Equipment
TaylorMade R1 V2 TP driver to hit the market
We’ve detailed the different TaylorMade R1 heads previously (as far back as March in this article and much earlier in the forums). Now, some four months later, TaylorMade is officially releasing the TaylorMade R1 V2 TP driver, a.k.a. the “tour-only R1,” to the general public.
The driver, which is available for pre-order now, has an expected in-stock date of July 17th and costs $599, $200 more than the retail version of the R1 cost when it was released in January.
So, what’s different about this version of the driver, which “tunes to any loft, any look, and any flight?”
As you might have guessed, it’s smaller. We originally noted that TaylorMade had produced a smaller-headed version of the R1 for tour use in March. As we said then, “the R1 Version 2 is 440 cubic centimeters, 20 CCs smaller than the retail version.”
A key benefit of the smaller head is its decreased weight, which allows the use of heavier tour spec shaft, which better players usually prefer. To this point, the stock shaft for the V2 is the 65 g Aldila RIP Phenom, rather than the 55 g model, which is standard in the original R1.
The 440 CC club head, of course, maintains the same proportions as the v1, as well as the same tunability. The configuration of the sole of the club, however, is slightly different and more compact, as evidenced by our early shots of the V2’s sole.
Is this R1 V2 TP is the “same” in every way to the ones being played by Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia? As to that, we’ll leave Pandora’s Box closed for the time being.
(For a full recap of the R1’s technology and features, see our Editor Review of the TaylorMade R1, here.)
Click here to read what members are saying about the R1 V2 in the forums.
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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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Benny46
Oct 8, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Can anyone tell me why I keep seeing 2 different serial number fonts on the V2 heads? I’ve had my hands on 4 different V2 heads and 3 outta the 4 were a light font while the other a more pronounced. Any answered would be interesting.
Ron
Jul 21, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Iagree
Greg
Jul 15, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Can someone please tell me how to “preorder” one of these secret clubs?
Rob
Jul 11, 2013 at 1:01 am
Why does a lighter head allow for the use of heavier shafts. I would of expected the reverse
Jim
Jul 10, 2013 at 6:04 pm
I don’t think you guys get it. A g25 head is a a G25 head, the pros play the same head as consumers that cost $350. They get fit for a shaft and loft that fits their swing.
I was not calling the V2 a clone, the one that has been selling in stores is a clone of what tour pros are playing, as in its a cheaper club. I recently heard not a single player on tour plays the retail head of the R1, obviously something is wrong there.
Boo
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:34 pm
Agreed! We have the right to play what we choose, or we can go to a manufacturer that will offer us what we want, not some watered down retail head different from tour heads!
John
Jul 13, 2013 at 7:54 am
This is my exact argument. Every other company but taylormade has retail versions of there drivers in play. The whole problem with taylormade is them acting like every pro on tour plays his “r1” that is completely different from the one they sell. Yes, nike has several drivers too, but players still play retail versions, not a single retail r1 is in play. But taylormade is sure as hell going to try and advertise that the pros play the r1. Doesn’t matter if the retail r1 is better for the average golfer, it’s still straight up BS marketing by taylormade.
Don
Jul 10, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Any chance that a V2 RBZ Stage 2 Tour Driver will become available? Do like the smaller heads that were available with some of the old TP Models.
John
Jul 10, 2013 at 1:44 pm
I don’t get it anymore…why do people want the exact same driver tour pros use? I keep hearing Dustin Johnson’s name and driver being thrown around…if anyone on the site were given his EXACT driver it would undoubtedly hurt their game…the only differences in their club fitting is that the loft, face angle and cog is permanent…go get fit and if you want it to be permanently fixed, pay to have the head hot-melted but expect to pay a premium…enough whining about not getting a superbly fit, premium club for a retail price, it’s not gonna happen. Everything available to tour players is available to us (with the exception of prototype shafts) if you know where to look and are willing to pay for it, tour players don’t have to pay because they’ve EARNED access to these services.
Sean
Jul 9, 2013 at 11:54 pm
I wonder how much of a difference it would make for the average golfer?
Brian
Jul 10, 2013 at 9:13 am
I think the biggest difference it will make for amatuers will be in their credit card statements
Boo
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:38 pm
The tour heads are not for the “average” golfer! That would be the retail head.
Devin
Jul 9, 2013 at 6:25 pm
No taylormade clubs in my bag, and not at all a taylormade fan either, but I will be giving this head a serious look. With the combination of the adjustability like the original r1, with a smaller, lower spinning profile, I look forward to giving this a shot to get in the bag.
cw
Jul 9, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Yup,the trolls probably couldnt hit the ball with the tour equipment :o)
bravesgolf
Jul 9, 2013 at 4:00 pm
If you don’t like TMAG, just don’t buy their stuff. I won’t buy this driver because it’s the tour version and I’m a club golfer but If people want to buy it, good for them. TMAG make good golf clubs as do all OEM’s out there. It’s all about personal preference and what works for your game. The last time I checked, it’s a free world and people can buy whatever they like. It’s getting old that people rag on TMAG all the time. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Honmagolfan
Jul 9, 2013 at 5:13 pm
Agreed!
Boo
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:36 pm
Seriously???
Curt
Jul 9, 2013 at 9:53 am
Good move TM!!!
Be sure to keep offering the exact heads used by the pro’s or we will go elsewhere, as we have of late. Also, please up your game on shaft options!!!! You know its all about being properly “fit”, so please give us as a huge selection so we can get the shaft that fits our swing.
Thanks for cutting the bullsh__ TM!!!!
Andy (2)
Jul 9, 2013 at 8:53 am
Amazing how when a golf ball manufacturer makes balls for different levels of players / club speeds then they are applauded. However TM make drivers for real people and they get slated by trolls for not selling pro clubs to amateur golfers.
When they do offer the pro clubs then the trolls are back saying they are too expensive / still not the version the Tour Pro’s are playing / testing.
Just a shame the Trolls can’t think of anything nice to say. I don’t even understand why they read a thread with TaylorMade in the title as they are already angry !
John
Jul 9, 2013 at 7:24 am
Or go with callaway or another company that already listened to there customer, don’t over charge and give them the heads they want with good shafts in the first place, not after everyone preaches how $h!tty of company taylormade.
Jim
Jul 9, 2013 at 2:51 am
Guess how much the G25 that Hunter, Bubba, etc. play… $350. This is lame, once again Taylormade. This comes months after all your loyal faithfuls that believe your marketing buy your clone clubs that only appear to look like what the pros play, real weak!
Andy
Jul 9, 2013 at 7:11 am
Jim… I’ve actually hit this V2 and it is not a clone / marketing ploy. They actually do make a different head that is lower spinning for tour level players. I think this news is absolutely spectacular. This is them basically bringing TP back into play. These clubs don’t cost any more for them to make besides getting a premium shaft, so why should we have to pay $1,000 on eBay to get a tour performance club. I think it’s a huge win for them to make this option available for $600. If I can get the shaft I want for that price, I’ll be standing in line.
P.S… show me where you can get exactly what Bubba and Hunter are playing (shaft & all) for $350.
Gfunk
Jul 9, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Show were it says that you can get any shaft the pros are using for $600. It appears that you get a relatively cheap aldila rip phenom shaft. Again, it’s TM being TM.