SLDR fairway woods and rescue clubs from TaylorMade are finally here. After witnessing the early hype and success of the SLDR driver, the fairway woods and rescues have been a long time coming. TaylorMade has incorporated a new Speed Pocket with low and forward CG (center of gravity) also sporting a new sleek and smaller look.
Visual appearance of a golf club is a really big part of a golfer’s confidence level, especially in fairway woods and rescue clubs. The smaller profile of the SLDR fairways/rescues compared to the RBZ stage 2 product allow for a more forward and lower CG to increase ball speed and vertical launch angle. The SLDR fairways and rescues have the same charcoal-gray crown. The dark crown contrasts well with the silver-colored clubface. Because of the contrast in colors, it makes it easy to align the clubface accurately at your target.
The new Speed Pocket is smaller than when it was originally introduced in the RocketBallz fairway woods and rescue clubs.. The smaller Speed Pocket actually increases efficiency in how fast the face flexes at impact. The new Speed Pocket allowed TaylorMade to move the CG lower and further forward in the clubhead. This all promotes easier launch and a lower spin rate across the entire face allowing for consistently longer distance and more control on each shot.
The SLDR fairway woods and rescue clubs work the same way as the SLDR driver when it comes to adjusting loft with the Loft Sleeve technology. Because of the lower and more forward CG in the SLDR fairway woods and rescues, it allows players to adjust their loft +/- 1.5* to find the right combination of high launch and low spin. When we are able to adjust a club like the SLDR it makes it easier to achieve maximum distance while maintaining accuracy for each individual player and/or swing type.
Here are some of the new/unique characteristics of the SLDR fairway woods and rescue clubs.
? Improved Speed Pocket design allows for further forward CG for increased ball speed.
? Compact head size and shallow face for easy launch and playability.
? Loft Sleeve technology allows for +/- 1.5* loft change.
? Charcoal-gray crown contrasts with silver-colored face for easy alignment.
? High loft options work with low-forward CG to promote high launch and more carry.
After our testing done here in the Cluboratory, this is what we noticed about SLDR fairway woods/ rescue clubs compared to RBZ Stage 2. Numbers will vary based on each individual player and swing type.
Fairway Woods
Club | Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Smash Factor | Carry Distance | Total Distance |
SLDR 3w | 107.6 mph | 158.5 mph | 10.5* | 2986 rpm | 1.47 | 254 yds | 277.6 yds |
RBZ2 3w | 106.3 mph | 156.5 mph | 9.3* | 3146 rpm | 1.47 | 247.2 yds | 270.8 yds |
Rescue Clubs
Club | Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Smash Factor | Carry Distance | Total Distance |
SLDR 3h | 101.5 mph | 149 mph | 12.5* | 3043 rpm | 1.45 | 235 yds | 257.1 yds |
RBZ2 3h | 101.9 mph | 149 mph | 11.8* | 3661 rpm | 1.46 | 234.2 yds | 251.4 yds |
*Note that the results are dependant on player and total distance is based on PGA tour fairways.
In this case, both the SLDR fairway wood and rescue club launched higher and had lower spin resulting in further carry and total distance. Often, the majority of players have a tougher time getting fairway woods and rescue clubs in the air. Because of the smaller profile in the SLDR it makes it easier to launch in the air and gives the player more confidence at address. Given the launch characteristics of the SLDR fairway woods and rescue clubs along with the new smaller look, we finally have great visual appeal in a club that still offers high launch, and low spin for maximum distance.