TaylorMade launch RocketBladez Irons

TaylorMade has announced the launch of its RocketBladez Irons, featuring a pioneering Speed Pocket for improved distance, control and feel

TaylorMade has announced the launch of its new RocketBladez Irons, described by company President and CEO Mark King as its biggest innovation to date.

The irons feature pioneering new technology which promotes high launching and long, straight and quick-stopping performance for golfers of all abilities.

RocketBladez' key new technology is its 'Speed Pocket', inspired by TaylorMade's RocketBallz fairway woods and rescue clubs and incorporated into the new irons by TaylorMade engineers.

The 'Speed Pocket' promotes faster ball speed and a higher launch angle, producing a longer, higher-flying and quicker-stopping shot.

The RocketBladez set is comprised of 11 individually designed and tailored club heads to give unprecedented distance, control and feel.

"Metal woods have advanced tremendously since TaylorMade introduced the first one in 1979. The ball has advanced too, and even footwear and apparel have improved a great deal," said King.

"But there hans't been a significant advancement in irons since the perimeter-weighted cavity back was introduced more than 50 years ago.

"The RocketBladez Speed Pocket changes that - it's a once-in-a-lifetime innovation in the iron category. If your iron doesn't have a speed pocket, your iron is out-dated."

The Speed Pocket, incorporated into the three - seven irons, is a 2mm-wide slot in the sole of the iron that flexes and rebounds at impact, promoting faster ball speed, a higher launch angle and a quick-stopping descent angle.

The irons also deliver consistent distance as they lack 'hot spots', ensuring distance consistency and predictability on every shot.

The RocketBladez irons were originally intended for amateurs, but a Tour version was created after TaylorMade Staff Professionals tried them.

RocketBladezTour Irons will be available from February 1 2013 at a RRP of £699. The regular irons are available with both steel shafts (£549) and graphite shafts (£649), and will start retailing on December 3. Pre-orders can be made from October 23.

Gallery of TaylorMade RocketBladez irons

Justin Rose's verdict:

Dustin Johnson hits RocketBladez irons for the first time:

TaylorMade President and CEO Mark King discusses RocketBladez technology:

Behind TaylorMade's pioneering Speed Pocket breakthrough:

For more information, visit www.taylormadegolf.eu.

Gallery of TaylorMade RocketBladez irons

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x