Is The TaylorMade Qi4D Max The Best-Feeling Driver In Golf?

The TaylorMade Qi4D Max driver is the new stability and forgiveness-oriented offering in the new Qi4D family, engineered specifically for golfers seeking maximum MOI (Moment of Inertia) without sacrificing adjustability or the latest speed technology.

This design aims to expand on the forgiveness that has become a hallmark of its ‘Max’ driver models, so I was keen to see if the new model could reach the heights of some of its other offerings in this niche space, and even challenge for a spot in our best driver selection for 2026.

Starting with the looks, and for those of us (I include myself here) who like to see a big round lump behind the ball with the driver, the profile of the Qi4D Max will be immediately pleasing. It maintains a large, round footprint that inspires enormous confidence at address. Something about that expansive, circular profile really does frame the ball beautifully to my eye at least, suggesting a large, welcoming sweet spot.

Aesthetically, the head is a marginal departure from its predecessor.

The new colorway, to me, isn't quite as nice as the slick, sophisticated light grey of the Qi35; instead, a darker crown with something of a bronze hue has replaced it. That said, it still genuinely looks great, and it is all a matter of personal taste. I have heard at least as many people I have spoken to saying they much prefer the Qi4D coloring, so make of that what you will.

While the performance metrics were interesting (more on that later), my absolute favourite part of the new Qi4D Max driver was the dramatic improvement in feel.

The feel of the previous Qi35 family was often described as slightly harsh at impact. Now, I’m not sure what has specifically changed to rectify that with the Qi4D Max - whether it's the new Carbon Face, the introduction of forged and machined 7075 aircraft-grade aluminium in the collar, or the accumulation of new material damping. However, the result is an acoustic and impact feel that is everything I look for.

It has struck a beautiful balance of being both lively and soft at the same time, and the acoustic signature sits brilliantly in that middle ground, avoiding both high-pitched tinniness and dull thud. No notes, great job.

The marketing I have seen has heavily pushed the aerodynamic improvements across the family, with the clever tag line "there is no limit on clubhead speed." This refers to how the design aims to improve speed, where governing bodies cannot restrict it - swing speed rather than ball speed.

However, strangely, I didn't see the speed gains as much (if at all) in this model as I did with both the Qi4D and Qi4D LS versions, recording very similar clubhead speeds to both the Qi35 Max and other high MOI drivers that I have tested over this period. While the head may technically be aerodynamically faster, the gains were not quantifiable in my hands, at least, with this model.

I gathered my data on my Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor, and in truth, I didn't really see any progress in terms of raw numbers from this model over either the Qi35 Max or even the Qi10 Max of a couple of years ago now; the data was virtually identical for me at least. That’s not to say it isn't impressive data - TaylorMade has consistently made one of the most forgiving drivers for a while now - it just isn't tangibly better in terms of pure distance or spin characteristics in my hands.

The Qi4D Max employs two moveable weights (13g and 4g) to help you tune in your flight preferences. Placing the 13g weight closer to the face provides faster ball speeds and lower spin, while placing it in the back enhances stability and forgiveness, allowing golfers to tailor the highest-MOI head to their needs. I tested both settings out, and can report that for me they performed exactly as designed.

One thing I do love is that TaylorMade has pushed its fitting process further than ever with the Qi4D family. Firstly, all models are available in two face options: Standard and the Launch Monitor Enabled (LME) version, which features reflective fitting markers embedded into the face. These LME drivers eliminate the manual task of placing stickers, allowing camera-based launch monitors to capture highly accurate data on face angle and rotation.

This accurate data ties directly into the new shaft philosophy built around the REAX system - a familiar name making a welcome return.

Through extensive research, TaylorMade categorizes players' swings by their "rate of rotation" through impact into three types: High rotation (like Charley Hull, as per the presentation I was given), Mid rotation (like Rory McIlroy), and Low rotation (like Collin Morikawa).

The REAX shafts - designed in conjunction with Mitsubishi - are then designed to complement these release types. You will be pleased to know that these REAX shafts are the stock offering for TaylorMade this year and will incur no upcharges. That said, I did my testing in a Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft.

The Qi4D Max nicely continues TaylorMade's presence in the maximum forgiveness category. While I personally didn't experience the speed gains seen in the other models, the Max still delivers highly reliable, high-MOI performance that matches the best in the market. Its chief improvements are the introduction of TAS weighting into the Max model and, crucially, the vastly superior feel and acoustic package, making it an absolute joy to hit.

For golfers prioritizing stability and forgiveness above all else, the Qi4D Max remains a top-tier choice.

You can purchase the standard TaylorMade Qi4D Max driver for £549/$649.99 or the LME head for £579/$699.99.