the record I wish he would have kept the SP700 face. I have owned every version of the 919, and the newest ones with the 6/4 face - while they are the best looking - are my least favorite. Sure they hit about the same as the others, but they just dont have that "it" factor when I hit one flush. I definitely prefer the feel and sound of SP700 over 15-3-3-3 and especially over 6-4. Some people may not notice any difference and say it's all in your head, but I sure do. My top 3 favorite drivers of all time are the original 919, the Alpha C830.2, and the original Tour Edge Exotics - all of which have SP700 faces. Unfortunately it's not found in many drivers these days due to the cost, and the fact that 99% of golfers couldn't care less what the face is made of as long as it goes long & straight.
