121 replies to this topic

[zakkozuchowski]

By Zak Kozuchowski

GolfWRX Managing Editor

TaylorMade is the biggest, baddest golf company on the planet, and continued its momentum at this 2012 PGA Merchandise Show. At demo day on Wednesday, golfers stood in long lines to test TaylorMades's new RBZ product line, which included new drivers, woods, hybrids, irons and wedges. Many doubted the success of the line, but the much hyped clubs lived up to the company's promises. They look beautiful, and perform even better.

I tested the RBZ Tour Driver, 3 wood and hybrid on a Flightscope. Here are my results.

THE DRIVER













The RocketBallz driver continues in the tradition of TaylorMade's Burner series. The 460cc head comes in a regular and tour version, which is a lower spinning model. Its classic shape is great to look at, and even more fun to hit. With the help of a TaylorMade custom fitter, I was launching a 9 degree Tour version at 13 degrees with 2600 rpms of spin with a stock Matrix HD6 X-stiff shaft. The results? 317 yards, an improvement over my current Adams 9023LS gamer.

What I was most impressed with, however, was the forgiveness of the driver. Even on the drives I badly missed, I was still in the 280-290 yard range.

THE 3 WOOD










The RBZ fairway woods were the most buzzed club of the RBZ family, and for good reason. TaylorMade promised double-digit gains over their previous model. Being a high-speed player, I doubted I would see that much of an improvement. I was wrong.

The RBZ Tour 3 wood I tested was the same loft as my TaylorMade Burner HFS 3 wood (14.5 degrees) and the same length (43.5 inches). The Tour version is a little smaller and lower spinning than the standard RBZ 3 wood. I tested the Tour version with the stock X-stiff Matrix XCON shaft. The RBZ head is bigger, more forgiving, and amazingly 14 yards longer than my gamer. My best swing produced a high, low spin shot that went 279 yards. You'll see it in my bag soon.

THE HYBRID










I tested the RBZ Tour 3 hybrid (18.5 degrees). Again, the Tour version is lower spinning than the standard RBZ hybrid. I was impressed with its compact shape and clean look. From heel to toe, it was shorter than my gamer, and Adams a7 19 degree hybrid, and had a slightly taller profile. It launched higher and with less spin than my A7, and it went forever. My best swing sent the ball 245 yards.

CONCLUSION

RocketBallz is for real. I'm convinced that the slot in the sole of the woods and hybrids not only improves ball speed, but adds significant distance as well. If you can handle the aggressive name and white-and-lime-green color scheme, these are the woods for you. If you can't, read tomorrow's story on the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show's biggest winners. I tested another company's lineup that killed it at this year's show.

Want to write for GolfWRX? Click here for more information.

[CaddiesFault]

great review. looking forward to trying the 3 wood myself

[rgreenhill]

Yes!  Finally an in-hand photo of the Tour Rescue and Tour Fairway!  Thank you for posting the pics and feedback - relieved to see the Rescue is a modest profile and not the soup ladle appearance of the Superfast Rescue.  Looking forward to everything...except the bill...list of new clubs are starting to add up!


Thanks again.

[Goopher]

Thanks for the review! What shaft was in the hybrid?

[zakkozuchowski]

Goopher, on 29 January 2012 - 02:45 AM, said:

Thanks for the review! What shaft was in the hybrid?

Good question -- it was their graphite x-stiff offering. Unfortunately, TaylorMade has not listed the shaft on their website, so I can't tell you what was in it.

[Foreleft]

I wish TM would have brought the adjustability (that they tout so much) to the RBZ FW & hybrids.  Any idea why they did not?

[Zach Heusser]

Foreleft, on 29 January 2012 - 12:10 PM, said:

I wish TM would have brought the adjustability (that they tout so much) to the RBZ FW & hybrids.  Any idea why they did not?

I asked that question to a high level executive, and I was told that would have drove up the price.  He said it was important to keep it at it's current price point.

[geesecougar2]

I never noticed the amount of onset on the 3 wood. Shades of Big Bertha!

[scottvw13]

Can you compare the ballspeed of the hybrid to you current gamer?

[Cooper]

Looks like I'll be buying a new 3w and hybrid

[DTown3011]

KascoPro, on 29 January 2012 - 12:17 PM, said:

Foreleft, on 29 January 2012 - 12:10 PM, said:

I wish TM would have brought the adjustability (that they tout so much) to the RBZ FW & hybrids.  Any idea why they did not?

I asked that question to a high level executive, and I was told that would have drove up the price.  He said it was important to keep it at it's current price point.

You can't add adjustability with the speed pocket - it doesn't fit.  So you sacrifice the adjustability for the increase in ballspeed....IMO a worthwhile trade-off!

[Zach Heusser]

DTown3011, on 29 January 2012 - 01:38 PM, said:

KascoPro, on 29 January 2012 - 12:17 PM, said:

Foreleft, on 29 January 2012 - 12:10 PM, said:

I wish TM would have brought the adjustability (that they tout so much) to the RBZ FW & hybrids.  Any idea why they did not?

I asked that question to a high level executive, and I was told that would have drove up the price.  He said it was important to keep it at it's current price point.

You can't add adjustability with the speed pocket - it doesn't fit.  So you sacrifice the adjustability for the increase in ballspeed....IMO a worthwhile trade-off!

I asked why no FCT, and I told to keep the price down...

[Ping_Ho]

I actually got to hit one couple days ago. My Tee went 2 yrds farther on Average. Both stock stiff shaft at 15degree

[cschorer1979]

DTown3011, on 29 January 2012 - 01:38 PM, said:

KascoPro, on 29 January 2012 - 12:17 PM, said:

Foreleft, on 29 January 2012 - 12:10 PM, said:

I wish TM would have brought the adjustability (that they tout so much) to the RBZ FW & hybrids.  Any idea why they did not?

I asked that question to a high level executive, and I was told that would have drove up the price.  He said it was important to keep it at it's current price point.

You can't add adjustability with the speed pocket - it doesn't fit.  So you sacrifice the adjustability for the increase in ballspeed....IMO a worthwhile trade-off!

I'm sorry, but what information do have to give a response like that?   How does adding an adjustable hostel allow the speed pocket to not fit?  

Here's an idea, before you just throw out some crazy/stupid response, actually get some knowledge about the design.

[DTown3011]

KascoPro, on 29 January 2012 - 01:50 PM, said:

I asked why no FCT, and I told to keep the price down...

Actually it's a dual issue, which is outlined below.  Price + durability of the face with FCT and the speed pocket.

cschorer1979, on 29 January 2012 - 02:52 PM, said:

I'm sorry, but what information do have to give a response like that?   How does adding an adjustable hostel allow the speed pocket to not fit?  

Here's an idea, before you just throw out some crazy/stupid response, actually get some knowledge about the design.

Excuse me?  It's funny how people get so worked up over a golf club!  Before you jump all the way down my throat, TaylorMade addressed this question themselves in the December 20th Industry Chat which is referenced below.  They addressed BOTH the price and the durability issues together.  So I  did get knowledge about the design, direct from the designers themselves.

http://www.golfwrx.c...ost__p__3966167

TaylorMadeGolf, on 20 December 2011 - 01:32 PM, said:

TPC_Brad, on 13 December 2011 - 05:13 PM, said:

With the driver the FCT is used in both the rocket and the r11 drivers but why not in rocketballz fairway wood or hybrid.

The Speed Pocket and the FCT system would both be located in the same area of the sole and the complications from this causes durability issues.

And most fw/rescues are priced less than drivers, so we wanted to maximize the reach of the RocketBallz fw/rescues and rescues to the widest population of golfers by keeping the price affordable.

Since the RocketBallz fw/rescues are designed to the maximum performance benefit, they are more costly to product than a standard fw/rescue due to much tighter thickness tolerances and manufacturing controls needed for the Speed Pocket structure. -TO

[GetmeouttaJersey]

[quote name='DTown3011' timestamp='1327872422' post='4174201']
[quote name='KascoPro' timestamp='1327863019' post='4173439']
I asked why no FCT, and I told to keep the price down...
[/quote]

Actually it's a dual issue, which is outlined below.  Price + durability of the face with FCT and the speed pocket.


[quote name='cschorer1979' timestamp='1327866770' post='4173761']
I'm sorry, but what information do have to give a response like that?   How does adding an adjustable hostel allow the speed pocket to not fit?  

Here's an idea, before you just throw out some crazy/stupid response, actually get some knowledge about the design.
[/quote]

Excuse me?  It's funny how people get so worked up over a golf club!  Before you jump all the way down my throat, TaylorMade addressed this question themselves in the December 20th Industry Chat which is referenced below.  They addressed BOTH the price and the durability issues together.  So I  did get knowledge about the design, direct from the designers themselves.

[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/554661-dec-20-chat-with-taylormade-read-what-tmag-replied-to-all-of-your-questions-pg-12/page__view__findpost__p__3966167"]http://www.golfwrx.c...ost__p__3966167[/url]

[quote name='TaylorMadeGolf' timestamp='1324405970' post='3966167']
[quote name='TPC_Brad' timestamp='1323814415' post='3934781']
With the driver the FCT is used in both the rocket and the r11 drivers but why not in rocketballz fairway wood or hybrid.
[/quote]


The Speed Pocket and the FCT system would both be located in the same area of the sole and the complications from this causes durability issues.

And most fw/rescues are priced less than drivers, so we wanted to maximize the reach of the RocketBallz fw/rescues and rescues to the widest population of golfers by keeping the price affordable.

Since the RocketBallz fw/rescues are designed to the maximum performance benefit, they are more costly to product than a standard fw/rescue due to much tighter thickness tolerances and manufacturing controls needed for the Speed Pocket structure. -TO
[/quote]



[/quote]




OWNED.

[zakkozuchowski]

scottvw13, on 29 January 2012 - 01:17 PM, said:

Can you compare the ballspeed of the hybrid to you current gamer?

It's a touch faster on good shots, but much faster on misses. My misses probably go 5-7 yards further. I'd say that Adams Super Hybrid XTD was the fastest hybrid at the show. It's a canon. Check it out here.

- Zak

[DNice26]

What other company "Killed it"??????????

[zakkozuchowski]

DNice26, on 29 January 2012 - 04:41 PM, said:

What other company "Killed it"??????????

Here you go -- The big winners from the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show

[scottvw13]

zakkozuchowski, on 29 January 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

scottvw13, on 29 January 2012 - 01:17 PM, said:

Can you compare the ballspeed of the hybrid to you current gamer?

It's a touch faster on good shots, but much faster on misses. My misses probably go 5-7 yards further. I'd say that Adams Super Hybrid XTD was the fastest hybrid at the show. It's a canon. Check it out here.

- Zak

Thanks Zak.

Did the super hybrid have fairway wood length shafts, just as the current generation super hybrid has?  Wondering if that is part of the reason it's so long...

[zakkozuchowski]

scottvw13, on 29 January 2012 - 05:01 PM, said:

zakkozuchowski, on 29 January 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

scottvw13, on 29 January 2012 - 01:17 PM, said:

Can you compare the ballspeed of the hybrid to you current gamer?

It's a touch faster on good shots, but much faster on misses. My misses probably go 5-7 yards further. I'd say that Adams Super Hybrid XTD was the fastest hybrid at the show. It's a canon. Check it out here.

- Zak

Thanks Zak.

Did the super hybrid have fairway wood length shafts, just as the current generation super hybrid has?  Wondering if that is part of the reason it's so long...

It's a hybrid-length shaft.

[scottvw13]

zakkozuchowski, on 29 January 2012 - 05:30 PM, said:

scottvw13, on 29 January 2012 - 05:01 PM, said:

zakkozuchowski, on 29 January 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

scottvw13, on 29 January 2012 - 01:17 PM, said:

Can you compare the ballspeed of the hybrid to you current gamer?

It's a touch faster on good shots, but much faster on misses. My misses probably go 5-7 yards further. I'd say that Adams Super Hybrid XTD was the fastest hybrid at the show. It's a canon. Check it out here.

- Zak

Thanks Zak.

Did the super hybrid have fairway wood length shafts, just as the current generation super hybrid has?  Wondering if that is part of the reason it's so long...

It's a hybrid-length shaft.

That's great! The current version plays 43 inches for the 15 degree.  No good...Thanks!

[JTK37]

Did you get to hit the standard RBZ 3-wood against the Tour model?  Does any one have any comparisons between the RBZ Tour fairway woods and 2.0 TP fairway woods in terms of forgiveness, launch and distance?  Thanks, Joe

[AppAlum]

cschorer1979, on 29 January 2012 - 02:52 PM, said:

DTown3011, on 29 January 2012 - 01:38 PM, said:

KascoPro, on 29 January 2012 - 12:17 PM, said:

Foreleft, on 29 January 2012 - 12:10 PM, said:

I wish TM would have brought the adjustability (that they tout so much) to the RBZ FW & hybrids.  Any idea why they did not?

I asked that question to a high level executive, and I was told that would have drove up the price.  He said it was important to keep it at it's current price point.

You can't add adjustability with the speed pocket - it doesn't fit.  So you sacrifice the adjustability for the increase in ballspeed....IMO a worthwhile trade-off!

I'm sorry, but what information do have to give a response like that?   How does adding an adjustable hostel allow the speed pocket to not fit?  

Here's an idea, before you just throw out some crazy/stupid response, actually get some knowledge about the design.

Here's a better idea. You get some knowledge about the difference between a hostel and a hosel before making a crazy/stupid response.

[OspreyCI]

JTK37, on 29 January 2012 - 06:11 PM, said:

Did you get to hit the standard RBZ 3-wood against the Tour model?  Does any one have any comparisons between the RBZ Tour fairway woods and 2.0 TP fairway woods in terms of forgiveness, launch and distance?  Thanks, Joe

Yea, this question is a good one....

[zakkozuchowski]

OspreyCI, on 31 January 2012 - 07:53 AM, said:

JTK37, on 29 January 2012 - 06:11 PM, said:

Did you get to hit the standard RBZ 3-wood against the Tour model?  Does any one have any comparisons between the RBZ Tour fairway woods and 2.0 TP fairway woods in terms of forgiveness, launch and distance?  Thanks, Joe

Yea, this question is a good one....

RBZ Tour is smaller and spins less that the regular RBZ.

Compared to the 2.0 TP, I found that it launches with less spin, and offers more distance and forgiveness. Maybe a touch lower launching.

[JTK37]

zakkozuchowski, on 31 January 2012 - 09:16 AM, said:

OspreyCI, on 31 January 2012 - 07:53 AM, said:

JTK37, on 29 January 2012 - 06:11 PM, said:

Did you get to hit the standard RBZ 3-wood against the Tour model?  Does any one have any comparisons between the RBZ Tour fairway woods and 2.0 TP fairway woods in terms of forgiveness, launch and distance?  Thanks, Joe

Yea, this question is a good one....

RBZ Tour is smaller and spins less that the regular RBZ.

Compared to the 2.0 TP, I found that it launches with less spin, and offers more distance and forgiveness. Maybe a touch lower launching.

Ahhhhhh, now thats the info I was looking for.  Thanks Zak.  Joe

[GetmeouttaJersey]

By the way, that hybrid looks absolutely awesome.  The slot blends well and man does that look mean...

[Skaffa77]

Foreleft, on 29 January 2012 - 12:10 PM, said:

I wish TM would have brought the adjustability (that they tout so much) to the RBZ FW & hybrids.  Any idea why they did not?

You have the answers above related to costs and design...

Mine is going to be another "smarta$$" answer...it gives them the opportunity to remarket a new version with FCT as an improved future product offering.   Think of about it....you have iterations of the same basic product offering with a slight tweek to increase the size or add additional functionality that could have been implemented on a prior design.  All resulting in a new product, with new buzz and new sales.   One could say they are making different products for different skills/markets, but I call this marketing genius in continually releasing new products for buzz/sales and spreading R&D dollars across multiple products.

R7 - Weight adjustability (4 weights)
R7 425 - Weight Adjustability with a bigger head (4 weights)
R7 460 - Weight Adjustability (to a less extent with 3 weights) with an even bigger,more forgiving head
Superquad - Weight adjustability (4 weights)  in a 460 head and all black.
R9 - FCT technology
R9 460 - FCT technology with a bigger, more forgiving head
SuperTri - 460 CC head, FCT and Weight Adjustability (3 weights)
SuperDeep - 460 cc head, FCT, Weight Adjustability (2 weights), Deep Face
R11 - 440 CC head, FCT, Weight Adjustability (2 weights), ASP plate and white crown
R11S - 460 CC (more forgiving head), FCT, Weight Adjustability (2 weights), ASP plate and white crown.

That's not including their Burner or RBZ lines...

[kafka01]

I wonder how many women will go for the Rocketballz this season

Edited by kafka01, 31 January 2012 - 03:33 PM.