We all know that TaylorMade Golf has never been a brand to shy away from being different. From the era of white paint to currently hanging their hat on the carbon face, they are typically willing to step outside the box and challenge the “norm”.
The Qi35 driver definitely continues to show off that willingness to get outside the box. With an all new footprint in line with the Max model rather than the LS, it is a departure from recent years both physically and in terms of aesthetics. More information on those models can be found here.
Quick Take
It feels like TaylorMade is in an interesting place right now, specifically when it comes to balancing their core model driver between the Max and LS versions. This is the biggest departure we have seen from them yet in terms of shaping of the base version, bigger than ever, but done with a purpose to lower the CG while increasing MOI. Stability and consistency stand out as much as the shelf appeal while still bringing solid speed to the table, a design which should appeal to the average golfer with impressive playability all around.
The Education Zone – Evolving the Core Qi35
Obviously If you are reading this, then you are already aware that with Qi10 TaylorMade went on a journey for MOI. Not as much in the LS model, but the core and Max versions were built with bringing more stability to the table. In the Max specifically, that was achieved cracking the 10K benchmark. However, there is always a trade-off.
If you simply chase MOI, then naturally the Center of Gravity creeps upwards, and this will reduce the area of the face in which lower spin is possible. That was the battle last year, so, this year alterations have been made to pull that CG back down and thus the balance point of the heads as well.
In the case of the core model, the Qi35, the reduction in face, crown, and titanium ring weight all helped to check the boxes which TaylorMade felt they needed to. But, with the Qi35 this year, the decision was also made to increase the footprint size, putting it in line with the Max model. This was done to increase the MOI in the head, by changing the shape and removing any sliding weights, the mass was put lower in the head. All told, the Qi35 with heavy back has 9K MOI and 8.1K forward. The Qi10 was 8.4K, but also had a much higher CG which led to some spin and launch issues, and why so many opted for the LS last time around.
TaylorMade Qi35 Driver Performance
Before we get too into the weeds here, the reaction to the Qi35 look has been an interesting one to follow. With the fighter jet inspiration and chromium carbon fiber wrapped body, it seems this is a love it or loathe it look this year. Personally, I fall into the love it portion, specifically when it comes to shelf appeal as the finish and polish put on the Qi35 is pretty killer from that angle.
From the top though, this is definitely a departure for TaylorMade. The reasoning for taking on the footprint of the Max model makes sense, specifically on this hunt for more MOI and trying to alter the CG of the design. But, it is big if you are accustomed to the last several releases of TM core and LS drivers which all have that consistent look that is, quite frankly, expected. The did manage to keep the unique TaylorMade style shaping, but it is just, big, and the matte chromium carbon finish seems to exaggerate that a little at times as well.
In terms of this review, we received the 10.5 loft of the Qi35 head and installed a true Ventus Velocore shaft into it rather than the version which comes standard. Like the looks, the Carbon Twist Face still draws mixed responses, but in this reviewer’s opinion the feel of the Qi35 is not only classic TaylorMade, but it is all around one of the best feedbacks this release cycle if you find yourself in the camp that enjoys composite driven sound. Interestingly, this year with the shape change it did seem that the feedback was more blurred across the face similar to what occurred with the Qi10 Max, which certainly makes sense.
On the course, the launch was prevalent in the 10.5 head, but the spin was indeed much more manageable than expected. Honestly, as you will see in the data averages below, the spin levels of the head with the heavy weight in each orientation were very playable, and the RPM difference between the two meets expectations. Dispersion wise, the Qi35 stands out, it is like a faster and lower spinning Qi10 Max, which was of course a goal for TaylorMade.
There was no inherent flight bias seen during testing and it was in fact remarkably neutral. Twist Face remains built into the Carbon Face and does its intended job, though it is still not a one size fits all design premise, but for the golfer who fits the intent it can feel like a life saver at times. The head also impressed on vertical misses, and the change in design seemed to really earn its keep there.
If there was one catch for this reviewer, it was that the speed was not quite what was expected. Yes, part of that is the higher loft in terms of personal fit, but also the size of the head aerodynamically just seems to lead to a little more work needing to be efforted to maximize speed. Again, this is one source of feedback, but it is also what we saw with the Qi10 Max last year. The reality is that there are always some trade-offs, and here it seems to be top end ball speed potential in exchange for much more stability and spin consistency.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Qi35 driver is efficient, which seems to be the trend within core models across manufacturers this year, as it should be. If you are one seeking top end ball speed generation, then the LS was always likely to be a better direction. However, for sheer playability, this is a good direction for TaylorMade to take the core model, and it will be interesting to see how they progress it from here.
The Qi35 is available in 9, 10.5, and 12 (RH only) degrees with +/- 2 degrees of adjustability through the adapter. Standard shaft options are the Fujikura Ventus Blue ’25 (5 A/R/S) and Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana T+ (60 R/S/X). Pricing on the driver is $599.99.
For more information visit their taylormadegolf.com.
