TaylorMade R1 and RBZ Stage 2 metalwoods lauch - info, images, videos

MikeH

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Seems to me that TM have decided that virtually pure white (R11/R11s) is no longer the best colour for a Driver head as was stated by their Head Honcho a while back. Nearly half the head is coloured......and me no likey! Even if you're focussing on the sweet spot there's this dirty great coloured triangle in the corner of your eye.....you have to be able to see it. It would put me off.

Rbz S2 - much more understated but, really, another 10 yards? So soon after the RBZ?
How much lighter can they make these shafts?
TM are obsesed by distance, in fact the whole Golfing World is. Further doesn't always equal better
Have they not realised that if they keep going, a PW is going to carry 180 yards. How many people play half shots into a par 3?

And with a shelf life of a year or less - R11-R11s-R1 inside 2 years. And they wonder why they get the reputation they have,

I'm sure both will be excellently performing ranges and if I ever feel the need to have one I'll wait till the R2/RBZS3 come out so these will be half price...
 
Certainly wont be purchasing anytime soon. The only thing a new TaylorMade launch means for me is that their 'old' models become a bit more attractive price-wise. Will probably be able to pick up a TP R11s / TP RBZ for a more reasonable price now which I think I'd much prefer - less of the garish go-faster stripes!

As a side note, I don't think there's ever been a more obvious example of the difference between TaylorMade and Ping's brand directions as the R1/RBZ 2 vs G25. For me, the Ping looks so much better, and much less gimmicky, although I'm sure there'll be plenty who disagree!
 
I'm sure both will be excellently performing ranges and if I ever feel the need to have one I'll wait till the R2/RBZS3 come out so these will be half price...


This, if u CAN Resist, is the Way Forward
Current Bargains RBZ TOUR Fairway £89, RBZ TOUR Rescue £79...........Great Value at those prices


My own view, New R1, as been stated, looks overly-fussy, but NOT seen in flesh, so reserve judgement

Most Interesting thing I heard whilst watching videos are that there will be ONLY 1 Fairway Wood range in 2013......putting a lot of faith in the ''speed-slot'' and ditchiing Adjustability, in the Fairways............

But I seriously DOUBT the (New) Distance (claims) Gains...........17yds last year, now ANOTHER 10yds LONGER this year


One things for sure though, like it, love it, hate it, mock it...............THEY WILL SELL LOADS.....!!
 
I would ask how thick do they think people are but I dare say the sales figures will answer that. Basically they are contradicting alot of what they said when they launched the R11 and expect people to shell out for yet another hideous looking driver, this time with a 1980s wallpaper look (and a highly dubious cover story of focussing the eye better). Each to their own though and no doubt there will plenty queueing up to swallow the latest round of marketing speak.

Does seem they are confused a bit though, the R11 was great because it was so adjustable they say yet people didnt get the full benefit as it was too complicated, yet they have simplified it this time round whilst increasing the adjustability options.
 
Watched the video on the R1 as im strongly thinking of changing my driver . not sure of the design on the head to be honest , but will be giving it a hit to see tho


You know what does puzzel me tho (& i admit to knowin nothing on the tech end( with this club & others) you can adjust the loft etc , if i went and got fitted for this club , why would i want to be changing the spec of the club afterwards ? just wondering ?
 
I've been reading up on the R1 over the break and that combined with the GM videos has put the R1 firmly in my sights.

Adjustability from 8* to 12* and still able to have an open or closed face sounds very exciting, especially as your swing changes through fitness or age, plus the shaft at 55 grams with the properties of a 65 gram shaft sound ideal to me as I prefer lighter and stiff.

It sounds a winner and I like the graphics especially as it's on a nicely shaped head.
 
You know what does puzzel me tho (& i admit to knowin nothing on the tech end( with this club & others) you can adjust the loft etc , if i went and got fitted for this club , why would i want to be changing the spec of the club afterwards ? just wondering ?

Blade, to my mind when you go for a fitting you are fitted with the swing you take that day, days, weeks or months later that might change slightly due to many factors and to have the ability to possibly compensate for that by tweaking the spec without having to change the club is where I think the biggest benefit will be.
I've never had a driver fitting but I did try a shaft fitting (twice) and couldnt find a shaft suitable for the poor swing I took with me these days, they kept changing heads as well so possibly not the best fitting.
 
Blade, to my mind when you go for a fitting you are fitted with the swing you take that day, days, weeks or months later that might change slightly due to many factors and to have the ability to possibly compensate for that by tweaking the spec without having to change the club is where I think the biggest benefit will be.
I've never had a driver fitting but I did try a shaft fitting (twice) and couldnt find a shaft suitable for the poor swing I took with me these days, they kept changing heads as well so possibly not the best fitting.

Thanks Darth , often wondered what the story was ,
 
As I currently drive with an RBZ 3w I am looking forward to hopefully putting the R1 and any other TM products through their paces as I am in the market and ready to start carrying a driver.
 
Seems to me not many Tm fans here . looks like i am off a few that like the look off the new Taylormade drivers they are bringing out , i currently use tayormade Rbz 3 & 5 woods , but not the driver , but could be soon tempted to give them a try out , but this time i may go for the Custom fitting due the amount of tweeks you can make with the new R1, first time , never had custom fitting so far .
 
So in the last year since the launch of RBZ and now its go faster 1980's capri paint job model TM are saying they've effectively added 24yards to our games on average.

But in what direction!

Think i'll opt out and look at the lovely G25
 
The adjustability looks great. I already change my driver loft to try and keep the ball down, and reduce spin when it's very windy.

Of course for TM the big improvement is the ability to produce one model (rather than 9/10/12 versions), simpler manufacturing is a big plus for them.
 
I would be interested to see how they play, having skipped the R11 generation clubs I will be giving TM a chance by testing the new R1.
 
I'm going to buck the trend. I love the look of the RBZ Stage 2 and can see beyond the decal. Not quite so sure on the R1 and think that's going to need to be hit in the presence of a TM fitter to get the best set up and then leave it. Not a fan of adjustability as I tinker too much but it is on the "must try" list
 
Still not sure on the looks of the R1 from the pictures I've seen. Really need to see and hit it in person to make a judgement. The RBZ looks ok, bit more understated.

But I agree with the comments on the TM vs the G25's. Night and day, literally. G25's look modern, classy and professional and I'm loving the matt black finish. TM stuff just looks, well, a bit tacky in comparison.

But, if I hit them noticeably better than another club, it's going in the bag.
 
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