TaylorMade R15 driver revealed

Four new TaylorMade R15 driver models have been unveiled

TaylorMade R15 driver
TaylorMade has launched its R15 driver
(Image credit: TaylorMade)

With more than 14 months having elapsed since the release of the SLDR, four TaylorMade R15 driver models have been unveiled

With more than 14 months having elapsed since the release of the SLDR, four TaylorMade R15 driver models have been unveiled alongside an R15 fairway and hybrid.

Available in 460cc, 430cc and two TP models this January, new R15 drivers continue the 'loft up' trend that made, and continues to make, the SLDR such a hit with tour pros and amateurs alike.

TaylorMade also celebrates 15 years of the 'R Series' franchise with the launch of the R15 driver.

Related R15 woods gallery

The pre-cursor to the 'loft up' campaign was the ability to move weight low and forward in the driver head, and the R15 has an even lower and more forward CG position than its predecessor.

This is achieved predominantly through a new Front Track system, which follows on from the sliding weight-adjustment mechanism that made its driver debut on the SLDR.

The new Font Track system sits 12mm further forward that its SLDR equivalent, helping move 40g of mass closer to the face. The result is a repositioned centre of gravity and reduced spin.

The mechanism also houses two 12.5g weights that can be placed in the toe (to reduce hooks), heel (reduce slices), centrally (for more distance), or split between the heel and toe (more forgiveness).

Some 75% of the R15 driver's mass is low and forward, providing a lower-spinning flight, even with a relatively lofted club.

Other technologies on the R15 include weight-saving Ultra Thin Wall casting, Inverted Cone Technology to expand the sweet spot and an Adjustable Loft Sleeve.

This provides golfers with 12 different positions and 4 degrees of adjustability on the stock 9.5º, 10.5º, 12º and 14º heads.

The TaylorMade R15 driver comes in a satin white or gloss black finish (R15 460cc only) with a Fujikura Speeder shaft and Lamkin UTx grip.

TaylorMade R15 driver essentials:

460cc - RRP £369 430cc - RRP £369 460cc TP - RRP £429 460cc TP - RRP £429

Available: January 9, 2015

 

Nick Bonfield
Content 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, commissioning and feature writing. 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