LIVE UPDATES: The $5000 TaylorMade SLDR Guarantee Event! Before/After Results Added!

[Ed Settle]

[quote name='swanry30' timestamp='1396709598' post='9026015']
Love it guys! I will definitely be headed back into retest the SLDR. This is the best driver TMAG has introduced in quite some time - and for some reason I haven't bit on it... (I really like my driver but that usually doesn't stop me) This is rare! I'm very interested to hear from TMBob about the details of his fitting. Play well today gents and give us the full report when you get home! Enjoy it while you are there...

Tell us more about the ball
[/quote]

And the wedges!!

[Ed Settle]

[quote name='prorobo' timestamp='1396676682' post='9024795']
Jonas Blixt just told me I should have sandbagged the event.
[/quote]

I love it!! You never know who you are going to meet on these trips! Passive brag...accepted!

[PingDrv00]

[quote name='ThunderBuzzworth' timestamp='1396694158' post='9025087']
To answer the question about what 3 wood and hybrid I went with:

No 3 wood, it went too far. I decided on an SLDR 5 wood turned to 4 wood with an AD BB 8x and the hybrid is a 19* SLDR standard setting with a Speeder tour spec 9.8. Depending on how I hit the hybrid on course this morning Tom Fisher may give me the 21* version instead
[/quote]

What a great review, and summary of the event. It is amazing to see someone with numbers that large. I cannot think of a more impressive trip or opportunity.

[JJensen]

I'm curious about how many guys went with the 430 over the 460. I know for me the 430 looks, feels, and performs much better than the 460.

Also curious how many guys truly "lofted up" when I went to my "fitting" the guy wouldn't even let me try the 9° 430 because he said that "nobody needs it" and that "if you need it you need a new swing." My fitting ended with him saying there isn't anything better for me, (Which I do not believe after seeing my numbers on TM.)

[Ed Settle]

[quote name='chickenpotpie' timestamp='1396707376' post='9025837']
Thunder, weren't you already fit at a high end custom fitter in Michigan prior to the trip?

I'd be willing to bet most guys on this trip thought they were custom fit already. Would love to see the stats on that afterwards.
[/quote]

I agree. Didn't see many who hadn't at least upgraded shafts, not just OTR.

[Zach Heusser]

Chipped up and ready for action

[attachment=2159861:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1396711652.626695.jpg]

[the_saint_siwa]

To Austin aka ThunderBuzzworth aka Hulk Smash, man, that's an unbelievable distance! I would love to see videos of your swing. I wonder how Sldr hold up against that Hulks Smash.

Thank you
Steve

[Zach Heusser]

Breakfast at LaCosta

[attachment=2159881:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1396712516.241864.jpg]

[Chilli9880]

Awesome job by the escorts (Zach, Ben, Zac and Hip)! I know exactly how hard it is to keep everyone on the boards updated while you're experience this awesome trip and you fellas are doing a great job by letting the guys experiencing this and keeping us hobo's at home informed.

P.S. Any info on the white SLDR?

[Ed Settle]

[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1396712576' post='9026245']
Breakfast at LaCosta[attachment=2159881:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1396712516.241864.jpg]
[/quote]

Great way start a morning of golf! Enjoy

[swizbeatz]

I'm most looking forward to the honest on course reviews over the next couple weeks. I want to see how many, if any, have issues with accuracy with the new sticks. As everyone gained yardage I'm sure the SLDR will be in your bag for the foreseeable future so this is the biggest thing for me.

Looks like you guys are having a great time, good job with the updates and I loved that you shared data straight from the trackman. Why were so many of the smash numbers low on the gamers and much higher on the sldrs?

[Zach Heusser]

Bob has hit the opening shot at LaCosta

[attachment=2159967:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1396715670.306874.jpg]

[JJensen]

Is there anyone with a swing speed around 110-112mph, moderate load with a neutral AOA? Curious what they were fit into.

Also any guys go in with a 913D3?

[sandiegonative]

[quote name='ThunderBuzzworth' timestamp='1396673131' post='9024659']
So I am Austin. I started with the Razr Fit Extreme 8.75 with Diamana Ilima 70x tipped 1.25

During the challenge I tried the 460 and 430 heads in 10.5 loft. Luckily there was 1 430 12 head on the van that I was fortunate enough to get my paws on. I tried a lot of different shafts:
AD MT 6x: hook machine (felt nice though)
Motore Speeder of some sort (all red): NOPE
AD BB 6&7x: not my ideal feel in a shaft and also felt like I had to work twice as hard to get it where it needed to be at impact. (I did pick this shaft for my fairway wood so it must have been a head weight/ shaft profile blunder).
AD DI 7x: the most popular shaft at Reynolds today. It was good not great. The numbers were better than average but feel was not ideal to me.
Mamiya VTS silver 6x: nice feeling shaft but it was spinny unless i really slowed down my transition.
Diamana Kaili 60x: it was the best one of the above bunch from the first ball I hit. Smoothest feel and rock solid numbers. (I hit one with the Kaili 349 but Zak was demanding 350 or bust)
Oban Kiyoshi Gold 65x: first ball I hit with it was absolutely NUKED... Trackman didn't pick it up. The ball actually flew all the way over the range and landed on the opposite side tee Box and one hopped into the shrubbery. Luckily nobody was over there at that time. Made some adjustments to get trackman back on track... Very next ball was just mushed and I saw Zak put his hands in the air... 358. This was the one. We made a few more swings and minor tweaks and that was all she wrote.

Ended up in the SLDR 430 12* set at 11.5 with Oban Kiyoshi Gold 65x tipped 1" D3.

In the end I was going between a
Kaili 60x and the Kiyoshi Gold but the Kiyoshi Gold was just golden. I'll still be thinking about the Kaili for a couple weeks I'm sure.

On course it performed just as
It did during fitting. I had a couple loose swings but for the most part it was awesome. I did hit a 341, 348 and 370 yard drive on #'s 6, 9 and 17 during the round. One was a par 5 that I only had 141 into. I ended up hitting 8/14
Fairways. 1 of which was a 3 wood so I guess 7/13 with driver. Not the best but I was hitting driver on every hole because that was why we were here. The real sleeper of this trip so far has been the TPx ball. I am very find of it and it is the ball I did my fitting with. I can't wait to try them out on a course I am familiar with.

Tonight at Dinner with the Reynolds group we had a discussion with Tom Fisher and Robin English about how to change the public view of the "loft up" campaign because it has received a lot of scrutiny among the golf community. Myself and Andy (CheckJV) came to the conclusion that "loft up" is a misinterpreted phrase to the consumer due to all the years of everyone wanting 7, 7.5, 8 degree drivers. Low lofted clubs mean lower spin clubs right? Not anymore! I came into this as the biggest skeptic of our group and probably the whole trip all together but after getting better numbers with 3 degrees more loft I can honestly say TO YOU SKEPTICS: It is something you must experience to believe. SLDR has all the potential in the world to be great for everyone but a proper fitting is absolutely crucial. The whole idea really is to optimize launch and spin. The SLDR I'm sure is amazing by itself but the shaft you put in it is equally important to hit those optimal numbers.

I feel that the term "loft up" is not appealing to the masses... ESPECIALLY the golf club gurus that our GolfWRX community has within it. I think the campaign should be reintroduced with the term Launch Up in some shape or form because really that is what the majority of golfers need is higher launch. Andy came up with spin down. So it would be Launch Up, spin down. Then the masses will start to ask more questions... How do I launch it higher? How do I get lower spin? Right now there are thousands of golfers that have a 7 or 8 degree driver that think it is low launch low spin because of the loft alone when in reality all it does is launch low. That low lofted driver needs extra spin to stay in the air... Why not flip the spectrum? Launch it twice as high with half the spin?

You want a higher launch? Try a higher lofted head. Taylormade robotic testing has proven 1 degree of loft is 3 times more effective at achieving higher launch than swinging up 1 degree. How do I get my spin down? Low and forward cog along with a properly fit shaft will drastically lower spin. Just by getting a consumer to ask those questions they can get them to enter a whole new realm of golf equipment.

This is where the custom fitting part comes into play.and this is where eberybody will see that this is not just hype but the real deal.

Who ever with a 128 swing speed would ever EVER go in a store and buy a 12 degree driver???? Who would even take one for free if they were offered??? NOT ME... Until today.

Don't take my word for it. I am extending the challenge to you guys now. Go test it for yourself (but make sure the shaft is a proper fit as well).

Austin,
ThunderBuzzworth
Bring the Thunder

Hulk smash
Loft up?
[/quote]

Austin, sounds like you and the other 19 golfers had a blast. You all were treated to a tour-like fitting, given some CASH for your "hard work", got some free clubs, and got to go play some golf. Not bad, not bad at all.

I don't think people are hating on TM for their "Loft Up" campaign as high launch and low spin is nothing new. I think people are rightfully skeptical because this was NOT an "Apples to Apples" comparison. Outside of Chris (1 of 20 who had better number with his current driver) and Scott aka, jongat55 (gained a believable 13 yards) were properly fit in their current setup. The other 18 golfers (who happen to hit the tour-like fitted SLDR further) have not said if they were properly fitted into their existing gamer.

Did you go to a Callaway Performance Center and try different high-end shafts for your RAZR like you were able to for the SLDR?

Many on here have never been properly fit. My guess is due to cost or access. Who knows.

Anyhow, I think you're drinking the wrong Kool-Aid, it's not how great company x's driver is, it's about getting properly fit.

[NTKT10]

The one and only Hipcheck in action.

[attachment=2160029:image.jpg]

[Anser]

[quote name='NTKT10' timestamp='1396717150' post='9026603']
The one and only Hipcheck in action.

[attachment=2160029:image.jpg]
[/quote]

I'd like to be that on plane

[sandiegonative]

[quote name='kejoal11' timestamp='1396631393' post='9020179']
[quote name='Rob G.' timestamp='1396631293' post='9020169']
[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1396631115' post='9020145']
[quote name='bjackson' timestamp='1396630052' post='9019969']
Eric's old driver - TaylorMade R9 Superdeep TP, 8.5*, Fujikura Motore Speeder 6.2 stiff
Eric's new driver - Taylormade SLDR 460, 9.5* set to 8.5*, Aldila Tour Green 65 stiff

Picked up 22 yards and $550

[attachment=2158517:image.jpg]
[/quote]
Love to see this comprehensive analysis, not just single shots.

1.45 "efficiency" for both.

+2 launch. -800 rpm. +22 yards.

That's not marketing.
[/quote]

#TRUTH
[/quote]

Like we said after #insidetmag. Its no gimmick!!
[/quote]

I've been going back through all 21 pages to make sure I have not missed anything.

No arguing he gained 22 yards, "Total Distance" went from 252 to 274. But unless my eyes are deceiving me, his "OFFLINE" number jumped from -14 to -47.

I don't know where you guys play, but if you're offline 14 yards, you're in the rough and if you're offline 47 yards, good luck finding your ball.

If I'm wrong, please correct me.

[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/996759-live-updates-the-5000-taylormade-sldr-guarantee-event/page__st__300#entry9019969"]http://www.golfwrx.c...00#entry9019969[/url]

[Chilli9880]

[quote name='NTKT10' timestamp='1396717150' post='9026603']
The one and only Hipcheck in action.

[attachment=2160029:image.jpg]
[/quote]

He must play a nice draw because it looks like he's aimed 15-20 yards to the right of the fairway. Hope you all have or are hitting them well today!

[MaydayGSXR]

[quote name='Chilli9880' timestamp='1396713366' post='9026309']
Awesome job by the escorts (Zach, Ben, Zac and Hip)! I know exactly how hard it is to keep everyone on the boards updated while you're experience this awesome trip and you fellas are doing a great job by letting the guys experiencing this and keeping us hobo's at home informed.
[/quote]

Agreed, you guys are doing all the grunt work for now so the guys can enjoy the trip while they're on it, [color=#0000cd][size=5]kudos![/size][/color] I know the crew is just itching with excitement to write up their experiences later on, but for now it's time to soak it all in still!

I agree that it seems a lot of these guys went in with drivers that were tweaked either a bit, or a lot (exotic shafts, tipping, dangerously high levels of lead tape, etc lol), I don't think it would be too absurd to think that any decent fitter a person might choose to visit would have some SLDR heads and a good variety of exotic shafts to try out in order to find a winning combo. But we'll just have to wait and see what everyone's story is when their write up's come (how they came to have the set up they had going into the trip, if they were fit, etc), until then you're all just speculating on why this is or isn't good data.

Edit: As far as dispersion, that may be an issue, but it may just take some time getting used to the new set up and new distance. The on course reviews will be key for this I think; if they finish up their rounds of golf and throw their old club back in the bag because they weren't hitting enough fairways, then yeah, case laid to rest.. it didn't work for them. But if the new club stays in the bag, then there's our answer on the matter as well. We'll have to see how it performs for them, because that's what we're all really interested in anyways. Length is great, but we want a performer.

This trip looked amazingly fun to be on, some people got seriously PAID!

[Puppetmaster]

[quote name='NTKT10' timestamp='1396717150' post='9026603']
The one and only Hipcheck in action.

[attachment=2160029:image.jpg]
[/quote]

Hey dude, I didn't see your results, how was it?

[bjackson]

[quote name='sandiegonative' timestamp='1396716733' post='9026579']
I think people are rightfully skeptical because this was NOT an "Apples to Apples" comparison. Outside of Chris (1 of 20 who had better number with his current driver) and Scott aka, jongat55 (gained a believable 13 yards) were properly fit in their current setup. The other 18 golfers (who happen to hit the tour-like fitted SLDR further) have not said if they were properly fitted into their existing gamer.

Did you go to a Callaway Performance Center and try different high-end shafts for your RAZR like you were able to for the SLDR?

Many on here have never been properly fit. My guess is due to cost or access. Who knows.

Anyhow, I think you're drinking the wrong Kool-Aid, it's not how great company x's driver is, it's about getting properly fit.
[/quote]

Of the five guys here in Dallas one was fit at Hot Stix, two were fit at demo days using ~10 different shafts before settling on the best setup, and two made educated guesses based off driver set ups they had be been custom fit for prior. Nobody was using off the rack.

[the_saint_siwa]

We all know that a proper fitting is the key but what about the average Joe that can't afford the TM Kingdom fitting treatment?

I love my SLDR however I would love to see if TM would host an event such as a stock SLDR compare to either other stock drivers or Golfwrx current driver.NO FITTING ON TM or SLDR part. If stock SLDR wins against other stock drivers, that would be great. If stock SLDR beats non stock golfwrx drivers, that would be something! If stock can't beat custom driver, we would love to see how far behind yard wise.
Yes, it doesn't sound fair but if stock SLDR blew others, no need other advertisement. Just a thought. What do you think guys?

[drewtaylor21]

[quote name='sandiegonative' timestamp='1396718792' post='9026755']

I've been going back through all 21 pages to make sure I have not missed anything.

No arguing he gained 22 yards, "Total Distance" went from 252 to 274. But unless my eyes are deceiving me, his "OFFLINE" number jumped from -14 to -47.

I don't know where you guys play, but if you're offline 14 yards, you're in the rough and if you're offline 47 yards, good luck finding your ball.

If I'm wrong, please correct me.

[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/996759-live-updates-the-5000-taylormade-sldr-guarantee-event/page__st__300#entry9019969"]http://www.golfwrx.c...00#entry9019969[/url]
[/quote]

Agreed. I am very interested to see the on-course reports now that these guys have been "Tour-fit" into the SLDR. That's where it really counts in my book.

I have been battling with the SLDR since October after playing a Titleist 975 for over a decade. I was fit for the SLDR, but my fitter wasn't terribly impressive and only had 3 or 4 shafts that I could try. My spin numbers were better with the SLDR, but distance has stayed the same (or even gone down a bit) and my FW% has gone down significantly. It is still early season, and I am working on driver quite a bit right now, so I'm hoping to see some positive changes, but this whole thread (which has been a lot of fun to read!) really makes me wish that I had access to the kind of technology and fitting that you guys experienced.

That would be the one thing that I would want to express to TM if they are looking for feedback from you guys on the trip. Making access to good fitting easier for the average amateur. I have no idea if that is even possible from a company standpoint, but I know for myself I would see a lot more value in knowing that if I went in for a fitting I would have access to equipment that would actually be the best for me.

[ORUTRAVIS]

I want to start off by saying props to golfwrx and Taylormade on another great outing. The loft up campaign the way I see it is getting people's launch angle up and spin down. In the past 4 years I have worked as a clubfitter with two different big box stores. Before that I spent time on the Nationwide and Hooters playing and then fitting players for clubs. Matrix was the first shaft company that I remembered talking about the magic 17 -1700.

So all I say all that for this. Getting fit is the key to getting the proper numbers. The SLDR is a crazy low spin driver. I have a plus 3 aOa and I couldn't get enough spin with the stock shaft to keep the ball in the air. But the number of guys that were the 6-8 degrees launch and high 2000's and low 3000's spin now can magically get those numbers to be closer to the 10-12 or higher with spin rates in the high 1000's and low 2000's. Big time gains.

Personally, I am happy that Taylormade is taking time to show the consumer that the higher launch and lower spin is essentially the answer to hit it farther without changing your swing. If anyone could persuade the customer it would be Taylormade. Now I personally don't have a single Taylormade club in my bag and I am actually a big Callaway fan but I do believe that they have a great product.

Keep up the good work TM and GolfWrx.

Austin great write up and you are animal.

[MaydayGSXR]

[quote name='the_saint_siwa' timestamp='1396720087' post='9026839']
I love my SLDR however I would love to see if TM would host an event such as a stock SLDR compare to either other stock drivers or Golfwrx current driver. Just a thought. What do you think guys?
[/quote]

This seems to be the wrong forum if you want stock shafts

[quote name='drewtaylor21' timestamp='1396720661' post='9026877']
That would be the one thing that I would want to express to TM if they are looking for feedback from you guys on the trip. Making access to good fitting easier for the average amateur. I have no idea if that is even possible from a company standpoint, but I know for myself I would see a lot more value in knowing that if I went in for a fitting I would have access to equipment that would actually be the best for me.
[/quote]

If you're close (within a days driving distance) to a TM performance lab, they'll take care of you in the exact same manner as these guys (minus the 25$ per yard you pick up, lol). The price isn't exactly cheap for everyday golfers, but again, this is WRX and you have people dropping $200-300 on a whim just for fun or to experiment. For that price, you can go and get fit for a few clubs in the lab. I'm sure other top end fitters would be similar as well. It's all about how far you're willing to go for the '[i]perfect[/i]' club, we all want our cake and to eat it too Which leaves me; I'm cheap so in the future I will settle and be happy with either self fitting or OTR clubs.

[NTKT10]

It's been an incredibly fun, but exhausting experience.

[attachment=2160307:image.jpg]

[scratchswinger]

[quote name='bjackson' timestamp='1396719718' post='9026811']
[quote name='sandiegonative' timestamp='1396716733' post='9026579']
I think people are rightfully skeptical because this was NOT an "Apples to Apples" comparison. Outside of Chris (1 of 20 who had better number with his current driver) and Scott aka, jongat55 (gained a believable 13 yards) were properly fit in their current setup. The other 18 golfers (who happen to hit the tour-like fitted SLDR further) have not said if they were properly fitted into their existing gamer.

Did you go to a Callaway Performance Center and try different high-end shafts for your RAZR like you were able to for the SLDR?

Many on here have never been properly fit. My guess is due to cost or access. Who knows.

Anyhow, I think you're drinking the wrong Kool-Aid, it's not how great company x's driver is, it's about getting properly fit.
[/quote]

Of the five guys here in Dallas one was fit at Hot Stix, two were fit at demo days using ~10 different shafts before settling on the best setup, and two made educated guesses based off driver set ups they had be been custom fit for prior. Nobody was using off the rack.
[/quote]

There are always going to be doubters. I personally was fit for for my 913 at TPI Cralsbad, my Kingdom SLDR is a full club past the 913.

I was the bigger doubter of them all, seeing is believing.

[GC70]

[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1396722190' post='9027015']
[quote name='bjackson' timestamp='1396719718' post='9026811']
[quote name='sandiegonative' timestamp='1396716733' post='9026579']
I think people are rightfully skeptical because this was NOT an "Apples to Apples" comparison. Outside of Chris (1 of 20 who had better number with his current driver) and Scott aka, jongat55 (gained a believable 13 yards) were properly fit in their current setup. The other 18 golfers (who happen to hit the tour-like fitted SLDR further) have not said if they were properly fitted into their existing gamer.

Did you go to a Callaway Performance Center and try different high-end shafts for your RAZR like you were able to for the SLDR?

Many on here have never been properly fit. My guess is due to cost or access. Who knows.

Anyhow, I think you're drinking the wrong Kool-Aid, it's not how great company x's driver is, it's about getting properly fit.
[/quote]

Of the five guys here in Dallas one was fit at Hot Stix, two were fit at demo days using ~10 different shafts before settling on the best setup, and two made educated guesses based off driver set ups they had be been custom fit for prior. Nobody was using off the rack.
[/quote]

There are always going to be doubters. I personally was fit for for my 913 at TPI Cralsbad, my Kingdom SLDR is a full club past the 913.

I was the bigger doubter of them all, seeing is believing.
[/quote]
How would the two fittings compare?

[sandiegonative]

[quote name='MNNikeGuy' timestamp='1396722461' post='9027033']
[quote name='scratchswinger' timestamp='1396722190' post='9027015']
[quote name='bjackson' timestamp='1396719718' post='9026811']
Of the five guys here in Dallas one was fit at Hot Stix, two were fit at demo days using ~10 different shafts before settling on the best setup, and two made educated guesses based off driver set ups they had be been custom fit for prior. Nobody was using off the rack.
[/quote]

There are always going to be doubters. I personally was fit for for my 913 at TPI Cralsbad, my Kingdom SLDR is a full club past the 913.

I was the bigger doubter of them all, seeing is believing.
[/quote]
How would the two fittings compare?
[/quote]

Sorry for being a "doubter" but I work as a data analyst and I'm all about the numbers. With that said, they need to be normalized before they can be compared.

For the record, I'm not a TM hater. I do hate their marketing as I find it insulting. I believe they and all major OEMs make great golf equipment. Golfers have loyalties to one OEM or another for a variety of reasons. Regardless of who we choose, if properly fit our equipment will always be optimized.

I'm sure we can all agree, getting a tour level fitting at The Kingdom, at an Ely Callaway Performance Center, at The NIKE Oven, at a Titleist Performance Institute is going to "squeeze" out better numbers than going to a demo day or making an educated choice based on a prior fitting (that's what I've done recently due to cost).

I think the following information on all 20 attendees would help everyone come to their own reasonable conclusion.

1. Name of Attendee and GolfWRX Username
2. Current Driver with specs
3. Were they fitted for their current driver? If so, how?
4. SLDR Driver with specs
5. Comparison Numbers including but not limited to, Ball Speed, Swing Speed, Smash Factor, Launch Angle, Total Spin, Carry Distance, Total Distance, and Offline.

So I'll ask you three (bjackson, scratchswinger, and MNNikeGuy) the same question based on my[url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/996759-live-updates-the-5000-taylormade-sldr-guarantee-event/page__st__600__p__9026755#entry9026755"] Post #624[/url] regarding Eric (no offense to you buddy). His current gamer gave him on average 252 yards of distance and he was offline 14 yards. The new SLDR increased his distance by 22 yards for a total of 274 yards, however it also put him 47 yards offline. [b]How is that better for him?[/b]

scratchswinger (sorry this goes back to the need for all the data to be gathered) I don't recall your real name and/or your numbers. Do you mind sharing them again?

[Zach Heusser]

Our host Brian is a putting wizard!

[attachment=2160313:ImageUploadedByGolfWRX Mobile1396723859.198431.jpg]