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TaylorMade RocketBallz Tour Driver and Tour Rescue Review

We’ve seen that the RocketBallz fairway woods are ridiculously long but how do the RocketBallz Tour Driver and Rescue compare?

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In case you didn’t know the distinct name is based on testing TMAG tour staffer Dustin Johnson’s experience with the prototype. “I brought the prototype out to some players and Dustin Johnson was the first one to test it,” said Todd Chew, Tour Product Specialist. “He’s unbelievably long, as we all know, but he was just blown away by how far the Rescue was going. Dustin said a couple of times,’It’s like a rocket.” When the prototype returned from initial field testing, Taylormade’s engineers took the creative liberty to etch the name, “RocketBallz,” into both the CAD model and the sole of the prototype clubhead. “I never thought RocketBallz would actually show up on the prototype,” said Todd Beach, Senior Director of Product Engineering, Metalwoods. “Typically, it’s got an MW label and a number on there, whatever our number is. When the prototype came back, I was like, ‘What are you guys doing?’ I can’t believe you put that on there. There’s no way we’re going to call the product that.” The marketing department decided to keep the name. Never has a product name come from the R&D department.

How do the RocketBallz driver and Rescue compare to the fairway wood that boasts an increase of 17 yards? Let’s start with the driver.

TaylorMade RocketBallz Driver TaylorMade has been the #1 driver in golf for almost a decade. With each new line comes new technology, new designs and for TaylorMade, more sales. The move to white was a gutsy decision, one that no other company has done. Cobra makes a white driver but it’s a limited release and this is probably the first time you’ve heard about it. Last year 20% of all golfers converted to white, that’s a big move considering there wasn’t a demand for a different color, let alone a stand out matte white finish. The 2012 TaylorMade RocketBallz driver is a continuation of this white domination. It doesn’t have a speed pocket like the fairway and Rescue do but the driver does offer some unique features. The driver comes in two models, RocketBallz and RocketBallz Tour. For this review I will be focusing on the RocketBallz Tour. The great feature of both drivers it that they are tunable at $299. Something TMAG thought was important since they place so much emphasis on the golfer being fitter for correct equipment.

Technology While the RBZ driver doesn’t have the R11’s moveable weights or adjustable sole plate, it does have adjustable technology so you can optimize launch conditions for your swing. This is TaylorMade’s Flight Control Technology (FCT). This is a feature that wasn’t available with the Burner clubs. The FCT system (a user-adjustable hosel) allows a golfer to select their choice of eight settings, each of which has a different effect on the club head’s face, loft, and lie angles. TaylorMade says the FCT settings are capable of affecting the ball’s side-to-side trajectory as much as 60 yards. If you’re a slicer, you can choose a setting that sets the face more to the left for a straighter ball flight. If you like to hit draws, you have the face more open, aimed to the right, at address.

A non-adjustable screw in the back of the head is actually a weight cartridge that lowers the head’s center of gravity. The club’s Thin-Thick crown design also lowers and moves the center of gravity closer to the face. TaylorMade says the result is less spin, a higher ball flight and more distance. TaylorMade also says the Inverted Cone clubface technology built into the Rocketballz driver promotes faster ball speeds even when the sweet spot is missed.

The standard (non-tour) RocketBallz driver has a more shallow profile. TaylorMade adjusted the face height to make the face smaller and more aerodynamic. TaylorMade says you’ll see a benefit of two to three percent from the previous Burner Superfast. TaylorMade says this helps golfers achieve a higher launch angle and helps lessen the fade or slice because the CG is lower. The tour head looks more compact at address and the face is much deeper than the standard RocketBallz driver. The RBZ Tour driver is going to help players with higher swing speeds reduce or optimize their spin rates. TaylorMade says the RocketBallz and R11S go longer than any driver they’ve ever made. Both models are right at the speed limit that they can get them to in terms of aerodynamics, club speed and performance (FCT). Club head speed is maxed with the CG being further apart and closer to the face for more ball speed and one of TaylorMade’s standard features the Inverted Cone design for optimal ball speed.

Last year’s Superfast was a light and long (in terms of the length of the shaft) golf club. From TaylorMade’s testing they found golfers preferred a club that was slightly shorter and offered better control. So the RocketBallz driver is half an inch shorter, at 46 inches, the company claims the shaft is still long enough to help increase swing speed, but the slightly shorter length also helps promote accuracy.

We’re setting a new standard in the driver category as speed, adjustability and Tour-validated performance have never been so affordable, said executive vice president Sean Toulon. ―The name RocketBallz is obviously polarizing and helps capture the distance performance story but golfers cannot overlook the power of tuning these new products. Never before have we had so many fitting options in a single driver franchise; there’s a RocketBallz driver out there for everyone. Sean Toulon, TMAG Executive Vice President/div>

Esthetics Like all TaylorMade drivers now the crown is matte white with a PVD black face. TaylorMade first used this white/black color combination in it’s most recent Burner and R11 clubs. TaylorMade says this will help your alignment and eliminate glare. The white color also makes the 460cc RBZ driver appear slightly larger, which when compared to the size of the ball, TMAG feels, adds confidence when teeing off.

Also on the crown are lime/silver graphics towards the outer edges helping with the visuals. I’m sure they did some testing and found the head might look awkward if the entire crown was white, the graphics help frame everything at address. The tour head has much less of a triangle look and the deeper face helps prompt you to tee the ball high, which I like for a driver. Hitting the ball with a high/center contact helps launch it higher with less spin due to vertical gear effect. The black finish of the clubface really pops against the white background, and accompanied by the ahina ion plated shaft, it’s a unique and great looking club. If I’m being picky I’d like to see less of the face towards the heel section of the club. At address that was a part that stood out to me. The heel is a little too prominent to my eye.

Both the standard and tour RocketBallz heads are more traditonal looking than the Burner Superfast. As I said earlier, the Burner’s design is more progessive, triangular shaped. The biggest difference between the tour and standard RocketBallz is the added depth to the face of the tour model.

Playability and Feel For this review I ordered a tour head, 9 degrees with the Matrix X-Con 6. I think this is a good shaft and offers a little more torque than HD6, something I like for this head. With my initial swings I noticed the head has a heavier feel to it. I measured the swingweight and it came out to D5, which is close to what the TaylorMade website says it should be. The slightly heavier swingweight just gave me a better sense of control but didn’t really effect any of my shots. I also adjusted the clubhead to the “Open” setting because I like the way a driver looks when it’s aimed slightly right.

What really stands out with this driver is how forgiving off center hits are. Misses off the toe stayed pretty straight and distance was great even on mishits. Center hits are long as well, and with a high launch. Definitely one of the longest drivers I’ve ever hit. All shots come off fast. Testing the RBZ Tour driver on a Foresight launch monitor I found that I was averaging 295.4 yards total per drive with a spin rate of 2883 rpm. Good numbers for me since I use to battle spinning my driver too much. I’ve made some recent swing adjustments that has really helped me take advantage of technology like the RBZ driver. Making sure I’m playing the ball off my left toe and having my hips pushed a few inches more forward than with a standard iron shot.

One feature that I didn’t like was the sound of the club. It’s too loud for my liking, especially off toe-center hits. It’s a very loud somewhat distracting sound. Mishits sound more harsh, it is not a quiet driver. I’m not used to getting a few looks while hitting my driver on the range. Overall though the feel of the driver and performance negates any sound complaints, at least for me. What matters is that good swings result in huge drives and mis-hits are still long and playable.

Specs The RocketBallz driver is offered in two models to cater to a wide range of players.The RBZ driver is available in three lofts – 9.5°, 10.5° and HL (high-launch), while the RBZ Tour comes in 9° and 10.5°. The standard RBZ SuperFast Matrix Ozik XCON 5 shaft comes in four shaft flexes – S, R, M and L. The RBZ Tour model comes equipped with a Matrix Ozik XCon 6, 55-gram shaft in X, S and R flexes, with the option of 25 additional shaft choices. Both RocketBallz drivers are available at $299

TaylorMade RocketBallz Tour Rescue TaylorMade says until now, hybrids have yet to benefit from a technology that adds significant speed to the face. The new TaylorMade RocketBallz Rescue golf clubs not only received high scores in every category on Golf Digest’s 2012 Hot List, but was the leader in three of those categories. According to TaylorMade, the RocketBallz hybrid golf clubs allow you to launch the ball higher and gain needed carry distance. The lighter shaft used on these hybrids and the lower center of gravity is what helps accomplish this. The large head accompanied with the white matte finish separates these hybrids from the multitude of generic black hybrids you’ll find in your local golf store.

Technology Two models of RocketBallz Rescues are being offered, standard and Tour. The standard model incorporates a lightweight shaft and lightweight grip to promote increased swing speed. The clubface is large and deep, yet the CG is located low and forward, a combination that’s desirable yet difficult to achieve. TaylorMade says they made this possible by employing both our Ultra-Thin Wall casting process and TaylorMade’s Thick-Thin crown design. TaylorMade adds that this combination promotes faster ball speed, a higher launch angle and lower spin-rates helping golfers hit it longer. The RocketBallz Tour Rescue has a comparatively smaller address appearance, a slightly open face angle, a toe-weighted CG, and is equipped with a heavier, stiffer shaft. A much better fit for players that have faster swing speeds and don’t need help reducing their slice.

These hybrids use the same approach as the RBZ fairway metals to boost ball speed off the face. To achieve the higher ball speed, the RocketBallz fairway woods and Rescues were developed with a high-strength 455 steel face plate welded to a cast body. They incorporate improved sole geometry and a speed pocket to improve overall head and face flexibility and a slightly deeper face with a further-forward CG location than other hybrid designs. The speed pocket can be found on the sole of the Rescue, it’s a larger and deeper cavity than the Adams woods that have similar technology.

There is also a Tour model which has, compared to the standard RocketBallz hybrid, a more compact appearance at address, a more open face angle, and a heavier, stiffer shaft.

The overall weight of the Rocketballz Rescue is less than 350g. Thanks to the lightweight 65g shaft, lightweight grip and the benefits of the Rocketballz technology, the Rocketballz hybrid is one of the longest in TaylorMade’s history.

The RocketBallz fairway woods and Rescues represent a game-changing breakthrough in performance comparable to few products in the history of our industry. To hold a RocketBallz metalwood in your hands is to possess confidence, power, speed and distance potential that will regularly and quite literally redefine the long game for golfers. Sean Toulon, TMAG Executive Vice President/div>

Esthetics For a hybrid club it looks great. The tour head is larger than other tour or pro model hybrids on the market but I think that works in it’s favor. The standard and even the Tour Rescue comes closer to resembling the shape of a five or seven wood than utility irons. Both the standard RocketBallz Rescue and the Tour version will feature a flat white crown color and black PVD face for what TaylorMade says provides optimum contrast to makes it easy to align the face accurately at address. The white crown color also eliminates the glare and “hot spots” that you might notice with gloss-finish metalwoods.

Playability and Feel I tested and played with an 18.5° Tour Rescue with a Re*AX 85 HB. Hitting ten shots on a Foresight launch monitor I averaged 229.29 yards with the Tour Rescue. I didn’t put this up against my current hybrid because the hybrid I use is 20°. It also launches as high as my 20°. The sole has some nice camber from toe to heel which I feel helps the club be more versatile from different kinds of lies (lies in the rough, divots and in the sand). The RBZ Rescue has a similar crushing sound as the RBZ fairway which makes hitting the club an enjoyable experience. I think the head size of this club is perfect, sometimes “tour” model clubs can look overly intimidating. This Rescue gives you some confidence because of the slightly larger head. What I want in a hybrid is something that launches high, consistently hits a certain distance and doesn’t curve very much. Out of those ten shots I hit on the Foresight monitor, the shortest was 226 and the longest was 231. If I can get that kind of control from that distance, I’ll be very happy.

The overall balance and weight of the club feels great. For some with higher swing speeds it may be on the light side at 85 grams but for me it performs nicely. The weight and look of the club encourages you to take a little turf and even shots high or low on the face are given a better chance of turning out well. Golf, as we all know, is a game of how well you hit your bad shots.

Specs The RocketBallz Rescues come standard with a 65-gram graphite shaft in four flexes (S, R, M, L). It’s offered in four lofts for right-handed golfers only (Lofts: 3-19°, 4-21°, 5-24°, 6-27°). The RocketBallz Tour Rescues come standard with an 85-gram graphite shaft in three flexes (X, S, R). They’re offered in four lofts for right-handed golfers only (Lofts: 2-16.5°, 3-18.5°, 4-21.5°). Additionally, a selection of 5 custom TP shafts are available for purchase.

RocketBallz Rescues: $179 RocketBallz Tour Rescues: $179 RocketBallz Rescues with TP shaft upgrade: $229

Conclusion The hottest name in golf lives up to it’s hype. I was impressed with what the TaylorMade RocketBallz Tour Driver and Tour Rescue had to offer. I loved how each of them performed. My only complaint with the driver was about the loud impact quality of the RBZ driver. For some it might be too distracting but the driver performs well. The only “problem” with the Rescue is that it might go too far, causing some distance gaps in that 190-220 yard range. So if you buy one, you might find yourself saving for another one of a different loft. Good thing there are many different options and shafts to choose from.

If you’re in the market for a new driver but don’t want to spend four or five hundred dollars on a premium driver, the RocketBallz driver is a great option, for some maybe a better fit than the R11S, at $299. The RBZ driver gives you some great options for customizing your driver allowing you to adjust the loft (±1.5 degrees) and face angle (±3 degrees). The Tour Rescue has similar characteristics to the RBZ fairway wood and is an easy choice if you want to pick up some distance and forgiveness in this area of your game. If you’re turned off by the white crowns, don’t be, they can be just as attractive, and more functional, as a shinny black crown.

1 thought on “TaylorMade RocketBallz Tour Driver and Tour Rescue Review”

they say you gain about 17 yds with driver and i in fact gained about 30-60 more. i am a below avg driver of the ball anywhere from just over 200, with most in the 225 or so range and a good hit 250 or slightly more. i tried a friends rocketballz and hit it bad. he said try one more swing. boom. it went 290. straight and high down the middle. we all looked on in shock. now do i always hit it now 290? no. mostly because i am not trying to swing as hard as i can. but with a medium effort i am now 250-260 consistently. i think i lucked out and without fitting i got the right club and shaft for me…it has to be that as i cannot think of another explanation. my old razr hawk tour is sold and rockeballz (standard version in 9.5 stiff with zero adjustments have not adjusted it at all) is unbelievable. weeks later the honeymoon has not worn off. it is staggeringly good.

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TaylorMade RBZ Driver Review (Our Honest Feedback)

The TaylorMade RBZ Driver is a solidly-built club that can certainly help your game, especially if you are a mid-to-high handicapper who is looking to upgrade their equipment for the tee box.

With strong stability throughout the swing, the RBZ has incredible feel at impact. You’ll certainly enjoy how this club responds to striking the golf ball.

Although the RBZ is roughly a third as costly as some of the company’s more expensive drivers, the club does come with some adjustable features, such as a loft sleeve that can alter the loft of the club face for more control over the launch angle.

In this TaylorMade RBZ driver review, we’ll share our findings and help you make a purchase decision.

TaylorMade RBZ Driver

Adjustable Driver for Mid Handicappers

Check Price on Global Golf

• Titanium weight in rear of driver promotes higher launch
• Very forgiving driver that helps keep the ball in the fairway
• Speed pocket delivers exceptional swing velocity and added distance after impact
• Stable throughout the swing with terrific feel and response throughout the swing
• Not as fast as the company’s M-series line of drivers
• Missing more desired adjustable features like movable weighting

Featuring the company’s patented speed pocket technology with a sleek satin black finish for better contrast with the golf ball, the TaylorMade RBZ Driver is a high performer that should have a place in your bag.

Very affordable, the RBZ driver isn’t to the stature of other TaylorMade drivers, such as their acclaimed M-series line of #1 woods, but it will provide you with a dependable tool to help improve your drives.

Alternatives to TaylorMade RBZ Driver

Wilson staff d7 driver.

Best For Adding Distance To Your Game

• Ultralight driver with incredible swing speed for longest drives of your career
• Three-piece crown built from carbon fiber produces little vibration and crisp feel, response
• Three different loft designs to choose from with different launch angle on each driver
• No adjustable features on D7 is disappointing but hard to beat this straightforward powerhouse driver

The Wilson Staff D7 Driver provides a different feel and look when compared to the TaylorMade RBZ Driver. While the RBZ has a lower profile, the D7 offers more power and strength, great if you need extended distance off the tee box.

The D7 features several worthwhile highlights from a lightweight, composite crown to a re-engineered weighting for better launch performance. Wilson has crafted the D7 Driver to provide maximum swing speed.

You won’t find adjustable features on the D7, but that’s not the point with this club. Instead, this club exists to get the ball further down the fairway.

There are three loft options available with the D7 Driver. What’s great about each degree option is that Wilson has tailored each model to provide a different shot shape.

For the 9-degree driver, the weight is moved further up in the driver to provide more distance with a lower flight with less spin. With each successive driver loft, the weight is adjusted to help with carry and launch angle.

Another highlight on the D7 Driver is the feel and response after impact. Throughout the swing, the club provides an even and smooth experience. At impact, the D7 Driver dampens vibration for a cleaner strike.

Although it doesn’t have adjustable features, the driver is forgiving, helping to keep your off-center hits along the target line.

Great, if you are looking for a distance driver that maximizes your yardage, the Wilson D7 Driver delivers a punch off the tee box that is worth seeking out.

Cobra King F8 Driver

Best Budget Driver

• Features adjustable loft sleeve and adjustable weighting for ultimate control
• Precision milled face creates lightweight clubhead for maximum distance through boosted swing speed
• Ultralight carbon fiber crown moves the center of gravity lower in the club head for increased launch angle
• Aerodynamic club head assists in reducing drag for faster swing velocity and boosted distance
• Would like to see more movability in the weighting as the weights are static in the F8
• Forgiveness is strong, but can be tricky if you don’t have the settings correct on the driver that work best for your swing

Another solid addition to the King Cobra series of drivers, the King F8 is a well-made driver that can deliver high performance from the tee box.

With an emphasis on more distance and higher forgiveness, the King F8 features two adjustable components that can alter shots with more control from the golfer.

The F8 has an adjustable loft sleeve that can add or subtract loft from the club’s face to help the golfer alter their launch angle from the driver.

With one quick twist of the company’s tool, the F8 can slide into a new position to help golfers fight off tough wind or keep their shots lower if they are struggling with accuracy.

The driver also features two areas where the golfer can adjust weighting to promote higher drives and adjust the balance if they are trying to combat slicing or other shot flaws.

Easy to replace, the weights cannot move, but are simple to relocate or switch out if you need more weight in either the rear or hosel side of the driver.

Perfect for the beginning golfer who would like to upgrade their driver and enjoy features more commonly associated with elite drivers, the F8 is a dynamic club well worth the consideration.

Technical Specifications

Adjustable hosel to create loft setting.

The adjustable loft setting on the RBZ is a nice addition to the driver because it allows you more control over the height of your shots. Say, for example, that you are playing in windy conditions.

By lowering the loft on the club face through the loft sleeve, you can keep your drives under the wind above the trees for more effective drives.

Speed Pocket for High Launch and Lower Spin

The RBZ’s speed pocket is located directly behind the center of the club face for more directed energy to the golf ball. The patented technology helps the golfer create more swing speed for better distance via the accelerated velocity of the club head.

The RBZ’s speed pocket also provides the golfer with reduced spin after impact for straighter shots and far less shot killing side spin that can attribute to slices and hooks.

Satin Black Finish for High Contrast

Another eye-popping feature of the TaylorMade RBZ driver is the satin black finish that provides exceptional contrast with the golf ball.

Some drivers make it difficult to find the center of the club face due to their exterior color design, but by keeping the look of the RBZ’s head black with white piping, the company provides a clear mark for alignment.

Things to consider before buying a driver

New drivers provide new technology.

What many golfers fail to acknowledge when buying a driver is how new technology can help their game.

If you are playing with a driver from ten years ago, then are not taking advantage of the new design methods that golf equipment manufacturers have used to create additional swing speed and distance.

As Brian Bazzell, senior director of product creation at TaylorMade Golf, told Golf.com last year , “The case for a new driver isn’t that much different than that for a new cell phone: If you’ve got one that’s four or five years old, then you’re failing to take full advantage of modern technology.

“Players who are okay with outdated performance don’t need new clubs. If that’s you, fine, but you’ll always be lagging behind the players who do invest in new gear, which is vastly superior to older equipment.”

New drivers feature larger sweet spots, more forgiveness on off-center strikes, and improved aerodynamics for less drag (meaning more swing speed).

Adjustable Features Help Tailor A Driver for Your Game

Another area where new drivers can boost your game is through the control offered by adjustable features. Golfers can easily alter the height of their shots off the tee box through a quick adjustment of a driver’s loft sleeve. 

The driver’s loft sleeve can add a degree or take one off the club face for higher or lower drives. This is a feature that is very helpful in windy situations where the golfer can either take advantage of a backwind or adjust to keep the ball lower to combat a side wind.

Movable weighting can also increase a golfer’s control by creating a different swing for the amateur.

Let’s say that you suffer from hitting slices and need help to correct that flaw, a slight tweak of the weighting of the driver will allow you to reduce the side spin imparted on the golf ball.

Large Sweet Spot Promotes Forgiveness and Distance

Another area of new drivers that can significantly help a struggling golfer is a larger sweet spot that can aid in keeping off-center shots straighter.

As we know, amateur golfers can, at times, have difficulty with hitting the ball in the center of the club face.

On those occasions where the ball drifts from the center of the face, a golfer can experience thin shots that fly wide of their intended target.

Companies have continually worked over the years to design drivers that have larger sweet spots to help golfers who hit drives off the toe or hosel areas of the club find the fairway with increasing accuracy.

Yes, a golfer is going to get the most from their driver if it finds the center of the club face, but when it doesn’t a new driver will certainly outperform an older model with regards to keeping the ball straighter.

Forgiveness and distance are the two most important features of a driver. Golfers want the ball to go as far as possible with as much accuracy as the club can muster.

Since many weekend warriors have swings that are less than fundamentally sound, having a new driver can undoubtedly help golfers improve their game.

Features & Benefits

Key Feature #1: Adjustable Loft Sleeve

One of the best things that a golfer can buy when finding a new driver is a #1 wood with adjustable features. From setting the loft to fine-tuning the weighting and balance of the club head, purchasing an adjustable driver puts a golfer in total control of their equipment.

With the TaylorMade RBZ driver, you’ll have the option to adjust the loft of the club face through the loft sleeve.

With the simple crank of the included tool, golfers can adjust their driver’s face to their liking with exact loft angle roughly one degree in either direction, whether it be a higher loft or lower loft .

By having adjustable features on your driver, you can dial-in the shotmaking capabilities that will have you teeming with confidence.

The loft sleeve on the RBZ does just that by allowing you to modify the height of your drive, which is especially helpful in windy conditions when you want to hit a lower shot.

Key Feature #2: Patented Speed Pocket for More Swing Velocity

There are several golf equipment manufacturers that tout a speed pocket feature to their drivers. What sets the TaylorMade RBZ apart from similar drivers is that it feels solid throughout impact.

You’ll immediately notice when you first grip the RBZ how stable it feels in your hand during the swing.

The speed pocket feature in the RBZ driver is a large reason why we loved the repeatability of the driver on the range.

When you are practicing with this club, the exceptional response after impact will have you wanting to never leave your practice area as ball after ball feels like a shotgun blast off the sweet spot.

In technical terms, the speed pocket on the RBZ promotes higher launch angle for more distance but provides that without the dreaded side spin that can cause those ugly slices and hooks.

When you purchase the RBZ driver, you are paying for its stability and distance, both of which come from the speed pocket feature on this driver.

Key Feature #3: Matrix White Tie Shaft

We normally don’t talk much about the stock shafts that companies put in their clubs, especially since so many golfers go for modified shafts after purchasing their driver, but the Matrix White Tie shaft had us all impressed throughout our RBZ testing.

Light and very responsive, the Matrix White shaft comes to play with incredible stability and feel throughout the swing.

Some golfers are afraid to dial up their swing to maximum because they aren’t sure if their driver is up to the task, but I can assure you that the Matrix White shaft we tested with the RBZ is more than capable of bringing the power on swing after swing.

When testing the driver on the Trackman, we noticed that the Matrix White shaft delivered consistently unreal swing speed that was beyond impressive for our vast array of testers.

From high handicappers to our scratch golfers, the shaft was well received during our time with the club. 

Key Feature #4: Titanium Core for High Launch

When swinging a driver for the first time, an experienced golfer can feel if the club head is balanced or has slight adjustments to help amateurs craft a certain type of shot.

For example, in the RBZ driver, the club has a titanium core that moves the center of gravity deeper and further back in the driver’s head for more launch at impact.

For beginners and high handicappers, the difference won’t be noticeable, and instead they’ll marvel at the boost in launch angle and the way a new driver can surprise you at first glance.

More experienced golfers may wish for more adjustability in the head through moveable weights, but the RBZ driver isn’t as sophisticated as the elite drivers that cost three times as much.

The RBZ driver is a workhorse that delivers power from the tee with a large helping hand of the titanium core that assists in directing more energy to the golf ball for higher ball speed off the face and exceptional distance. 

Key Feature #5: Satin Black Finish for Contrast at Address

Another important feature that gets overlooked by amateur golfers is how the look of a driver’s head can improve vision through contrast.

The TaylorMade RBZ driver has a satin black finish with outlines on the crown to improve your alignment and contrast with the golf ball. Instead of seeking to find the true center of the club head, the finish will have you sitting dead center before each swing.

The RBZ’s look certainly promotes confidence in the golfer and during our testing, we noticed that the sleek and stylish look of the club gave us a reassurance that translated to the range.

It may seem silly that the style of a club would help calm you down on the tee, but a fine crafted club can do just that. 

When you contrast the RBZ to other drivers that may not have the production treatment that the TaylorMade driver does, you’ll notice that those drivers tend to receive poorer reviews and get cast aside quickly once they don’t respond like first-rate drivers do on the course.

Key Feature #6: The RBZ Provides Incredible Forgiveness

When we talked about the lower and deeper center of gravity on the RBZ, we certainly noted that the higher launch of the club came with additional forgiveness.

For weekend warriors, there might be some confusion as to what technically occurs when a reviewer says the club has incredible forgiveness.

As we look at the RBZ driver, we noticed that the ball came off the club with reduced side spin. When you see someone hit a big sweeping slice, that occurs when they impart side spin on the golf ball at impact.

The side spin usually occurs when the golfer is using a swing that comes from the inside and finishes on the outside of the correct swing path.

Professional golfers will impart spin on purpose to control the flight of the golf ball, but amateurs may be looking for more muscle and want to increase their distance without sacrificing accuracy.

For those golfers, the RBZ driver has been built for you, to increase yardage off the tee without worrying too much about the ball going off-line.

Key Feature #7: The RBZ Driver Creates Impressive Distance

With the combination of the titanium core, the speed pocket and the lower center of gravity provided by the rear weight, the trio creates incredible distance in the RBZ. On the range, our testers were greatly impressed by the distance that the RBZ generated on each and every swing.

What really works for the RBZ is the feel at impact. If you hit the ball in the sweet spot, you are going to know it immediately and the resulting drive will delight you. While watching our testers hit the TaylorMade RBZ, I was taken with how often they were smiling while using the driver. This is a fun club to use, whether it be on the range or course.

In the TaylorMade line of drivers, the RBZ isn’t as bombastic as some of their truly top-of-the-line drivers, such as anything in their M-series, but if you are a mid to high handicapper looking for a better driver with increased launch for more distance, then this driver should be at the top of your list.

Key Feature #8: The RBZ Driver Promotes High Launch

The rear aligned weight in the back of the RBZ’s club head is there to help you get the ball into the air. If you struggle with low launch angle and are looking to get more air for greater distance from your driver, than the RBZ is here to help you. The design of the club is quite intelligent as the weight helps power the driver’s titanium core and the RBZ’s large head for increased energy sent directly to the golf ball.

And that type of design is what you want if you are a golfer struggling to get yardage from your driver. You want the help of the club to make your drives more consistent, straighter and leave the club with more velocity. The RBZ does an admirable job at providing more distance with greater forgiveness than other drivers you will find at this price point.

Key Feature #9: The RBZ Driver Provides Low Spin for Straighter Shots

The club’s wide sweet spot gives the golfer more room for error, and that is comforting if you aren’t having a great day at the course. Good golf equipment provides a buffer zone on off-center strikes for the mid-level golfer. If you are struggling to make solid contact, you’ll notice by the quality of the shots, but a driver like the RBZ will help keep the ball toward the target with its low spin.

Finding a driver with low spin is crucial for reducing those ugly slices and hooks that so many amateurs suffer from on the tee box. When our swings are not fundamentally sound, we impart side spin on the golf ball, causing shots that land far from our intended destination. Good equipment can help reduce the punitive damages of those swings by lowering the spin imparted on the golf ball.

The RBZ is quite adept at assisting you in keeping the ball on the fairway where it needs to be for lower scores.

Key Feature #10: Large Titanium Head for Increased Swing Speed

The 460cc head is made from titanium on the RBZ driver and it certainly packs a punch when you hit the ball in the center of the clubface. Powered by the company’s patented speed pocket technology, the TaylorMade driver utilizes every bit of the club head to power the golf ball on drive after drive.

During our testing, we noted that the titanium head is lightweight despite its rather large size, providing plenty of MPH to the golf ball at impact. While the driver may not reach the heights of the company’s newer M-series drivers, it still delivers impressive distance off the face.

When you get the RBZ driver onto the range, you’ll notice how solidly built the club is and how the head is part of that stability. On some drivers, the club head won’t feel a part of the club, it works almost independently in a way. But the RBZ doesn’t fall victim to that syndrome, instead creating an extension that generates power to the golf ball for some truly awe-inspiring drives.

Questions & Answers

What level of golfer does the TaylorMade RBZ benefit the most?

As mentioned in our TaylorMade RBZ Driver review above, mid-to-high handicappers will benefit the most from the RBZ driver. With the adjustable loft sleeve, golfers can either increase or decrease the launch angle of the RBZ driver, giving them more control over the height of their drives. While that might not seem like a huge factor for inexperienced golfers, thinking more strategically about your golf game is something crucial for taking the next step toward lower scores.

The TaylorMade RBZ driver is a fundamentally sound driver that is rock solid throughout the swinging process from takeaway to impact, the golfer will never feel like they are getting loose with their swing. The rear-centered weight helps golfers who are having difficulty getting the ball into the air for maximum flight that will assist in increasing the average yardage on each drive.

Why should a golfer get a driver with adjustable features?

Golfers should highly consider an adjustable feature driver because they offer far more control than regular fixed hosel drivers. Even for beginning golfers who may not take advantage of all that these drives offer, adjustable drivers can provide a stepping stone to increasing distance, improving accuracy and learning what makes you the best golfer you can possibly be.

Golfers should look for adjustable loft sleeves to alter the height of drives and adjustable weighting that can help with creating new flight paths of the golf ball and assist in solving the problems created by those tricky slices and hooks.

Adjustable features allow golfers to tweak their equipment to their liking. Rather than having to fit into a one-size-fits-all model of golfing equipment, drivers like the RBZ can help the amateur find their swing.

Why does the RBZ’s speed pocket promote high launch and low spin?

The RBZ’s speed pocket is something that most drivers contain in some form and assists in producing energy that is transferred to the golf ball at impact. Behind the club face , the pocket is situated to allow the driver to transfer maximum velocity to the golf ball without increasing spin for more distance.

The speed pocket reduces spin through stability. Rather than twist or torque at impact, the speed pocket provides a solid foundation for hitting the golf ball without imparting side spin upon the golf ball. Side spin is something golfers want to avoid because that creates instability in a ball’s flight from the club face, making it more vulnerable to the wind and other elements that could affect the intention of the shot.

The TaylorMade speed pocket is a revolutionary innovation that benefits clubs like the RBZ driver by providing more dependability through impact.

Why can a new driver create more distance for a golfer?

Golfers looking to upgrade to a new driver but unsure that the price will result in lower scores are not taking into account that the new technology provided by a new #1 wood will create a whole new game. Especially for inexperienced golfers playing lesser clubs, new equipment can be a game-changer in the development of their skill set.

New drivers are designed to be more aerodynamic for less drag to provide less resistance for increased distance. Simply put, older drivers cannot replicate the abilities of a new driver because the younger club is featuring technology that the old driver could never feature.

Yes, new equipment alone won’t result in magic results for a golfer, but in connection with learning more about the game , a new club, like the RBZ driver, can increase the potential and ceiling for the player.

What other benefits can beginning golfers receive from a new driver?

Besides distance, golfers can expect a new driver to aid in accuracy through forgiveness. New drivers are made to lessen the penalty when a golf ball drifts off-center and finds more of the toe or hosel of the club face.

With a new driver, golfers are taking advantage of the technology that makes present-day drivers more stable through the impact zone. Without the twisting that older drivers can experience, golfers can be free to swing with more power, creating jaw-dropping distance without being penalized with poor accuracy.

New drivers are best served for golfers who are on the precipice of making that leap to the next tier. Whether it be a beginner looking to become a mid-handicapper or a mid-level golfer ready to get into the single-digit handicap tier , new equipment can create more forgiveness, more control, and better accuracy from your shots.

The TaylorMade RBZ is a fine driver with several first-rate qualities that place it among the best drivers available at an affordable price point.

In this TaylorMade RBZ Driver review, we loved the construction of the club and the solid feel the driver had throughout the swing.

There’s nothing flimsy about the RBZ, in that, you’ll feel completely comfortable with each tee shot as it delivers muscle to the golf ball.

Great for maximum effort swings, the RBZ driver may not provide you with complete control as the only adjustable feature is the loft sleeve, but that doesn’t mean the driver is a one-trick pony.

With a sleek look that aligns easily, the RBZ driver features a titanium core and speed pocket that focuses its energy directly to the golf ball for eye-popping distance and accuracy.

We hope this TaylorMade RBZ driver review will help you to make a purchase decision.

Ideal for the mid handicapper looking to make the jump to a more advanced driver without raiding their wallet, the TaylorMade RBZ is a high quality, well proven driver.

Driver Reviews

Taylormade rbz stage 2 driver: editor review.

Pros: The RBZ Stage 2 drivers have larger faces and different center of gravity positions than TaylorMade’s pricer, more adjustable R1 driver. For some testers, this meant that one or both of the Stage 2 drivers performed better than the R1.

Cons: Some will not care for the graphics, and the sound isn’t as muted on the non-Tour model as some others we tested.

Bottom Line:  Both of the Stage 2 drivers are on the short list for “Driver of the Year” and the 2013 GolfWRX Editor’s Choice award. They’re currently priced at $249 and $299 (Tour), which makes them a lot of driver for the money.

Like the R1, TaylorMade’s RocketBallz Stage 2 drivers have bold-looking graphics on their white crowns. TaylorMade continues to refine its manufacturing processes to allow a more optimal weight management.

In the new Stage 2 drivers, TaylorMade was able to move the center of gravity in the head lower and forward than last year’s models, which the company says promotes faster ball speeds and reduced spin.

During our testing we were surprised by performance of the Stage 2, which was a fit better for many than the TaylorMade R1 Driver that dominates the tours. Some testers also preferred the more subtle graphics over the bold stripes found on the R1, and others said the looks of the heads, which have larger faces than the R1, gave them more confidence to go after the ball a little harder.

Using the Stage 2’s three-degree adjustable loft sleeve, one of our testers was able to lower his spin from 2800 to 2100 on average, increasing carry distance more than 10 yards.

It was a difference that he could not discern with his eye alone, which is why we cannot stress enough the importance of getting properly fit by a qualified custom fitter on a launch monitor.

Click here to see the full article on the RBZ Stage 2 lineup, as well as more photos .

The RBZ Stage 2 drivers are available in a standard version with lofts of 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 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 $249.

The Tour Version ($299) comes in 9- and 10.5-degree lofts with Matrix’s 6Q3 or 7Q3 “Red Tie” shaft. Its standard length is 45.5 inches with a D4 swing weight.

Both drivers feature TaylorMade’s 3-degree loft sleeve, which adjusts loft and face angle simultaneously.

Black clubface, non-glare white crown and new crown decal all promote easy alignment.

Performance.

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 move the CG lower and more forward. This lowers spin, giving higher-speed players the flatter trajectory they need to maximize carry and roll.

There’s a reason that it’s cheaper than the R1, however.

Its adjustable hosel lags 1 degree behind the R1, which can be adjusted in 0.5-degree increments in a 4-degree range. With the Stage 2, golfers only have a 3-degree range, and no face angle adjuster. That means that when loft is reduced, the face opens, and when the loft is increased, the face is closed.

[youtube id=”9m5WSc9zB9M” width=”600″ height=”350″]

The Stage 2 also lacks the removable weights that give golfers the ability to tune their shot shape and swing weight without lead tape or hot melt/rat glue.

Excerpt of a review from GolfWRX member golfpromt

“Some may consider the Stage 2 a secondary line solely to the price point compared to the R1 or competitors. I will tell you right now, you would be making a MAJOR mistake. This head FLAT OUT PERFORMS!!!!   I was concerned that this head would be a loud, tin sounding, spinning head. Wow, was I completely and totally wrong.

While the sound off the head does not have a muted sound the “pang” you hear does ring higher than many we tested. Tolerable for sure and while some might not like it there are others that are just the opposite. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Thick-Thin crown provides lower and more-forward CG location promoting faster ball speed, high launch and low spin

The head has a muted solid sound that delivers excellent feedback but remains forgiving. All this while pumping it out farther than you would expect. I am confident saying that any other competitor would be ecstatic to launch this line as their only offering for the year . . .

As far as the graphics go, when I saw the pre-release images I was a skeptic, to say the least. I thought they looked nice but did not think they should be there. On my first swing with the Stage 2, I thought to myself about the graphics but NEVER again did I even notice them.

Expansive 4,100 square-millimeter clubface gives the golfer substantially more face area

For lack of a better term, I consider them similar to “background noise” you here on the golf course. Yes, birds are chirping and there may be sound of a golf cart in the distance but once you are over the ball you tend to block those things out and never notice them. Same thing here. I have not noticed them since the first look.”

After a few rounds of play we learned to enjoy the graphics and they served more and more as functional alignment aids to us. This driver required us to suspend the head about the turf and line up the face to the target line. The graphics on the crown helped with that.

TaylorMade Loft-Sleeve technology which offers 7 standard and 5 upright loft options to add ±1.5° to each of the available standard lofts: 9.5 (which can be adjusted up to 11° or down to 8°) 10.5° (which can be adjusted up to 12° or down to 9°) and HL 13° (which can be adjusted up to 14.5° or down to 11.5°)

Having confidence over the ball on the tee is priceless. The RBZ Stage 2 helped give confidence that we were going to hit it straight and far. Cant argue with that.

We suggest you give this driver a seat at the table when you get fitted. The Stage 2 will stand up to its peers.

Check out our additional images of the Stage 2 drivers below:

Fourteen Golf Wedges: Editor Review

Cobra AMP Cell Driver: Editor Review

GolfWRX is the world's largest and best online golf community. Expert editorial reviews, breaking golf tour and industry news, what to play, how to play and where to play. GolfWRX surrounds consumers throughout the buying, learning and enrichment process from original photographic and video content, to peer to peer advice and camaraderie, to technical how-tos, and more. As the largest online golf community we continue to protect the purity of our members opinions and the platform to voice them. We want to protect the interests of golfers by providing an unbiased platform to feel proud to contribute to for years to come. You can follow GolfWRX on Twitter @GolfWRX and on Facebook .

30 Comments

Jan 10, 2015 at 6:35 pm

Hi guys just got the rbz two love it I’m an average golfer but am hitting ball straight as a die and have picked up at least fifty meters with my drives i am seventy next month and this is the best driver i have ever owned. i would suggest the golfers having trouble with r2 club should have some lessons with their pro and see where their problem lies. Regards Geoff.

May 5, 2014 at 3:08 am

I brought this driver a fewday ago on a advice from co-worker to upgrade my R5 Driver. At the drving range comparing hit between the two clubs. I didn’t gain any further distance using the RBZ. I was hitting better shot with the Taylor Made R5 Driver. I was somewhat slicing more with RBZ on the factory setting. So newer isn’t always better. I got a good sales price for the RBZ, going us it as a backup driver for now. Going use the R5 more unless I figure out adjustable setting on RBZ.

Sep 23, 2014 at 11:51 am

I found your comments interesting as I too used the R5 driver and used to hit it dead straight. I thought the newer RBZ stage 2 would give me more distance but like you i found that i couldn’t hit it without the dreaded fade from left to right usually ending up in the trees!I have gone back to my trusty R5 and find that distance wise it is very similar to a straight hit with the RBZ 2. I play off a 4 Handicap too so feel a little qualified to compare the two drivers.

Mar 9, 2014 at 12:43 pm

I’m looking to purchase the driver, but I have a Pro force V2 shaft and I want to use that instead of the stock shaft. Is it possible to change the shaft? I just want to make sure before any impulse buys.

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Jan 3, 2014 at 10:40 am

Hi, Tidy submit. Likely to downside to your web site throughout website adventurer, would probably examine the following? IE still is the market director and also a massive component of folks will miss out on your own excellent creating as a result issue.

Aug 31, 2013 at 9:20 pm

Any experience from comparing SLDR with RBZ Stage 2?

Aug 23, 2013 at 9:18 am

Just picked up this driver in 9.5 with regular shaft. 5’10”, 210 56 yrs Transitioned from Sumo (square) 10.5. Spin on Sumo over 3K with 212 avg carry at 88-92 mph. Rocketballs stge 2 was low 2k spin with 230+ carry and 250+ total at above speeds. On range, carry was more like 220 with 240-250 total. Toe hits resulted in high slight draw. Only could make a fade with late wrists. Lighter shaft will let you close head too quickly if you over rotate hands. Tried the 10.5 but spin rate over 3K again. Lower and forward CG does allow lower tee hight, but found you have to hover the club at address to avoid low trajectory, tending to hit high on face if not paying attention. Have not experimented with settings, all above at standard. After 50 or so shots, adjusted to club, very pleased with results. Easier swings produced better flight. Hope this helps.

Jul 20, 2013 at 11:19 am

I loved my original Rocketballz driver, truly loved it! I went for more hype on the Stage 2, and sold my original and purchased the Stage 2, what a mistake! This club is made for those who can swing it over 100mph, not for the average golfer, such as I. It makes a thunk kind of sound off the club, not the ‘crack’ from the original. I took it back to PGA in Denver and the guy took the club into the hitting area and being a solid golfer with a 100mph+ swing, he hit it and ‘crack’ was the sound. He asked, is that the sound you want? I said sure, he said although the face is thinner on the stage 2, it’s also much harder metal, and with my swing speed of around 85mph I’m never going to get the crack sound I was used too hearing. This club is designed for above average swing speed, over 100mph, if you swing it that fast, good for you, most of unfortunately, do not. Not for me. Looking to buy another original Rocketballz, shame on Taylormade.

Sep 25, 2013 at 2:01 pm

I’ve played the TM RBZ Stage 2 10.5 drive for 3 weeks now with a matrix ozik xcon 5.5 R flex shaft at 45.25 inches with a 90 mph SS and this driver is as long as anything on the market. A little bit of a learning curve getting use to the 317 gram weight compared to other drivers. Our golf director gave a TM RBZ Stage 2 driver to his 82 year old father and he is has increased his driving distance by at least 10 to 15 yards. Your lack of success with the Stage 2 probably has more to do with poor shaft choice or swing flaws then the driver head.

Dec 2, 2014 at 10:08 am

Why is that shame on Taylormade ? I had the original but had enough sense to try out the stage 2 before I got rid of my original. I loved the stage 2 and eventually sold my original. Worked out perfect. THANK YOU Taylormade.

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Jul 11, 2013 at 9:30 am

It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of info. I’m happy that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

Jul 8, 2013 at 9:24 pm

Here’s a review from an average golfer who bought the 9.5 regular flex driver and 3 wood. Tried it out at golftown but really didn’t get the true feel until I brought it out to the range and worked out some issues. Let me start by saying I’m 5’8, 145 lbs with bad shoulders and half a backswing…. My club head speed is ~102 mph… Handicap=12. Now on to the driver… Let me start by saying I love it… Have left it tuned at the standard loft. I am hitting this club anywhere from 20-50 yards further. Averaging about 260 and have recorder a few up to 285. ( thanks Skycaddie). The 3 wood performs equally as well. Distance up 20-40 yards… I also had the same experience when using the R1. My brother-in-law plays one…Don’t hit it near as far..

Hope this helps…

Jul 8, 2013 at 6:21 am

Sorry peeps love my TM RBZ Stage2 4wood but really didnt get driver, just couldnt nake friends with, a low flight iff to the right with no carry, always felt shaft was perhaps a little light, have heard similar comments on other forums, still love fairway version

Jul 1, 2013 at 7:28 pm

I am on my 2nd TM 1st been the Rbz now stage 2. Both have had head rattles., TM say its loose glue and repair not replace, now its happend again. Not happy.

Jun 11, 2013 at 12:24 pm

Is it better than the stage 1 and in what way please

May 5, 2013 at 12:04 am

Also did a fitting. Head speed, 112-115mph, ball speed, 165-170mph, smash 1.47. I had the TP shaft in it (60g Rocketfuel) as well as the Matrix 60g, hit both about the same. Carry was 275-285y with spin right around 2200-2500rpm and launch 11*-15*. All setup with 9.5*

I’m not the most consistent, but my mishits showed less dispersion than other drivers I tried (R1, Covert, G25, Amp Cell Tour). Now I just need to decide if I should buy another “toy”.

Jun 6, 2013 at 6:08 pm

Scott, I had the same experience 1 week ago when I went to buy a new driver as my Calloway had broken. I liked it fine BTW . I tried 6 different clubs. The RBZ tour with the tour shaft was the clear winner for my swing. I’ve hit balls every day and played with it twice. For me, this club is the best driver I’ve ever owned. 270-290, fairly forgiving and the smoothest feel ever.

Apr 24, 2013 at 3:21 pm

i like reading all the reviews from all the different sources, that said. it is almost completely immaterial to almost everyone… you can try clubs in sims and at demo days but unless you know the sim is legit and buy the exact club you hit, you have nothing. with the tolerances the clubs are manufactured to, unless you have them fitted and assembled by a custom fitter capable of building to specific swing weights and cpm’s, it’s a educated crap shoot.

Scott Robinson

Apr 25, 2013 at 10:09 pm

Did track an fitting today and swing speed consistent 106-107mph. Ball speed around 150, smash factor around 1.50… I was very surprised that this was the driver which yielded the best results. Compared to R1 and other new competitive drivers…the R1 delivered great numbers but lacked distance…the Rbz stage 2 was getting me 10-15 more yards with the same swing speed numbers…ordered one on the spot and can’t wait to put it in the bag.

May 2, 2014 at 7:57 am

I got similar figures in fitting for a driver and the RBZ Stage 2 delivered the best results of consistent 220-230 yard shots. I managed to reach pretty amazing ~115mph swing speeds with the Ping G25 which felt extremely light and effortless to swing, but the RBZ simply provided superior feel on impact and delivered better distances.

Apr 22, 2013 at 2:33 pm

Not sure what the point of this “Review” was.

Quote: This head FLAT OUT PERFORMS!!!! ………………. A little ambiguous, no?

What does it do? What shaft, what is the reviewer’s game, SS, miss?

brian Melville

Apr 20, 2013 at 5:35 pm

Is there anyone out there who can put actual figures (trackman or the like) to this review? Reviews are all very well but if the reviewer is one of the muscle-men who swing it at 120mph then the review / performance figures for that individual reviewer mean nothing to us mere mortals. Would it be possible for a “normal handicap golfer” or a panel of differing handicappers who swing the driver at speeds between 85/100 mph to hit this club with a variety of stock shafts and let us 90+% of worldwide players known if the club / stock shafts would be suitable for us? I look forwards to replies.

Apr 21, 2013 at 9:44 pm

I agree. It’s a conundrum for me as someone who likes to buy stuff off the internet. If you are a shopper who goes to like a golf smith or golf galaxy or one of those big store, you really don’t need the reviews as much since you can test it at least on an indoor launch monitor (which isn’t perfect but still better than trying to understand a club and shaft from someone else’s swing and opinion). For a retailer to setup a location for club testing basically would eliminate the internet advantage. So really what the internet stores need is to setup their own testing crew and review the equipment themselves. Although I’m pretty sure that the manufacturers have something in the contract that forbids them to do so. Maybe setup a separate company to do the comprehensive reviews. It probably hasn’t been done simply because there’s not enough money in it. Most websites are limited to reviews by a single person’s short term experiences.

Jul 28, 2013 at 11:02 pm

I have a swing right around 100mph with the driver. Use to swing a Taylormade R-7 Superquad: carry around 230-240, very little roll out. Switched to Stage 2 driver: carry 250-260 roll out 265-280 consistently, this club is unreal. Stock shaft by the way. The one big difference is this club will still send it out there on a bad drive, however playability is compromised in this process. A big draw is more like a 5 yard draw and a big fade very similar.

Apr 20, 2013 at 1:06 am

The original Rocketballz divers never had a slot. Take a look at some pics.

The slot is a feature on the fairway woods and hybrids only. It is still present in all the Stage 2 fairways and hybrids.

Apr 20, 2013 at 11:01 am

I realized that. My fault! I was thinking about the FW woods. I demo’ed this and it is really awesome.

Apr 19, 2013 at 9:28 pm

Anybody know why they got rid of the slot on the sole near the face? They keep changing stuff up, I’m not sure if one design really is better than the other. I guess equipment manufacturers wouldn’t really allow it, but if we could get test numbers across manufacturers and down their product lines and yearly changes, we can get a better idea of whether they truly have been improving anything. Need some kind of standardized testing with robots with adjustable swing profiles and swing speeds.

Apr 22, 2013 at 3:53 pm

There was never a slot in the driver. In the fairway woods, yes, but not in the driver.

May 15, 2013 at 8:41 pm

Your wish has been granted….by the Germans. Check out this website:

http://www.robogolf.com/de/komfortsuche/index.php?lang=de&page=komfortsuche

It’s mostly German but a good amount of English, and well worth the struggle. Google Translate helps. Every year they test all the new drivers (and irons, etc.) against each other using a robot hitting machine. Carry, roll heal, toe, slice, hook, they test it all. It’s awesome. By the way, the RBZ 2 was not this year’s winner.

Jun 9, 2013 at 9:15 am

I was fitted last week and came away with one of these – it’s fantastic. Love it. As far as the slot in the sole, I also got the 3 Wood and the Rescue club in this series, and they still have the slot. Upon inquiry, the salesperson told me that they have been made illegal in drivers, though still allowed in fairway woods. I haven’t been able to find confirmation of this, and there appear to be other brands still offering the slotted driver. The plot thickens.

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GolfWRX Spotlight: Tour Edge Exotics C721 driver

Tour Edge’s Exotics line of high-end golf clubs has been known for excellent fairway wood and hybrid performance over the years. The Chicago-based company has been consistently putting out high-quality products, and golfers are really taking notice. The new line of C721 drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids take yet another big leap forward from last year’s EXS line.  

The new C721 driver takes a lot of technology from the 2020 EXS line and further refines and expands on it. I know it is a little cliche when companies say every model is their best ever, but Tour Edge is 100 percent right this time.

When unboxing the C721 the first thing I noticed was the much-improved looks and shape over the previous Tour Edge drivers. The biggest change to my eye is the added bulge, giving a more rounded and softened topline.

The overall shape of the C721 is slightly stretched from front to back, giving it just a hint of a triangular look. The Ridgeback is a titanium spine flanked by two carbon fiber wings that add stability and forgiveness to the head, but they can also work together and an additional aiming device to ensure you are lined up down the center of the fairway.  

Getting the C721 out on the course is where you really start to appreciate all the technology that went into this driver. Well-struck shots are very long, very boring, and will hang with anything out on the market today. Center contact is rewarded with a long and very low spin shot that is just fun to hit.

The sound and feel are very solid, you can really feel the ball compress on the face as it leaves at high speed. The sound is more of a muted crack and much quieter than I anticipated. If you practice on an enclosed range your ears will thank you for your choice in drivers. Shots hit away from the center of the face retain a lot of ball speed and stay online really well.

My miss is low on the heel and those misses stayed in the air fairly well and went a good ways. Shots hit down on the heel or higher on the toe side still stay online really well due to the Ridgeback spine and rear weight. The C721 is just slightly higher than mid-launch for me, but the low spinning head never allowed my shots to balloon or rise even into the wind. I do wish the face was just a touch deeper as I had to play with my tee height in order to find the optimal setup. The better players will enjoy the neutral weighting and there seems to be very minimal draw built into the driver.

Overall, the Tour Edge Exotics C721 driver is a great club that will probably be overlooked by too many golfers. If you are looking for added distance, a lot of forgiveness and want to keep some money in your pocket, then you should seriously take a look at Tour Edge.

Review: Ping’s G400 and G400 LST Drivers

I still remember the first time I hit Ping’s G30 driver. It was July 2014, and I was at Ping’s HQ in Phoenix. Super low-spin drivers were all the rage at the time. With their forward center of gravity, they were helping golfers optimize their launch conditions beyond their wildest dreams: crazy high launch, ridiculously low spin. Many in the business, including myself, had one of these drivers and spent many launch monitor sessions trying to figure out how to get more distance from these high knuckleballs. The bad news was that forward-CG drivers, by nature, were really unforgiving. Bad shots were really short and crooked.

Before I knew the G30 was a big deal,  Marty Jertson , Ping’s Director of Product Development, explained to me his vision for the perfect driver inside a conference room at Ping Headquarters. In his eyes, the perfect driver didn’t have the low, forward center of gravity (CG) that was being touted at the time. Its CG was located as low and as rearward in the driver head as possible, which he said would offer the best of both worlds: optimized launch conditions on good shots, as well as the best possible forgiveness on bad shots.

Building the perfect driver was a long way off (and still is), but Jertson was excited where Ping had landed with the G30. When it was released , the driver was a powerful testament to his vision. Its rear-CG design created great distance on good and bad shots, and it was also a very straight driver. The G30 sold incredibly well and, as a result, the industry mostly shifted away from forward-CG drivers.

It’s been nearly three years since the release of the G30, and Ping has just made another counterintuitive driver release. The company shrunk the size of its new G400 drivers in a climate where full-size drivers have become the norm. Granted, it’s only 15 cubic centimeters smaller, but it’s noticeable at address. Compared to the Ping G drivers they replace (which replaced the G30), the G400’s look like they cut carbs.

Despite their slimmer frames, however, the G400 drivers are actually more forgiving than the G drivers (which were even more forgiving than the G30). That’s why Ping representatives say smaller is actually better in the G400’s case. The drivers have the lowest, most rearward CG of any Ping drivers ever, and their smaller size is said to improve their aerodynamics so golfers can swing them fractionally faster. The other big change is a new face material made of T9S+ titanium, which is thinner and more flexible to help golfers generate more ball speed.

For this review, I wanted to put the G400 and G400 LST to the test against the G and the G LST drivers that they replace, so I took them to the  Launch Pad at Carl’s Golfland  in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. I hit five shots with each driver on Trackman IV, and to ensure as much of an apples-to-apples comparison as possible, I tested each driver head with the same shaft. Each driver head was adjusted to the same loft, or as close as possible.

Note: The G, G LST, and G400 drivers I tested were 10.5-degree heads adjusted to 9.5 degrees. The G400 LST had a loft of 10 degrees, and it was adjusted to 9.4 degrees.

In my personal driver tests, I don’t usually see a huge uptick in distance or accuracy when comparing the latest drivers to the most recent models from the same manufacturer. Improvements generally come in the form of improved head shaping, a better feel, or enhanced adjustability. That’s why I was surprised to see such a big change in my launch conditions and dispersion with the G400 drivers.

G400 Test Results: With the G400, I launched my drives an average of 1.6-degrees higher than I did with the G while dropping spin an average of 416 rpm. That led to a significant improvement in distance. With my swing speed and ball speed staying about the same, I added an average of 7.2 yards more carry distance and 8.7 yards more total distance.

G400 LST Test Results:  First, a note about the G400 LST. It has a CG that’s slightly lower and more forward than the standard G400 driver to help golfers reduce spin. Like the G30 LST and G LST, it’s still very much a rear-CG driver, but its design helps high-speed golfers who can consistently find the center of the club face maximize distance without highjacking forgiveness. When I test Ping drivers, the LST is generally the model that creates the best performance, and the G400 LST was no exception. I saw an average of a 1.2-degree higher launch angle with all other things staying about the same when I compared it to the G LST. The result was an average of 6.6 yards more carry distance and 3.1 yards more total distance. It was the longest and straightest driver I hit in the test.

Note: Ping also sells a G400 SFT (Straight Flight Technology) driver, which has added draw bias. To learn more about it, click through  to tech story on the G400, G400 LST and G400 SFT drivers. 

One way to explain the improved launch conditions is that I hit the G400 drivers more consistently. As you can see in the Trackman dispersion chart, I hit the G400 and G400 LST drivers straighter on average than the G and G LST. Is that its slightly enhanced forgiveness shining through? Maybe, maybe not.

To me, the changes Ping made to the look and feel of the driver were just as important as the performance difference I saw on Trackman. I’ve always preferred smaller driver heads, or at least 460-cubic-centimeter drivers that appear smaller than their size. For that reason, I felt more confident with the G400 drivers in my hands. I didn’t mind that I didn’t see any added swing speed or ball speed from the smaller driver head. I was sold on the looks alone.

I also preferred the sound of the G400 drivers to the G drivers. There was definitely much more of a “thwack” than a “ping” at impact, which made the G400’s feel more powerful. Looks and feel are subjective, of course, but to me the improvement was night and day. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that my fondness for the looks and feel of the G400 was at least a contributing factor to my improved performance in the test, if not the most important factor. When I like the way a club look at address, I tend to hit it better, and I know I’m not alone.

I do want readers to keep in mind that this was a one-person test and I hit a limited amount of balls. Yes, it’s a great indication that the G400 driver can be measurably better than a G driver, but it’s not a guarantee.

I also want to address the weaknesses of the G400 drivers. While they’re few, they could push golfers into another driver model in a fitting. Unlike  Callaway’s GBB Epic ,  TaylorMade’s M1 or  Titleist’s 917 drivers, the G400’s don’t have CG adjustability. That means there’s no way to fine tune ball flight outside of a shaft or loft adjustment. A bigger deal for some golfers might be the G400 crowns. Despite their smaller size, there’s still a lot to look at address, as was the case with the G drivers.

Aerodynamic features on the front of the crowns, “Turbulators,” have been thickened for the G400 release. There’s also Ping’s “DragonFly Technology,” a geometry on the back of the driver crowns that helps push CG lower and more rearward in the driver heads. I personally think the G400 crowns give the drivers an old-school, muscle car-like look, but there’s no question they won’t fly with all golfers.

Whatever your thoughts about what’s on top of the G400 drivers, there’s no question that what’s under the hood can offer something the G and G30 drivers did not. Maybe you’ll like the smaller head. Maybe you’ll prefer the quieter sound. Maybe the improved forgiveness will show up on a launch monitor or on the course. Or maybe you’ll just flat out rip a G400 farther and straighter down the middle like I did.

If that last bit happens, try not to second-guess it.

Members Choice: The Best Driver of 2017

What determines the best driver on the market; is it the opinion of professional club fitters, professional golfers or testing results from a group of amateurs?

At GolfWRX, we believe all three sources can lead golfers to an answer. Being a website founded by passionate golfers with a mission to serve passionate golfers, though, we place a special emphasis on the opinions of our GolfWRX Members — the most knowledgeable group of golfers on the planet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively as GolfWRX Members. So who better to poll to get an initial indication of the best performing drivers so far in 2017?

So we asked them,  “What’s the best driver of 2017?” They voted for the three drivers they felt most worthy of the title and provided feedback about their selections in our special forum thread . You can see the results below (as of the first three weeks of voting), as well as quotes we pulled from GolfWRX Members about the drivers from our forum.

Remember that our polls will remain open for voting throughout the year, and we’re going to keep an eye on the percentages as more and more golfers have an opportunity to test these drivers. We’re also working on another Best Driver list , which will evaluate clubs in another important way. Stay tuned!

Keep in mind that there’s no single driver on the market that is the absolute best option for every golfer: that’s why nearly every manufacturer makes at least two different models. As this list indicates, however, some drivers are working better than others this year. Happy Testing!

Note: Forum posts were minimally edited for grammar, style, spelling and clarity.

Cobra King LTD Black (3.00 percent of votes)

• The General : All-black LTD is really clean looking. I’m about to cover up the orange on my LTD with lead tape. Orange is played out
• mh7vw :  Love my LTD, but wish the black finish (or even this gray) didn’t have that subtle checkering you see in some like. Prefer plain black.
• dbleag :  I am a fan of the black/orange combo.  The performance and sound of the LTD is very appealing to me.  I also like that the standard length is 45 inches. For me, that helps it be super-accurate. With the low-spin design, I hit it longest of the current offerings and can’t remember the last time I missed a fairway. Straight, solid, low spin and nice.

Further Reading

• Cobra King LTD Black Driver: In-Hand Photos

Mizuno JPX-900 (3.20 percent)

• johnnythunders :  JPX goes straight. Best real-deal shaft and is long and very adjustable.
• KT35 :  That blue head looks awesome sitting on the ground. I hit balls off the toe and heel and didn’t see the big drop off in distance like the previous models.
• nmorton :  The JPX-900 is definitely more forgiving compared to the JPX-850, and sounds much better. Though they did sacrifice a bit by going with a little larger profile, but it’s easy to get used to. The graphics are so so, but this driver performs. I’m really digging the Evo II (shaft).
• jay65 :  I can see that Mizuno is really making a decent effort with its drivers/fairways in terms of tech and aesthetics, and they compliment the new JPX-900 line of irons really well, but if they’re going to make any inroads they really have to address this issue of their custom shafts options. It’s rubbish.
• bok006 :  The JPX-900, after being properly adjusted by the fitter, gave me an extra 20 yards just like that. My swing speed suggested I was borderline S to X (flex), but the fitter said unless I was fighting a hook I should stick with the S.
• bubbagump : …the JPX-900, when properly fit, is just as long on a consistent basis than all the new models I tried in real life situations. It looks great, sounds solid and just knows the way to keep the ball in play.  
• Chazb :  I’m 69 years old, have a swing speed of 91 mph and played nine with the JPX-900 this morning. It was in the 40s with a brisk wind hit it around 220 to 230 yards. It was a fairway finder, has great feel and is one of the easiest to control drivers I have ever hit. I can’t wait ’til it is warmer and can dial it in more. So far I have the two weights all the way forward for a lower flight and the other set with a draw bias with 10.5 degrees of loft. This driver is the real deal; it may not be the longest or the shortest, but it is a fairway finder which IMO makes it a winner.
• Mizuno JPX-900 drivers, fairway woods and hybrids

Ping G (3.80 percent)

• Wesquire : Ping G is the most forgiving so it wins.
• bopper53 : Ping G hands down. Great distance and the most forgiving.
• Dannydubbbs :  The Ping G series is just too forgiving. The distance is comparable between most models, but Ping always seems to win out with forgiveness.
• Bruin Bear :  The Ping G is going to be overlooked because it’s looked at as “game improvement,” but this driver is a beast. I liked the LS, but it requires a faster swing to get results and in the cold outdoors I just don’t have that all the time. I think the G is the perfect blend of performance and forgiveness.
• cmrl1986 :  Only reason I switched from the Ping G25 was that the G felt less harsh off the face. Same distance just about.
• Review: Ping G, G LS Tec and G SF Tec drivers

Cobra King F7+ (3.90 percent)

• EntourageLife : Ball really flies off face. Driver head controls spin well. Not one drive “ballooned” and trajectory was high and best of all… very easy to work ball right to left for a confident draw.
• Gollie :  The F7+ is another great offering from Cobra… I didn’t get the “MAN, this is gonna take my LTD out of the bag” feeling, but it has very good sound, feel and performance.
• J13 :  F7+ is a great offering from Cobra and IMO is in the top-3 drivers this year. Epic is the standout for me numbers wise, then M series and F7+ are right behind it. Love the Agera (shaft) in there!!! Such a great shaft; I can’t seem to get mine out of the bag.
• Golfer from MO :  Hit both Cobras lefty and as a lefty the LTD is the shizzle. Last year it was the LTD and Big Bertha down to the absolute wire… the F7+ is more workable than the LTD, but not longer and a little worse on mishits.
• Boognish :  I took a few swings with the F7+ at Golf Galaxy yesterday. 9.5 degrees with heaviest weight forward. The stock shaft is actually the same model I play in my GBB (albeit in smoked black instead of yellow). Ball flight and distance were similar to my GBB with good consistent sub-3000 backspin. Sound was OK, feel was harder than the GBB.
• thechief16 :  Just from the range (no LM), I didn’t see a noticeable performance improvement with the F7+ over the original King LTD. And I like the look and sound/feel of the LTD better.
• Cobra King F7 and King F7+ drivers
• What you need to know about Cobra’s King F7 and F7+ drivers

Ping G LS Tec (4.90 percent)

• drvrwdge :  I played the G LS with the Ping Tour 65X (shaft) tipped an inch for about a year. Just put the HZRDUS Yellow 75 6.5 tipped an inch and never thought it was possible, but it’s longer and straighter. Best driver shaft combo I’ve ever hit. You can feel that HZRDUS throughout the entire swing. Really gives you a solid connected feel.
• Mtngolfer1 : I am not sure that I would consider this a 2017 Driver, but my vote went to the Ping G LS Tec. The fact that my G is still holding its own against the latest 2017 releases has me very excited to see what Ping will release later this year.
• 3woodvt :  Fairway finder and plenty long.
• pitchinwedge :  I’ve found the LS to be nearly as fade biased as the M family. I get pretty good results with the LS by making a conscious effort to make more of an in-to-out swing. Any lapse in concentration and everything goes right. The M’s require even more effort, which is the reason I stayed with the LS instead.
• 3 Jack Par :  After an up and down year with the G LS, I’ve actually recently gone back to my G30 LS head. I only have a couple of rounds as a sample so far, so I can’t really draw a conclusion about whether one or the other is better, but with the same shaft it seems like my G30 head might be a little longer. Honestly, the performance differences are pretty minimal if you really compare the two generations.

Titleist 917D3 (5.30 percent)

• Gava :  The 917D3 is in my bag now, and I’ve found it incredibly long with a recently purchased Graphite Design Tour AD MJ 7TX shaft. Feel and accuracy has been a real improvement as well.
• Togatown22 :  I find my 917D3 to be just as forgiving as my 915D2 was, and man do I prefer looking down at the head shape and color versus the 915. Very confidence inspiring.
• NIxhex524 :  I would definitely give the D3 a whirl. I feel like Titleist has made great strides at making the smaller head way more hittable for us ams.
• KPH808 :  So in conclusion, I was hitting the ball about 9 yards further on average and 3-4 mph faster ball speeds with the 917D3 vs. the 915 D4. The biggest thing for me was the forgiveness between the two; the 917D3 was more forgiving on mishits.
• brushie :  The 917D3 head feels soft like the 910 and sounds great. I never had an issue with the 915 sound; it wasn’t great, but it didn’t bother me too much. This is much better, though. The 917D3 head shape is perfect to my eye as well. The area where the 917 shines is forgiveness. 
• 917 vs. 915: Results from the Ultimate Titleist 917 Driver Fitting Experience

TaylorMade M1 440 (5.35 percent)

• Tigermatt31 : The M1 440 is best driver I’ve had ever.
• TollBros : The M1   440 is definitely lower spin than the M1 460 or M2 from last year. Launch angle isn’t really any lower, but spin is lower for sure.
• specimania :  This year’s 440 is more forgiving.
• MCoz :  Yes, this 440 is more forgiving, and yet it also appears to be more workable than both of the previous M1 and M2s.
• nitram :  To save you a bunch of reading and crunching numbers, I quickly concluded there was a little more forgiveness and exactly +0.4 mph ball speed with the 440. By forgiveness I simply mean this: A 1.48 smash 440 will give you the same ball speed and distance as a 1.49/1.50 430. But if you get a 1.50 from both there is no measurable gain. Side-to-side dispersion was better by 4.7 feet with the 440. Workability was a wash between them, although the 430 seems a bit more fade biased whereas I’ll describe the 440 as a scosche more neutral.
• tj24:   I hit the M1 440 with my Aldila RIP at an 80-gram X-flex. For me, the spin numbers were around 1700 rpm which is probably to low for my swing. I did, however, like the shape of the head and I felt like I could easily work the ball both ways.
• halfsumo :  I really think they nailed it with the shape of this 440 head. Nice pear shape, no weird bulges or ridges that you have to get used to.
• GolfWRX members gain 7 yards on average with 2017 TaylorMade M1, M2 drivers
• 12 Important Changes to the 2017 TaylorMade M1, M2 Drivers

Titleist 917D2 (6.65 percent)

• tsletten : Love the sound of the 917D2.
• bladehunter : N o doubt the 917D2 is an accurate, forgiving driver that doesn’t look as big as it is and sounds fantastic .
• JStang :  Maybe it’s just me, but I find the face to be more shallow (top to bottom) with the 917D2 than other drivers that I’ve tried lately.
• LuckyLowbrow :  I was actually spinning it too low with the D4. Going up to the D2 normalized my spin rate, but led to such an improvement in consistency across the face.

TaylorMade M1 460 2017 (11.81 percent)

• Ereim :  I ended up going with the M1 460. It gave me a slightly tighter dispersion, and I liked looking down at it slightly more.
• jdenham15 : The  2017 TaylorMade M1 is a great driver, but I tend to miss wide right and struggled to turn it over.
• ZBigStick:   The   M1 460 gave me the best results. Was able to increase launch without much added spin with the (T-Track) weight. Feel is good and felt forgiving; dispersion results backing that up.
• BillMurrayGolfing :  The face is hot, receptive, thin and makes a nice sound. I like that.
• JStang :  Sound and feel were both fantastic. I couldn’t ask for much more in the sound and feel department than what this club offers. Plenty of feedback was provided based on impact as I would expect. I could easily tell where I missed based on feel.
• tnord :  Just as another tester found, moving the weight back and forward absolutely does impact how the club sounds. I’m much more a fan of the weight back.
• chickenpotpie :  Moving the slider to the draw position made the feel of the driver a little harsher. Feel was much much smoother with that weight in the middle. I didn’t see any such changes with the front/rear slider.

TaylorMade M2 2017 (11.86 percent)

• ZBigStick :  I liked the feel of the new M2 but seemed to get better results and numbers with the new M1. Could be the extra 5 grams of head weight? It was dynamite with the GD TP-6 (shaft)!
• erock9174 :  On Trackman it didn’t put up the most ball speed, but counting all shots the M2 had the longest average distance.
• gripandrip :  The M2 seems to have a little bit of a fade bias for me. And the head is HUGE. Maybe it’s a mental thing to be able to turnover a head that large.
• Bomber_11 :  M2 has very big shoes to fill, as the 2016 M2 was arguably one of the best drivers of the last 3-4 years.
• LONG&STR8 :  It’s hard to ignore the sound of the new M2. That may be TaylorMade’s biggest fail with that driver, as the sound and feel was one of the best things about the first version that I’ll have in the bag until something better comes along.
• Z1ggy16 :  The new M2 was terrible for me, not sure why. Unsure if it was the shaft I used but it spun up like a monster and ball speeds weren’t any better than previous M2.
• Peanut191 :  I don’t really think that the new M2 was much of a step backward, probably more that it doesn’t seem like a big step forward compared to last year’s model. I was hitting my 2016 M2 against a 2017 M2 indoors (which usually amplifies the louder, more obnoxious sound) and I didn’t notice that much of a difference in sound. It could have been that I might have just happened to get a hold of a head that was more muted than normal with the new one, but I just didn’t notice much difference.  Performance wise, I could tell that the 2017 was slightly more forgiving than the 2016 model, but I was basically getting the same ball speed and spin numbers, so I didn’t see the need to upgrade.
• gioguy21 : Played 54 holes this weekend. The M2 was as reliable as it could get. I hit 11/12 fairways Friday, 10/12 Saturday and 5/9 or so yesterday (windy). Controllable, just wants to go straight. The sound no longer bothers me. I think it’s when hitting indoors or in range bays that it gets unbearably loud. Makes a different sound when hit on the screws I’ve found, similar to last years M2/M1 with less high-pitched ring. The forgiveness is very obvious, as I hit a couple that were close to center of the face but either high or little out toward the toe that flew similar trajectory and distance to how a well struck shot would react. I think where this driver really shines is the ability to either tee it high and hit it with higher trajectory or the ability to hit it lower with a low tee (3/4 of the ball under the crown) and hit laser beams that don’t move left or right.
• G-Bone :  From what I’ve seen on Trackman, 2017 M1 was a big jump from 2016; however, 2016 M2 was so good, 2017 is a minor jump.

Callaway GBB Epic (14.91 percent)

• HDTVMAN : I hit both  the Callaway Big Bertha Fusion and Epic with a 44.5-inch UST Recoil F3 shaft and the results were very close. From customer testing, it appears the Epic is longer for those with higher (95+) swing speeds. I have also seen that 44.25-44.5-inch lengths promote tighter dispersion with customers, no loss of distance and better over-all drives.
• mbbrewer :  Tried them all and for me Epic was the one. Fastest ball speed, lowest spin and tightest dispersion.
• Ereim : Epic felt great, looked great and the numbers were basically 99.9 percent optimized for my swing.
• johnnylongballz72 :  There is Epic and there is the M series… then there is everyone else. The votes here show it, the PGA Tour use shows it and launch monitors everywhere show it.
• misplacedtexan83 : GBB  Epic/Sub Zero pushed the envelop in design and materials to produce increased ball speed and gains. For once a driver did what a company said it would do.
• GolfWRX members gain an average of 11 yards with the Callaway GBB Epic drivers

Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero (16.91 percent)

• jdenham15 : I tested the Epic Sub Zero and Epic against my 2016 TaylorMade M1 and the ball speed was 5 mph higher on average, which gave me about 10 yards more carry disstance. That was great, but the part that sold me was the forgiveness. I love my Epic Sub Zero. I feel like it’s easier to turn over and I can work it both ways.
• Z1ggy16 :  Sub Zero was hands down the best, including my gaming M1 (yeah, not even top-3) due to the combination of lower spin, good forgiveness and feel and looks.
• jimhaire : I had a 2016 M2 and went with the Epic Sub Zero. The look at address suited my eye and the feel off the face was better for me. And the club went straight.
• Sef : I have tested a lot of these drivers and for me the Epic Sub Zero was so much better than everything else. I wish I could just apply all three votes to it.

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TaylorMade RocketBallz Driver Review

Last Updated: 04 October 2023

At a glance

• TG Rating 4 out of 5
• Owner Rating 3.7 out of 5

The ball flew off the face and this club offers great value for money.

The one thing that perhaps did let the RBZ down was dispersion – our testers did spray it about a bit.

• RRP £249.00

What we say...

TaylorMade have invested heavily in their RocketBallz franchise for 2012, and while there has been huge interest surrounding the brilliant fairway wood, the driver is impressive too. It’s already notched a win on Tour with Luke Donald at the Transitions in mid-March.

Tester Chris loved the colour design – the white head and the green worked well for him– and he also noted how well the ball came off the face. Jon suggested it was one of the most forgiving on test, while Ian felt the overall look suggested it was towards the more expensive end of the market. Ian also said he preferred it when it came to forgiveness to the RBZ’s more prestigious brother, the R11S.

As you might expect it scored top marks for distance sitting at the top of Chris’ yardage stats and also featuring in the top five for four other testers. The one thing that perhaps did let it down was dispersion – the boys did spray it about a bit. As always, we would suggest a proper custom-fitting and it’s also worth pointing out the adjustability – golfers can alter the loft and at this price, this is exceptional.

Related: Best golf drivers

Looks : 4.5 Feel : 4.3 Forgiveness : 4.0 Distance : 5.0 Dispersion : 3.5

The TaylorMade RBZ Driver is available in three lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, HL

Web : www.taylormadegolf.eu Tel : 08000 728 624

Product Information

Your reviews, taylormade drivers user reviews.

3 out of 5 RBZ driver 31 March 2014

On reading several comments In Golf magazine I ordered this Driver in March 2012.The Club looks great but the grip does not feel right compared to my previous driver from Call away.As an average golfer 18 handicap it gave me about 10 yards more on average.I would not recommend and it is frankly an expensive purchase. Hugely disappointed!

3 out of 5 RBZ Driver 10 August 2012

By chrissilverton

For me the RBZ Driver works well enough in terms of distance and forgiveness however it the lacks the refinement of other drivers in its price bracket, the look of a club is a very personal thing but in my opinion it looks a bit cheap and it doesn’t feel great of the face, just feels dull to me. However If you’re struggling to hit the ball and want a confidence inducing club it’s well worth a try.

5 out of 5 RBZ DRIVER 09 June 2012

By daveyboy.fletcher

 After a fitting brought the RBZ Driver. the launch monitor put it 18 yards longer carry than my previous R7 CGB driver. With that difference it was not a diificult choice to purchase it. Great looks the club head appears huge behind the ball and simple adjustability why would you buy the R11 ? The club feels light and easy to swing encouraging you to really go after the ball. Believe the hype and have a look at it as you wont be dissapointed.

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TaylorMade RocketBallz Driver Review

The TaylorMade RBZ RocketBallz Driver succeeds the Burner Superfast 2.0 driver and the standard version is a lot better. At address it has a more rounded head and it sits behind the ball very nicely and the white head/black face colour scheme makes it very easy to align.

Thankfully TaylorMade have reduced the length of the shaft by half an inch to 46 inches so even though it feels long, it is much more manageable and that will mean more accuracy.

It also means less weight and the combination of a light head, shaft and grip makes this is a light club at under 300 grams. The lie is also down a degree and a half and combined with the shorter shaft length you feel much more comofrtable over the ball.

On the course the RocketBallz Driver felt and sounded very good and the ball flight was a little on the high side. However using the adjustable hosel on the RBZ driver we were able to take some loft off to reduce the height, although this did change the lie angle of the club, but that was OK.

The standard Matrix X-Con 5 shaft is better than recent stock shafts on TaylorMade's standard models but still not as good as the TP version so make sure you get fitted for the correct one for your swing.

Overall the TaylorMade RBZ RocketBallz Driver is a very good club and one we would recommend.

Golfalot Review

Our thoughts on the RBZ Driver

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Introducing the RBZ Driver

Jason Day's Fitting

RBZ fitting with Jason Day

TaylorMade RocketBallz Driver - Product Details

User reviews.

This is by far the best driver I've ever owned. Straight and long every time!

Excellent driver. Originally had my eyes set on the Cobra AMP but after testing both on the computer, the RocketBallz was the clear winner for me.

The adjustable technology has helped correct my slice and I am also hitting it longer, even on off centre hits. Great looking club that has built confidence at address, would highly recommend as the club really works for my game and is a very good price.

Bought the 3-wood version a few weeks later as well!

Having struggled for years off the tee I have always been on the hunt for a driver I could feel confident with.

I bought the burner 2.0 when it was released, and in my opinion it was horrendous. The shaft seemed far to "whippy" and I felt I had no control of the club head.When RBZ was released I had read that the shaft was far better and so I traded up.

What a difference, it was like chalk and cheese. The club head seems so easy to control during the swing, and along with the more traditional shaped head, the RBZ just seems better in every way (it even has a sensible grip rather than a slippy Winn grip like the burner).

I cannot say whether there is a difference in distance due to the fact that I couldn't hit the burner straight, but the RBZ has been consistently straighter. Try it!

Being fairly new to golf it was hard to decide which driver to choose but after hitting a few I decided on the RBZ I found it forgiving and that I could hit it balls considerably further than I could other similar drivers.

I like the subtle look and having a large head gives you confidence at address lets hope it keeps helping me improve in the future!!

Decent club! I wouldn't recommend this to most people. Yes you do add distance with it but what you loose is accuracy. I would rather be 10 yards shorter and in the fairway compared to in the woods. That's why I would recommend the r11 or r11s if you want to stay with TaylorMade!

Great driver! I previously owned an R7 Draw which I hit well but took a risk and thought it was time for a change. The Rocketballz is a revelation to my game, I am hitting it longer and straighter than ever before. The forgiveness in the Rocketballz is a delight to a 16 Hcp golfer like myself, my fairway % off the tee has gone from 38% to 52% and my Hcp has dropped 2 from 18 when I bought the Rocketballz in July 2012. The black face is a great guage as to where you are connecting with the ball as it leaves an inprint of the ball on contact. Since I have owned the Rocketballz, 3 of the society golfers that I play with monthly have bought a Rocketballz based on my recommendation and nobody wants to swap back. Great Driver for a reasonable price. TaylorMade, please dont bring out another version of the Rocketballz for some time, it can't get any better!

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Our TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver Review (Worth It In 2024?)

Are you someone that still likes a classic look on a driver? The new designs with all of their aerodynamics, power slots, and speed injection just seem like more than you need.

Are you also tired of paying $500 plus for the latest and greatest models? Only to find out that did not help your game all that much.

The TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver may be a club for you to consider.

TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver Review

The Rocketballz products were designed to help golfers keep the ball straight enough to stay in the fairway, while also promoting some decent ball speed.

These clubs were built to give players confidence and be easy to control. The RBZ Driver does all of these things, and even low handicap players are looking to this golf club as a solid piece of equipment to help their game.

The RBZ Black is a 460cc Titanium headed driver designed for higher launch and low spin. This club also features an adjustable loft sleeve and a premium shaft offering, all for less than $200.

Seems too good to be true but it’s not. This TaylorMade RBZ Driver review will try to break down both the positives and negatives.

Skilled Golf also has a detail article on the Best Driver Shafts

Key Features

• It comes with 12 different lofts, lie angle, and face angles
• You can easily adjust to having a driver that fits your needs
• Higher ball speeds than previous models
• Large club face for a better sweet spot 
• Built for all handicaps, especially higher handicaps
• Lower center of gravity 
• High launch, yet low spin

Features and Benefits

Player Handicap

This driver is technically designed for the mid to high handicap player . It has the forgiveness and distance that these players are seeking.

The interesting thing about this RBZ is that its classic look has been attracting some lower handicap players that are on a budget.

If you are a lower handicap player that doesn’t want to jump on board with each release that Taylormade puts on the market, this is a great option to consider.

The stock shaft offering will not work great for very fast swing speed so keep that in mind.

Adjustability

Almost all the best drivers on the market have some type of an adjustable club head. This RBZ Black is no exception.

Featuring the TaylorMade adjustable loft sleeve in the hosel this club can be adjusted for both loft and lie . Allowing you to choose your optimal ball flight.

Many of the newer drivers on the market also feature an adjustable center of gravity, this RBZ does not.

Shaft Options

Since this TaylorMade RBZ Is no longer being produced it is only available with one stock shaft. The shaft is a premium Matrix White Tie 55 Gram . The shaft will produce a mid to high launch and it’s rather light to increase swing speed.

It’s hard to find this Driver in an X Shaft so if you have some fast swing speeds it’s important to look for a heavier driver to accommodate your needs.

One of the negatives to buying a driver that is no longer being manufactured is that although you can choose between senior, regular and stiff shaft you can’t choose the technology that fits your game exactly.

The Rocketballz Driver is designed for a certain player if you are that player you are in luck! If not, you may need to consider another option or look at replacing the shaft at some point.

Look/Sound/Feel

Potentially the best thing about the Taylormade Driver RBZ is the Look, Sound, and Feel. (aside from the price!)

If you like the Burner Driver that Taylormade put out many years ago you will love this TaylorMade Rocketballz. TaylorMade as a company tries to put out solid hitting, long, titanium options to fit a wide customer base.

Sometimes the drivers end up looking a little funky and people will look for something simpler, this TaylorMade Rocketballz is that simple classic look with a great sound.

If you have read any other driver review we have done you know that ball speed is the name of the game when it comes to distance.

This TaylorMade Rocketballz was designed with speed pocket technology to help increase distance.

If you are looking for the most advanced performance on the market you will need to look at a different Driver. There is a reason the TaylorMade M5 and M6 are priced closer to $500 than $200.

They are longer but it’s not always necessary for the average golfer to have an additional ten yards it their drives are straight, they stay in the fairway and they save $300!

The way that a driver looks is going to impact a player’s confidence. The better looking a golf driver is, the more chance you will have to feel like you can hit it far and straight. Looking at the golf driver with the black carbon crown, you will also have an easier time aiming at the club. 

The black crown creates a contrast that players can use to help ensure that the face is pointing the proper way towards the target. Overall the appearance of the black satin club head of the RBZ Driver is something that many players find to be attractive and classic looking.

Forgiveness

Anytime you combine an adjustable clubhead, with a lightweight titanium clubhead and a Matrix White Tie 55 gram shaft you are going to see a great deal of forgiveness.

The clubhead has some detailing done to help improve alignment and keep you hitting the ball towards your target.

Many amateur players forget the importance of alignment, no matter how advanced this technology gets there are still some things that are up to the golfer and their swing!

 If you are looking for a good golf driver without having to break the bank, this is a great option to consider.

Who Would Benefit From Using The TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver? 

Golfers that have a higher handicap and are interested in longer, straighter, and higher golf drivers will enjoy the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver. With the RBZ Black, you can expect much more forgiveness than previous Burner Drivers from TaylorMade. 

In addition, the RBZ Black driver can work for a beginner golfer. For a beginner golfer, a large sweet spot, high launch, and higher ball speed are all essential features to consider.

Alternatives

Taylormade m2 driver.

The M2 Driver is a newer release than the Rocketballz driver series put out by TaylorMade. With each new release, the company claims more distance and more forgiveness.

I have to admit, I do think the M2 is a bit longer than this RBZ. The M2 has dropped considerably in price since it was released and now it can compete from a pricing standpoint as well.

The M2 features a large sweet spot and improvements on that speed pocket technology. It is (similar to the Rocketballz Driver) an option that even a low handicap customer can consider. The M2 is also quite lite making is a good option for a senior player as well.

When you are comparing the RBZ to the TaylorMade M2 you are finding a very comparable model, when you compare the RBZ to the newer M5 and M6 the differences are significant.

Read our TaylorMade M2 Driver review.

Cobra F9 Speedback

Some people are rating this the best Driver of 2019. I can’t say that I disagree. I love the wide range of players that this club can work for.

Since it has many stock shaft offerings, adjustability for the center of gravity as well as loft and launch, this club can be set to work for any golfer out there.

The look of this one is going to be a little less traditional than the RBZ Black but it will still have that sleek black look to it.

The CNC Milled face on this F9 has led to an increase in precision when manufacturing the sweet spot on the clubface. This Driver is one of the best on the market and Cobra doesn’t often get enough credit for its advancements in technology.

The ball speeds coming off of the F9 as compared to the RBZ are very likely going to be higher.

The price point was considerably higher but has started to drop as Cobra is releasing a new line in early January 2020.

Read our Cobra F9 Speedback review

Callaway X Hot Driver

The Callaway X Hot Driver is not one that you hear about as often as the Epic Flash or the Rogue . It is a less expensive, less technologically advanced option put out by Callaway .

The Callaway X Hot Driver is very forgiving , it is hot off the clubface and comes with the VFT Face technology. VFT stands for Variable Face Thickness, making the clubface the exact thickness it needs to be in the sweet spot of the club.

The X Hot Driver is a very similar price point to the RBZ and the M2 and it comes with an adjustable lie angle.

This will allow you to open or close the clubface to help with a slice or a hook, however the loft is not adjustable. Keep this in mind when purchasing this club so that you end up with an option that suits you properly.

Read our Callaway X Hot Driver review .

Frequently Asked Questions

What does rbz stand for.

TaylorMade RBZ stands for Rocketballz technology. Each TaylorMade line of clubs that comes out has a new name that represents what the club is capable of. With the TaylorMade RBZ, you can expect to get plenty of distance. This line was released prior to the SIM line from TaylorMade.

Taylormade RBZ vs M2 Irons how do they compare?

The TaylorMade RBZ irons were released before the M2, and they are slightly more forgiving than the M2 irons. The M series from TaylorMade was very high-performing and gave players a wide range of benefits. The great thing about the M series compared to the RBZ is that there are options for many players.

What year is the Taylormade RBZ Black Driver?

The original release of the TaylorMade RBZ driver was in 2012. This is quite some time ago, but technology has improved greatly since then. The TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver is an affordable option that many golfers find to still have relevant technology.

Why does the RBZ’s speed pocket promote high launch and low spin?

The higher launch and low spin combination will result in much more distance. Lower spin also helps forgiveness increase as the slice and hook do not tend to be as bad with a low spin golf driver.

What is the warranty on this driver?

Most golf drivers come with a warranty against any kind of issues with the club head in the first year that they are on the market. If you break the golf shaft, you are likely not going to have that covered. The warranty on the golf driver does not cover something that you have done to the driver yourself; the clubhead is only for manufacturers’ defects.

I’m sure many of you can relate to this.

When I play my best golf it’s because the club and I feel like friends. Not only do I feel like I have complete control over the golf club, but I know how it will respond to both good and bad shots.

In some strange way, I almost feel like I had a part in designing the club.

Now, sometimes this is a $500 club and sometimes it is a $200 club. That doesn’t matter. The key idea with the game of golf is getting something that looks and feels good to you.

As we discussed with this TaylorMade RBZ driver review there are plenty of good things about this club that makes it an option for a wide range of players.

As far as a technology upgrade from something like a Burner Driver, this is a perfect option to consider. Is it going to perform as strongly as the M5 or M6

Most likely not. The question becomes, do you need all that the M5 and M6 offer. If golf is your passion and you play 4 times a week, certainly the investment seems warranted.

Henry Foster

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TaylorMade RBZ Driver Review

$ 139.99

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Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with the Ping name. So, if you are looking for a great club without any frills or a fancy design that can just get the job done, then this “game improvement driver” is the club for you. However, if you are looking for the newest and greatest in technology and price is no object, then you may want to take a look at the TaylorMade M2 Driver or the TaylorMade R11 Driver.

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Key Features

Taylormade rbz driver detailed review, design and technology, what are the specific features of the adjustable loft sleeve technology and how does it benefit the golfer, can high-handicap golfers benefit from using the taylormade rbz black driver, and if so, how, how does the driver improve distance and accuracy for the golfer, are there any specific pros and cons of the taylormade rbz black driver that should be taken into consideration before purchasing, can you provide a brief recap of the key points and features of the taylormade rbz black driver discussed in the review, how does the taylormade rbz driver compare, rogue draw driver, callaway xr driver, gx7 golf club.

Updated February 2024 to update current pricing information.

The Taylormade RBZ Driver is the perfect club for players who want high forgiveness , faster swing speeds, more distance , and lots of adjustability. With a lower and further forward center of gravity, greater aerodynamics, larger club face, and high-tech crown and graphics, the Taylormade RBZ Driver is truly an amazing club that is perfect for the mid to high handicap golfer looking to improve their performance on the tee box.

• The Taylormade RBZ Driver has 12 different lofts, lie angles, and face angles within the window of 1.5 degrees of adjustment. The not only helps to create higher ball speeds but also provides for more forgiveness on off-center hits.
• The Taylormade RBZ Driver has what TaylorMade calls its “large address footprint” club face. The RBZ Driver’s 4,100-millimeter clubface not only promotes incredible forgiveness but also makes it easier for golfers to hit the ball regardless of their handicap.
• The Taylormade RBZ Driver thick-thin crown provides for a lower and more forward center of gravity location that promotes faster ball speed, high launch and low spin.

The Taylormade RBZ Driver combines the very best in technology and design. TaylorMade discovered that a low and forward center of gravity helps to promote faster ball speed and higher launch angles, and working together create more distance. The Taylormade RBZ Driver incorporates this design by having the center of gravity located lower and more and forward on the club. The RBZ Driver also utilizes TaylorMade’s Loft-Sleeve Technology. This technology offers players 12 settings, 7 standard and 5 upright lofts options, which can add plus or minus 1.5 degrees to each of the standard lofts (9.5 degree loft can be adjusted up to 11 degrees or down to 8 degrees, 10.5 degrees loft can be adjusted up to 12 degrees or down to 9 degrees, and the HL 13 degree loft can be adjusted up to 14.5 degrees or down to 11.5 degrees). Furthermore, the RBZ Driver also includes TaylorMade’s Inverted Cone Technology, whereby an inverted cone is milled into the inner side of the clubface. This design helps to expand the sweet spot of the club, and promote more ball speed and off-center hits. One interesting fact to point out is the crown graphics on the TaylorMade RBZ Driver. The crown has black, gold and gray graphics. To create these custom decals, TaylorMade used its Motion Analysis Technology to study how golfer look down at their driver at address. TaylorMade then positioned the layout of the decals to create an effective visual cue that can assist the player with alignment.

• Black clubface, non-glare white crown, and new crown decal that all promote alignment.
• A confidence-building club that promotes distance and accuracy.
• Inverted Cone Technology expands the sweet spot of the club and delivers high ball speeds.
• The white paint job and crown design can be a distraction to some players.
• The sound at impact isn’t as muted as other comparable drivers.
• Some golfers may think that the club is a little light compared to similar drivers.

There is quite a variety of lofts you can get with the TaylorMade RBZ Driver, which are all adjustable, the standard lofts are 9.5, 10.5, and 13 degrees. The Taylormade RBZ Driver also has a 460cc titanium club head. The standard shafts that come with the TaylorMade RBZ Driver is the RocketFuel 50 ultra-light shaft, which brings the weight of the club to under 300 grams. As with most TaylorMade clubs there are a variety of flexes, including Ladies, Senior, Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff.

The TaylorMade RBZ Driver was one of the most successful drivers of 2013, and it is easy to see why. With over loads of adjustability, full customization, and a modern design the TaylorMade RBZ Driver is a simply a great driver. If you are looking for a moderately priced driver that will give you the best in technology and design, with plenty of adjustability and ball flight optimization, then the TaylorMade RBZ Driver may be the club for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Adjustable loft sleeve technology allows golfers to customize the loft of their driver, optimizing launch angle and spin for maximum distance and accuracy. This performance enhancement caters to individual swing styles, delivering a tailored experience for players.

Sure, high-handicap golfers can benefit from the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver. Its forgiveness and distance-enhancing features can greatly impact game improvement. The adjustable loft provides customization options, delivering more tailored performance.

Improved distance and enhanced accuracy are achieved with the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver through its ultralite titanium core, speed pocket performance, and adjustable loft sleeve, providing higher launch, trajectory control, and low spin for longer and more accurate shots on the golf course.

Before purchasing, consider the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver’s pros like adjustability for customization and forgiveness, but be wary of potential cons. It’s crucial to weigh these factors to make an informed decision.

Sure, I can recap the key points and features. The RBZ Black Driver offers adjustable loft technology, benefits high handicaps with distance and accuracy improvements. Pros include forgiveness and value, with no notable cons.

The Rogue Draw Driver builds on the proven successes of the GBB Epic to provide faster ball speeds, faster swings, and inherent slice correction. The Rogue Draw uses updated Jailbreak technology with X-Face VFT to increase ball speed and forgiveness. Callaway also aerodynamically designed the Rogue Draw driver to improve head speeds by working with Boeing to optimize air flow and reduce drag. The Rogue Draw improves upon what made the GBB Epic driver so good rather than attempt a complete redesign of the highly acclaimed driver. The Rogue Draw is an excellent choice for any golfer, but it best for mid to high handicap golfers who have a tendency for slices.has not only received the highest rating of Gold in the 2017 Golf Digest Hot list, but it has also become one of the most recognized clubs used on the tour. This mainly has to do with Callaway’s new Jailbreak Technology which solves the problem of the crown and sole separating as the club face is stretched vertically at impact. This separation results in a loss of energy transferring to the ball. So, does the Jailbreak Technology work, yes absolutely, and is why the Callaway Epic Sub Zero Driver is perfect for the mid to high handicap golfer looking to have better control of the ball, less spin, and overall improve their accuracy when on the tee box.

Callaway Rogue Draw Driver Review

The Callaway XR Driver is an amazing club that is not only light weight and forgiving but has been designed to provide players with exceptional ball speeds off the tee. The XR Driver is the first club in the new XR line, which has been chosen by Callaway to replace the extremely popular X2 Hot. Combining cutting edge technology, an aerodynamic head, thinner face, and maximizing the shaft load, Callaway has delivered a club that will give forgiveness and distance to golfers for years to come. There is no doubt that the XR driver has exceeded all expectations, as evidence by receiving the highest rating of Gold in the 2015 Golf Digest Hot list. The Callaway XR Driver is a great mid-level priced club that is perfect for the high to mid handicap player looking to swing faster, generate more ball speed, and hit longer drives.

Callaway XR Driver Review

The GX7 Golf Club is amazing little club, even though it is “As Seen on TV”. We all know that the hardest part of golf is being consistent, especially when we are hitting off of the tee box. That is why the pros are the pros, and we are amateurs. But have you ever wondered if the reason why you are not consistent when hitting off the tee box is because you are using the same golf club that the pros use, and not a golf club made for amateurs. Well this is the exact theory behind the GX7 Golf Club. A golf club made for amateurs that provides the hitting consistency of a pro. So if you can get over the fact that the GX7 is a “As Seen on TV” Golf Club, you might be amazed by what this little club can do. The GX7 Golf Club is a great driver for a high handicap golfer looking to improve their game both on and off the tee box.

GX7 Golf Club Review

Videos: TaylorMade RBZ Driver Review

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX . After graduating with honors from Purdue University , he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube , he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast both on Apple and Spotify talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry. 

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TaylorMade introduces RocketBallz RBZ drivers

TaylorMade has introduced a new franchise called RocketBallz (RBZ) which combines speed, adjustability and two unique clubhead options - RocketBallz Speed and RocketBallz Tour

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TaylorMade has introduced a new franchise called RocketBallz (RBZ) which combines speed, adjustability and two clubhead options - RocketBallz Speed and RocketBallz Tour.

The revolutionary new driver franchise is designed to appeal to a wide range of players.TaylorMade's new RBZ drivers will be played by PGA Tour stars Camilo Villegas and Jason Day .

The TaylorMade RocketBallz drivers incorporate TaylorMade's patented Flight Control Technology (FCT) which is packaged into a modern, aerodynamically shaped clubhead outfitted with a lightweight, 50-gram shaft.

With FCT, golfers can adjust the performance angles (face angle, loft and lie) of the RBZ driver to one of eight settings via the FCT sleeve. These settings allow a range of launch conditions that promote up to 60 yards of side-to-side trajectory adjustment.

The new TaylorMade RocketBallz drivers are being offered in two models: Speed and Tour. The RocketBallz Speed driver boasts a larger appearance at address with a standard face height, while the RocketBallz Tour driver is mid-sized at address with a deeper face. Both are traditionally shaped and feature improved aerodynamics thanks to TaylorMade's Ultra-Thin Wall (UTW) casting process and Thick-Thin crown design.

The TaylorMade RocketBallz Speed driver will retail at £249 and the Tour version at £329. Both drivers will be available in February with TaylorMade RBZ irons and woods expected in the following months.

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TaylorMade RBZ Driver Adjustment Guide + (CHART)

Is the taylormade rbz driver adjustable.

Yes, the TaylorMade RBZ driver is adjustable. Adjustment is made using the adjustable loft sleeve on the hosel. The loft can be increased or decreased by a maximum of 1.5 ° .

The change in loft makes changes to the lie angle, face angle and clubface accordingly. The driver is a good choice for those who don’t want to make a huge change to the default loft.

Table of Contents

Is the TaylorMade RBZ driver good?

Yes, the TaylorMade RBZ driver is good. However, the driver works best for recreational golfers, beginners and players with high-level and mid-level handicaps.

The driver is very forgiving, thanks to its large sweet spot. It’s ideal for those who are looking for ways to enhance their distance for off the tee shots as well as ball speed. The driver is also not as expensive as some other drivers with the same or similar features.

TaylorMade RBZ driver specs

Some noteworthy specs of the TaylorMade RBZ driver are given in the table below.

How Do I adjust my TaylorMade RBZ driver?

The TaylorMade RBZ driver can be adjusted by a simple process using the adjustable loft sleeve. The adjustments make changes to three key aspects comprising the loft, lie angle and face angle.

The steps to adjust the TaylorMade RBZ driver are given below.

• Insert the TaylorMade wrench accompanying the RBZ driver into the screw behind the clubhead.
• Turn the wrench gently a few times in the anticlockwise direction till you notice that the screw is loose.
• Separate the driver head from where it’s originally placed over the club shaft.
• Rotate the adjustable sleeve until you get to the desired marking. Each marking increases or decreases the loft from its previous setting by 0.75 ° while the lie angle gets raised by 75 °. The clubface also opens or closes while the face angle is altered by 1.5°.
• The LOWER setting decreases the loft of the driver to its minimum setting.
• The HIGHER setting increases the loft of the driver to its maximum setting.
• The UPRT setting retains the same stated loft as in the case of the STD LOFT marking. However, the lie angle is at the highest value with this setting.
• Put the driver head back in place over the shaft.
• Tighten the screw mentioned in Step 2 by putting the wrench into the screwhead once again and turning it in the clockwise direction to secure the head in place.
• Stop turning the wrench when it gives out a click sound as it signals that the driver head is well seated in position.

When players increase the loft, the driver becomes better suited for a draw. The clubface also tends to become more closed at impact. The ball will have a steep launch and the spin is more but the distance rendered is lesser than with the stated loft setting.

However, when they decrease the loft, the driver is ideal for playing a fade with an open clubface. The distance is more while the spin and launch are lower than with the standard setting.

TaylorMade RBZ driver adjustment chart

The TaylorMade RBZ driver comes with eight settings for the loft, lie angle as well as face angle. Four markings comprising the STD LOFT, LOWER, HIGHER and UPPER are indicated on the adjustable loft sleeve. The other four markings are indicated by white dashes on the same sleeve.

The following table shows the various adjustments possible for the high-lofted TaylorMade RBZ driver with 13 ° loft.

The same settings apply to the other two variants of the TaylorMade RBZ driver with 9.5 ° and 10.5° lofts.

TaylorMade RBZ driver weight adjustment settings

The TaylorMade RBZ driver comes with a screw weight on its driver head that doesn’t support the sliding mechanism. However, the fitted weight can be removed and replaced by a heavier or lighter weight based on the golfer’s preference.

The steps given below walk you through the process of adjusting the weight of your TaylorMade RZB driver.

• Put the accompanying TaylorMade wrench into the screw head of the screw weight located on the head of the driver.
• Rotate the wrench to your left until the weight gets loosened and you can take it off.
• Insert the new weight of your choice in place.
• Put the wrench into the head of the new screw weight and rotate it to your right to lock the weight in place.
• End the turning action as soon as there is a single click sound and avoid turning further.

Increasing the weight on the driver head can make it more difficult to swing the club. This can also cause the player to get tired very soon. On the other hand, a very low swing weight might appear to make it easy to swing the driver but can cause the golfer to have lower control over the driver.

I recommended that you play a few games with a specific weight before deciding if you want to go up or down on this.

How to adjust a TaylorMade RBZ Black driver

The TaylorMade RBZ Black driver is lightweight with a high degree of adjustability. It can render maximum speed, accuracy and distance, while the big clubhead makes it quite forgiving. The driver is specifically designed to gain ball speed with excellent grip performance.

The TaylorMade RBZ Black driver can be adjusted the same way as the TaylorMade RBZ driver to get the desired loft, face angle and lie angle setting. The steps outlined here provide a walkthrough of the adjustment process of the RBZ Black driver.

• Fit the TaylorMade wrench into the clubhead screw on the rear and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the screw and thereby the clubhead.
• Remove the driver head from its original position.
• Turn the club shaft either anticlockwise or clockwise until the desired marking on the adjustable loft sleeve is on the top.
• Replace the driver head back and tighten the clubhead screw with the same number of reverse turns of the wrench on the screw. The tightness is ensured when there is a click sound.

When the loft is stepped up, the club speed or swing speed of the players tend to go down to optimize on roll and carry. The driver is also more forgiving with an increased loft. In contrast, when the loft is stepped down, players gain swing or club speed. The forgiving nature of the driver is also reduced.

How to adjust a TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 driver

The TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 driver with its expansive clubface is apt for golfers with maximum adjustability and distance while rendering really fast swing speed. This driver is ideal for average golfers.

The RBZ Stage 2 driver has a low and forward center of gravity with low spin and high launch.

One of the prominent differences from other RBZ drivers is the crown graphics.

The RBZ Stage 2 driver can be adjusted using the TaylorMade wrench and the 12-position loft sleeve as given in the steps highlighted here.

• Loosen the screw on the back of the driver head with the wrench so that you can take the head off.
• Rotate the club shaft either counterclockwise or anticlockwise till you get to the preferred marking on the loft sleeve.
• Keep the clubhead in its position and lock it in place with clockwise moves of the same wrench in the screw loosened earlier.
• Terminate the turning action as soon as you hear a click sound.

As the loft changes, the lie angle increases and becomes more upright from the standard value. Players find that the line is directed more towards the toe after an impact. They may hook the ball while producing consistent swings at the same time.

Continue Reading...

• TaylorMade M4 Driver Adjustment Guide + (CHART)
• TaylorMade M6 Driver Adjustment Guide + (CHART)
• TaylorMade Sim2 Max Driver Adjustment Guide + (CHART)

Ernie loves documenting interesting facts about golf.

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