“The new face of fast.”
That’s how TaylorMade is introducing its Qi4D driver, which feature a new more durable titanium face that’s also more durable than previous generations and spin more consistently. “From finely tuned aerodynamic heads, to faces with improved roll radii and the use of the lightest weight materials in construction, we’ve created our fastest family of drivers,” says Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s Vice-President of Product Creation. With a new head shape, improved face, an altered weight system, and a shaft that reacts to the rotation rate, the Qi4D really catapults the line forward from past years.
The key is finding the balance point between moment of inertia and speed, offering golfers the ideal mix of distance and forgiveness. Much of the focus on the Qi4D is on the face, which offers more consistency. Additionally, TaylorMade is emphasizing the rotation rate of the swings of golfers. Whether you’re a player with active hands, or someone who holds off rotation to cut the ball, TaylorMade is measuring data to determine where you fit and how they can address this. As part of the fitting process, REAX has developed shafts to optimize how players rotate through the drive. “Our driver fitting process is now more precise and more efficient than ever,” says TaylorMade’s Matthew Simone, Director of Product Category, Custom.
Key technologies
Refined face for more speed
With an improved roll radius, yielding more consistent spin across vertical impact locations, TaylorMade is emphasizing more speed from the face. Twist Face is still found in the driver, and the company’s commitment to carbon is as strong as ever.
Adjustability
By using four Trajectory Adjustment System weights, fitters can dial in ball flight and limit spin, and a 4-degree loft sleeve can adjust loft, lie and face angle.
Rotation
TaylorMade determined that face rotation would be a key factor in the Qi4D, and, by analyzing more than 11 million shots over two decades, they’ve come to the conclusion that rotation rate in the shaft is a key consideration. The goal was to create REAX shafts that would help golfers find more centered contact and improve energy transfer. TaylorMade’s research found that 20 percent of golfers fit into the high-rotation, and an equal amount fall into low-rotation, with the majority of golfers (like Rory McIlroy) falling into mid-rotation.
Legacy tech
TaylorMade continues to utilize some key technologies from the past, like its Speed Pocket, which is now new and improved to limit spin on strikes low on the face. Golfers will also find key consideration given to sound, while multi-material construction allows engineers to strategically place mass in areas of the head where it maximizes performance, speed, and stability.
Which one is for me
Qi4D
The main model for the line, this is an aerodynamic and efficient driver shape, with a quad weighting system. Placing the weight towards the front of the driver will limit spin, making this a great offering for most golfers.
Qi4D LS
Low spin receives less emphasis these days, given that the main heads of most drivers offer limited spin. This version, which is the fastest and lowest-spinning in the line, was engineered for ideal aerodynamics. By using two TAS weights, spin can be limited significantly.
Qi4D Max
With an aluminum collar to make the driver lighter, this is the most forgiving head in the line. Two movable TAS weights allow fitters to adjust spin and flight.
Qi4D Max Lite
Offered in two lofts, 10.5 and 12 degrees, this is a driver for those with lower swing speeds. The head, shaft and grip are the lightest in the line and the two-tone head features a matching collar and loft sleeve, designed to instill confidence at address.
Click here to pre-order now!
Click here to learn about the Qi4D Fairway Woods and Hybrids.