2013 TaylorMade R1 Driver: Review, Video and Pics

[smackygolf]

[quote name='DuckHook02' timestamp='1357227167' post='6159893']
[quote name='smackygolf' timestamp='1357226923' post='6159859']
[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357226710' post='6159839']
[quote name='smackygolf' timestamp='1357225252' post='6159665']
[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357210115' post='6158797']
Wow, that´s all and what´s new compared with my old R11?

IMO a modified R11.

And the face angle setting is useless, because you have to ground the driver.

And mostly all competitors offer a better stock shaft.

All in all TM has a name in golf, but the R1 is not a technology leader.

2013 Nike and Cobra make the pace in evolution.
[/quote]

I don't wanna quibble, but what exactly has Cobra done? At least Nike has a cavity, which is different.
[/quote]

Well said, Nike has a cavity, which makes the driver more accurate and forgiving.

Nike offers an independent loft and face angle setting and not a compass, you have to ground.

And as mentioned, the KK of the Nike is a real deal quality shaft. TM offers a "made for" crap shaft.

And last but not least, the Nike is cheaper.
[/quote]

YOU CANNOT CHANGE LOFT AND FACE ANGLE INDEPENDENTLY. If TM had claimed that, the same clowns would be complaining about that as well.
[/quote][quote name='smackygolf' timestamp='1357226923' post='6159859']
[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357226710' post='6159839']
[quote name='smackygolf' timestamp='1357225252' post='6159665']
[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357210115' post='6158797']
Wow, that´s all and what´s new compared with my old R11?

IMO a modified R11.

And the face angle setting is useless, because you have to ground the driver.

And mostly all competitors offer a better stock shaft.

All in all TM has a name in golf, but the R1 is not a technology leader.

2013 Nike and Cobra make the pace in evolution.
[/quote]

I don't wanna quibble, but what exactly has Cobra done? At least Nike has a cavity, which is different.
[/quote]

Well said, Nike has a cavity, which makes the driver more accurate and forgiving.

Nike offers an independent loft and face angle setting and not a compass, you have to ground.

And as mentioned, the KK of the Nike is a real deal quality shaft. TM offers a "made for" crap shaft.

And last but not least, the Nike is cheaper.
[/quote]

YOU CANNOT CHANGE LOFT AND FACE ANGLE INDEPENDENTLY. If TM had claimed that, the same clowns would be complaining about that as well.
[/quote]

Are you the TM public relations director? Everyone is entitled to their viewpoint/decision on the merits of the club.
[/quote]

No. I am no ones PR guy. No one is discussing merits. The people I quoted are comparing to another club. That they haven't hit. That what they know about came solely from a press release. That is nothing but marketing spin. Which is what they are complaining about. That's why this kills me. ALL OF IT IS MARKETING HYPE! From EVERY OEM. People are now convinced you can adjust loft and FA independently because Nike said so. Even though it's not possible. If you want to call TM out for marketing and not innovation, go ahead. I agree. There is NOTHING new here. But to use the other OEM's press releases as your baseline is downright idiotic. Just blast this release--don't proselytize about your face OEM and how THEY are innovative. It's all marketing. Innovation has been legislated out of design.

[mmack067]

Here's my take. I'm not a big fan of the graphics on the crown (If I had to choose, I like the look of the Stage 2 better), but if this encourages a higher percentage of players to be properly fitted for their equipment, then I think the game wins on many levels. People need to get out of ill fitting gear and rid themselves of misconceptions. Hopefully this will get more people talking about and paying attention to proper club fittings.

That being said, if you were properly fit for your current driver, there won't be much of an improvement here unless your spin rates are totally out of whack (which makes me question how properly and comprehensively you were fit to begin with...).

[BirdieBob]

Thanks GolfWRX for the details!!

Can't wait to try'em out..........

[smackygolf]

[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1357228521' post='6160069']
[quote name='smackygolf' timestamp='1357225443' post='6159683']
[quote name='ufgatrs82' timestamp='1357216502' post='6158953']
[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1357191575' post='6158219']
Taylormade already knows how we feel, the industry is maxed out and I'm not being paid to play a walking billboard, poor form...BB
[/quote]
+1
[/quote]

So, no Cobra or Nike for you 2 either? No Ping with the matte black that they use for identification? No Adams, no logos on your shirts or shoes, and plain hats. And an unbranded bag. Got it. Show us a pic of your un-branded outfits and bags.
[/quote]All things being relative I will choose what looks and performs best for me and that will not be a retailer driven marketing campaign disguised as a golf club. I also do not support a company that bastardized very previous model by making wild claims and statements about the previous models drawbacks...BB
[/quote]

I agree with the last part. The marketing spin is killing me, and getting worse year after year. Seriously, there are people convinced you can de-couple loft and FA. It's not possible. Effective loft? Sure. But try convincing average Joe of that. It takes an hour for them understand opening the face LOWERS the effective loft at impact. I could slap TM for making the markings "higher" and "lower" instead of "left" and "right."

[Overtime]

I like the "Racing Stripe" on the crown of the R1, looks cool! Cant say the same for the "Arrow" on the crown of the RBZ Stage 2, dont like that one.

Anyone know the Weight of the R1? I know the RBZ and RBZ Stage 2 are 299 grams.

[smackygolf]

[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357227402' post='6159917']
[quote name='smackygolf' timestamp='1357226923' post='6159859']
[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357226710' post='6159839']
[quote name='smackygolf' timestamp='1357225252' post='6159665']
[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357210115' post='6158797']
Wow, that´s all and what´s new compared with my old R11?

IMO a modified R11.

And the face angle setting is useless, because you have to ground the driver.

And mostly all competitors offer a better stock shaft.

All in all TM has a name in golf, but the R1 is not a technology leader.

2013 Nike and Cobra make the pace in evolution.
[/quote]

I don't wanna quibble, but what exactly has Cobra done? At least Nike has a cavity, which is different.
[/quote]

Well said, Nike has a cavity, which makes the driver more accurate and forgiving.

Nike offers an independent loft and face angle setting and not a compass, you have to ground.

And as mentioned, the KK of the Nike is a real deal quality shaft. TM offers a "made for" crap shaft.

And last but not least, the Nike is cheaper.
[/quote]

YOU CANNOT CHANGE LOFT AND FACE ANGLE INDEPENDENTLY. If TM had claimed that, the same clowns would be complaining about that as well.
[/quote]

Come on, let us know the facts.

Fact is, you have to ground the R1 and Nike offers a face angle setting, which is independent from loft and grounding!!!!
[/quote]

No. It isn't. I find it funny that you spew this, which you learned from a press release, while decrying TM's marketing. YOU are proof that people WILL BELIEVE the garbage in a press release. YOU are the reason companies make ridiculous claims. They can always count on a certain % of people to believe whatever they say.

[Big Ben]

[quote name='chickenpotpie' timestamp='1357227931' post='6159989']
[quote name='easyyy' timestamp='1356657329' post='6126365']

[color=#000000]The R1 is shipped with a standard loft of 10 degrees and face angle that is designed to be "visually square" at address (TaylorMade says a visually square face angle actually measures 2 degrees open). If 1.5 degrees of additional loft is added, the face angle will close 3 degrees. But by wrenching the face angle adapter to the 3-degrees open setting, a golfer can return the face angle to visually square.[/color]
[/quote]

This part intrigues me. What do they define as visually square?
[/quote]A lot to be discussed, some of this is up for serious debate. Why no flat lie angles and what does "visually square" have to do with actual physics. I'm not bashing here just do not understand, it's pretty well know when you push boundaries other things are effected, I'm not sold on one club with such a range of lofts, it's obvious based on my reading that concessions where made so what are they? For a static or "glued in" shaft design concepts such as bulge and roll changed from loft to loft yet this driver manages to play from X to Y with no modifications to the face geometry, I just don't get it sorry. I absolutely promise there are major drawbacks to one size fits all and I for one would like to know they are now versus hearing about them in the R1s marketing campaign when they are already apparent now. Hey I did not open pandora's box TM has by wild marketing spin, call me crazy but I do not hear any "claims" coming from Ping or Titliest, just saying...BB

[ufgatrs82]

[quote name='smackygolf' timestamp='1357225443' post='6159683']
[quote name='ufgatrs82' timestamp='1357216502' post='6158953']
[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1357191575' post='6158219']
Taylormade already knows how we feel, the industry is maxed out and I'm not being paid to play a walking billboard, poor form...BB
[/quote]
+1
[/quote]

So, no Cobra or Nike for you 2 either? No Ping with the matte black that they use for identification? No Adams, no logos on your shirts or shoes, and plain hats. And an unbranded bag. Got it. Show us a pic of your un-branded outfits and bags.
[/quote]
Hey TM fanboy. We think the driver is ugly you aparently dont its ok that we dont agree. Yes brand names are on everything but this is just ugly (imo and others) comparing it to a sports car, etc.. its just overboard from TM. No i dont like adams for the same reason, pings g25 looks great with no little stickers of ridiculous references to a car. I think the majority of people on this thread have expressed their dislike for this R1 and the marketing behind it to show Im not alone or just against TM for no reason. Im sure youll buy one and love it. Thanks

[statmagic]

Where's the tricorder?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricorder

 

Seriously, what's left? Adjustable shaft length? I think Ping may have the IP wrapped up on that one. They may as well just cut to the chase.

 

With all due respect to TM, bravo for their innovation and pushing the envelope. My guess is that it incredibly difficult to develop new product ideas that will sell in this hyper-competitive environment. So...hats off. :hi:

 

 

 

 

Taylormade already knows how we feel, the industry is maxed out and I'm not being paid to play a walking billboard, poor form...BB

+1

[hmx3]

[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1357229006' post='6160141']
[quote name='chickenpotpie' timestamp='1357227931' post='6159989']
[quote name='easyyy' timestamp='1356657329' post='6126365']
[color=#000000]The R1 is shipped with a standard loft of 10 degrees and face angle that is designed to be "visually square" at address (TaylorMade says a visually square face angle actually measures 2 degrees open). If 1.5 degrees of additional loft is added, the face angle will close 3 degrees. But by wrenching the face angle adapter to the 3-degrees open setting, a golfer can return the face angle to visually square.[/color]
[/quote]

This part intrigues me. What do they define as visually square?
[/quote]A lot to be discussed, some of this is up for serious debate. Why no flat lie angles and what does "visually square" have to do with actual physics. I'm not bashing here just do not understand, it's pretty well know when you push boundaries other things are effected, I'm not sold on one club with such a range of lofts, it's obvious based on my reading that concessions where made so what are they? For a static or "glued in" shaft design concepts such as bulge and roll changed from loft to loft yet this driver manages to play from X to Y with no modifications to the face geometry, I just don't get it sorry...BB
[/quote]

This is why TM lost 2013 its driver techonlogy leadership.

Other OEM´s made their job better.

TM made great drivers, but IMO R11, R11S and R1 are the same technology. Little more or less spin, the technology is the same.

[ohcanada17]

R11s head was 202 grams (10.5* with stock weights) and the R1 is 206 grams (stock weights) when I weighed them

[TMBob]

[quote name='ohcanada17' timestamp='1357230302' post='6160349']
R11s head was 202 grams (10.5* with stock weights) and the R1 is 206 grams (stock weights) when I weighed them
[/quote]

Back to the heavy head I see.

[Big Ben]

Thats exactly my point hmx3 yet when we debate these claims everyone accuses us of prejudice, I do not believe this technology works and it is 100% about retailer/manufacturing BUSINESS. I get it TM, thanks to the USGA and R&A it's tough but let's not try and put lipstick on this pig any longer and call it what it is...BB

[preshotroutine]

[color=#333333]The industry is finished coming up with groundbreaking clubhead design advances. As long as golfers do not want to pay over $400 for a driver or more than $2000 for a set of irons, there will be no more advancements in head design that can make an instant difference in performance the first or second time you hit the clubs. Now if there were no USGA restrictions, there are some more things that certainly could be done to make an instantly better performing club.[/color]

[SwooshLT]

[quote name='TMBob' timestamp='1357230540' post='6160381']
[quote name='ohcanada17' timestamp='1357230302' post='6160349']
R11s head was 202 grams (10.5* with stock weights) and the R1 is 206 grams (stock weights) when I weighed them
[/quote]

Back to the heavy head I see.
[/quote]


Isn't stock length shorter though? So heavier makes sense for swingweight purposes.....

[NTKT10]

[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1357230605' post='6160387']
Thats exactly my point hmx3 yet when we debate these claims everyone accuses us of prejudice, I do not believe this technology works and it is 100% about retailer/manufacturing BUSINESS. I get it TM, thanks to the USGA and R&A it's tough but let's not try and put lipstick on this pig any longer and call it what it is...BB
[/quote]

Easy BB, you're making too much sense.

[jliehr]

Where's the tricorder?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricorder

 

Seriously, what's left? Adjustable shaft length? I think Ping may have the IP wrapped up on that one. They may as well just cut to the chase.

 

With all due respect to TM, bravo for their innovation and pushing the envelope. My guess is that it incredibly difficult to develop new product ideas that will sell in this hyper-competitive environment. So...hats off. :hi:

 

 

 

 

Taylormade already knows how we feel, the industry is maxed out and I'm not being paid to play a walking billboard, poor form...BB

+1

 

Adams already did the adjustable shaft length last year with the LS Adapter

 

Adjustable for loft/face attitude, lie angle, and exclusive shaft length adjustments.

• 
  Adding 0.5" of length:
  Increases ball speed (1 mph).
  Increases launch angle (0.5˚).
  Adds carry distance (5 yards).
  

[SwooshLT]

[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1357229006' post='6160141']
[quote name='chickenpotpie' timestamp='1357227931' post='6159989']
[quote name='easyyy' timestamp='1356657329' post='6126365']

[color=#000000]The R1 is shipped with a standard loft of 10 degrees and face angle that is designed to be "visually square" at address (TaylorMade says a visually square face angle actually measures 2 degrees open). If 1.5 degrees of additional loft is added, the face angle will close 3 degrees. But by wrenching the face angle adapter to the 3-degrees open setting, a golfer can return the face angle to visually square.[/color]
[/quote]

This part intrigues me. What do they define as visually square?
[/quote]A lot to be discussed, some of this is up for serious debate. Why no flat lie angles and what does "visually square" have to do with actual physics. I'm not bashing here just do not understand, it's pretty well know when you push boundaries other things are effected, I'm not sold on one club with such a range of lofts, it's obvious based on my reading that concessions where made so what are they? For a static or "glued in" shaft design concepts such as bulge and roll changed from loft to loft yet this driver manages to play from X to Y with no modifications to the face geometry, I just don't get it sorry. I absolutely promise there are major drawbacks to one size fits all and I for one would like to know they are now versus hearing about them in the R1s marketing campaign when they are already apparent now. Hey I did not open pandora's box TM has by wild marketing spin, call me crazy but I do not hear any "claims" coming from Ping or Titliest, just saying...BB
[/quote]

Do you have same feeling towards Nike or Cobra?

[Cooper]

I'm fine with the stripes but am not a fan of the white triangle. Should be all gray with the stripes.

[Big Ben]

[quote name='TMAG FIREMEDIC' timestamp='1357230948' post='6160429']
[quote name='Big Ben' timestamp='1357229006' post='6160141']
[quote name='chickenpotpie' timestamp='1357227931' post='6159989']
[quote name='easyyy' timestamp='1356657329' post='6126365']

[color=#000000]The R1 is shipped with a standard loft of 10 degrees and face angle that is designed to be "visually square" at address (TaylorMade says a visually square face angle actually measures 2 degrees open). If 1.5 degrees of additional loft is added, the face angle will close 3 degrees. But by wrenching the face angle adapter to the 3-degrees open setting, a golfer can return the face angle to visually square.[/color]
[/quote]

This part intrigues me. What do they define as visually square?
[/quote]A lot to be discussed, some of this is up for serious debate. Why no flat lie angles and what does "visually square" have to do with actual physics. I'm not bashing here just do not understand, it's pretty well know when you push boundaries other things are effected, I'm not sold on one club with such a range of lofts, it's obvious based on my reading that concessions where made so what are they? For a static or "glued in" shaft design concepts such as bulge and roll changed from loft to loft yet this driver manages to play from X to Y with no modifications to the face geometry, I just don't get it sorry. I absolutely promise there are major drawbacks to one size fits all and I for one would like to know they are now versus hearing about them in the R1s marketing campaign when they are already apparent now. Hey I did not open pandora's box TM has by wild marketing spin, call me crazy but I do not hear any "claims" coming from Ping or Titliest, just saying...BB
[/quote]

Do you have same feeling towards Nike or Cobra?I
[/quote]Of course I do! I truly believe that's why Ping was so reluctant to enter the adjustable category. If you analyze there adaptor it has very little actual adjustment and they make it clear this was simply to fine tune a properly fitted club and YES this will effect other angles...BB

[swanry30]

[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357224473' post='6159539']
[quote name='swanry30' timestamp='1357223319' post='6159407']
[quote name='TMBob' timestamp='1357192367' post='6158269']
Sole seems very rocker-ish to me more like the R11 vs the R11s, which for me at a 45" length sat very much on the back 1/3 of the sole, or to upright.

I did not see the adjustability for lies mentioned, but I think I heard there was a bunch of more upright positions, with little flat options....is this true?

Also, some good news on the shaft front I see,

GD Di 6 and 7 finally and Oban Devo 6 and Revenge 8

I did not see Fujikura Fuel though?
[/quote]

look to see some great shafts...

motore speeder .0 / motore speeder ts .2
pxv
oban kiyoshi white
gd tour ad di

only to name a few...

and more:

fuel
ust vts silver
ozik m3, x3
phenom
magnum 44
trinity
kuro black
fubuki alpha
[/quote]

But the stock shaft sucks!!!
[/quote]

not disagreeing with that - just listing some custom options. it would be great to see a SOLID stock non-up charge shaft.

[Overtime]

[quote name='ohcanada17' timestamp='1357230302' post='6160349']
R11s head was 202 grams (10.5* with stock weights) and the R1 is 206 grams (stock weights) when I weighed them
[/quote]


Thanks!

[Caesar Palache]

[quote name='BirdieBob' timestamp='1357228657' post='6160095']
Thanks GolfWRX for the details!!

Can't wait to try'em out..........
[/quote]

the only genuinely kind, appreciative and open minded response so far haha

[TMBob]

[quote name='swanry30' timestamp='1357232085' post='6160557']
[quote name='hmx3' timestamp='1357224473' post='6159539']
[quote name='swanry30' timestamp='1357223319' post='6159407']
[quote name='TMBob' timestamp='1357192367' post='6158269']
Sole seems very rocker-ish to me more like the R11 vs the R11s, which for me at a 45" length sat very much on the back 1/3 of the sole, or to upright.

I did not see the adjustability for lies mentioned, but I think I heard there was a bunch of more upright positions, with little flat options....is this true?

Also, some good news on the shaft front I see,

GD Di 6 and 7 finally and Oban Devo 6 and Revenge 8

I did not see Fujikura Fuel though?
[/quote]

look to see some great shafts...

motore speeder .0 / motore speeder ts .2
pxv
oban kiyoshi white
gd tour ad di

only to name a few...

and more:

fuel
ust vts silver
ozik m3, x3
phenom
magnum 44
trinity
kuro black
fubuki alpha
[/quote]

But the stock shaft sucks!!!
[/quote]

not disagreeing with that - just listing some custom options. it would be great to see a SOLID stock non-up charge shaft.
[/quote]

No chittt

[station2station]

TMAG: "We made the loft adjustable driver because 80% of golfers walk out of the store withe the wrong loft club and we wanted them to fix this issue post sales"

Transaltion: "We can control inventory better at stores because all our heads are the same"
----------

GolfWRX : "What about the racing stripes"

TMAG "We worked hard on the design to help give you better visual alignment cues"

translation: "We did it so 20 handicappers could easily identify it on TV and go into their retailer buy it"

JUST TELL US THE STRAIGHT TRUTH. No harm in marketing a little (or a lot in TMAGs case). Just don't mislead.

[moonshine]

Did everyone that went to FL get the R1 as well? Wonder what shaft/length they ended up with? Sorry if redundant, just have not seen it anywhere! I'm also not a fan of the lw shaft and long length...glad the sound has changed though. I think the better golfer here needs to try their gamer against the R1 before jumping ship. I have a mp600 that outperforms some of the "newer" technology...it's worth maybe $20!

[JohnSimon]

[quote name='swanry30' timestamp='1357223319' post='6159407']
[quote name='TMBob' timestamp='1357192367' post='6158269']
Sole seems very rocker-ish to me more like the R11 vs the R11s, which for me at a 45" length sat very much on the back 1/3 of the sole, or to upright.

I did not see the adjustability for lies mentioned, but I think I heard there was a bunch of more upright positions, with little flat options....is this true?

Also, some good news on the shaft front I see,

GD Di 6 and 7 finally and Oban Devo 6 and Revenge 8

I did not see Fujikura Fuel though?
[/quote]

look to see some great shafts...

motore speeder .0 / motore speeder ts .2
pxv
oban kiyoshi white
gd tour ad di

only to name a few...

and more:

fuel
ust vts silver
ozik m3, x3
phenom
magnum 44
trinity
kuro black
fubuki alpha
[/quote]

our rep said they have an Oban shaft upgrade that makes the club retail at $900. im guess the tour protoytpe might be available too

[station2station]

..

[ram01002]

Not sure about this one - - - there will be 3 different lofts available to tour players . . . I'm guessing to optimize CG for respective lofts. For Joe Public, this is a nice club. But a crappy stock shaft and only one basic loft/cg combo suggests that this is a dumbed down offering designed for retailer's benefit rather than many players. Just feels like a step backward to me. r11s is a great driver . . . the review suggests that optimized, this driver is 2 yards longer. What happens if a player needs the something like 7* effective loft? No way this would outperform the r11s for that type of player.

[ufgatrs82]

I laughed out loud when I saw this. Really? Even those guys probably couldn't keep a straight face when the saw this ad. Ill stop but its just got out of hand. I am proud of all the honest opinions both positive and negative. Good to see a variety then a bunch of fanboys all of the thread.