Tuesday 3 March 2015 15:02, UK
With the upcoming new season comes the advent of all the new products being launched on the course and off it, and TaylorMade are no different as they’ll be arming the likes of Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer with a whole new arsenal for 2015.
The famed ‘R’ franchise is back with the R15 driver and woods, while the ‘Burner’ line that was also synonymous with TaylorMade also makes a return for 2015 in the form or Aeroburner driver and woods.
Throw in the three different sets of new RSi irons that are already available, and have already been put in play by the likes of Martin Kaymer in Dubai and you have a full new range that we’ve been lucky enough to have a swing with.
Here’s the full lowdown..
After a year away with the SLDR taking centre stage, it’s good to see the ‘R’ series return to the front line of TaylorMade products with the R15 being again at the forefront of technology and adjustability – with two sliding weights in its Front Track System that can be moved to the heel for a draw, to the toe for a fade, or split for maximum stability.
Key in the R15 is the low and forward centre of gravity, while the adjustable loft sleeve supplies you with 12 different settings for loft and lie angle. With the Front Track System also closer to leading edge than before it means 75 percent of the mass of the driver is in the front.
Two sizes are available with the 460 cc offering more forgiveness while the smaller 430 cc is a smaller head for better players who like the more traditional look of old, while it is also a lower spinning head than the 460. TaylorMade say most pros will go for the white head, with a contrasting black PVD face which aids alignment and also gives a good indicator of where about on the face you’re striking the ball. A black version is also available in the 460.
The fairway woods also incorporate the sliding weights of the Front Track System and adjustable loft sleeve, for those wants to dial in their woods in a specific setting. The ‘peanut’ head shape has been reintroduced to the R15 hybrid after input from players, and it also comes with a 3-degree loft sleeve to help gapping between hybrid and long iron.
Available January 9: R15 460 Driver - 9.5°, 10.5°, 12°, 14°; R15 430 in a white only with lofts 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° = £369; R15 Fairway woods = £229; R15 Rescue =£189.
On the back of Rocketballz, TaylorMade has gone back to burner basics with the naming of the Aeroburner, which is the series of drivers and woods aimed at pure distance and forgiveness – for those wanting to grip it and rip it.
The new line has an increased speed pocket from last year’s JetSpeed line, and the lack of an adjustable loft sleeve has meant a longer speed pocket for increased performance. A trio of aerodynamic tricks include an ‘Aero hosel’ fin on the heel to reduce drag, and raised centre at the top of the crown and a rounded toe.
None of these affect the look at address in a negative way, and although some may see the base graphics as a touch ‘loud’ if such a thing is possible it looks like a fast driver! It certainly pings off the face, even miss-hits seem to travel, and they’re easy to spot with the black PVD face offering evidence of just how well/poorly you’ve found the centre.
The Rocketballz three wood was a revelation in distance off the tee and the deck, and the Aeroburner looks to build on that with the fairways and hybrids also having an enlarged speed pocket and bigger sweet spot. These clubs are increasingly important as golf courses get longer year by year.
AeroBurner driver 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° = £269; AeroBurner TP driver = £339; AeroBurner FW = £199; TP version = £239; AeroBurner Rescue = £159; TP version = £199.
Always looking for new angles and technologies on products, TaylorMade are championing ‘Face Slot Technology’ on their new RSi irons line-up. Focusing on the stat that 76 percent of all shots are mis-hits (personally that’s a lot higher in my own game) the two slots on the face of the club are designed to improve consistency of off-centre hits.
The RSi 1 have a thin face and deep undercut to promote pure distance, while the RSi 2 have progressive constructions of different materials, grading down into a more forged club, improving workability as you move to the smaller scoring clubs.
Both look and feel great, the RSi 1 give great confidence at address and mishits are not punished too much, but even the RS 2 is not so penal on the bad connection and sounds as solid in action. Better players will prefer the RS 2 looks working down the bag.
There is a TP version for better players with a solid forged look, and these were recently put into play by Martin Kaymer in Dubai, although they will not be available in shops until January.
Out Now: RSi 1 £699; RSi 2 £829; Available January 15: RSi TP £949; For further information on all the products go to taylormadegolf.com.
