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Tech Talk: TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons

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Clank. It’s a sound golfers hate, and the main criticism of TaylorMade’s RocketBlades irons. But despite their awkward sound, the distance-happy RocketBladez irons sold like hotcakes and became the No. 1-selling iron in golf.

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right? Wrong. In true TaylorMade style, the company decided to revamp the construction of the new SpeedBlades irons, creating a set of clubs that not only feel better, but look and sound better as well.

The most noticeable structural change engineers made the design of SpeedBlade was removing the chunky toe section on the rear part of the club. That allowed them to place more weight lower and deeper in the head, which according to TaylorMade Product Creation Manager Brian Bazzel gives SpeedBlade the lowest center of gravity of any TaylorMade iron ever produced. The lower CG helps most with forgiveness on shots hit on the bottom part of the face, where Bazzel said 72 percent of golfers contact the ball.

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Click here to read about the SpeedBlade iron launch at the BMW Championship.

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But again, SpeedBlade is a TaylorMade iron, and it’s not the company’s style just to make one change to a new product. The iron’s SpeedPocket, a slot in the sole of the iron, is now longer and wider than it was in the RocketBladez, particularly in the heel and toe sections. That allows the face to flex more on shots hit on those areas, enhancing ball speed to help mishits leave the face with a similar velocity as shots struck in the center.

The more important change to the SpeedPocket, however, is what golfers can’t see. The slot is extended all the way through the sole of the iron, as well as in three different spots on the back part of the irons to give the structure more flex. That creates a larger area of maximum spring-like effect, or a larger sweetspot. (Note: the SpeedPocket is only used in the design of the 3 through 7 irons, where Bazzel said it is most important for forgiveness and ball speed).

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Above: A SpeedBlade 6 iron at address. 

According to Bazzel, the lower CG and larger, more effective SpeedPocket allowed TaylorMade to make a change that most golfers will notice immediately: TaylorMade made them smaller. Adding to the compact look of the SpeedBlade is its new two-tone, satin-nickel-chrome finish with a dark smoke plating that creates more visual shrinkage at address. And yes, the combination of the new struction, dampening mechanism and SpeedPocket filler make the irons noticeably less harsh at address, turning the RocketBladez’s clank into more of a SpeedBlade smoosh.

The SpeedBlade irons will hit shelves on Oct. 4. They’ll cost $799 for eight irons with 85-gram proprietary steel shafts (R and S flexes), and $899 with 65-gram graphite shafts (L, M, R and S flexes).

Check out the spec of the new irons below, as well as more photos of the SpeedBlade irons and wedges in the gallery.

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Click here to see what GolfWRX members are saying about the SpeedBlade irons in the forum.

Click here to see what GolfWRX members are saying about the SpeedBlade irons in the forum.

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41 Comments

41 Comments

  1. james saden

    Apr 22, 2014 at 8:14 am

    Was wondering how durable the polymer in the speed pocket is. I don’t store my clubs in a climate controled environment. Is it affected by heat/cold? If the pocket fails wouldn’t the face deform? Only a two year warranty. $800 is a lot to spend. The clubs I am using now have lasted six years.

  2. Conrad

    Sep 17, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    man my 4 iron is 24 degrees loft. thats between a 5 and 6 speedblade…

    • Ola scholander

      Sep 18, 2013 at 11:30 am

      So? Whats important for you, loft ( number) or trajectory ( result) ?

      • Frank Garrett

        Sep 28, 2013 at 9:05 pm

        Flat bill hat is the most important to me

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:37 pm

      Yea those guys at intech need to get with the times

  3. Ola

    Sep 15, 2013 at 9:22 am

    I dont get you guys. I hit higher and longer with these, with more control. Why should i not use them. The game is about least shots to get the ball in the hole. If you wanna use hogan edge irons from the late eighties, feel free to do so.

    Secondly, id like a company to release new stuff when they have improvents, not waiting 2 years to put them in. When i buy my new club i want the latest, dont want a 2 year old product

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:35 pm

      Don’t forget to click in at your taylormade job monday

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 9:04 pm

      2 things …..
      1st U couldn’t hit it high on the moon probably
      2nd. It don’t matter about the least amount of strokes
      u will still lie on the card

    • Kieran

      Feb 10, 2014 at 12:46 pm

      I didn’t know everyone on this forum worked for Golf Digest Magazine. WOW you guys should be the one reviewing the hot list.

      Diff golfers want diff equipment and something must be right with these if they made gold on the hot lit. I somebody wants to enjoy the game and easy too hit irons to give them most enjoyment go ahead and use these clubs so what if there cranked. who cares.

      I will see all you guys on the PGA tour then YES ? Oh no wait. Cowboys!!!

  4. Jay Randle

    Sep 15, 2013 at 12:34 am

    Taylor Made needs to stop…pretty weak offerings. I mean the best companies put out the least amount of equipment…read Mizuno, Titleist

    • NG

      Sep 19, 2013 at 1:13 am

      What makes these the best companies? FYI- TMaG iron share is 32%

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 9:01 pm

      Really? Mizuno??? Is it April 1st already

  5. lloyd duffield

    Sep 13, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    it about time taylormade stopped messing around releasing new stuff every week and bring some decent forged irons out

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:58 pm

      Come up with a catchy not-even-close name and they will

  6. paulmuehlboeck99

    Sep 13, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    I think Taylormade doesn´t help the sport. They bend down de lofts by 4 degrees and make the shafts longer by inches. That doesn´t make it easier to swing

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:56 pm

      U keep playin those spalding blades from ’74 and tell me how that helps

  7. Bri-guy

    Sep 13, 2013 at 12:06 am

    Wow I just cannot wait until these things come out. Ill be the first to buy. I just love how Taylormade switched from the lime green to the blue, and changed the insert in the cavity a little and called it a speed blade. Trading in my rocketblades immediately. The fact it says speed blade means I have to gain some ball speed, right? Also, little will me buddies know that when I hit 2 less clubs than them, its really because my lofts are crazy strong. “Oh you hit a 7 iron from 165? I hit a 9 iron. I’m the man!” That is what I’ll be saying every Saturday. Also, I am so glad I did not pull the trigger on those ATV wedges. They were good when they were released 6 months ago or so, but these new speed blade wedges are so much better. Yea, they look like the same thing you may say to yourself, but you’d be wrong. These wedges are going to be bombers! SPEED and DISTANCE! Exactly what I want in a wedge. Distance control is so overrated. Thinking I will order a 89* wedge in these though for the 120 yard shots and in. I mean with how far these clubs go I’ll need something for those shorter shots.

    • MWP

      Sep 13, 2013 at 10:18 am

      oh my gosh bri-guy, I couldn’t agree more! But personally, I just cannot wait until they come out with the “speedbladez” putter! I mean i just can’t ever hit my putts fast enough or far enough! hopefully they’ll make some type of putter with a speed grove on the bottom so i can putt better. if they do, how could I not become a PGA Professional?!

      And the really good news is that I ONLY use mallet putters. And since taylormade LOVES calling things bladez when they aren’t blades….. im sure the speedbladez putter will come as a mallet!!!! Oh man, gonna go work some overtime so I can save up for that bad boy when they release it.

      • paulmuehlboeck99

        Sep 13, 2013 at 3:42 pm

        you´re defenetly right man

      • Frank Garrett

        Sep 28, 2013 at 8:53 pm

        I think the putter will be an old skool l/r putter…. It’s gonna be called switchblade

      • Hyoga

        Oct 1, 2013 at 3:54 am

        Thank you bri-guy and MWP, you made my day.

    • virgil

      Feb 9, 2014 at 2:48 pm

      Hilarious

  8. Mitch

    Sep 12, 2013 at 11:16 pm

    ill go find a stick and a rock in my backyard… tie them thangs together and call it the new and improved “twigzblades” and i’m starting to think somebody would buy them.

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:50 pm

      Tell me where I can find the specs

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:51 pm

      What’s the kick point of the stick

      • Mitch

        Nov 7, 2013 at 12:09 pm

        Kickpoint: No kickpoint, its a pretty thick stick

        Loft: rock

        Lie: rock

        Length: 76″

        Distance: infinite

  9. JHM

    Sep 12, 2013 at 11:05 pm

    USGA Museum has a set of Ben Hogan’s irons. His 5 iron measured 37 inches and 30 degrees. Now that’s a 7 iron.

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:49 pm

      Why don’t u post something about his driver being smaller than current ones

  10. Jack

    Sep 12, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    I might have to see how much better these are over my AP2s, which I love.

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:48 pm

      Yea I love my fingers stinging after I hit the ball too

      • Ryan

        Oct 1, 2013 at 1:19 pm

        Don’t really feel like you should blame the guy above you for your inability to hit irons half decently…

  11. corey

    Sep 12, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    a 17 degree 3 iron? slapping the number 3 on a 1 iron wont make it any easier to hit

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:47 pm

      If youre complaining now just wait for 3 yrs when tm busts out negative loft long irons

  12. Tim

    Sep 12, 2013 at 10:40 am

    Does anyone else find it weird that whenever equipment companies release new equipment, they always have somehow found a way to lower the CG and enlarge the sweetspot (enlarge the speed pocket in this case)? It’s even more disturbing that we, the naive consumers, will pay MSRP to purchase new equipment that’s so much better than the one before.

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:30 pm

      Yea I have …. I think the cg of drivers gotta be outside the clubhead by now….. But I read a few weeks ago that they move it 1 milimeter

  13. Jay

    Sep 11, 2013 at 10:28 pm

    Any word on when the SpeedBlade Tour model will be released?

    • Frank Garrett

      Sep 28, 2013 at 8:41 pm

      Probably a week before speedierbladez come out

    • Andrew Cain

      Oct 8, 2013 at 10:47 am

      TaylorMade Rep states Feb 2014 for Tour version

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Whats in the Bag

Chesson Hadley WITB 2024 (March)

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Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 70 TX

3-wood: Titleist TSR2+ (14.5 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 80 TX

Irons: Titleist T200 (3), Titleist 620 CB (4, 5), Titleist 620 MB (6-PW)
Shafts: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 105 X (3), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-PW)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-12F, 56-14F), WedgeWorks (60-K)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 2-Ball
Grip: Odyssey

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Check out more in-hand photos Chesson Hadley’s clubs here.

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Whats in the Bag

Gary Woodland WITB 2024 (March)

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Driver: Cobra Darkspeed X (8 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 70 M5

  • The white circle that appears at the top of the face a removable sticker that’s used for launch monitor tracking, and Woodland removes it for competition!

3-wood: Cobra Darkspeed X (14 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 GW100 Prototype

7-wood: Cobra LTDx LS prototype (20 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TZ5 GW100 Prototype

Irons: Wilson Staff (18 degrees), Cobra King MB (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour C-Taper Limited X

Wedges: Cobra SB (48), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (52-08F, 56-14F), Cobra King (60)
Shafts: KBS Tour C-Taper Limited X (48 degrees), KBS Tour V-Ten 125

Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5 Proto
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 3.0P

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord

See more in-hand photos of Gary Woodland’s WITB in the forums.

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Equipment

Q&A: Martin Trainer on his Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers” putter, 6.5-degree driver, and “butter knife” 2-iron

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As unbiasedly as I can put it, Martin Trainer has one of the coolest club setups in professional golf. (At some point soon, I’ll put together a top-10 list of “coolest club setups on Tour,” but I know that Trainer will be in the top-10)

What a lineup. He plays a 6.5-degree Wilson prototype driver, a 13-degree Wilson prototype 3-wood, a true blade Wilson Staff Model 2-iron, and a Bobby Grace “Greg Chalmers Commemorative” putter!

 

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I mean, look at this 2-iron from address…

To quote the great author R.L. Stine: “Goosebumps.”

On Wednesday at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open, I caught up with Trainer to learn more about his bag setup.

Here’s what he had to say:

You have the Internet going crazy over your bag setup, and your putter. Where’d you pick the Bobby Grace-Greg Chalmers putter up? How long have you had it?

MT: This was from when Bobby Grace came to my course in California: Cal Club. And for whatever reason, they just started having them in the shop. So then I took my buddy’s, started using it, and made, like, a million putts in a row, which is how every putter story begins, I guess.

And then, I bought a couple of my own, used it for years, got to the Tour with it, won on Tour with it (the 2019 Puerto Rico Open). Then, about a year later, started using another putter, did that for a couple years, but now it’s back in the bag.

When did it come back in the bag?

MT: December of this past year. So a few months ago.

What year would you say was the first time you threw that in the bag, or, like, when you bought it?

MT: God…Probably, 2016, maybe? 2018?

Do you remember how much you paid for it?

MT: I don’t know, actually. Maybe $100-150 bucks or something. I think that’s the only golf club I’ve bought between high school and now. Well, two, since I bought two of them.

The driver is interesting, too. What went into the prototyping process?

MT: That was a version of the current driver, but it was the prototype that they first came out with for Tour guys to try. And for whatever reason, I just never switched out to the new one.

It’s just 6.5 degrees, right?

MT: Yeah. Very low loft, yeah.

What kind of ball speed do you have with that these days?

MT: Like high 170’s.

Yeah, that’ll work. And then a 2-iron blade? We’re seeing fewer and fewer of those out here.

MT: Yeah. The butter knife.

Very cool thing to have in the bag. Have you done any testing with driving irons? 

MT: Yeah, I used to have a thicker one, but it was a little offset, and I never hit it that well. And then finally, I started messing around with the butter knife. And I remember the first time I looked down at it, I was terrified. And then I ended up getting used to it, putting it in play, and it’s been in place since. It’s a pretty good club for me.

How far do you carry that? 

MT: Like 235.

A good little wind club, I’m sure.

MTL Yeah, exactly. I can hit it very low. It’s great.

I love it. You have people shook looking at that. Thanks for the time, man. 

MT: Absolutely.

To see more photos and discussion of Trainer’s bag, click here.

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