TaylorMade prides itself on its tour success. Nowhere is that success more evident than its fairway woods, which are found in the bags of the most successful players on tour, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, as well as multiple major winner Rory McIlroy. “The Qi4D lineup of fairway woods and hybrids is a result of our relentless pursuit of industry-leading performance,” says Brian Bazzel, Vice President of Product Creation. “Through the use of multi-material construction, subtle refinements, optimized CG locations, and more adjustability than ever before, Qi4D fairway woods and hybrids pave the way for golfers to experience a heightened level of playability and versatility at the top end of their bag.”
With that in mind, the new Qi4D line is more of a refinement than an overhaul. “Improvements” is the name of the game with this generation of fairway woods, better Speed Pocket technology, enhanced Twist Face and a new Trajectory Adjustment System.
Key technologies
TAS Weights
Fitting was initially focused on drivers, but increasingly emphasis has been placed on ensuring fairway woods are also dialed in. The Qi4D line uses three weights to allow for lower spin, and more cut or draw. Additionally, a 4 degree loft sleeve can adjust loft, lie and face angle.
Centre of Gravity optimization
A 60-gram tungsten weight moves the CG in the Qi4D fairways low and forward for a penetrating ball flight, less spin and more distance. This is a key factor if you primarily use your fairway woods off the tee.
Shape
The 185 cc fairway head (in the Tour model) features refined sit points, designed to maintain higher ball speed across the face. With a face that’s slightly more open, and a lie angle that’s flatter than the previous generation, you’ll receive a great balance of distance, control and versatility.
Legacy tech
From the new version of Speed Pocket, which reduces spin on strikes low on the face, through to modeling that improves sound and feel, as well as Twist Face, which provides for straighter shots on heel and toe strikes, there’s a significant amount of well utilized tech found in the fairway woods.
Which one is for me?
Qi4D
TaylorMade Qi4D Fairway Wood delivers adjustable flight, superior distance and forgiveness with Tour-inspired Speed Pocket and Twist Face tech, plus an 8g TAS weight and loft sleeve for custom launch and control.
Tour
A smaller head and three weights allow you to really dial in a ball flight. This is an ideal fairway wood for those seeking an option off the tee.
Max and Max Lite
A 200 cc model, the larger head allowed engineers to push weight to the perimeter, improving stability and distance on mishits. This model is easier to launch off turf, as well as from the tee.
The Lite version is aimed at golfers looking to increase their ball speed.
Qi4D Hybrids
Utilizing multi-material construction, and optimized CG, as well as TaylorMade legacy tech like Twist Face, these hybrids are a great option for gapping between fairway woods and irons. Designed to fly high and land soft, a single weight allows ball flight to be adjusted.
Which one if for me?
Rescue
Easily adjusted, with all the tech you’d expect, this is a great long iron replacement for better players. TaylorMade adjusted the flight to give shots stopping power, making this hybrid a strong option from the tee or into a par-5.