Tag Archives: TaylorMade Golf

Putters, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – Advanced materials and intelligent shaping the the new Spider S putter

February 10, 2020 – TaylorMade Golf has launched Spider S – the latest addition to the company’s acclaimed Spider putter franchise. The uniquely shaped putter family provides the ultimate in stability and forgiveness through high-MOI mallet designs.

Spider S is manufactured from high-grade 6061 aluminium and 100-percent machine milled for precision shaping. The square-frame putter head is outfitted with two 48g tungsten sole weights that are strategically placed on the toe and the heel to help stabilise the putter while also optimising CG location.

A heavy tungsten backbar is used to further customise swing weight based on the length of the putter. Coming in 55g, 65g and 80g units, the backbar at the rear of the putter is designed to influence head weight, feel and performance. The heaviest weight (80g) pairs with the shortest putter length (33 inches) and vice versa.

The combination of advanced materials and square shaping promotes high MOI for increased forgiveness and consistent roll on strikes across the face. With an MOI of 6,000-plus, Spider S offers the most forgiving performance of any model in the Spider franchise.

Completing the design is the Tour-proven Pure Roll Insert. With Spider S, the company opted for a thicker 5mm surlyn insert designed for better sound, feel and roll characteristics.

Spider S Navy

Spider S Chalk

“With Spider S, we utilise advanced materials and machine milling to create the highest MOI and most forgiving model in our Spider line up. The beauty and performance of this putter is in all of the tungsten. We use more than 150g in each head to deliver precision weighting and optimal performance,” says Bill Price, TaylorMade Senior Director of Product Creation, Putter & Wedge.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Available lengths include 33”, 34” and 35”.
  • Comes equipped with the KBS Stepless Stability Shaft and Super Stroke Pistol GTR 1.0 grip.
  • Offered in two different colorways: Navy and Chalk.
  • Spider S will be available at retail beginning February 7.
  • RRP: 349€.
Putters, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – New Truss putters for stability and mallet performance in more classic shapes

February 5, 2020 – TaylorMade Golf has announced the company’s newest putter innovation in Truss. The uniquely shaped family of putters provides an answer for golfers seeking the performance of a high-MOI mallet in a more traditional shape.

IT LOOKS LIKE NOTHING ELSE, BECAUSE IT PUTTS LIKE NOTHING ELSE

The distinctive look of Truss putters directly relates to the performance of the product. At address, the topline will look very familiar to golfers. However, the face-on view reveals a compelling hosel structure that’s the defining feature of the entire family.

The design creates multiple contact points on the topline and reduces the amount of unsupported mass, which is intended to improve the stability of the putter face at impact. While traditionally shaped putters with a single contact point on the heel are susceptible to twisting at impact, Truss putters provide exceptional torsional stability and computer modeling shows Truss twisting less on off-centre strikes (as compared to TaylorMade previous generation blade).

SHAPING A HIGH MOI PUTTER

TaylorMade collected data on 40,000 putts hit by golfers of various skill levels and tracked the most common area of the face where strikes occur. Results showed that more than half of the strikes occurred on the toe-side of centre, which causes deflection and can lead to offline putts. Armed with this information, TaylorMade engineers set out to create a twist-resistant putter that offered greater torsional stability while maintaining a traditional shape.

The Truss hosel design derives its stability and strength from a geometric shaping that’s widely used across various forms of architecture, from home building to bridges, to create foundational stability. The engineers of the company used the same design elements with the Truss putters, adding stronger horizontal support across the topline.

Having dual contact points on the topline provides greater integrity on strikes across the face, delivering the performance of a high-MOI putter with the look of a blade or traditional mallet.

WHO IT’S BUILT FOR

A paradigm shift occurred when TaylorMade introduced the Spider franchise more than a decade ago. Today, approximately 60% of players on the PGA Tour use mallet putters – whereas traditional blades were the majority before that time. As TaylorMade continued to refine and develop the Spider family, countless golfers expressed interest in the performance benefits of a high-MOI mallet but still preferred traditional shaping.

The perfect example is Dustin Johnson, who has enjoyed great success with both Spider and blade-type putters. While his results with the Spider speak for themselves, he also appreciates the clean look and enhanced feel a blade offers.

FOUR DIFFERENT SHAPE OPTIONS

Truss will be offered in four distinct models: TB1, TB2, TM1 and TM2. TB1 is a heel-shafted blade design that most closely resembles a traditional blade putter. An additional 8g of weight was added to the toe to counterbalance the Truss hosel. TB2 is a center-shafted blade with the hosel stretching across the center of the face to increase stability. TM1 is a heel-shafted mallet that combines the Truss hosel with a classic mallet shape. TM2 is a center-shafted mallet with minimal offset and the hosel stretching across the entire topline. It is the most stable putter in the Truss family.

KEY FEATURES

  • Options: TB1, TB2, TM1 and TM2
  • Lengths: 33”, 34” and 35”
  • Finish: Nickel cobalt finish
  • Face: Tour-proven Cobalt Blue Pure Roll insert
  • Shaft: KBS Stepless Stability Shaft
  • Grip: Lamkin Sink Fit Skinny grip
  • Availability: At retail beginning the 7th of February
  • RRP: 329€.
Golf Balls, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – New Tour Response and Soft Response golf balls for players at every level at an affordable price

February 3, 2020 – TaylorMade Golf gathered insights from thousands of assorted golfers about the performance features they need from a golf ball. The clear No. 1 answer to the company’s question: “I want a golf ball that’s designed for me.”

Golfers asked for it, and the company responded introducing the new Tour Response and Soft Response golf balls from TaylorMade.

Highlighted by a 100% cast urethane cover, Tour Response delivers effortless compression and Tour-quality performance at an affordable price.

Engineered for effortless compression and dominant distance, Soft Response utilises a breakthrough Extended Flight Dimple Pattern along with an ultra-soft ZnO Flex Core designed to increase speed.

“Urethane is simply the best performing cover material you can use on a golf ball. That’s why it’s found on 100% of the balls used on the PGA Tour. It’s that good. We’re bringing that same innovation to our Tour Response line – essentially making a softer version of our TP5/TP5x that utilises multiple Tour technologies. Soft Response is a multi-layer golf ball designed for even softer feel, and with our new Extended Flight Dimple Pattern the player can obtain explosive distance,” says Eric Loper, TaylorMade Director of R&D, Golf Ball.

TAYLORMADE TOUR RESPONSE GOLF BALL:
EFFORTLESS COMPRESSION WITH TOUR TECHNOLOGY

For as long as there have been urethane golf balls, Tour players have used them. It’s the industry standard for premium performance in golf balls, and Tour Response brings that same standard to all golfers at an affordable price while maintaining the same technology found in TP5/TP5x.

A softer 100% cast urethane cover allows grooves to better grip the ball for increased wedge spin – potentially creating thousands more RPMs of spin for the average golfer compared to ionomer products. A crosslinking chemical reaction forms the urethane material and creates an irreversible link for improved shear resistance and greater durability.

The use of cast urethane puts Tour Response a step above other balls in this category and at this price point, as it’s the only non-Tour ball to offer this premium cover from a major manufacturer. It’s a blend of Tour-quality materials with performance specifically engineered to benefit all golfers.

Utilising the same technology that powers the hottest Tour ball in golf (TP5/TP5x), Tour Response relies on Speedmantle with HFMq to produce fast ball speeds. The firmer second layer surrounds the soft inner core and delivers an explosive transfer of energy.

“In this class where performance meets value, why would anyone play an ionomer ball when cast urethane is available? Every manufacturer agrees that it makes a better ball,” says Michael Fox, TaylorMade Category Director – Golf Ball & Accessories.

TAYLORMADE SOFT RESPONSE GOLF BALL
EFFORTLESS COMPRESSION & DOMINANT DISTANCE

TaylorMade utilises a specialised Extended Flight Dimple Pattern to protect distance in a softer golf ball. The shallow u-shaped dimples promote decreased drag and increased lift, ultimately allowing the ball to stay in the air longer at lower spin rates. This design is meant to appeal to players with average swing speeds, who often struggle to keep the ball airborne.

For this reason, many clubfitters match slower swing speed players with drivers that increase spin rates and allow the ball to stay in the air longer. However, with this revolutionary dimple design TaylorMade aims to improve distance for these players through intelligent golf ball design.

A soft ionomer cover adds to the feel of Soft Response, but also achieves improved scuff resistance, shear resistance and overall durability. With an ultra-low compression ZnO Flex Core (a compression of 35), Soft Response is engineered to meet the needs of golfers seeking an extremely soft feel without diminishing distance.

KEY FEATURES

  • Construction: The 3-piece construction further allows for soft feel while maintaining impressive distance.
  • Features: Both Tour Response and Soft Response are engineered to efficiently transfer energy and rebound at impact.
  • Compression: The Tour Response core has an ultra-low compression of 40, while Soft Response is even lower at 35.
  • Colours: Tour Response will be offered in white and yellow, while Soft Response will be available in white, yellow and matte red.
  • Availability: From today 3rd of February 2020.
  • RRP: Tour Response, 45€; Soft Response, 30€.
Golf Balls, TaylorMade Golf, What's in the bag…

TaylorMade Golf – Launch of the all-new TP5/TP5X pix golf balls, co-developed and played by Rickie Fowler

January 29, 2020 – TaylorMade Golf has introduced the second generation of the high-visibility line of pix golf balls following the success of the first generation which was available in the United States only. For the first time, pix will be available in both the TP5 and TP5x models with a revolutionary visual technology developed in conjunction with Rickie Fowler.

Fowler has long been recognised as one of the best putters on the PGA Tour and his insights proved invaluable in the creation of pix. Over the course of a year, TaylorMade teamed with him to develop a golf ball that reflects his swagger and meets the performance demands of competing at the highest level.

“The pix graphics give you a precise focal point to work with. When we started developing the new design, one of my first comments was if we didn’t have the full TaylorMade logo in two places, we would have space to create a path that works for alignment and feedback,” says Rickie Fowler.

CLEARPATH ALIGNMENT

Like many golfers, Fowler prefers to draw a line on his golf ball to help him align putts on the green. The previous generation of pix and all other high-visibility products made that virtually impossible. Inspired by Fowler’s insights, TaylorMade uniquely positioned a single TaylorMade logo and aligned it perfectly with that TP5/TP5x stamp to form a natural pathway through the centre of the ball. Twelve (12) strategically placed multi-color graphics frame the single TaylorMade logo and TP5/TP5x stamp to form the company’s new ClearPath Alignment – the marquee feature of the new pix.

ClearPath not only helps with alignment, but it provides immediate feedback on the quality of the roll. On a well-struck putt where the ball is rolling end-over-end, the golfer can see a clearing in the middle of ball which provides two key pieces of information:

  • You’ve started the ball on your intended line
  • You’ve hit a quality putt

“We learned a lot in the development of the first generation of pix, but through our partnership with Rickie Fowler we’ve learned even more. His vital feedback led directly to the development of the ClearPath™ Alignment System. It’s not just about unique cool designs that are easier to see, it’s now validated at the top of the pyramid with a performance benefit like nothing else out there. It’s the ideal combination of style and function,” says Michael Fox, TaylorMade Category Director for Golf Ball & Accesories.

TP5/TP5X PERFORMANCE

For the first time, pix is available in both TP5 and TP5x models – which utilise TaylorMade’s proprietary 5-layer construction to achieve enhanced speed while still offering complete tee-to-green performance. The company has combined the revolutionary technology of ClearPath Alignment and the unmatched swagger of Rickie Fowler with the hottest Tour balls in the game.

In 2019, TaylorMade enhanced their flagship line of Tour balls and improved speed without impacting other areas of performance. The Speed-Layer System is comprised of four increasingly stiff layers, featuring a material called HFM. HFM is the fastest material TaylorMade has ever used and is essentially a tightly wound spring and when compressed generates more rebound energy for more ball speed.

The Tri-Fast Core consists of an extra-large, low-compression inner core (16 compression in TP5 & 25 compression in TP5x) and a progressively stiffer outer core and mantle. The combination of these three layers work in conjunction to create lower drag and increased carry – the primary reason TP5 and TP5x have become the hottest Tour balls in golf.

The Dual-Spin Cover boasts an ultra-soft cast urethane cover and a 30% more rigid inner cover. This system creates a condition that is ideal for greenside control, as the rigid inner cover forces the soft urethane cover into wedge grooves for maximum spin generation.

The TP5 and TP5x pix will be available at retail on 28 February 2020 at an RRP of 58€ per dozen.

Irons, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – SIM Max and SIM Max OS irons brings forged-like feel to the distance iron category

January 10, 2020 – TaylorMade Golf, the industry leader in innovation and technology, has announced the all-new SIM Max and SIM Max OS irons. Featuring the company’s revolutionary Speed Bridge technology and the all-new ECHO Damping System, SIM Max and SIM Max OS deliver explosive distance, enhanced sound and forged-like feel to the distance iron category.

Speed Bridge combines with Thru-Slot Speed Pocket – Distance, Performance and forged-like feel

After playing a pivotal role in the industry leading performance found in M5 & M6 irons, Speed Bridge technology again takes centre stage in 2020. TaylorMade has built upon this revolutionary technology to deliver more refined performance with SIM Max and SIM Max OS irons. 

Speed Bridge is a mass efficient beam that spans across the cavity back of the iron, connecting the back bar to the topline. This intelligent shaping allows for improved stability in the upper face and supports the topline, preventing unwanted vibrations that create the harsh feels associated with traditional distance irons. The increased rigidity in the topline and upper perimeter of the face delivers improved sound and feel while working in conjunction with a flexible Thru-Slot Speed Pocket engineered for increased ball speed and distance.

Thanks to the face stability offered by Speed Bridge, TaylorMade engineers were able to incorporate a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket in SIM Max and SIM Max OS. The slot stretches from heel to toe and completely disconnects the leading edge from the sole of the iron, which in essence creates a free-floating face. The collaborative technologies allow the face to hinge upon the topline for enhanced flexibility, more ball speed and greater forgiveness on shots struck below centre.   

Through further analysis, TaylorMade engineers were able to redesign the face and optimise the relationship between the stiffness in the Speed Bridge and the flexibility in the face. The result is a thinner and faster face with a larger sweet spot as compared to the company’s previous model.*

ECHO Damping System – Heightened feel, efficient distance

If you lift the hood on SIM Max and SIM Max OS, you’ll find the all-new ECHO Damping System – the key to providing better feel without sacrificing performance. This uniquely shaped damper design stretches across the entire face (from heel to toe) using multiple contact points for accelerated vibration damping. This high-performance damper design is driven by Vibration Damping Channels that wrap around the entire structure for effortless compression. These channels allow the damper to efficiently compress at impact, giving the material a place to disperse without inhibiting movement in the face.

The ECHO Damping System and Speed Bridge work in unison to deliver forged-like feel. In company testing, SIM Max and Max OS consistently produced impact frequencies (the sound at impact that players interpret as feel) in line with those of forged-construction irons. Collectively, these technologies reduce unwanted vibrations at impact and allow the golfer to get feedback on the strike – a performance characteristic commonly reserved for forged irons.

Progressive Inverted Cone Technology – Each individual iron optimised for accuracy 

TaylorMade’s proven Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) is now uniquely positioned in each SIM Max and SIM Max OS iron to both increase the sweet spot and minimise the effects of common mis-hits. ICT is positioned in the centre of the face on mid irons to deliver performance exactly where golfers need it the most.

TaylorMade’s vast archive of club data shows that longer irons struck towards the toe have a greater tendency to miss to the right. With this in mind, engineers progressively positioned ICT towards the toe in both SIM Max and SIM Max OS to generate a draw bias in the longer irons to minimise the common miss to the right. It’s positioned the furthest toward the toe in the 4-iron.

SIM Max, the best feeling distance iron of the brand, powered by Speed Bridge 

Designed for the golfer seeking all-around performance in a distance iron, SIM Max is built to deliver fast ball speeds, high launch and forgiveness. It all starts with Speed Bridge – the marquee design element that produces enhanced feel and works in conjunction with the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket to provide incredible distance and forgiveness. The all-new ECHO Damping System contributes to the forge-like feel of the irons, while an ultra-thin 1.5mm face (even thinner than the M5 & M6 irons) delivers increased flexibility across the entire face. A lightweight fluted hosel with a 360 undercut shifts mass from high in the club to the bottom of the sole for a super low CG. These features combine to make SIM Max TaylorMade’s core distance iron.

TECHNICAL FEATURES SIM Max Irons

 

  • Available for preorder on January 10 and at retail beginning February 7.
  • The SIM Max irons will be offered in 4-PW (7 pc. set with AW, SW, and LW also available) and come equipped with KBS Max 85 steel shafts (S, R) or Fujikura’s Ventus Blue graphite shafts (7S, 6R & 5A). For women, the SIM Max irons will come equipped with the Aldila NV Ladies shaft.
  • RRP: 999€ steel shaft; 1.149€ graphite shaft.

SIM Max OS – Max distance with enhanced feel

SIM Max OS is equipped with all the same technology that powers SIM Max but bundled into an oversized package with a taller face to increase stability and a wider sole for forgiving turf interaction. The chamfered sole design allows engineers to drive CG low and deep to promote easier launch and significant ball speed. Stronger lofts protect the trajectory and produce a penetrating ball flight that makes SIM Max OS the longest iron in the current TaylorMade line-up.**

TECHNICAL FEATURES SIM Max OS Irons

 

  • Available for preorder on January 10 and at retail beginning February 7.
  • The SIM Max OS irons will be offered in 4-PW (7 pc. set with AW, SW, and LW also available) and come equipped with KBS Max 85 steel shafts (S, R) or Fujikura’s Ventus Blue graphite shafts (7S, 6R & 5A). For women, the SIM Max OS irons will come equipped with the Aldila NV Ladies shaft.
  • RRP: 999€, steel shaft; 1.149€, graphite shaft.

* Faster face claim based on SIM Max 7-iron vs. M6 7-iron at better player swing speed.
** Longest iron in the current TaylorMade line-up claim based on SIM Max OS vs. SIM Max, P790, and P790 Ti 7-iron at better player swing speed.

Fairway Woods, Hybrids / Rescues, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – Reinvention of the iconic V Steel design with the new SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D fairways

January 9, 2020 – The revolutionary SIM drivers of TaylorMade Golf, presented this week, are also accompanied by SIM fairway woods and Rescues from the same spectacular family of golf clubs.

The iconic V Steel design has been reinvented with the new SIM family of fairway metals. Advanced shaping combines with a V Steel sole to improve turf interaction and playability from various lies. 

A more rounded leading edge improves the club’s initial contact with the turf, while the V Steel sole further raises heel and toe sections of the sole away from the ground and improves versatility. These design features combine to significantly reduce turf contact area in SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D fairways, reducing ground friction which can positively influence both clubhead speed and ball speed.

Matching the aesthetics of the SIM driver family, the chromium carbon crown and contrasting chalk white colour help frame the ball at address and improve alignment.

SIM (Ti) FAIRWAY WOOD

The SIM fairway is a 180cc titanium head that combines a lightweight carbon construction with a revolutionary new ZATECH titanium face and a heavy 80g steel sole weight. The strategically positioned weight creates an extremely low CG that allows for increased ball speed, higher launch and improved forgiveness on low-face hits. 

The ZATECH Titanium face is a breakthrough in materials technology that enables TaylorMade engineers to push the limits of speed in a titanium fairway wood. It’s the first time TaylorMade has used this rare and ultra-strong material in the construction of a metalwood. The ZATECH titanium is made in small batches using a unique process that allows engineers to improve the strength of the face while maintaining a high level of ductility. The SIM titanium fairway is engineered for crazy distance with adjustability through the Loft Sleeve.

SIM Max FAIRWAY WOOD

The 185cc SIM Max steel fairway woods are constructed using strong and durable C300 face material. Also featuring the reinvented V Steel for exceptional versatility from all lies, the SIM Max is designed for higher launch and peak trajectories, with extremely long distance and improved playability.

SIM Max-D FAIRWAY WOOD

The oversized 190cc SIM Max-D has been optimised for forgiveness and golfers seeking a draw-bias design. Like SIM drivers, the fairway woods feature progressive head sizes to provide greater forgiveness to the players who need it the most.

“For many golfers V Steel will trigger memories of an iconic product we released more than a decade ago. As we reviewed the research used to develop the original technology, we discovered a massive benefit to having a fairway metal with significantly less turf drag through impact”.

“By pairing V Steel with our technologically advanced materials, we’ve created fairways that are extremely playable, forgiving and provide explosive distance”, says Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade’s Senior Director of Product Creation.

Twist Face

TaylorMade introduced Twist Face to its fairway metal lineup in 2019 and has carried the revolutionary technology into each SIM offering. Like the SIM drivers, the faces have been modified to counteract the gear effect on common mis-hits in the high-toe and low-heel. Although the concept is the same as in the driver, the exact geometry is slightly different to account for the unique mass properties and impact location patterns in fairway woods compared to drivers.

Speed ​​Pocket

The Speed Pocket in SIM fairways has been engineered to provide increased ball speed to the entire face while improving forgiveness on low-face impacts. A slot insert has also been designed to sit flush with the sole to improve sole interaction and eliminate turf drag from the Speed Pocket, aligning with the performance goals of V Steel.

SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D fairways will be available for preorder on January 10 and at retail on February 7, 2020.

  • SIM will be offered in Rocket 3/14°, 3/15° and 5/19° lofts. It will be offered in the Mitsubishi Diamana FW Limited 75 stock shaft, with numerous additional shaft options available at no additional cost. It comes stock with the new Golf Pride Z-Grip (47g). RRP: 419€.
  • SIM Max will be offered in lofts of Rocket 3/14°, 3/15°, 5/18°, 7/21° and 9/24°. Shaft offerings include Fujikura Ventus Blue FW 5 (R and A flexes) and Ventus Blue FW 6 (S and X flexes), with additional custom shaft options available at no additional cost. RRP: 299€.
  • SIM Max-D will be offered in lofts of 3/16°, 5/19° and 7/22°. UST Mamiya’s Helium FW is the stock shaft offering with numerous custom options available at no additional cost. Both models also come stock with the new Golf Pride Z-Grip (47g). RRP: 299€.
  • Women’s offerings for SIM Max and SIM Max-D fairways include the Aldila NV Ladies 45 shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip (38g). RRP: 299€.

SIM Max Rescue

As a long-iron replacement, it’s imperative that hybrids be versatile and playable in all conditions. That’s why TaylorMade has incorporated V Steel technology into a hybrid for the first time in the company’s history with SIM Max Rescue. The clubhead is engineered to deliver improved turf interaction and reduced friction when playing from various lies. A reshaped leading edge works in conjunction with V Steel to further improve playability and strike conditions.

Designers rounded the toe and adjusted the face angle to give SIM Max Rescue a more confidence-inspiring shape at address for all levels of golfers. It utilises the same C300 Steel face used in the SIM Max fairway woods to help improve ball speed, durability and overall performance. The corrective technologies of Twist Face and Speed Pocket offer improved performance and forgiveness on mis-hits on the toe, heel and low on the face.

  • The SIM Max Rescue will be available for preorder on January 10 and at retail on February 7, 2020.It will be offered in the Fujikura Ventus Blue stock shaft, with numerous custom shaft options available at no additional cost. It comes stock with the Lamkin’s Crossline 360 grip (47g). Women’s offerings include the Aldila NV Ladies 45 shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip (38g). RRP: 249€.
Drivers, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – The shape revolution arrives with the new geometry and performance of SIM metalwoods

January 6, 2020 – TaylorMade Golf builds on its history of metalwood innovation and groundbreaking technologies with the all-new SIM family, highlighted by drivers, fairways and hybrids.

With an asymmetric sole design and enhanced Inertia Generator, SIM drivers rely on geometry to unlock the next frontier of performance. A series of shape-inspired innovations work in unison to improve forgiveness while also increasing aerodynamics and clubhead speed at the most critical stage of the swing – the last three feet (one metre) of the swing prior to impact. 

Known as the speed generation zone, this is where the most meaningful increase of clubhead speed occurs. At the Tour level, players commonly accelerate from 90mph to 120mph in that moment of truth. SIM drivers are engineered to improve aerodynamics, and thus clubhead speed, through this critical phase of the golf swing.

SHAPE IN MOTION (SIM): Advanced geometric shaping for aerodynamics, clubhead speed and forgiveness

SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D drivers feature a raised crown and sole to reduce drag and improve airflow throughout the swing. While raising the crown and sole improves aerodynamics, it typically comes with a trade-off in the form of higher CG projection. However, the SIM family of drivers counteract that with the Inertia Generator positioned low and back with a heavy steel weight at the rear of the club. This design element moves the CG projection very low, optimising launch conditions and increasing MOI – providing additional forgiveness for the golfer. 

During aerodynamic testing, TaylorMade discovered the need to rotate the Inertia Generator to match the direction of airflow within the speed generation zone. The result is air that moves smoothly across the sole on the downswing and enhanced clubhead speeds in company tests.

To put it simply, TaylorMade has designed a driver with no tradeoffs. SIM is fast, forgiving, promotes favorable launch conditions and has one of the hottest faces in golf.

“The history of driver design has been about prioritising trade-offs. You could have great launch conditions, but poor forgiveness. You could have great forgiveness, but at the sacrifice of distance. You could have an aerodynamic shape, but with less than optimal launch conditions”.

“But through the use of multi-material technology, we’ve developed a new shape that optimises performance in all three areas. It’s forgiving, fast and promotes the ideal launch conditions,” says Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade’s Senior Director of Product Creation.

An evolution of materials

TaylorMade’s journey to SIM began with the lightweight carbon composite technology the company has developed over the course of the last 15 years. The fifth-generation carbon composite material, which was refined throughout the lifespan of the popular M series, was the key to unlocking a series of new geometric opportunities for TaylorMade engineers. 

By using carbon materials to construct the crown and sole paneling of SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D, designers saved a considerable amount of weight, which was then redeployed into the flagship design feature of SIM drivers – the heavy Inertia Generator that’s positioned low and back in the club.

New for 2020 is an ultra-light weight chromium carbon crown with a chalk white top-line that creates contrast with the black clubface to help frame the ball at address and improve alignment.

Speed Injected Twist Face

In 2019, TaylorMade took Twist Face – the revolutionary face curvature that’s designed to straighten ball flight – to the next level of performance with Speed Injected Twist Face. Exposing the false narrative that speed limits have been reached in a metalwood, this breakthrough technology allows the company to push ball speeds near the legal limit for every driver in the SIM family, particularly on off-centre hits. There are three key features that allow this to occur. 

  • Ultra-thin Titanium face with redesigned Inverted Cone Technology (ICT)  
  • Variable amounts of injected resin based on testing of the face
  • A proprietary algorithm to tune each head

Every SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D driver head is inspected, measured and tuned to maximise speed and to ensure conformity; a process truly unmatched in the golf industry. Where other drivers have a greater level of variation in ball speed from one to the next, TaylorMade’s engineering and development processes effectively deliver a level of precision that ensures every golfer gets a hot and fast driver head.

Sliding Weight Technology and Loft Sleeve

Continuing a history of adjustability and personalisation, the SIM driver features Sliding Weight Technology that allows for up to +/- 20 yards of draw or fade bias. For even further personalisation, the 2° Loft Sleeve allows for the adjustment of the loft, lie angle and face angle of the driver. The Loft Sleeve is available on all three models, while Sliding Weight Technology is only offered in SIM.

SIM DRIVER

SIM driver allows the player who craves customisation and adjustability to optimise ball flight characteristics by creating a +/- 20 yards of draw-fade bias through Sliding Weight Technology and a single 10g weight. It features a slightly smaller face than SIM Max and SIM Max-D, appealing to players who place a premium on adjustability and control.

SIM Max DRIVER

The SIM Max driver is designed to deliver maximum forgiveness. The all-new Inertia Generator positions additional weight at the extreme rear of the club to further increase MOI, providing more forgiveness and slightly higher launch conditions than the SIM driver.

SIM Max-D DRIVER

The SIM Max-D is engineered to help golfers avoid the right side of the course via a strategically placed heel-bias internal weight and divergent topline masking, which makes the driver look more open at address helping golfers close the face at impact. The draw-biased design promotes the highest launch and offers the largest, most forgiving face in the SIM lineup.

Progressive face heights

Using data collected during the development of the Twist Face, which shows the correlation between handicaps and mis-hit dispersion, TaylorMade implemented Progressive Face Heights in SIM drivers.

The SIM Max has an 8% larger face than SIM, while Max-D has an 18% larger face. Data shows that the golfers most likely to gravitate towards the performance features of SIM Max or SIM Max-D will also benefit from the increased forgiveness of a larger face.

“We know that the player who generally purchases a draw-bias driver commonly has the widest area of dispersion across the face. So we wanted to give that golfer the biggest face possible. Using all the data we collected in the development of Twist Face – and learning how big the mis-hit zone is based on handicaps – we really tried to design them for the golfer who’s likely to purchase each of these drivers,” says Tomo Bystedt.

SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D drivers will be available for pre-order on January 10 and at retail on February 7, 2020.

SIM driver will be offered in 8°, 9° and 10.5° lofts. Stock shaft offerings include Mitsubishi Diamana S Limited 60 and Project X’s HZRDUS Smoke Green 70, with numerous custom shaft options available at no additional cost. They come stock with a new Golf Pride Z-Grip (47g). RRP: 579€.

SIM Max and Max-D drivers vienen con lofts de 9º, 10,5º y 12º. SIM Max stock shaft offerings include Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 and Ventus Red 5, with numerous additional shaft options available at no additional cost. SIM Max-D stock shaft offering is the UST Mamiya Helium, with numerous additional shaft options available at no additional cost. Both models also come stock with the new Golf Pride Z-Grip (47g). The women’s offering for both SIM Max and SIM Max-D include the Aldila NV Ladies 45 shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip (38g). RRP: 529€.

TaylorMade Golf, Wedges

TaylorMade Golf – New Hi-Toe Big Foot wedge, easier of use from the sand and rough

August 20, 2019 – In addition to the new MG2 wedges, TaylorMade Golf has also announced the addition of the Hi-Toe Big Foot to the rapidly expanding line. The company’s Hi-Toe wedges, which first launched at the beginning of 2018 and have seen phenomenal success both on Tour and at retail, now welcome a game-improvement option with Hi-Toe Big Foot.

Designed to deliver the same optimal short-game control for a multitude of shots and conditions around the green as the original Hi-Toe, it’s now even easier to play with its super wide sole.

“We have one of the best wedge line-ups on the market but realised that there was still one golfer out there that wasn’t catered for, with Big Foot we now have a game improvement wedge that’s easier to play regardless of course conditions, especially for those who struggle out of bunkers. The Hi-Toe Family of wedges now cover every aspect of the game; versatility, playability and game improvement,” said Bill Price, Senior Director of Product Creation, Putters & Wedges of the company.

Built for versatility around the green, Hi-Toe Big Foot wedges offer an asymmetric C- Grind that is both flatter and has a wider sole at 32mm (compared to traditional wedges which have a sole width of 26mm). Combined with an anti-dig leading edge with maximum bounce of 15°, Hi-Toe Bigfoot significantly enhances playability and ease of use from the sand and rough.

The leading edge of the Hi-Toe Bigfoot is blunter and has a bevelled leading edge radius. Additionally, the middle is now flatter at 32mm wide and with added bounce towards the toe apex to help golfers with an outside in swing path and tendency for the strike location to be towards the toe. The trailing edge offers relief with a slight heel side reduction to help keep the leading edge low alongside allowing for versatility.

Deep CG pockets have been developed to increase spin, flight control and allow for mass to be redistributed to the sole. By creating bigger chambers this has allowed engineers to maximise the width of the sole.

Hi-Toe Big Foot benefits from the same Hi-Toe design technology with an increased toe height upwards of 5mm allowing a higher centre of gravity for a lower launch and more spin. Big Foot’s full-face scoring lines ensure consistent ball contact out of the rough and help increase spin on off-centre strikes.

  • Availability: At retail beginning September 6, Hi-Toe Big Foot wedges will be offered in 58º & 60º lofts (RH only) and come equipped with a KBS Hi-REV 2.0 115g (steel) or UST Recoil w/SmacWrap 65g (graphite) shaft with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet burgundy 360 GEC grip.
  • RRP: 179€ (steel shaft); 199€ (graphite shaft).
Ladies, Lady, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – Refreshed Kalea product line, engineered specifically for women

August 17, 2019 – TaylorMade Golf has announced the introduction of the new Kalea line, a new complete set of eleven clubs thoughtfully designed utilizing many of TaylorMade’s proven technologies to deliver meaningful performance to female players.

TaylorMade is committed to product performance and creating game-changing products designed to make golfers of all skill levels and swing types better; the introduction of Kalea continues to deliver on this commitment with the new and markedly improved offering.

With Kalea, every component has been engineered to deliver easy-to-launch performance through maximum clubhead speed. Every club in the new Kalea set has been meticulously engineered to result in optimal lengths, lofts and proper gapping.

Under the Hood of Kalea…

Kalea utilises proven product technologies such as Speed Pocket technology that allows for flexibility low on the face for high launch and added forgiveness. Further, a low/back centre of gravity provides an easy to launch club with added forgiveness throughout the set.

In the metalwoods and irons, a new, softer and lighter Kalea ULTRALITE graphite shaft has been chosen for its softer flex and lighter overall weight, allowing for increased clubhead speed but also contributing to the set’s lighter overall build.

Kalea is comprised of the following clubs, each gripped with Lamkin’s Sonar Lite 43.5g (woods & irons) and the Lamkin Deep Etched grip (putter): Driver (12º); Fairway Woods 17º (3) & 20º (5); Rescues 26º (#5) & 30º (#6); Irons (7-PW&SW); Spider Mini Putter with Pure Roll insert.

Complementing the full set of clubs is a specially designed lightweight 14-way cart bag that is available in grey/green, charcoal/blue and black/violet colourways, also a FlexTech stand bag option in grey/green.

  • Availability: At retail beginning September 6.
  • RRP: Kalea Driver, 399€; Kalea Fairway, 279€; Kalea Rescues, 249€; Kalea Irons, 679€ (5-piece set); Spider Mini putter, 279€; Kalea Cart Bag, 259€.

Kalea Golf Balls

Rounding out the Kalea product line in 2019 is the introduction of new golf balls, a two-piece ball with a high-energy ReactTM core, soft ionomer cover and low compression (60), engineered for high trajectory, maximum distance off the tee and soft feel into the green.

  • Availability: At retail beginning September 6 and will be offered in white, peach and purple, with the latter two colourways featuring a UV-resistant matte finish.
  • RRP: 25€ per dozen.

Irons, TaylorMade Golf

TaylorMade Golf – The P700 Series lineup, refreshed with the new P·790 Players Distance Irons

August 12, 2019 – Following the resounding global success of the irons that catapulted the model to among the best-selling in company history, TaylorMade Golf, an industry leader in product innovation, technology and performance, has announced the second generation of the P·790 irons. Like its P700 Series siblings, the P·790 irons are a meticulously crafted set combining performance, feel and aesthetics.

By way of its forged face and soft, hollow body construction with SpeedFoam and the debut of the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, speed and forgiveness were the key performance attributes that helped the first-generation P·790 rise to the upper heights of the players distance category.

To improve on an iron as successful as the original P·790, engineers faced the challenge of taking everything learned from its design, refining and emphasising many of the unique design elements that made it so successful without drastically changing its DNA. The result is a forged iron that continues to deliver remarkable distance and playability combined with exceptional feel in a medium-compact head design with a refined topline, more compact blade length and reduced offset preferred by discerning players.

The original P·790 was – and still is – widely considered one of the highest-performing irons in the industry. The all-new 2019 P·790 features a 7% thinner face designed to produce a faster COR and for the first time includes Progressive Inverted Cone Technology (PICT) designed to improved accuracy throughout the set, minimising the right tendency often found in the long irons. The thinner face also maintains sound and feel but enhances feedback regardless of where the ball is struck on the face.

Behind the face of the new P·790 is one of TaylorMade’s most advanced technologies to date: SpeedFoam, a proprietary construction which serves a dual purpose of generating ball speed as well as the management of sound and feel. Injected into the clubhead, SpeedFoam provides the face support and damping properties that make the performance of the P·790 unlike any other iron in the TaylorMade family.

Inside the P·790, a larger mass of tungsten – 15% more than first generation P·790 – has been reshaped to deliver a deeper centre of gravity. This was accomplished through the mass savings in the thinner face as well as by removing mass in the iron frame (high toe area) and repositioning it by way of the larger, low profile tungsten design. The new tungsten design helps to lower the CG and increase the launch angle of the new 2019 model.

The product creation team implemented some refined shaping changes to the new generation P·790 in the continued pursuit of the perfect players distance iron shape. Working from the ground up, the designers tweaked the sole radius for less propensity to dig. The long irons (6-3i) have progressively less offset and the blade length was shaved down slightly in the scoring irons (7-AW) for more compact players iron proportions. Finally, the topline shaping was refined by increasing the face height in the toe for a cleaner progression through the set. The result is a visually appealing shape proportion preferred by better players without being visually intimidating for those who appreciate the forgiving nature of the P·790 design.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE NEW P·790 2019 IRON

  • Availability: At retail on September 6, the new P·790 irons will be offered in 3-PW, AW equipped with True Temper’s Dynamic Gold 105 VSS steel shafts or UST Mamiya’s Recoil 760/780 ES SmacWrap graphite shafts with Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grips. Numerous other custom shaft options are also available.
  • RRP: €1,399 with steel shaft; €1,679 with graphite shaft.