Equipment
TaylorMade SLDR Fairway Woods and Hybrids
Like TaylorMade’s SLDR driver, the company’s new SLDR fairway woods and hybrids promise golfers more distance from a lower, more forward center of gravity.
The SLDR fairway woods and hybrids have a new version TaylorMade’s “Speed Pocket,” which is no longer indented into the front of the sole like previous models. While it’s smaller than the Speed Pocket featured on the company’s RBZ Stage 2 fairway woods and hybrids, it now slices completely through the sole, creating a gap that is filled with the same polymer the company used in the design of its RocketBladez and SpeedBlade irons.
Mike Ferris, vice president of product marketing for TaylorMade, said that the new Speed Pocket makes the SLDR fairway woods even lower spinning and higher launching than previous models. The 1 mm more forward CG creates an estimated 200-to-300 rpm reduction in spin and a 1-degree increase in launch angle, giving golfers two options to improve their fairway wood and hybrid play. They can use the additional ball speed created from the clubs’ lower, more forward center of gravity to hit their fairway woods and hybrids farther, or they can choose to play higher-lofted models, which will allow them to raise their trajectory.
The draw back of moving weight lower and more forward in a club head is that it lowers a club’s moment of inertia (MOI), or its resistance to twisting on off-center hits, which decreases a club’s forgiveness. But Ferris stressed that the revamped Speed Pocket more than makes up for the loss of forgiveness, because it adds additional spring-like effect that improves the ball speed of shots struck off-center.
SLDR 3 Wood at address
SLDR 3 Hybrid at address
Note: The small alignment line positioned behind TaylorMade’s “T” logo will not be added to the retail versions of fairway woods and hybrids.
In 2013, 15 percent of the fairway woods TaylorMade sold were its “high launch” models, which have the shape of a 3 wood or 5 wood, but are designed with more loft to help boost launch angle. In 2014, Ferris said he expects that number to grow to 25 percent of TaylorMade’s fairway woods sales, as more golfers realize the benefit of hitting higher-launching, lower-spinning shots.
“The loft of fairway woods has been evolving,” Ferris said. “We think it’s good to be able to play a 4 wood instead of a 3 wood.”
Many tour players, including 2013 U.S. Open champion Justin Rose, have embraced higher-lofted fairway woods, which they are able to hit the same distance as their older, lower-lofted fairway woods but with a higher trajectory. And for golfers such as Rose, having more loft on a fairway wood has a visual benefit as well.
“It gives me more confidence to look down at a fairway wood and see more loft, especially if I know that it’s going to fly just as far,” Rose said.
The SLDR fairway woods and hybrids have a 3-degree range of adjustability (+/- 1.5 degrees), which is adjustable in 0.5-degree increments. They are made to be “visually square” at address, which means that in the neutral setting they will have a face angle that measures 2 degrees open.
The fairway woods are smaller in size than their predecessor, TaylorMade’s RBZ Stage 2 Tour, with the SLDR 3 wood measuring 20 cubic centimeters smaller (155cc versus 175cc), while the hybrids are about the same size as last year’s models. The combination of the shallower fairway wood heads and slightly shorter shaft lengths (both the fairway woods and hybrids are 0.25 inches shorter than TaylorMade’s RBZ Stage 2 Tour models) should make the clubs more playable for the majority of golfers.
The SLDR fairway woods and hybrids will be available starting Nov. 15. The fairway woods will sell for $249 ($349 with TaylorMade’s TP shafts), and the hybrids will cost $219 ($289 with a TP shaft).
Additional specs from TaylorMade
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.
From the seller: (@DLong72): “Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made. ?: $1150. ?? 100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.
Specs/ Additional Details
-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)
-Original Anser Design
-PING PP58 Grip
-Putter is built to standard specs.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Equipment
Inside Collin Morikawa’s recent golf ball, driver, 3-wood, and “Proto” iron changes
As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.
The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.
On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.
Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2021 Open Championship.
At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.
“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.
Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.
“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.
“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.”
In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.
On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.
According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.
“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.”
See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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Equipment
Why Rory McIlroy will likely use the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper at the RBC Heritage
Although we spotted Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper last week during practice rounds at the Masters, he ultimately didn’t decide to use the club in competition.
It seems that will change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage, played at the short-and-tight Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head.
When asked on Wednesday following his morning Pro-Am if he’d be using the new, nostalgic BRNR Copper this week, McIlroy said, “I think so.”
“I like it,” McIlroy told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday regarding the BRNR. “This would be a good week for it.”
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According to Adrian Rietveld, the Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, the BRNR Mini Driver can help McIlroy position himself properly off the tee at the tight layout.
Here’s what Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday:
“For someone like Rory, who’s that long at the top end of the bag, and then you put him on a course like Harbour Town, it’s tough off the tee. It’s tight into the greens, and you have to put yourself in position off the tee to have a shot into the green. It kind of reminds me of Valderrama in Spain, where you can be in the fairway and have no shot into the green.
“I’m caddying for Tommy [Fleetwood] this week, so I was walking the course last night and looking at a few things. There’s just such a small margin for error. You can be standing in the fairway at 300 yards and have a shot, but at 320 you don’t. So if you don’t hit a perfect shot, you could be stuck behind a tree. And then if you’re back at 280, it might be a really tough shot into the small greens.
“So for Rory [with the BRNR], it’s a nice course-specific golf club for him. He’s got both shots with it; he can move it right-to-left or left-to-right. And the main thing about this club has been the accuracy and the dispersion with it. I mean, it’s been amazing for Tommy.
“This was the first event Tommy used a BRNR last year, and I remember talking to him about it, and he said he couldn’t wait to play it at Augusta next year. And he just never took it out of the bag because he’s so comfortable with it, and hitting it off the deck.
“So you look at Rory, and you want to have the tools working to your advantage out here, and the driver could hand-cuff him a bit with all of the shots you’d have to manufacture.”
So, although McIlroy might not be making a permanent switch into the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper, he’s likely to switch into it this week.
His version is lofted at 13.5 degrees, and equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft.
See more photos of Rory testing the BRNR Mini here
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AJ Jensen
Dec 2, 2013 at 12:29 pm
I have a silly question. If the new SLDR woods are cut through to the inside of the head, does that mean tiny rocks can get inside the head and rattle around? That would drive me effin’ crazy.
Kinesin
Oct 28, 2013 at 12:26 pm
If these perform as good as the driver I may have to get one of these too. Recently got the SLDR driver in 10.5 with the Speeder 57g stiff shaft. WOW! Long and straight. Even drives I didn’t think I’d hit very well get out there. I hit one low off the face on our par 5 18th and was amazed to see it had gone past 300 yards. I’d say I’ve gained at least 15 yards on my Nike VRS driver
Rich
Oct 27, 2013 at 10:50 am
TP will be back next year for TMade. New TP ball and TP forged blades out soon. RBZ stage 2 replacement also on the way. The SLDR woods look good but hang around for the new product……
jon
Oct 26, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Another failure…face is about all that’s going for it….insider info from a tm rep/pro…..waste
Chris
Oct 23, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Already reduced price at Dick’s
Socorr65
Oct 23, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Oh Boy!!!! More distance promised by TaylorMade.
Since I’ve upgraded to their latest, longest club faithfully for the last four years, I consistently drive 400 yards within 5 yards of the center of the fairway and hit my fairways 350 and hybids 300. I routinely shoot in the low 50’s since I never have more than a wedge to any par 4 or 5.
I CANNOT WAIT to add 15% more distance. Even if I get worse dispersion. I’ll be putting for more eagles and probably start shooting in the high 40’s.
When is the FTC going to put a stop to manufacturers’ BS claims?
Brian stamps
Oct 25, 2013 at 8:32 am
Yeah man I so want the SLDR 3 wood!
JL
Oct 22, 2013 at 9:26 pm
How are you supposed to get the dirt out from the inside, if the pocket is cut-through?
Kinesin
Oct 28, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Its filled with a polymer so no dirt can get in
Martin
Oct 21, 2013 at 7:23 pm
The shallow face looks a lot like an Titleist F2 wood. If its just as good and longer, I will buy it!! 🙂
Prairiegolf
Oct 21, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Looks nice. Shorter shafts and charcoal grey color should make the purists happy. As long as it performs great that is all that matters to me. I look forward to trying it out.
Lazza
Oct 21, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Major problem I have with the SLDR line of clubs (got the driver) is the rather soft nameplate. Got a ding on it within one round. At the local pro shop the nameplate was already coming off on the demo driver, so I can only imagine that it will come off in a hurry on the woods and hybrids.
ac12
Oct 23, 2013 at 12:00 am
Our Club has a demo driver… The screw that holds the sliding piece in place had the threads stripped the first day. Cheaply done
Mike French
Oct 21, 2013 at 1:17 pm
If you want SWAG get a Kick-X SRT hybrid.
DRAGO
Oct 21, 2013 at 1:16 pm
I hear they have higher bounce options coming out for DIGR and DRVR swings out there…..Rumor is for an extra $250 in an underground garage Vokey will come and custom grind a fairway wood or hybrid for your needs! HAHAHA
SWAG BAG
Oct 21, 2013 at 12:49 pm
The most important thing for me is lookin’ fresh on the course. I want a bag full o’ swag. And, these T-Made SLDR’s aren’t fresh, and won’t help me look good. These are about the whackest clubs Ive seen TM make in a long minute.
Remember, TM, we want SWAG, not the WACKNESS.
CD
Oct 21, 2013 at 12:11 pm
Don’t bet on it. They’ll definitely have them marked down in time for Christmas shopping.
bl21
Oct 21, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Release date Nov. 15th….. half price by May 2014?
Matt
Oct 21, 2013 at 11:21 am
Does it come with a toaster oven?
JL
Oct 21, 2013 at 11:15 am
SLDR is just a name, doesn’t mean there are sliders on the woods. Guess it’s just replacing the RBZs. Wonder what the R1 replacement will look like.
steve
Oct 22, 2013 at 9:58 am
sldr is the new r1. rbz 2 was just released. the tour versions should be available later this year.
steve
Oct 21, 2013 at 9:51 am
where is the sldr weight aspect?
Keith
Oct 21, 2013 at 8:36 am
Kinda funny they say the increased ball speed more than makes up for lower MOI i.e. forgiveness. So your ball will fly farther offline on a miss hit. Hmmmm. That’s better than shorter and in play? Guess I don’t follow that “logic”.
Keith
Oct 21, 2013 at 9:47 am
On the other hand, it may not be that far off line. Gotta try it.
John
Oct 21, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Lol I thought the same thing. “Instead if missing the fairway by a few yards, you can now miss DEEP into the woods!”
Pretty sure a low MOI head that helps by hitting it further offline is why every golfer needs.
BUT! It creates higher launch and lower spin and gives extra yards, so it has to be good.
NG
Oct 22, 2013 at 12:32 am
I think you are all confused between MOI and forgiveness…MOI is so 2000 anyway!
Sparky
Oct 21, 2013 at 5:31 am
When will ladies clubs be available in SA?
Justin
Oct 21, 2013 at 2:02 am
Any word on whether or not Taylormade is going to continue its tradition of Tour and TP models? This one could be going in the bag..
Slaz
Oct 21, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Yes they have TP models for both. The TP version of the Fwy wood is $100 more that the standard version.
Tyler
Oct 26, 2013 at 4:28 pm
Do you know what the difference is between the regular and TP model is?
Kinesin
Oct 28, 2013 at 12:19 pm
The TP is has exactly the same head. 460cc. The only difference is the stock shaft is comes with. The SLDR comes with a Fujikura Speeder 57g shaft while the TP comes with a Fujikura Motore Speeder 63g shaft. So its just a shaft upgrade
Kinesin
Oct 28, 2013 at 12:20 pm
Thats for the driver by the way, not the fairway woods
Kyle
Oct 21, 2013 at 12:31 am
Date of release?
Kyle
Oct 21, 2013 at 12:32 am
Wow read the whole article and missed that it already said November 15. Oops