Taylormade R11 TP Review W/Trackman Numbers

[TMBob]

Well I finally got put some time on my R11 in order to write a review for the Membership.

 

I would like to thank GolfWRX, Gregg Rogers Performance Golf www.grgolfperformance.com and TC at TM with their help and time.

 

Being a long time Taylormade Driver owner (I put time on all of these TM drivers, R510 TP, R5 TP, R7TP, R7 425 TP,2007 Burner TP, SQ TP, R9, R9 460, and the ST) so I feel that I have a pretty good sense of what TM drivers are about and always love their new offerings and the technology that comes with it.

 

I still own my R7 425 TP, SQ TP, R9, R9 460 and current play the Supertri and have for the past 15 months, so my main base line with be against the SuperTri for my review.

 

As we all know TM has introduced White into their 2011 line up with some serious fan fare. I thought the pictures of it before it came out were pretty cool, but a White driver? Hmmm, I need to see one in person and go from there because I love the all black look of the Supertri and SQ.

 

This review with be based on a R11 9 Degree Head that Came with a Ahina 60 Stiff with a few other shafts.

 

Me.....Age 53, Cap 6.1, Mens Club Member at two different Seattle area courses that I play about 2 times a week. I have been playing for 40 years and was lucky enough to play with and watch Fred Couple while growing up in the Seattle area. I also played HS golf with Kenny G for two years. The only members I have played golf with on here, are Metalhead, and gtclay. Josh and I played in Mesquite and Bandon Dunes and had a great time. I have been lucky enough to go to TM's Kingdom back in 2007 and it was a treat for sure.

 

 

LOOKS.......Though the head is slightly smaller then my past two TM drivers at 440 cc's, the head seems close to a 460 cc head, though some feel that the White head makes it look bigger then 460 cc's. Sitting next to my R9 418 cc head the R11 looks bigger then it, with a more rounded back end when compared to the R9. Next to my SuperTri, the main thing I see is a smaller heel toe area and a bit deeper face. Both sit very well to my eye when looking down at the top line, were some drivers just do not look good to me. Right now, the ST still fits my eye the best of any TM to date.

 

TECHNOLOGY.........TM has added something new this year to the R11, and that is called ASP (Adjustable Sole Plate) and anytime I hear the word "open" for a driver I am all ears. As most of you know by now, one can adjust the sole plate into one of three settings which actually make the head set up in one of those three choices. If one does lay the club down on the ground and takes a grip based on the head position, chances are that head position will be were you dialed the ASP into. Myself, I have mine on Open but tend to take my grip with the club in the air and hoover the club at address, so this option does little for my game. Of course TM has it's standard MWT (Moveable Weight Technology) and FCT (Flight Control Technology) both features that I just love about the TM drivers that offer this.

Having the FCT allowed me to change shafts in seconds, and I can change the face angle and spin by these small adjustments just like that. As you can see from my Trackman session, I was able to compare Apples to Apples and a few Apples to Oranges also. The MWT has allowed me adjust the CG (Center of Gravity) on these heads as I have always found that I prefer the heavier weights forward on the past heads that has the MWT. To me, it provided less spin and a slightly lower more flatter launch angle. Another options it can provide is the Heel or Toe bias, which I found having the heavier weight in the toe is also better for me because my miss hits tend to be toes and I prefer mass behind that area to provide a slightly larger sweet spot more so then shot pattern it can provide. Mainly I love that one can change the Swing Weight in seconds as I did so in my Trackman Sessions.

 

FEEL.......To me, I am very use to my ST feel and sound with 15 months under its belt, so when I hit the R11 for the first time it sure was not the same as the ST. It is not quite as loud as the ST and the miss hits just do not feel as solid as the ST to me. But man, if you hit the R11 in the center or a touch high of center does this club feel about as good as it gets! The sound is more of a dead solid sound when compared to the ST when nutted. My guess is that placement and construction of the ASP plate, one less MWT port created the difference between the two.

 

PERFORMANCE.......As my Trackman numbers show, the head on the R11 is more areodynamic then the ST so it produced better ball speeds and slightly faster club speeds, both relay into more yards over the ST. (See Trackman info) These are great additions to a head that already offers some awesome technology features. For me, the ST payed better because of miss hits and forgiveness period. I tend to toe the ball and not high enough on the face to be able to take advantage of the R11 right now. I feel that the high center on the face shots are much better on the R11 over the ST because it produces less spin then the ST and a better decent angle for more distance. (Higher launch and less spin on top of more BS and CS are big pluses) I have played with a few people that have a R11 and I must say, I have said WOW to myself a few times based on the results I saw from these people playing this head. The first thing I noticed was a slightly high launch, a great sound and a ball that flat out carried much more then they normally do with a different head in their hands. This is that sweet spot I am talking about that comes into play and thus why believe why I have read about the Love/Hate relationships with the R11 that people have made reference to on here. (Lovers = Ball Strikers, Haters = Poor Ball Strikers IMHO) I honestly believe that a better ball striker will enjoy this head so much over a person that just doesn't quite find the sweet spot as much. Of course, I agree that dialing it in some will help find that sweet spot more often. (Length very important, FCT, & MWT) Heck, just look out on Tour and you see so many non staffers playing this head speaks volume to how this head preforms in the hands of ball strikers.

 

I have added some Trackman numbers and would like to put a shout out to Gregg @ Gregg Rogers Performance Golf Center for allowing me to come in and work with me to produce these numbers in order to be able to share with the Members. As you can see, I was able to compare a few different combo's and please feel free to add any comments about these numbers that you might have. I would also like to suggest that any of the Seattle area Members look up Gregg for a TM fitting, a Lesson or a Trackman Session like I did. He also has a nice selection of Clothing, (noticed Adidas, and Travis Mathew to name a few) Fitness Classes, Clubs, and Balls. I am sure Gregg would be happy to meet you and fulfill your golfing addiction needs. Gregg is located in Bellevue, Wa. and can be contacted at 425-746-1655 or visit them at www.grgolfperformance.com

 

 

 

Final Thoughts.........I will be working with TC at TM with my LM numbers and attempt to give the R11 it's due time and see if I can find that darn sweet spot a bit more often and chime back in. With the bad weather and my only rounds being competitive ones, the R11 has taken a back seat to my ST for now but will for sure will get more PT here soon. I also might give the SF TP 2.0 a go based on my Trackman numbers.

 

Thanks again to the Mods at GolfWRX, Gregg Roger, and TC from TM

 

Specs on Testing

 

Ball Tested was a TM Black LDP

 

1) ST 8.5 (8-1-8) Project X 6.0 45.5"

2) ST 8.5 (8-4-8) Oban Devotion 6 #4 45.25"

3) R11 9 (10-1) Ahina 60 Stiff 45"

4) R11 9 (10-1) G Lommis Texas A&M XStiff 45"

5) R11 9 (6-1) PX 6.0

6) SF TP 2.0 Kai'Li 70 Stiff 45.5"

7) R11 9 (6-1) Speeder VC 7.0 45.5"

 

SW was about D-3 on these clubs and all Clubs with FCT were in the 1 degree open position

 

Please note,

1) The PX shaft was my own and not a R11 Graphic version.

2) I took out weight on the R11 for the PX so that the heads were the same for testing (197 grams no sleeve)

3) MWT numbers read from Toe, Middle, Heel or Toe, to Heel

 

 

 

 

Not me in the pic!

 

 

[boycer]

Good info on their Bob. Looks like the Kai'li or Speeder to me in the R11. Might need to put a little less weight in the heal. Which one feels better? I have a 70 gram kai'li right now, but think is might be launching a little low for me and spin might be a little high. After looking at that data, I am thinking about picking up 60 gram kai'li or speeder. Course I think I need to go to a good place to get fit.

[TMBob]

[quote name='boycer11' timestamp='1306954261' post='3277845']
Good info on their Bob. Looks like the Kai'li or Speeder to me in the R11. Might need to put a little less weight in the heal. Which one feels better? I have a 70 gram kai'li right now, but think is might be launching a little low for me and spin might be a little high. After looking at that data, I am thinking about picking up 60 gram kai'li or speeder. Course I think I need to go to a good place to get fit.
[/quote]

Have a closer look at the G Loomis shaft info.....we needed to throw out #3 with #2.....should move it up.
I do not own the Speeder VC 7.0, nor the SF TP 2.0 set up, but I own the rest.

Thanks Mark

[Metalhead]

Bob- Great review! Thanks for the props....I loved those trips we did, but its seems like that was a lifetime ago! Maybe time to revisit!

Excellent numbers and data.....Couple points of interest I have gathered and learned from my experience with R11: 1) I was fit for the r11 down at the Kingdom as you know, and they suggested the Ahina 60x for me, and yes indeed it brought my spin down coupled with the R11, however in actually playing conditions (where you have Wind, rain, less than ideal fairways..etc...) I discovered a few things that along the way...I hit the Ahina around 13* launch however I struggled to get much roll out- but carry was great...so I experimented with a several things- I cut down the Ahina to play at 44.75" (actually I tipped it)- that made a huge difference! Brought the overall launch down about a degree, but in the process flatted out the overall ballflight and I got some roll....2) the second thing and equally important, I started Teeing the ball MUCH lower than I ever have before, as the hot spot on the r11 is right at the 3 groove..I also miss on the toe and this seemed to help my miss too.

Lastly- I found the Speeder 7.1 is a much better fit for me overall in the R11, Im getting about the same carry as before but having a lot better results with the roll out and control with this combo!

[MJP22]

Its posts like this that make me love this site! Thanks for the write-up.

[brent]

At least you have a good Lommis college shaft mixed in there....

[boycer]

Metalhead, great information added their. I might have to pick up a speeder. Any reason you went 7.0 vs 6.0? Was wondering with bob's numbers though if he really needs to bring down launch. Course I agree on the course can be totally different animal.

[TMBob]

[quote name='Metalhead' timestamp='1306955571' post='3277895']
Bob- Great review! Thanks for the props....I loved those trips we did, but its seems like that was a lifetime ago! Maybe time to revisit!

Excellent numbers and data.....Couple points of interest I have gathered and learned from my experience with R11: 1) I was fit for the r11 down at the Kingdom as you know, and they suggested the Ahina 60x for me, and yes indeed it brought my spin down coupled with the R11, however in actually playing conditions (where you have Wind, rain, less than ideal fairways..etc...) I discovered a few things that along the way...I hit the Ahina around 13* launch however I struggled to get much roll out- but carry was great...so I experimented with a several things- I cut down the Ahina to play at 44.75" (actually I tipped it)- that made a huge difference! Brought the overall launch down about a degree, but in the process flatted out the overall ballflight and I got some roll....2) the second thing and equally important, I started Teeing the ball MUCH lower than I ever have before, as the hot spot on the r11 is right at the 3 groove..I also miss on the toe and this seemed to help my miss too.

Lastly- I found the Speeder 7.1 is a much better fit for me overall in the R11, Im getting about the same carry as before but having a lot better results with the roll out and control with this combo!
[/quote]

Thanks Josh,

Funny that you mentioned teeing the ball lower, because I tee it super high and just started messing around with a lower tee right after my TM session. I did hit the R11 PX combo better at the range that afternoon though it was still a higher launch then my ST PX combo.


The Ahina that they sent me was super short even though I asked for a 45", it was about 7/8's shorter then my PX. That and the G Loomis College shaft are both really about 44.75" but I put down 45" I have played the G Loomis in my ST twice and had one really good driving day and the G Loomis in the R11 seemed quite good at the range as the TM numbers confirm. I was trying to get my hands on a Stiff G Loomis College shaft but I have not done so yet to test.

The 7.1 has less spin then the 7.0 correct? I got decent carry numbers and BS with the 7.0 I tried that day.

BG

[TMBob]

[quote name='brent' timestamp='1306956641' post='3277946']
At least you have a good Lommis college shaft mixed in there....
[/quote]


Great feeling shaft and a nice surprise I must say. Check out their web site.

[Metalhead]

[quote name='boycer11' timestamp='1306956808' post='3277950']
Metalhead, great information added their. I might have to pick up a speeder. Any reason you went 7.0 vs 6.0? Was wondering with bob's numbers though if he really needs to bring down launch. Course I agree on the course can be totally different animal.
[/quote]

I tried the 6.0, and really liked it actually...but for some reason with the 6.0 the balance point of the combo felt off to me..but it led me to the 7.1 which I like the best to date for ME.

The one thing I will say about TRACKMAN fittings, specifically indoor, but not exclusive to indoor (outdoor trackman too)- Trackman is the best technology available for fittings NO QUESTION! But I have found(thru some friends as well) that LAUNCH conditions DON"T always translate to the course...even if they are IDEAL based on TRACKMAN....futhermore, if you are compare Driver to Driver this is fine (even using range balls for this type of comparison is ok too)....but for FINAL decision on driver/shaft combo- USE YOUR EYES for Launch Angle on an outdoor range...just my 2cents anyway:)

[Metalhead]

[quote name='TMBob' timestamp='1306957006' post='3277957']
[quote name='Metalhead' timestamp='1306955571' post='3277895']
Bob- Great review! Thanks for the props....I loved those trips we did, but its seems like that was a lifetime ago! Maybe time to revisit!

Excellent numbers and data.....Couple points of interest I have gathered and learned from my experience with R11: 1) I was fit for the r11 down at the Kingdom as you know, and they suggested the Ahina 60x for me, and yes indeed it brought my spin down coupled with the R11, however in actually playing conditions (where you have Wind, rain, less than ideal fairways..etc...) I discovered a few things that along the way...I hit the Ahina around 13* launch however I struggled to get much roll out- but carry was great...so I experimented with a several things- I cut down the Ahina to play at 44.75" (actually I tipped it)- that made a huge difference! Brought the overall launch down about a degree, but in the process flatted out the overall ballflight and I got some roll....2) the second thing and equally important, I started Teeing the ball MUCH lower than I ever have before, as the hot spot on the r11 is right at the 3 groove..I also miss on the toe and this seemed to help my miss too.

Lastly- I found the Speeder 7.1 is a much better fit for me overall in the R11, Im getting about the same carry as before but having a lot better results with the roll out and control with this combo!
[/quote]

Thanks Josh,

Funny that you mentioned teeing the ball lower, because I tee it super high and just started messing around with a lower tee right after my TM session. I did hit the R11 PX combo better at the range that afternoon though it was still a higher launch then my ST PX combo.


The Ahina that they sent me was super short even though I asked for a 45", it was about 7/8's shorter then my PX. That and the G Loomis College shaft are both really about 44.75" but I put down 45" I have played the G Loomis in my ST twice and had one really good driving day and the G Loomis in the R11 seemed quite good at the range as the TM numbers confirm. I was trying to get my hands on a Stiff G Loomis College shaft but I have not done so yet to test.

The 7.1 has less spin then the 7.0 correct? I got decent carry numbers and BS with the 7.0 I tried that day.

BG
[/quote]

Yeah...if I tee it up HIGH with the R11, the Tee is about 1.25"-1.50", otherwise I usually tee about 1".

The 7.1 will spin and launch slightly less than the 7.0

[bkends35]

I found that the r11 head spun too much that's why I went with the 910.

[PorkChopExpress]

Great review Bob
Motore Speeders are great shafts and I've seen folks get some very consistent numbers with them.
Plus the feeling on the shaft is excellent.

[130R]

WOW! great review; I am really happy with my R11 purchase, the ball just screams of the face. Im still making small adjustments with the weight settings, and may have a look at trying out some more shafts based on your review. Like you the ASP doesn't really influence the way I address the ball, as I prefer to setup with the club in the air. I would like to see a smaller club head version, as the white makes the 440cc head look massive. But overall; in my opinion the hype about this club is justified, if your willing to put the time into it

[boycer]

Metalhead, do you have any numbers?