New TaylorMade R9: From r7 to R9

TaylorMade’s new R9 driver has taken adjustability to a whole new level. We track the evolution of moveable weight clubs from the birth of the r7 Quad back in 2004.

Occasionally an equipment manufacturer launches a club that makes the whole golfing world sit up and take notice. In 2004 it was TaylorMade with the first ever, moveable weight driver, the r7 Quad. The concept was simple (move the weights around in the back of the head manipulating the centre of gravity until you find a flight that suits your game) and the execution within a powerful, classically shaped head was spot on.

The original TaylorMade r7 Quad came with two 10g and two 2g sole weights that could be interchanged to achieve certain flight characteristics. No longer would a player necessarily have to settle for the same old, constricting flight.

Moveable weight technology soon made it’s way into other areas of the game. Recently Ping launched their iWi Putter Series with 20g or 28g tungsten weights. Players wanting a different feel for different greens were able to customize their putter with a simple twist of a wrench.

Then, last November Nike launched their Str8-Fit driver, featuring eight different face angles allowing players to find a set up to help them hit fairways more consistently.

Now TaylorMade has launched the R9, taking adjustability to a new level. The R9 has eight different face angles, lies and lofts to choose from as well as three weight ports in the head to manipulate the centre of gravity. By combining these two areas of adjustability, players have the option of choosing between 24 different set up positions.

For our world exclusive coverage of the new TaylorMade R9, pick up a copy of the March issue of Golf Monthly.