We’ve seen the introduction and success of the SLDR driver and the recent #LoftUp campaign by Taylormade. The upcoming buzz is the return of the Tour Preferred name and line of equipment including CB, MC and MB irons which we’ve featured already, as well as the SLDR430 Tour Preferred which we’re featuring in this post.
The Tour Preferred version of the SLDR will feature a smaller and more compact 430CC head. Although it hasn’t been officially announced in North America, it is already available on the Taylormade Japan website. From Taylormade Japan, the SLDR430 seems to have an even lower centre of gravity (CG) than the SLDR, which will encourage even more golfers to loft up and try to gain even more distance. The smaller clubhead is also suppose to improve control and reduce backspin to maximize carry distance. The shape is also designed to be as aerodynamic as possible and hopes to help golfers increase speed in their swing. On the sole of the club, a 20G weight on the sliding track is used and can help with draw or fade bias weighting, while adjusting the loft of the driver as well. One of the biggest changes visually though, is the all black paint, which we personally like a lot better!
Specs wise, looks like the SLDR430 Tour Preferred driver will come standard at 10 and 11 degrees of loft (with adjustability) with a 0.5 degree open face angle and a lie of 56 degrees. There will be several shaft options available including the TM1-1142 (45.25 inches), the Motore SP 661 (s), Motore SP 757 (S), TourAD MT 6 (S) and TourAD MT 7(S) all at 45 inches.
Source: Taylormade Japan