It’s nearing the end of 2014 so you can be sure that equipment companies are getting set for new product releases for the new year. For Taylormade Golf, they’ve recently introduced a brand new line of irons for 2015, bringing back the R series name, with the RSi 1, RSi 2 and RSi TP irons. And over the next few weeks, you can expect them to announce a new line of R series drivers, woods and hybrids as well. You’ve probably already seen photos of and heard rumours of the R15 driver, but today, we’re going to be diving into some of the specifications and technology of the new driver found on the Taylormade Golf Japan website!
Over the past couple of months, Taylormade Golf has been hinting at the return of an R series driver to the public through on their social media channels, particularly with the #TBT (ThrowBack Thursday) hashtag. But with the return of the R series name also comes the return of the white crown (R11, R11S, R1), but continues with the SLDR sliding weight technology and low and forward centre of gravity. The new R15 driver will be offered in a 430CC and 460CC head.
The most noticeable change is the dual weight front track system which features two 12.5 gram weights. The R15 will also feature an “Ultra Thin Dimpled Crown” and Inverted Cone Face Technology for more consistent ball speeds across the clubface as well as 2 degrees of loft adjustability through 12 positions.
The dual sliding weight is very interesting. As you can see in the infographic above, there are six different settings and positions that the dual weights can be set in. You can set the weights for a max fade, fade, neutral, stability, draw and max draw settings. The R15 460 driver will be offered in 9.5 , 10.5, 12 and 14 degrees of loft (9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees with the 430) with a variety of shafts available at 45.5 inches. Over the next few days, we’re sure more information about the new R15 driver will be released, so make sure to check back for all the details!
With the SLDR driver having the sliding weight technology, many were expecting the SLDR fairway woods to also have a sliding weight, but that was not the case. Not until now that is – the R15 fairway woods will have a single sliding weight on the sole as well as a low and forward centre of gravity. This sliding weight will be 22 grams on the 3-wood and will also have 2 degrees of loft adjustability. This 22 gram weight is suppose to allow the new R15 fairway woods to have up to 25 yards of adjustability. The 3-wood will be 15 degrees whereas the 5-wood will be 19 degrees.
The new R15 hybrids will not have a sliding weight, however, it does utilize Taylormade’s Speed Pocket technology as well as a low and forward centre of gravity. The shape of the hybrids are also “Tour Inspired,” and remind us of the Adam’s box toe style hybrids. We have played the Adams boxer style hybrids before and this is very reminiscent of those shapes – not surprising as Taylormade does own Adams Golf. The R15 hybrids will also offer 1.5 degrees of loft adjustability. The R15 hybrids will be offered in 3, 4 and 5 with lofts of 19, 21 and 24 respectively.
Stay tuned for more information on the R series line of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids soon! In the meantime, leave a comment and let us know what you think! Will you be looking to upgrade your current driver to this? Or do you think the gains will not be substantial enough to warrant that?
Source: TourSpecGolf, TaylorMade Japan
