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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Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X
Hybrid: Titleist TSR3 (19 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue HB 9 x
Irons: Titleist T200 (4, 5), Titleist 620 CB (6-9)
Shafts: Project X 6.0
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 50-12F, 54-12D, 60)
Shafts: Project X 6.0
Putter: Scotty Cameron P5 prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1
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- Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2, 4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX (2), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 56-12SB, 60-11TW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Kris Kim’s equipment here.
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TaylorMade is continuing its UDI/DHY series with the successor to the Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons: PUDI and PDHY (which the company styles as P·UDI and P·DHY). TaylorMade is folding the designs in with its P Series of irons.
TaylorMade outlined the process of developing its new utilities this way. The company started with the data on utility iron usage. Not surprisingly, better players — i.e. those who generate more clubhead speed and strike the ball more precisely — were found to gravitate toward the UDI model. DHY usage, however, covered a wider swath than the company might have expected with six-to-18 handicappers found to be bagging the club.
TaylorMade also found that the majority of golfers playing UDI or DHY utilities were playing P Series irons at the top of their iron configurations.
Can you see where this is going?
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Iron and Wedge at TaylorMade: “As we look to the future, beyond the tech and the design language, we are excited about repositioning our utility irons into the P·Series family. P·UDI is an easy pair for players that currently play P·Series product and P·DHY is an extremely forgiving option for players of all skill levels. It is a natural fit to give these players the performance in this category that they are looking for.”
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TaylorMade PUDI
TaylorMade PUDI technology cutaway (via TaylorMade)
Crafted with tour player input, TaylorMade sought to develop a confidence-inspiring utility iron that blends with the rest of the P Series irons. Also of note: Interestingly, the PUDI has a more compact head than the P790.
In comparison to past UDI products, the PUDI has a more traditional iron shape, slimmer toplines, and less offset with a little of the backbar visible at address.
TaylorMade PDHY
TaylorMade PDHY tech cutaway (via TaylorMade).
Larger in profile than the PUDI, the PDHY seeks to position center of gravity (CG) lower in the club for ease of launch. The toe height is larger and the profile is larger at address — roughly five millimeters longer than PUDI — the sole of the club is wider for improved forgiveness.
Club Junkie’s take
Golfers who feel like they are missing something at the top of the bag could find the PUDI or PDHY a great option. The look of the PUDI should fit the most discerning eye with a more compact look, less offset, and a thinner topline. If you want a little more confidence looking down the P-DHY will be slightly larger while still being a good-looking utility iron.
For being small packages both models pack a pretty good punch with fast ball speeds, even off-center. The feel is soft and you get a solid feel of the ball compressing off the face when you strike it well. Your ears are greeted with a nice heavy thud as the ball and club come together. The PDHY will launch a little higher for players who need it while the PUDI offers a more penetrating ball flight. Both utility irons could be the cure for an open spot in the top end of the bag.
PUDI, PDHY, or Rescue?
TaylorMade offers the following notes to assist golfers in filling out their bags:
- PUDI has mid-CG right behind the center face to create a more penetrating mid-to-low ball flight
- PDHY has a lower center of gravity to produce an easier-to-launch mid-to-high ball flight.
- Both PUDI and PDHY are lower-flying than the company’s hybrid/Rescue clubs.
- PUDI is more forgiving than P790.
- PDHY is the most forgiving iron in the entire TaylorMade iron family
Pricing, specs, and availability
Price: $249.99
At retail: Now
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya’s Recoil DART (105 X, 90 S and 75 R – only in PDHY)
Stock grip: Golf Pride’s ZGrip (black/grey)
PUDI lofts: 2-17°, 3-20°, 4-22° in both left and right-handed
PDHY lofts: 2-18°, 3-20° and 4-22° in both left and right-handed
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Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)...
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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.