Equipment

Tech Talk: TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons

Published

11 years ago

Sep 11, 2013

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.

[youtube id=”_k9unWck_wY” width=”620″ height=”360″]

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

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).

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.

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

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.

Reply Report comment
Conrad

Sep 17, 2013 at 2:49 pm

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

Reply Report comment
- Ola scholander
  
  Sep 18, 2013 at 11:30 am
  
  So? Whats important for you, loft ( number) or trajectory ( result) ?
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Frank Garrett
    
    Sep 28, 2013 at 9:05 pm
    
    Flat bill hat is the most important to me
    
    Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:37 pm
  
  Yea those guys at intech need to get with the times
  
  Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:35 pm
  
  Don’t forget to click in at your taylormade job monday
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Frank Garrett
    
    Sep 28, 2013 at 8:39 pm
    
    I meant clock in
    
    Reply Report comment
- 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
  
  Reply Report comment
- 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!!!
  
  Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- NG
  
  Sep 19, 2013 at 1:13 am
  
  What makes these the best companies? FYI- TMaG iron share is 32%
  
  Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 9:01 pm
  
  Really? Mizuno??? Is it April 1st already
  
  Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:58 pm
  
  Come up with a catchy not-even-close name and they will
  
  Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:56 pm
  
  U keep playin those spalding blades from ’74 and tell me how that helps
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - paulmuehlboeck99
    
    Sep 13, 2013 at 3:42 pm
    
    you´re defenetly right man
    
    Reply Report comment
  - 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
    
    Reply Report comment
  - Hyoga
    
    Oct 1, 2013 at 3:54 am
    
    Thank you bri-guy and MWP, you made my day.
    
    Reply Report comment
- virgil
  
  Feb 9, 2014 at 2:48 pm
  
  Hilarious
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:50 pm
  
  Tell me where I can find the specs
  
  Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:51 pm
  
  What’s the kick point of the stick
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Mitch
    
    Nov 7, 2013 at 12:09 pm
    
    Kickpoint: No kickpoint, its a pretty thick stick
    
    Loft: rock
    
    Lie: rock
    
    Length: 76″
    
    Distance: infinite
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:49 pm
  
  Why don’t u post something about his driver being smaller than current ones
  
  Reply Report comment
Jack

Sep 12, 2013 at 11:04 pm

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

Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:48 pm
  
  Yea I love my fingers stinging after I hit the ball too
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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…
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Frank Garrett
      
      Oct 13, 2013 at 7:28 pm
      
      Quit trolling ryan
      
      Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- 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
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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
  
  Reply Report comment
Jay

Sep 11, 2013 at 10:28 pm

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

Reply Report comment
- Frank Garrett
  
  Sep 28, 2013 at 8:41 pm
  
  Probably a week before speedierbladez come out
  
  Reply Report comment
- Andrew Cain
  
  Oct 8, 2013 at 10:47 am
  
  TaylorMade Rep states Feb 2014 for Tour version
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Frank Garrett
    
    Oct 18, 2013 at 8:11 pm
    
    Just like I said
    
    Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

10 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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