Equipment
TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Drivers, Fairways and Hybrids
Like the R1, the Rocketballz Stage 2 drivers have a striking paint job — a grey-and-yellow triangle design on the crown that points down the target line.
But they’re not as adjustable as the R1, and will retail for $50 to $100 less. The standard version of the RBZ Stage 2 driver has a center of gravity that is lower and more forward, situated between last year’s RBZ and RBZ Tour drivers. It also has a 460cc head that has a larger face area and improved aerodynamics for faster clubhead speeds.
The RBZ Stage 2 Tour driver uses the same head shape as the non-Tour model, but changes in TaylorMade’s tooling allowed engineers to — you guessed it — move the CG lower and more forward. This lowers spin, giving higher-speed players the flatter trajectory they need to maximize carry and roll.
Above image is the RBZ Driver Sole
Both drivers feature an adjustable hosel that allows golfers to adjust the loft 1.5 degrees up or down in 0.5 degree increments. The drivers have slightly different crown graphics, however.
Above image is the RBZ Stage 2 Driver crown
The standard version has a light grey graphic on the rear heel, whereas the Tour version has a dark grey graphic with the words “TOUR” stenciled in.
The standard RBZ Stage 2 driver is available in 9.5, 10.5 and 13 degrees, while the Tour head is available in 9 or 10.5 degrees.
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The RBZ Stage 2 driver comes stock a with a Fujikura RocketFuel 50 graphite shaft in X, S, R and M flexes in a standard length of 46 inches and a swing weight of D6 for $299. The Tour driver is available with Matrix’s 6Q3 or 7Q3 “Red Tie” shaft and will retail for $349. Its standard length is 45.5 inches with a D4 swing weight.
RBZ Stage 2 Fairway Woods and Hybrids
TaylorMade’s original line of RocketBallz fairway woods made golfers snicker for two reasons:
- Their name
- The distance golfers were able to hit them compared to their old fairway woods
Above Image: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Fairway Wood Sole
The distance gains were the product of improved ball speed, which was a combination of a lower, more forward CG and TaylorMade’s speed pocket, a slot in the sole that increased face flexibility and forgiveness on mishits.
Above Image: RBZ Stage 2 Crown
While the RocketBallz fairway woods were revolutionary, they weren’t perfect — many golfers complained that the heads were too deep, resulting in shots that spun too little. And while RocketBallz were great off the tee, their larger footprint made them tough to use off the fairway and out of light rough.
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TaylorMade says that this year’s RBZ Stage 2 fairway woods are 10 yards longer than last year’s behemoths, which calculates to a whopping 27-yard increase from the pre-RBZ days. They’re longer than last year’s models because of an even lower, more forward CG that’s paired with a new face material that TaylorMade calls “RocketSteel.” The new material is used on tour and standard models of the RBZ Stage 2 fairway woods and hybrids, and is 38 percent stronger than the 455 Carpenter steel used in the original models. It allows the faces of the fairway woods to be made as thin as 1.8 mm in certain areas, a 0.25 mm improvement.
Above Image: RBZ Stage 2 Fairway Metal Face
Maybe more important than the added distance is the revamped shape of the RBZ Stage 2 fairway woods, which have a shallower profile that allowed much more versatility in our testing. The lower-spinning Tour model fairway woods and hybrids also come with a hosel that adjusts loft as much to 1.5 degrees up or down in 0.5 degree increments, which will make fitting easier and help golfer’s tune their clubs to different course conditions.
Above Images: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid
Specs and shaft info is available below.
Click here for more discussion in the “Tour/Pre-release equipment” forum.
RBZ Stage 2 Fairway Wood (Standard) Specs:
RBZ Stage 2 Fairway Woods (Tour) Specs:
RBZ Stage 2 Hybrids (Standard) Specs: RH Only
RBZ Stage 2 Hybrids (Tour):
Click here for more discussion in the “Tour/Pre-release equipment” forum.
Click here for more discussion in the “Tour/Pre-release equipment” forum.
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
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 TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
From the seller: (@lasallen): “For sale is a BRNR mini 11.5 deg head only in brand new condition. $325 shipped.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
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
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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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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Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
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Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
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Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Collin Morikawa WITB 2024 (April)
Collin Morikawa what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. More photos from the event here. Driver: TaylorMade...
WITB Time Machine: Jordan Spieth’s winning WITB, 2022 RBC Heritage
At the 2022 RBC Heritage Jordan Spieth defeated Patrick Cantlay on the first playoff hole after nearly holing his greenside...
Jason Day WITB 2024 (April)
Jason Day what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees @10) Shaft: TPT...
Ludvig Åberg WITB 2024 (April)
Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)...
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Michael D
Apr 18, 2013 at 2:53 pm
to all the taylormade bashers here…bottom line is that buying new clubs will not fix the problems with your game….however buying properly fitted clubs for your size is extremely important….i have never been a fan of taylormade, because i thought they only catered to the average skilled golfer…use to play nothing but titleist… went to a demo day and tried out the rocketbladez tour irons with the KBS c-taper stiff shaft….absolutely loved them…i was hitting the 7iron about 185-190 and wasnt even really forcing my swing…i then demoed the stage 2 tour 2hybrid…i have a tendancy to draw/hook the ball so they opened it up for me which actually took the loft from a 16.5° to a 15°…literally had jaw dropping results…i started blasting the ball 260-270 all carry off the ground..no tee..the fact that these clubs can produce that distance and still feel solid and give good feedback…i am definitely convinced and i cannot wait for them to get delivered next week…ROCKETBALLZ-IER!!!
j reeh
Mar 16, 2013 at 6:39 pm
Hit new nike 3-fairway metal 240-250 yards. Then hit RBZs2 270-280 consistently. It’s definitely longer. Felt suprisingly better on mishits as well. Beautiful ball flight too.
Mike m Loh
Feb 23, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Ooh! Sorry I posted RKZs2 I really mean is RBZs2, sorry…sorry
Mike m Loh
Feb 23, 2013 at 10:21 pm
I just got my RKZs2,when I try d R1 I feel d RKZ is better feel but has not try it on the field yet. One of my friend has a RKZs1 I try it once and you know what, it’s goes dead straight and long. Hope d s2 can preform better…………
JERRY
Feb 20, 2013 at 8:17 am
It is so easy to get a fair test. There are a lot of demo days and a lot of golf centers that have the tracking equipment that will tell you in black and white if the new clubs are better or not. Reading someone’s opinion does not make the club right or wrong for you !
Just my guess …….
Gary Lewis
Feb 14, 2013 at 12:20 am
The graphics are not that big a deal to me, unless they were really loud or something. I don’t even know they are there when I swing the club but the graphics might help with the alignment somewhat. The Stage 2 fairway woods have a great feel and sound to them and seem relatively easy to hit, and definitely seem to be an improvement over my three year old Cleveland fairway woods. I am debating on the RBZ Stage 2 driver vs. the R1. I currently have the R11 and either the RBZ Stage 2 or the R1 has a somewhat better feel and sound to me. The R1 has a slightly better feel and sound than the RZ Stage 2 and I probably wouldn’t get $100.00 worth of more performance with the R1 over the RBZ Stage 2, still a tough choice.
bravesgolf
Feb 14, 2013 at 7:13 am
I’ve got an R9 Supertri and an R11. The R11 is about 2 yrds longer on average than my R9 and the R1 was about 2 yrds longer than that. Not much point in spending the money on the R1 for a few yards. The RBZ was a different story. The RBZ stage 2 driver is about 10-12 yrds on average longer than my R11 so I bought it. Effortless too. Felt like the easier I swung it, the further it went. The driver was so good I tested the 3 wood and it was on average 15yrds longer than my R11 3wd. Can’t argue with that! Can’t wait to test the Rocketbladez tour irons to see how they go against my Ping S57’s! Rocketballz-ier, bring it on!
JL
Apr 20, 2013 at 4:33 am
I just demoed it, and it goes far. Also love the loud sound. I guess it makes me “feel” like it is going further too.
R holes
Feb 13, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Hit 3 wood today 15deg regular shaft range ball 250 carry.
Comes off the face like lighting quick.
Had to buy one.
But Was not to impressed with the driver .
195bowler
Jan 30, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Yesterday, I had my pro suggest forgiving drivers. He suggested four drivers including the Rocketballz Stage 2 driver. I hit the Stage 2 consistently straighter with a better trajectory than the Callaway X Hot, Mizuno JPX 825 and the Ping G20. The Stage 2 feels heavier, like I am swinging a wedge, not a driver. I won’t say it’s the best driver; just saying to try it before buying anything else. As strange as the crown graphics are, they helped my alignment. To the critics; you may overlook the crown graphics once you hit the club!
Paul
Jan 23, 2013 at 5:08 pm
That whole 17 yards claim was ridiculous. I demoed the original rbz 3 wood and the r11s, and I consistently hit them the same distance. Also, in regard to Richard’s question, it has to do with how much adjustability you actually need. I was “fit” for my rbz tour driver and also considered the r11s. The fitter who was working on me said that there was no “need” for me to have the extra bells and wistles of the r11s vs the rbz because I delivered the club to the ball consistently already. Just try them. If you like the rbz, there is no reason to spend an extra $100 to have what looks like a compas on the bottom of your driver
Richard
Jan 21, 2013 at 4:04 pm
Has anybody a good rule of thumb for when to opt for R1 vs RBZ ? What is the main difference betjene the two target groups ?
Kosko P Coltrane
Jan 20, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Just remember…. TM stands behind their seemingly absurd claims…. last season, they were giving away a box of ProV’s if you did NOT increase by 17 yards from prior. Like it or not, they have the seeds to stand behind what they say…..
Stuart miller
Jan 12, 2013 at 4:04 am
I have an original RBZ TP 3 wood and I am almost as long as I am with my 910d3 both are stiff shafted 910 is de lofted down to 9 deg and set up with a slight draw. Whether or not I would be able to hit the phase 2 as long as my driver remains to be seen. I would be interested to see on flightscope where it fitted in. Could I really get away without carrying a drive ? Doubt it !
Mark
Feb 28, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Am using same driver and 3 wood as you. Hit the 3 wood almost as far as the driver and easily keep up with my buddies for distance with their drivers – and usually longer. Hit the 3 wood with a lot more control, hit more fairways and can play a draw with ease.
Now here’s the thing! Just had an RBZ Stage 2 fitting. Identical spec to my last year’s model. Completely satisfied with last years club – just curious to see if Stage 2 really an improvement.
Result: Cold day in West of Scotland / Range Balls. Hit about 8 balls with each.
Last year’s club best: Clubhead Speed 80, Smash Factor 1.42, Spin 3682, Launch 13.3 degrees, Carry 189 yards.
Stage 2 club best: Clubhead Speed 85, Smash Factor 1.46, Spin 2600, Launch 13.3 degrees, Carry 213 yards.
I play a links course where you can get a good deal of roll on a dry summer day. In theory with the Stage 2 figures above – I could be pushing 240 yards!
Also tried the Stage 2 Tour cranked down to 14 degrees – felt slightly heavier – had difficulty getting the ball up in the air – so not a good match for me.
I really thought with last year’s RBZ that I had found a “perfect for me” club that would stay in the bag a long time.
Now seriously thinking of a Stage 2 to replace the 910D3 and keeping the original club in the bag as well.
Taylor Made said that in the hands of elite players the original RBZ appeared to give an average 17 yards improvement and say that those players could average a further 10 yards with the Stage 2 – All I can say is that in my hands with my swing the RBZ & RBZ Sage 2 are the second best and best 3 woods respectively that I have found in 40 years of playing golf – I’m one of the lucky ones.
Suggest you go for a RBZ Stage 2 fitting ASAP and be prepared to be amazed.
JL
Apr 20, 2013 at 4:32 am
I would say that if a club increases your clubhead speed, it’s probably just a longer shaft.
Conor
Jan 7, 2013 at 6:56 pm
There is so much Adidas influence with the late 70s early 80s graphics which is not a bad thing as this is my era of childhood …but please no more claims of 27 extra yards of distance……we are more educated than you think nowadays !!
Philip
Jan 7, 2013 at 11:48 am
The R1’s paint job is sick. I think many are afraid of a little color.
Pat
Jan 5, 2013 at 7:32 pm
The crown looks a little too busy for my liking…
Browdo
Jan 5, 2013 at 4:46 pm
I hit my Mashie 3 wood 265-270 yds. So I would be hitting 297 then with RBZs2. Absoloute rubbish! thats further than Mcilroy!
Rob
Mar 30, 2013 at 12:30 am
rubish is you hitting a mashe 265 to 270 lol
JL
Apr 20, 2013 at 4:10 am
LOL. a whole bunch of rubbish
Robert
Aug 2, 2013 at 1:11 am
Taylormade is claiming the yardage is longer than previous models of theirs prior to RBZ line. Not comparing to others new models.
wackamole
Jan 4, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Ok….who in the TM marketing department did the research and decided that the graphics on the RBZ and R1 were a good idea. FUGLY
Bobby SalsaBum
Jan 4, 2013 at 11:26 am
I think that these are nice looking clubs apart from the decals on the top of the crown. I have a Nike vrs hybrid and I will certainly not be looking at this as mine is the best I’ve ever had haha
golfforlife
Jan 3, 2013 at 9:10 pm
i dont understand who is the artist on these clubs? i think the guy is drunk when he is designing these lol i mean the r1 is ugly and this is a little better but still bad.
pinhigh18
Jan 3, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Distance, distance, distance…I understand that TMag and others are not targeting me with yet another salvo of premium distance drivers and fairway woods – distance is definitely not my shortcoming, but I am still amazed at where all of this going with the long clubs and the ball.
Scott
Jan 3, 2013 at 1:33 pm
I bought the RB Tour 3 wood and 2 hybrids middle/end of last season. I like the clubs but found the 3 wood was not all that easy to hit off the fairway’s compared to my old Callaway 3 wood. I’m curious to see if these new “Stage 2’s” are any easier. I will say that when you connect the ball does seems to go alot more. I dunno….
ivantheterrible
Jan 30, 2013 at 7:26 pm
I demo’d the standard version of the stage 2 15 degree fairway today. I previously owned a RBZ tour 14.5 fairway, but got rid of it because I tended to hook it, and because I hit it thin more often than I wanted.
To me (driver SS 97, hdcp 2) the issues are the same as last years model, too many balls left on the ground, and fighting a hook. The ones I elevated and hit solidly were the longest 3 woods I have hit in 20 years. My normal 3 wood is a 240 yarder, but I hit a couple of these in the 260 range.
I wouldn’t but the club I demo’d though. Too hard to hit off the fairway. I might take a look if they have a 3HL, which is a 4 wood loft in a 3 wood shaft.
Drew
Jan 3, 2013 at 12:07 pm
The only way you are getting 27 additional yards in relation to any other Fwy in the market is if playing a RBZ also allows you to tee off from the ladies tees…
John
May 11, 2014 at 12:04 pm
I play the Titleist 909 15 degree 3wd and hit the RBZ 3wd 15 degree in a demo. Right off I hit the RBZ 15 yards farther and dead straight. What is not to like about that? And I keep my eye on the ball not the club so I don’t care about the graphics.