By Derek Skidmore, Club Fitter
The new line of RSi irons from TaylorMade Golf are all about increasing performance on your mis-hits. RSi 1, the flagship, is a replacement for the SpeedBlade and is designed for the majority of golfers. RSi 2 replaces SLDR/ TP CB, and is designed for a better ball striker or a player preferring a clean, more compact look.
Whats new? Speed Pocket technology, introduced in previous models has now expanded to the face of the golf club with the new RSi 1 and RSi 2 and is called “Face Slot”. These “Face Slots” provide uniform flexion across the face, leading to more consistent ball speeds and distances. TaylorMade has also incorporated previous technologies relating to forgiveness, consistency, and distance in the RSi irons with “Inverted Cone”, “Thru Slot”, and “Deep Undercut Cavity”.
Here at Miles of Golf-Cincinnati, we put RSi 1 and RSi 2 to the test in our fitting center, The Cluboratory. During testing, we utilized the TrackMan Ball Flight Monitor, as well as five individual testers. The test club was a 7 iron and each tester used their personal specifications as it relates to lie angle, club length, and shaft flex. The standard shaft option was used for each model tested – the Reax 95 steel for the RSi 1, the KBS 105 steel for the RSi 2, and the SpeedBlade 85 gram steel for the SpeedBlade iron as a control. Each tester hit five shots with each club and minor mis-hits were included.
The Test Results show the 5-shot averages for each tester with each different model.
SpeedBlade
Club Speed | Ball Speed | Smash Factor | Attack Angle | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Carry Distance | |
Player 1 | 91.1 | 125.9 | 1.38 | -2.0 | 17.8 | 5957 | 178.3 |
Player 2 | 82.4 | 113.9 | 1.38 | -3.7 | 16.6 | 5276 | 161.1 |
Player 3 | 85.9 | 114.2 | 1.33 | -4.2 | 19.0 | 6160 | 158.1 |
Player 4 | 88.7 | 121.3 | 1.37 | -4.9 | 15.6 | 4555 | 176.3 |
Player 5 | 91.0 | 121.9 | 1.34 | -3.8 | 17.0 | 5938 | 173.1 |
Averages | 87.8 | 119.4 | 1.36 | -3.7 | 17.2 | 5577 | 169.4 |
RSi 1
Club Speed | Ball Speed | Smash Factor | Attack Angle | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Carry Distance | |
Player 1 | 90.8 | 125.4 | 1.38 | -2.2 | 19.2 | 5627 | 178.7 |
Player 2 | 79.7 | 109.5 | 1.37 | -3.2 | 17.9 | 4305 | 157.8 |
Player 3 | 85.7 | 113.2 | 1.32 | -3.6 | 18.5 | 5233 | 161.0 |
Player 4 | 89.0 | 121.2 | 1.36 | -5.0 | 15.8 | 5128 | 173.8 |
Player 5 | 93.4 | 124.9 | 1.34 | -3.8 | 18.2 | 5917 | 176.6 |
Averages | 87.7 | 118.8 | 1.35 | -3.6 | 17.9 | 5242 | 169.6 |
RSi 2
Club Speed | Ball Speed | Smash Factor | Attack Angle | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Carry Distance | |
Player 1 | 93.0 | 126.6 | 1.36 | -2.0 | 17.4 | 5736 | 180.7 |
Player 2 | 81.4 | 111.7 | 1.37 | -2.8 | 17.5 | 4543 | 159.7 |
Player 3 | 86.4 | 113.4 | 1.31 | -4.0 | 16.7 | 5771 | 158.3 |
Player 4 | 90.1 | 120.3 | 1.34 | -4.0 | 15.0 | 5650 | 167.6 |
Player 5 | 94.4 | 126.1 | 1.34 | -3.1 | 17.0 | 5865 | 178.9 |
Averages | 89.1 | 119.6 | 1.34 | -3.2 | 16.7 | 5513 | 169.0 |
Dispersion Chart For Each Player:
Player 1
Player 2
Player 3
Player 4
Player 5
Data Analysis
On first look, the data from all three clubs appears very similar. The ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry distance are virtually identical among the three clubs tested. However, to approach this test and review with the expectation that the ball should go farther, for the new clubs to be better, is just the wrong way to do it. As we stated earlier, the design goal of the RSi line is to create consistency and that’s exactly what we see.
These numbers reassure us that TaylorMade has not regressed in the constant search for more distance. The story for these clubs is told through each testers shot dispersion charts. Specifically comparing the RSi 1 vs the SpeedBlade, we see more consistent carry distances with the RSi 1. Left to right dispersion is fairly similar between the two, and in more than one case SpeedBlade was the slightly longer distance club. However, it’s clear that the carry distances are most consistent with RSi 1.
We see a very similar theme with the RSi 2. From a target line accuracy standpoint this was our best performer. It’s also clear that the RSi 2, at least for our group of testers, offers the best combination of accuracy and distance consistency.
What does all of this mean to you? Simply lower scores. It’s no secret in the golf business that distance sells, but talk to any experienced club fitter and they’ll tell you the goal of an iron fitting should be focused around accuracy and distance control, not just raw distance. Fortunately, this is where we see club design going. If we look back 5 years ago, it was clear the distance race was on. Most manufacturers produced strong lofted golf clubs that could hit the ball a country mile, but the reliability of distance control was suspect. TaylorMade’s answer to remedy the problem with their clubs first came through the “Speed Pocket” in RocketBladez. As a result, we saw more consistent ball speeds than in previous models, higher launch angles and steeper landing angles. Now, with the addition of “face slots” in the RSi lines, we’re seeing an additional and clear improvement in ball speed and launch condition consistency. This is reflected best through the tighter dispersion patterns as shown above. This consistency is the driving force in lowering scores for golfers of all abilities. Since the majority of golfers do not hit the ball flush every time, a golf club that provides consistent distance control with inconsistent impact, can offer the best opportunity for quality golf shots. Better consistency will lead to shots closer to the hole, which can result in lower scores.
Tester Survey
After testing each club, the testers completed a survey providing their opinion on feel, sound, appearance and overall performance of the RSi 1 and RSi 2 . The format of the survey is based on a scale of 1 to 10. For the “feel” portion 1 is soft, 10 is hard. For “sound” 1 is muted, 10 is loud. For “appearance” 1 is unappealing, 10 is appealing. Finally, for “overall” 1 is poor, 10 is excellent. The results of the survey is below.
RSi 1 RSi 2
Feel | Sound | Looks | Overall | Feel | Sound | Looks | Overall | ||
Player 1 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 9 | |
Player 2 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 9 | |
Player 3 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | |
Player 4 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 6 | |
Player 5 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | |
Averages | 7 | 6.8 | 5.6 | 6 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 6.8 | 7.8 |
As you can see, opinions are fairly consistent among the testers. Most felt the RSi 1 had a harder feel and louder sound than the RSi 2. A primary factor of “feel” is sound, so it is to be expected that the harder feeling club is also the club that sounds the loudest. Every tester preferred the look of the RSi 2 over the RSi 1. This is likely a result of the more compact head of the RSi 2 and the duller finish of the golf club. In overall performance, every tester preferred the RSi 2 over the RSi 1. Likely a result of the preferred appearance and softer feel.
Conclusion
TaylorMade’s RSi irons are a step in the right direction. The overall distance provided in the RSi iron line is consistent with previous models while distance control is greatly improved. These irons will make it easier to hit consistent shots time after time, leading to more scoring opportunities for each player.
As always, custom fitting is crucial to developing overall consistency in your golf game. Playing with clubs that are the wrong length, lie angle, shaft type, or flex can greatly affect your ball flight. As a TaylorMade Premier Fitting location, our fitting experts can fit you to your perfect set of irons. To schedule your fitting call:
Cincinnati: 513.870.9057
Ann Arbor: 734.973.9004