For the past month the internet has been filled with rumors of new irons coming from TaylorMade Golf and images, that the company quickly pointed out were counterfeit, had been surfacing at many different websites. Well today, it is official, TaylorMade Golf is releasing R11 irons. THP has had these irons for a little while now and you can read our initial impressions, as well as full size in hand photos, by clicking the link below (at bottom of page).
Precision Weighting Port and Progressive CG location
The first thing about the R11 iron that will grab the golfer’s attention is its red precision-weighting port, a technology initially introduced in TaylorMade’s forged iron lineup, including the Tour Preferred MB. The precision-weighting port allows TaylorMade engineers to 1) guarantee precise swingweight and 2) ensure center-face Center of Gravity (CG) location in every iron. The result is optimal consistency in feel and performance from one club to the next.
Ultra-Thin Face and TaylorMade’s Renowned Inverted Cone Technology
The ultra-thin face construction of the R11 irons promotes faster ball speed and distance in long- and middle-irons. Each R11 iron also features TaylorMade’s renowned Inverted Cone clubface technology, which expands the area of the face that delivers fast ball speed, which promotes improved distance on off-center hits.
Multi Functional Sole and Advanced Groove Design
Progressive shaping makes the longer irons more forgiving, and the shorter irons more compact and workable. TaylorMade Tour Staff professional Nick Faldo, an aficionado of finely designed irons, worked extensively with the TaylorMade design team to ensure that the topline of each iron blends into the hosel in just the right way to preserve the iron’s beauty at address.
The soles of the R11 irons are moderately thin (with the exception of the long-irons) and the leading edge is moderately sharp, helping it to enter and exit the turf quickly and smoothly. The long-irons are engineered with wider soles to pull the CG lower for easier, higher launch while also increasing MOI to make them more stable and forgiving.
R11 irons also incorporate an advanced, USGA-conforming groove design to promote increased spin and control from the rough.
Sound and Vibration Management System.
TaylorMade’s R&D department worked diligently to perfect an advanced sound and vibration management system to ensure the feel in the R11 irons would appeal to better players. The R11 irons’ extraordinary feel comes from the club’s combination of shape, construction and the incorporation of an aluminum sound badge in the cavity. Sandwiched between the stiff badge and the clubhead is a soft adhesive that absorbs sound and vibration, promoting a superbly soft feel. Golfers will appreciate how the feel of the R11 irons will make the rock-hard balls sold by the bucket at the average driving range feel and sound more like a soft tour ball.
“It isn’t easy to predict how an iron will sound and feel,” said Wahl. “In the case of the R11 we hit a grand slam, thanks to our advanced design capabilities.”
An Unprecedented Convergence of Technology and Beauty
The R11 iron is unquestionably the most beautiful cavityback ever introduced by TaylorMade. The appearance at address is simple and traditional, with the topline melting seamlessly into the hosel. From behind, the sweeping lines that form the shape of the head, the cavity and what lies within the cavity work in absolute harmony to create a beautifully balanced composition that’s guaranteed to please the eye of any golfer.
“There has never been a game-improvement iron that looks this classically beautiful, that incorporates this kind of serious performance technology, and which will fit so many players,” said Toulon. “The R11 iron is destined to assume a position among the pantheon of the best of the best TaylorMade products.”
Set Makeup, Pricing and Availability
The R11 irons are offered in four shaft flexes – S, R, M, L. Ladies’ flex shafts will be offered in the 5-iron through pitching wedge, attack wedge and sand wedge. The standard R11 set includes eight irons offered at a street price of $799 with steel shafts in the irons and $999 with graphite shafts in the irons. The steel offering will be the KBS 90, while the graphite offering will be the Motore 75 S, 65 R, 55 M, 50 L. Men’s irons are equipped with Tour Velvet grips, ladies with Winn grips). Availability begins at retail Thursday, September 1.
THP In Hand Pictures & Impressions
