Pros and Cons of the TaylorMade R15 Driver
The launch date of the TaylorMade R15 was late 2014. What a difference two years makes when it comes to ideology in the industry. The R15, like its predecessors in the R series, went to great lengths to move the CG (Center of Gravity) lower and forward in the clubhead. Today, the CG is lower, but manufacturers are trying to move it as far BACK as they can. Driving this shift in ideology is today’s golf balls. They are designed to have lower spin rates, especially for the drivers. A golf ball struck with a higher launch angle combined with less spin, will give increased overall distance.
Let’s take a look at some of the features of the R15 that, although markedly different from current product, still have loyal TaylorMade customers buying this driver some two years later.
Amazon: Check Price
Distance
The Front Track that houses the two weights is 12mm closer to the front of the face. This acts as a speed pocket of sorts to give the face more flex and thus ball speed. When hit with the two weights in the center position, the extra weight serves to add distance as well.
Forgiveness
The adjustability in regards to the sliding weights should also enable the golfer to find a combination that maximizes forgiveness within his/her swing.
Adjustability
The Front Track adjustment weights are joined with the adjustable hosel to make the R15 a pioneer when it comes to adjustability. Nowadays, we are seeing most golf club manufacturers move in this direction. Two years ago, however, this was a revolutionary idea. The hosel adjustment is such that the golfer can adjust the loft +/- two degrees.
The Front Track sliding weights consist of two 12.5 gram weights that move independently of each other. This compares to the SLDR which had one 20 gram weight that moved along its track. There are 21 different combinations available when positioning the weights.
Specifications
Right-handed and left-handed 460cc head
- Lofts available: 9.5, 10.5, 12 and 14 degrees
- Shaft: TM Fujikura Speeder 57 Evolution
- Flex: Light, ladies, regular, stiff and extra stiff
- Front Track and hosel adjustability
- 460cc and 430cc clubhead available
- Clubhead available in white or black
Acoustics
The only thing to mention here is the fact that when the weights are in the neutral position, the sound is more muted due to the weight being directly behind the sweet spot. Otherwise, the R15 sounds much like the drivers that preceded it.
Optics
With the R15 being available in both white and black, it should also appeal to golfers who want something other than white. The white crown still gives the best alignment presentation in my opinion.
Workability
The weight adjustability will enable the player to shape his ball flight in a way that hasn’t been available previously. Moving the weights to either the maximum draw or fade setting will help the player change his flight in a subtle way. To put it plainly, this will not on its own fix your slice. It can help lessen your slice, but it won’t fix the problem. That is up to you. What it will do is change your ball flight in a subtle way, moving you towards a fade or draw.
Accessories
There is a tool provided in order to adjust the sole weights and the hosel adjustment screw.
Pros
- Lower CG adds ball speed and distance
- Front Track serves as a speed pocket that increases ball speed
- 21 different weight adjustment positions available
- Black crown option
- 430cc head is available
Cons
- Not as forgiving
- Adjustability needs some dedication to detail
- Too much spin imparted on the ball
- Lower launch angle is hard to control directionally
Who is it for?
This driver is not for high handicap players. If this is you, look for a more forgiving driver. However, in the hands of a good ball striker, the R15 can and will give added distance and a degree of workability not seen from TaylorMade in the past.
Amazon: Check Price
Consumer reviews
By Robin Hopkins:
“Adjusting the hosel and sole weights helped achieve significant improvement in launch and spin as well as shot shape.”
By Joel Cunningham:
“This was really easy to get on with. I like the no-nonsense white head and there’s lots to tweak to get the best ball flight in small increments. It’s easy to dial in a high-launch, low-spin trajectory.”
Amazon: Check Price