2013 TaylorMade R1 Driver: Review, Video and Pics

[Pure716]

[b]
Ceasar Palache- If you are allowed to answer when you tried the R1 did you compare it to the RBZ 2? What specs were you fit into if you did and how did they compare?[/b]

[jakeolsen11]

Sorry if this has already been addressed but is the color of it red or orange?, I can not really tell.

[Ed Settle]

[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]

What is the upcharge on these options? Available at the time of release or TBD?

[highdraw69]

[url="http://taylormadegolf.com/TaylorMade/R1-TP-Driver/DW-JN919,en_US,pd.html"]http://taylormadegolf.com/TaylorMade/R1-TP-Driver/DW-JN919,en_US,pd.html[/url]

the shaft upcharges for the R1 TP are listed in this link...in general, it is $100 extra for mitsu, GD, etc.

[BombTheFairway]

[quote name='jakeolsen11' timestamp='1357249960' post='6162461']
Sorry if this has already been addressed but is the color of it red or orange?, I can not really tell.
[/quote]

Orange.

[deck]

[quote name='moonshine' timestamp='1357232647' post='6160625']
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!
[/quote]

Myself and youngwaldo were the only two supposed to receive the new woods from TM.

I play a 44.5 driver length. I also just hit the R1 twice while down there. I can't really comment on it except I remember the sound of it. Two hits and you really cannot judge a club. Plus my head was spinning from playing in the pro am earlier.

I can say that visually it was not as bad with the crown graphics. It's far enough back where it isn't as loud as you would think. When I stare down to set up at the ball I stare at the ball and the front part of the crown. Don't get me wrong I could still see the crown graphics. But it's not as bad as you might think.

I think that is what people are saying when they say its not that bad.

I agree the graphics are saying yes I'm playing the R1 so you know what I am playing so you will buy it (tv wise) it's pure marketing. With all the colors by all companies now I guess you have to distinguish yourselves on tv now. People buy what pros are playing. It wouldn't make sense not to take advantage of this and make your brand distinguishable to the audience.

Will it be a success? Who knows right now. I think it will be. That's just my opinion. Numbers will tell from sales.

We have Adams with white driver and graphics (yes a tm company)

Nike with bright red driver and swoosh on the crown

Cobra with a range of colors available.

And I think titleist was smart with keeping black because now that makes them noticeable. Not many black drivers anymore right? Besides ping.

Just the times is all we are seeing. New trends.

[Caesar Palache]

[quote name='Kingofthecourse' timestamp='1357248477' post='6162315']

[b] Ceasar Palache- If you are allowed to answer when you tried the R1 did you compare it to the RBZ 2? What specs were you fit into if you did and how did they compare?[/b]
[/quote]

i just got mine in the mail today actually, go to our thread if you want to see the pictures. I did not get to compare it since we were not allowed to hit it in front of the Trackman since there were people there who couldn't see it.

[DubaiGolfer]

Hmmm the jury's still out on these for me. I have a R11 dot head and I'm yet to be convinced the R1 will be that much better....

Looking at the specs on the TM website the lie angle stock on the R1 is 61 degrees! So the real question is with 5 degrees of lie angle adjustment to play with how flat can these go?

[agadawg17171]

Still no 440cc Option, shaft offerings in stock are rough and I'm usually ok with paint jobs and graphics but don't see myself bagging this. They should have made the graphics a removable decal. This thing will have to have some serious performance results to beat out the Drivers coming this year.

[ram01002]

[quote name='BombTheFairway' timestamp='1357253204' post='6162789']
[quote name='jakeolsen11' timestamp='1357249960' post='6162461']
Sorry if this has already been addressed but is the color of it red or orange?, I can not really tell.
[/quote]

Orange.
[/quote]

I'm not crazy about the crown graphics, but I'm sure a DI-6 or DI-7 in this driver would look nasty.

[Pure716]

[quote name='Caesar Palache' timestamp='1357258098' post='6163215']
[quote name='Kingofthecourse' timestamp='1357248477' post='6162315']
[b] Ceasar Palache- If you are allowed to answer when you tried the R1 did you compare it to the RBZ 2? What specs were you fit into if you did and how did they compare?[/b]
[/quote]

i just got mine in the mail today actually, go to our thread if you want to see the pictures. I did not get to compare it since we were not allowed to hit it in front of the Trackman since there were people there who couldn't see it.
[/quote]

I'll look into it, even though I won't be changing drivers from my 913 ... Just kidding good to hear in other threads that you openly admit to liking other clubs. I'm sure we have time to persuade you.

[Lacey Underall]

I'm sorry, but having worked in a retail golf shop for some time now here is the truth........driver adjustability is WAY over-rated. 95% of the guys that buy a driver NEVER even adjust it from the standard settings (which may or may NOT be right for them). Driver adjustability really only works if you have a CONSISTENT ball flight that you would like to change. Bottom line is the average golfer DOES NOT have a consistent ball flight. He does not know where the hell the ball is going.

Now, the avid golfers on this forum could benefit from some adjustability. But really what TM is doing here is making it easier on themselves and the retailers from an INVENTORY standpoint. No more need to stock 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 12 degree drivers. You have all of the lofts covered in the R1. All they are doing is lowering their costs and increasing profits for 2 additional yards. The graphics are hideous, but people won't care. It will fly off the shelves.

[Caesar Palache]

[quote name='Kingofthecourse' timestamp='1357268813' post='6164383']
[quote name='Caesar Palache' timestamp='1357258098' post='6163215']
[quote name='Kingofthecourse' timestamp='1357248477' post='6162315']
[b] Ceasar Palache- If you are allowed to answer when you tried the R1 did you compare it to the RBZ 2? What specs were you fit into if you did and how did they compare?[/b]
[/quote]

i just got mine in the mail today actually, go to our thread if you want to see the pictures. I did not get to compare it since we were not allowed to hit it in front of the Trackman since there were people there who couldn't see it.
[/quote]

I'll look into it, even though I won't be changing drivers from my 913 <img src='http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smilie_Titleist.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':smilie_Titleist:' /> ... Just kidding good to hear in other threads that you openly admit to liking other clubs. I'm sure we have time to persuade you.
[/quote]

Love the 913. Ill put it one on one vs my R1 on the launch monitor soon, same shaft and all

[easyyy]

As I said last week and still holds true here... All the pros and cons about the paint scheme and looks seems to take the stage here. I have not read all the comments here but I will say I have hit this beast and while the scuderia paint scheme will detour some, the performance and tour play will most likely prevail to sway many of us to try it. While the looks got me at first, I was quick to move on and become a fan as I usually do. The same with the white paint of the r11. I was even more shocked a few years ago. But soon got over it.

No numbers yet but I hit this cannon and will tell you this. They made the sound better, much better. Doesn't sound like the RBZ Tour but is a more muted sound than the last r11s, but also has a deep yet loaded thuuud. The type of sound that you want to hear unlike some of the past generations. I played the RBZ because I dialed the flight perfect but tried harder on that head because the sound was right. The R11s was earplug loud on the right hit. I didnt love it. This R1 head says at impact... "wait a second I compressing and need to develop" then it goes... "Thuuud with a touch of "Thwaaaack" that says I murdered it! Seriously. After burners.

Yes I am talking third person as if I was the R1 driver.

I only hit one head but I loved the sound. The flight and trajectory were awesome and I just remember knowing that it was going to be a contender for 13. As I write this I cant wait to take the unit out to get some number to see if the tech that Zak and TMag said makes a difference. Zak was busy all week doing back to back comparisons on the trackman vs last years to see if we can develop some objective data.

Head cover is good to. Feels like a better quality heavier material. My short take is this will be a winner. Head sounds great and flight seems dead on. Can't wait to throw in my gamer shaft and see how it performs.

I showed my father who is in his 70's but a golfers golfer and I was ready for him to say something like "ohh my god". He said for real... "ewe... I like it". Noded his head up and down with an approval and said he liked it again. I was surprised and he is the same guy that said he wouldnt play white... no way never. Had all white int he bag right now. LOL. He does.

[SwooshLT]

Thanks Richard......now send me a lefty one!!!

[easyyy]

[quote name='Lacey Underall' timestamp='1357269060' post='6164413']
I'm sorry, but having worked in a retail golf shop for some time now here is the truth........driver adjustability is WAY over-rated. 95% of the guys that buy a driver NEVER even adjust it from the standard settings (which may or may NOT be right for them). Driver adjustability really only works if you have a CONSISTENT ball flight that you would like to change. Bottom line is the average golfer DOES NOT have a consistent ball flight. He does not know where the hell the ball is going.

Now, the avid golfers on this forum could benefit from some adjustability. But really what TM is doing here is making it easier on themselves and the retailers from an INVENTORY standpoint. No more need to stock 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 12 degree drivers. You have all of the lofts covered in the R1. All they are doing is lowering their costs and increasing profits for 2 additional yards. The graphics are hideous, but people won't care. It will fly off the shelves.
[/quote]

I am one that hates to adjust and rarely does. However if they made it easier to understand (which they did) I would probably mess with it more.

[easyyy]

[quote name='easyyy' timestamp='1357269717' post='6164481']
As I said last week and still holds true here... All the pros and cons about the paint scheme and looks seems to take the stage here. I have not read all the comments here but I will say I have hit this beast and while the scuderia paint scheme will detour some, the performance and tour play will most likely prevail to sway many of us to try it. While the looks got me at first, I was quick to move on and become a fan as I usually do. The same with the white paint of the r11. I was even more shocked a few years ago. But soon got over it.

No numbers yet but I hit this cannon and will tell you this. They made the sound better, much better. Doesn't sound like the RBZ Tour but is a more muted sound than the last r11s, but also has a deep yet loaded thuuud. The type of sound that you want to hear unlike some of the past generations. I played the RBZ because I dialed the flight perfect but tried harder on that head because the sound was right. The R11s was earplug loud on the right hit. I didnt love it. This R1 head says at impact... "wait a second I compressing and need to develop" then it goes... "Thuuud with a touch of "Thwaaaack" that says I murdered it! Seriously. After burners.

Yes I am talking third person as if I was the R1 driver.

I only hit one head but I loved the sound. The flight and trajectory were awesome and I just remember knowing that it was going to be a contender for 13. As I write this I cant wait to take the unit out to get some number to see if the tech that Zak and TMag said makes a difference. Zak was busy all week doing back to back comparisons on the trackman vs last years to see if we can develop some objective data.

Head cover is good to. Feels like a better quality heavier material. My short take is this will be a winner. Head sounds great and flight seems dead on. Can't wait to throw in my gamer shaft and see how it performs.

I showed my father who is in his 70's but a golfers golfer and I was ready for him to say something like "ohh my god". He said for real... "ewe... I like it". Noded his head up and down with an approval and said he liked it again. I was surprised and he is the same guy that said he wouldnt play white... no way never. Had all white int he bag right now. LOL. He does.
[/quote]
[quote name='TMAG FIREMEDIC' timestamp='1357269900' post='6164507']
Thanks Richard......now send me a lefty one!!!
[/quote]

Your easy. LOL

[billyhandsomeface]

Can I use the astrolabe on the bottom to navigate the oceans?

[Dizz]

[quote name='Lacey Underall' timestamp='1357269060' post='6164413']
I'm sorry, but having worked in a retail golf shop for some time now here is the truth........driver adjustability is WAY over-rated. 95% of the guys that buy a driver NEVER even adjust it from the standard settings (which may or may NOT be right for them). Driver adjustability really only works if you have a CONSISTENT ball flight that you would like to change. Bottom line is the average golfer DOES NOT have a consistent ball flight. He does not know where the hell the ball is going.

Now, the avid golfers on this forum could benefit from some adjustability. But really what TM is doing here is making it easier on themselves and the retailers from an INVENTORY standpoint. No more need to stock 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 12 degree drivers. You have all of the lofts covered in the R1. All they are doing is lowering their costs and increasing profits for 2 additional yards. The graphics are hideous, but people won't care. It will fly off the shelves.
[/quote]

I see it the other way to be honest. Adjustability is a great feature for a golf shop that fits outdoors with launch monitor. Most guys slice it, when I can set a face angle to closed so the player can fade it less often even if its only 1/4 shots its a huge positive. Almost always that helps backspin and then its VERY easy to sell a driver. Even those guys can see and feel a difference, now if we can just work on the club lengths not being so long those guys could hit better shots.

Fitting good players is easy. Generally I find for those guys a better look from address translates into better results... whether that's open, closed or neutral.

[masyankees]

At first I didn't like the graphics on the top of the head, but now I don't mind them. Still not a fan of the way the compass on the bottom looks tho

[preshotroutine]

[quote name='J.W.' timestamp='1357270428' post='6164575']
[quote name='Lacey Underall' timestamp='1357269060' post='6164413']
I'm sorry, but having worked in a retail golf shop for some time now here is the truth........driver adjustability is WAY over-rated. 95% of the guys that buy a driver NEVER even adjust it from the standard settings (which may or may NOT be right for them). Driver adjustability really only works if you have a CONSISTENT ball flight that you would like to change. Bottom line is the average golfer DOES NOT have a consistent ball flight. He does not know where the hell the ball is going.

Now, the avid golfers on this forum could benefit from some adjustability. But really what TM is doing here is making it easier on themselves and the retailers from an INVENTORY standpoint. No more need to stock 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 12 degree drivers. You have all of the lofts covered in the R1. All they are doing is lowering their costs and increasing profits for 2 additional yards. The graphics are hideous, but people won't care. It will fly off the shelves.
[/quote]

I see it the other way to be honest. Adjustability is a great feature for a golf shop that fits outdoors with launch monitor. Most guys slice it, when I can set a face angle to closed so the player can fade it less often even if its only 1/4 shots its a huge positive. Almost always that helps backspin and then its VERY easy to sell a driver. Even those guys can see and feel a difference, now if we can just work on the club lengths not being so long those guys could hit better shots.

Fitting good players is easy. Generally I find for those guys a better look from address translates into better results... whether that's open, closed or neutral.
[/quote]

"[color=#333333][background=rgb(254, 254, 250)]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 clubhead. [/background][/color]

[color=#333333]However, there is one club technology that something like 98-99% of all golfers have never experienced and which very definitely could allow them to instantly hit the ball better. That technology is full specs professional clubfitting - where a good clubmaker fits for all 12 of the key fitting specs on each and every one of the golf clubs in the golfer's set. Few, darn few, golfers have ever experienced that because they are so brainwashed by the big OEM companies - and the big OEM companies in no way can offer full specs professional clubfitting. "[/color]

[Pure716]

[quote name='Caesar Palache' timestamp='1357269366' post='6164447']
[quote name='Kingofthecourse' timestamp='1357268813' post='6164383']
[quote name='Caesar Palache' timestamp='1357258098' post='6163215']
[quote name='Kingofthecourse' timestamp='1357248477' post='6162315']
[b] Ceasar Palache- If you are allowed to answer when you tried the R1 did you compare it to the RBZ 2? What specs were you fit into if you did and how did they compare?[/b]
[/quote]

i just got mine in the mail today actually, go to our thread if you want to see the pictures. I did not get to compare it since we were not allowed to hit it in front of the Trackman since there were people there who couldn't see it.
[/quote]

I'll look into it, even though I won't be changing drivers from my 913 <img src='http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smilie_Titleist.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':smilie_Titleist:' /> ... Just kidding good to hear in other threads that you openly admit to liking other clubs. I'm sure we have time to persuade you.
[/quote]

Love the 913. Ill put it one on one vs my R1 on the launch monitor soon, same shaft and all
[/quote]

I'm holding you to that and looking forward to seeing the results.

[paul1406]

My prediction is the next taylor made driver has a flatter "more aerodynamic" sole design with the same adjustability. I like the deeper face design. I hope it carries over.

[AWE46M3]

When did TM get into the motorcycle business?

Seriously though, it's appalling and comparing it to a Scuderia is even more appalling...

[bouche03]

BB, agreed on your last statement. All companies have clubs coming down the pipeline and in the works; when they say the R11s wasn't optimized-how in the world, with their extensive testing and engineering, did they let that slide to the marketplace? I believe they already have the R1's successor on the back burner, with the typical TM nominal improvements. Like slightly different head or heaven forbid more adjustability (maybe 1000 settings this time LOL).

[swanry30]

@easyyy - OBJECTIVE data on the r1? I'm liking this.... I may try to beat you to the punch! I want some data r11s vs. r1. I wish I could test it with the exact same shaft... Not complaining about the tip as it add benefit - but my $800 in two shafts will be useless - that is unless the r11s or rbz tour win... I'm headed to TRACKMAN as soon as mine get here! The whole objective information vs. subjective information is what this thread needs.

[NoCalHack]

[quote]
[b]Performance: Slightly faster ball speeds, lower spin and lower launch[/b]
1.1 mph faster than the R11S, which is in line with TaylorMade’s claims of increased ball speeds of 1-to-2 mph. Those numbers gave me an added carry distance of about 1 yard, and an average [b]overall distance increase of 2 yards[/b].
[/quote]


Bravo. Taylor Made finally stopped insulting our intelligence with outrageous claims of 20 extra yards with each new driver. I do feel for them that equipment regulations have handcuffed them from drastically improving performance. Thankfully, golfers always want something new, so I think they will probably survive.

[Vegaman]

[quote name='easyyy' timestamp='1357270132' post='6164539']
[quote name='Lacey Underall' timestamp='1357269060' post='6164413']
I'm sorry, but having worked in a retail golf shop for some time now here is the truth........driver adjustability is WAY over-rated. 95% of the guys that buy a driver NEVER even adjust it from the standard settings (which may or may NOT be right for them). Driver adjustability really only works if you have a CONSISTENT ball flight that you would like to change. Bottom line is the average golfer DOES NOT have a consistent ball flight. He does not know where the hell the ball is going.

Now, the avid golfers on this forum could benefit from some adjustability. But really what TM is doing here is making it easier on themselves and the retailers from an INVENTORY standpoint. No more need to stock 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 12 degree drivers. You have all of the lofts covered in the R1. All they are doing is lowering their costs and increasing profits for 2 additional yards. The graphics are hideous, but people won't care. It will fly off the shelves.
[/quote]

I am one that hates to adjust and rarely does. However if they made it easier to understand (which they did) I would probably mess with it more.
[/quote]

How many times have you had a great with the driver and then a totally bad one the next? Or even got into a bad swing of terrible days with the driver tht lasts for weeks? Aren't people going to be fiddling with their driver and just en up a confused, messy heap of lostness? I believe in getting a driver that is as neutral as possible and deal with it. Sure, if I know I'm a high ball speed player I might get a bit less loft and a shaft that fits my swing, but all this adjustability will just lead to more confusion.

[Imp]

[quote name='Lacey Underall' timestamp='1357269060' post='6164413']
I'm sorry, but having worked in a retail golf shop for some time now here is the truth........driver adjustability is WAY over-rated. 95% of the guys that buy a driver NEVER even adjust it from the standard settings (which may or may NOT be right for them). Driver adjustability really only works if you have a CONSISTENT ball flight that you would like to change. Bottom line is the average golfer DOES NOT have a consistent ball flight. He does not know where the hell the ball is going.[/QUOTE]For most of us that buy an adjustable driver, it's set it and forget it. Speaking personally, once I find the degree and face angle that works, it stays that way. The years before adjustability, you either had to deal with what you got if buying off the shelf, deal with what you got if you were fitted, get some custom bending, or, sell and buy something at a different angle. A little time on a driving range with an adjustable driver for average joe like me, and I argue one can find something that works.

What I mean by "works" is, has the least amount of dispersion and mishits. Granted the window will still be bigger than a single capper... but it is still noticable. Which leads to your 2nd point....

[QUOTE]Now, the avid golfers on this forum could benefit from some adjustability. But really what TM is doing here is making it easier on themselves and the retailers from an INVENTORY standpoint. No more need to stock 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, and 12 degree drivers. You have all of the lofts covered in the R1. All they are doing is lowering their costs and increasing profits for 2 additional yards. The graphics are hideous, but people won't care. It will fly off the shelves.
[/quote]Bingo. It's all about manufacturing, reducing the amount of different models being made, therefore reducing or eliminating the inventory of the fringe models. What has this done for *us*? Now, they have fewer heads, granted. However, we now have access to more shaft options. The shaft is what connects the player to the head, right? *THEY* (manuf.) know it's not all in the head, and the shaft plays a critical part. They have more options to the descerning player, because as you said... there are people that are satisfied with off the shelf stuff.

--kC

[braincramp52]

Wow! Some manufacturers have seemed to hit the wall with new idea's. Way too gawdy for me to look at.