GolfWRX TaylorMade SLDR Driver Fitting Sessions Review and Recaps

[tbowles411]

[quote name='AUDuffer' timestamp='1376875508' post='7701928']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376873340' post='7701628']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376871387' post='7701342']
I tried it today. I actually hate it. It's the first TM driver in a while that felt cheap to me.
[/quote]
If I may ask, I'm curious what type of player you are.
[/quote]

A not very good one! :-)
[/quote]
You are a cold, cold man...

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376873340' post='7701628']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376871387' post='7701342']
I tried it today. I actually hate it. It's the first TM driver in a while that felt cheap to me.
[/quote]
If I may ask, I'm curious what type of player you are.
[/quote]
I'm a 20. Game off the tee and iron game is decent and improving. No short game. Can't putt.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376877517' post='7702192']
[quote name='TMBob' timestamp='1376877034' post='7702122']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376873340' post='7701628']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376871387' post='7701342']
I tried it today. I actually hate it. It's the first TM driver in a while that felt cheap to me.
[/quote]
If I may ask, I'm curious what type of player you are.
[/quote]

You don't remember reports back from The Kingdom that T was a part of?
[/quote]
No clue.... That's why I asked. I mean no disrespect to him but I am curious what type of player he is. I have let more than fifty of my students hit mine and none said what he did.
Thanks Zach
[/quote]
It just felt kind of hollow to me and didn't feel as solid like other TM drivers did and sounded kind of "tinny." I loved my R11 (Money can tell you), and even liked the R1 quite a bit. Oh, and no disrespect taken. I've been here way too long for that!

[Zach Heusser]

[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376936170' post='7706420']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376873340' post='7701628']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376871387' post='7701342']
I tried it today. I actually hate it. It's the first TM driver in a while that felt cheap to me.
[/quote]
If I may ask, I'm curious what type of player you are.
[/quote]
I'm a 20. Game off the tee and iron game is decent and improving. No short game. Can't putt.
[/quote]
Thanks for the reply. Keep ho'ing putters it helps lol

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376940027' post='7706828']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376936170' post='7706420']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376873340' post='7701628']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376871387' post='7701342']
I tried it today. I actually hate it. It's the first TM driver in a while that felt cheap to me.
[/quote]
If I may ask, I'm curious what type of player you are.
[/quote]
I'm a 20. Game off the tee and iron game is decent and improving. No short game. Can't putt.
[/quote]
Thanks for the reply. Keep ho'ing putters it helps lol
[/quote]
Please tell me when. It hasn't helped yet!

[jgpl]

I absolutely HATE TM over the past few years, but held the SLDR in hand yesterday and was impressed

It looks good and feels well balanced, though the stock 57g Fujikura shaft feels very, very light

Don't think it will knock my 909D3 with Matrix Ozik Code 7 out of the bag, but TM have a winner here on merit

PS played an R7TP and RAC TP Smoke Irons several years ago (before TM lost their way and went nuts) and they were excellent clubs

[TheMoneyShot]

[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376940027' post='7706828']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376936170' post='7706420']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376873340' post='7701628']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376871387' post='7701342']
I tried it today. I actually hate it. It's the first TM driver in a while that felt cheap to me.
[/quote]
If I may ask, I'm curious what type of player you are.
[/quote]
I'm a 20. Game off the tee and iron game is decent and improving. No short game. Can't putt.
[/quote]
Thanks for the reply. Keep ho'ing putters it helps lol
[/quote]

That's the last thing you should be telling T to do.... Lol..

[mosesgolf]

Took out an R1 with a Tour AD Di 7x shaft and it wasn't longer than my 910D3 9.5 Project X 7C3 nor my Ping G25. But I have high hopes for the SLDR. LMAO

[Goldenhawk]

SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1376994657' post='7711036']
SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.
[/quote]
Maybe I'll try to get refit again.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1376949223' post='7707782']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376940027' post='7706828']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376936170' post='7706420']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376873340' post='7701628']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376871387' post='7701342']
I tried it today. I actually hate it. It's the first TM driver in a while that felt cheap to me.
[/quote]
If I may ask, I'm curious what type of player you are.
[/quote]
I'm a 20. Game off the tee and iron game is decent and improving. No short game. Can't putt.
[/quote]
Thanks for the reply. Keep ho'ing putters it helps lol
[/quote]

That's the last thing you should be telling T to do.... Lol..
[/quote]
For the record my friend, I'm actually selling a Versa putter. Too light. Yes. I AM SELLING A PUTTER. Choke on it!

[TheMoneyShot]

[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000769' post='7711242']
[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1376949223' post='7707782']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376940027' post='7706828']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376936170' post='7706420']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376873340' post='7701628']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1376871387' post='7701342']
I tried it today. I actually hate it. It's the first TM driver in a while that felt cheap to me.
[/quote]
If I may ask, I'm curious what type of player you are.
[/quote]
I'm a 20. Game off the tee and iron game is decent and improving. No short game. Can't putt.
[/quote]
Thanks for the reply. Keep ho'ing putters it helps lol
[/quote]

That's the last thing you should be telling T to do.... Lol..
[/quote]
For the record my friend, I'm actually selling a Versa putter. Too light. Yes. I AM SELLING A PUTTER. Choke on it!
[/quote]

Finally.......

[tbowles411]

[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1377001067' post='7711276']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000769' post='7711242']
[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1376949223' post='7707782']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376940027' post='7706828']
Keep ho'ing putters it helps lol
[/quote]

That's the last thing you should be telling T to do.... Lol..
[/quote]
For the record my friend, I'm actually selling a Versa putter. Too light. Yes. I AM SELLING A PUTTER. Choke on it!
[/quote]

Finally.......
[/quote]
Only 12 more to go...

[TheMoneyShot]

[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377005950' post='7711700']
[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1377001067' post='7711276']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000769' post='7711242']
[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1376949223' post='7707782']
[quote name='Zach Heusser' timestamp='1376940027' post='7706828']
Keep ho'ing putters it helps lol
[/quote]

That's the last thing you should be telling T to do.... Lol..
[/quote]
For the record my friend, I'm actually selling a Versa putter. Too light. Yes. I AM SELLING A PUTTER. Choke on it!
[/quote]

Finally.......
[/quote]
Only 12 more to go...
[/quote]

Move out your older inventory. Lots of new goodies are coming...

[Goldenhawk]

[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000713' post='7711232']
[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1376994657' post='7711036']
SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.
[/quote]
Maybe I'll try to get refit again.
[/quote]
I am working off a theory that a buddy of mine that manages a GS store had. The SLDR was made to play with Tour-grade balls. Pro V1s, Lethals, etc. He might be onto to something. When playing with Pro V1s and Lethals, the spin rates during a driver shot was high enough so that a hook and slice would easily go out of bounds. He was thinking that the SLDR will help limit some of that. From playing 9 holes with a Pro V1 and SLDR combo, he might be onto something. Also, with the 10.5*, I still needed to turn it up one notch on the hosel.

[tbowles411]

[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1377009706' post='7712114']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000713' post='7711232']
[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1376994657' post='7711036']
SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.
[/quote]
Maybe I'll try to get refit again.
[/quote]
I am working off a theory that a buddy of mine that manages a GS store had. The SLDR was made to play with Tour-grade balls. Pro V1s, Lethals, etc. He might be onto to something. When playing with Pro V1s and Lethals, the spin rates during a driver shot was high enough so that a hook and slice would easily go out of bounds. He was thinking that the SLDR will help limit some of that. From playing 9 holes with a Pro V1 and SLDR combo, he might be onto something. Also, with the 10.5*, I still needed to turn it up one notch on the hosel.
[/quote]
That sounds plausible, but won't a straight up tour ball cause excess spin just because of the extra layers?

[DTown3011]

[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1377009706' post='7712114']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000713' post='7711232']
[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1376994657' post='7711036']
SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.
[/quote]
Maybe I'll try to get refit again.
[/quote]
I am working off a theory that a buddy of mine that manages a GS store had. The SLDR was made to play with Tour-grade balls. Pro V1s, Lethals, etc. He might be onto to something. When playing with Pro V1s and Lethals, the spin rates during a driver shot was high enough so that a hook and slice would easily go out of bounds. He was thinking that the SLDR will help limit some of that. From playing 9 holes with a Pro V1 and SLDR combo, he might be onto something. Also, with the 10.5*, I still needed to turn it up one notch on the hosel.
[/quote]

This is always an issue with fitting ANY club on the range using range balls. Typically range balls are harder construction (therefore will launch higher, especially on the wedges) and are inconsistent in terms of wear, dimples, and spin rates. It's always a roll of the dice when fitting with range balls instead of premium tour quality golf balls.

[TMBob]

[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1377009706' post='7712114']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000713' post='7711232']
[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1376994657' post='7711036']
SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.
[/quote]
Maybe I'll try to get refit again.
[/quote]
I am working off a theory that a buddy of mine that manages a GS store had. The SLDR was made to play with Tour-grade balls. Pro V1s, Lethals, etc. He might be onto to something. When playing with Pro V1s and Lethals, the spin rates during a driver shot was high enough so that a hook and slice would easily go out of bounds. He was thinking that the SLDR will help limit some of that. From playing 9 holes with a Pro V1 and SLDR combo, he might be onto something. Also, with the 10.5*, I still needed to turn it up one notch on the hosel.
[/quote]


Not buying into this theory one bit.....way to many variables from person to person, ball to ball. Not one driver was made for only Tour Grade balls IMHO.
Each player swing has its own DNA even though some might be minor when compared to others...SS, AOA, FA, LA, CP, Smash, Spin are all variables that can make one person like a certain driver while others do not...The same goes with Golf Balls

Would I buy into the theory that a high spin ball would work better with a low spin head, over a low spin ball? Yes, for a certain group of people, but not the masses.

The comment about the Pro V's helped a member get better results over range balls makes sense as this has been going on for decades.

First I heard that the ball needed to be teed lower with the SLDR theory, then I heard teed high. Someone else mentioned a high spin ball is the ticket, now Tour Grade balls is the latest theory. My theory was head weight, but based on my personal past dealings with heavy TM heads and how many members went light and found success with R11's R11s and R1's when going lighter.

It is getting great play on Tour, so for that type of player something is working right, but for the masses, it seems like buried treasure.

[AUDuffer]

[quote name='Waterboy' timestamp='1376932781' post='7706036'] Finished my range session, went home and actually told my wife that I wasn’t sure what was going and that something was weird about it. She didn’t care. [/quote]

I was reading this wondering why your wife would care since I know mine wouldn't and there it was; love it!

[Goldenhawk]

[quote name='TMBob' timestamp='1377011181' post='7712304']
[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1377009706' post='7712114']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000713' post='7711232']
[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1376994657' post='7711036']
SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.
[/quote]
Maybe I'll try to get refit again.
[/quote]
I am working off a theory that a buddy of mine that manages a GS store had. The SLDR was made to play with Tour-grade balls. Pro V1s, Lethals, etc. He might be onto to something. When playing with Pro V1s and Lethals, the spin rates during a driver shot was high enough so that a hook and slice would easily go out of bounds. He was thinking that the SLDR will help limit some of that. From playing 9 holes with a Pro V1 and SLDR combo, he might be onto something. Also, with the 10.5*, I still needed to turn it up one notch on the hosel.
[/quote]


Not buying into this theory one bit.....way to many variables from person to person, ball to ball. Not one driver was made for only Tour Grade balls IMHO.
Each player swing has its own DNA even though some might be minor when compared to others...SS, AOA, FA, LA, CP, Smash, Spin are all variables that can make one person like a certain driver while others do not...The same goes with Golf Balls

Would I buy into the theory that a high spin ball would work better with a low spin head, over a low spin ball? Yes, for a certain group of people, but not the masses.

The comment about the Pro V's helped a member get better results over range balls makes sense as this has been going on for decades.

First I heard that the ball needed to be teed lower with the SLDR theory, then I heard teed high. Someone else mentioned a high spin ball is the ticket, now Tour Grade balls is the latest theory. My theory was head weight, but based on my personal past dealings with heavy TM heads and how many members went light and found success with R11's R11s and R1's when going lighter.

It is getting great play on Tour, so for that type of player something is working right, but for the masses, it seems like buried treasure.
[/quote]
I am one of those people that found success when I replaced the 10 gram weight with a 6 gram weight in an R11s and an R1.

But don't Tour grade balls spin more off the driver than non tour balls? Maybe the gain in spin with a Tour grade ball cancels the reduction in spin from the SLDR, brining me back to square one.

Edit: and I do agree with you.....I would love to get a 10 gram weight for my SLDR to replace the 20.

[Banker]

My .02 on the ball issue. I have x's for the last few years & didn't think anything about it when I started gaming the sldr. As I've posted many times on here, I have struggled with the lefts since getting the driver. Sunday I went out & decided to try out the sleeve of lethals that they put in the box for us. I don't know how much of the difference is due to the balls & how much is due to the new shaft, but I hit it much better on Sunday. Not sure if the higher spin rate on the driver had anything to do with it, didn't notice a whole lot of difference in distance, but my accuracy improved a lot.

[PaulFitz]

Has anyone tried it with either a Matrix 6Q3 or the 7M3 in x flex?

[Goldenhawk]

[quote name='Banker' timestamp='1377030567' post='7714520']
My .02 on the ball issue. I have x's for the last few years & didn't think anything about it when I started gaming the sldr. As I've posted many times on here, I have struggled with the lefts since getting the driver. Sunday I went out & decided to try out the sleeve of lethals that they put in the box for us. I don't know how much of the difference is due to the balls & how much is due to the new shaft, but I hit it much better on Sunday. Not sure if the higher spin rate on the driver had anything to do with it, didn't notice a whole lot of difference in distance, but my accuracy improved a lot.
[/quote]
Now I am looking forward to trying the SLDR with Lethals.

[Mustng5]

[quote name='PaulFitz' timestamp='1377038317' post='7715212']
Has anyone tried it with either a Matrix 6Q3 or the 7M3 in x flex?
[/quote]

Yes 7M3 x flex tipped one inch, flat out beast!!!!

[rexwrx]

Tried and failed with $800 into the head and a couple shafts. Just doesn't seem to have any face technology to it. Anything slightly off the screws is severely punished in both direction and ballspeed. I have only one conclusion to draw:

[attachment=1844004:image.jpg]

[TMBob]

[quote name='Banker' timestamp='1377030567' post='7714520']
My .02 on the ball issue. I have x's for the last few years & didn't think anything about it when I started gaming the sldr. As I've posted many times on here, I have struggled with the lefts since getting the driver. Sunday I went out & decided to try out the sleeve of lethals that they put in the box for us. I don't know how much of the difference is due to the balls & how much is due to the new shaft, but I hit it much better on Sunday. Not sure if the higher spin rate on the driver had anything to do with it, didn't notice a whole lot of difference in distance, but my accuracy improved a lot.
[/quote]

Always worth a try....was the Lethals not designed to spin less off the driver then the TP5?

[Banker]

@TMBob

I was just starting to research that.... I may try the tp5 next to see how it reacts. For me, I think the higher spin balls will be much better for me with the SLDR....as long as they don't affect the rest of my game. I really liked the way the lethal felt off the putter.

[Madball]

[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1376994657' post='7711036']
SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.
[/quote]

Its funny but this is my experience too..
Range hitting is terrible with no 2 swings hitting the same

On course is a different story with good balls...haven't hit a club longer
One buddy of mine says its a "voodoo driver"
Get the right shaft and right loft (higher) and its gonna be hard to beat

[Goldenhawk]

[quote name='TMBob' timestamp='1377011181' post='7712304']
[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1377009706' post='7712114']
[quote name='tbowles411' timestamp='1377000713' post='7711232']
[quote name='Goldenhawk' timestamp='1376994657' post='7711036']
SLDR + range balls = Fail

SLDR + Pro V1s = Success

Go figure. I had trouble dialing in the SLDR going to the range. But using some Pro V1s and a launch monitor at GS, I got the SLDR set up. Then I played 9 holes with the combo and found that it worked. I guess the SLDR was made to play with tour balls that spin such as the Pro V1. I will try the SLDR with Lethals next round.
[/quote]
Maybe I'll try to get refit again.
[/quote]
I am working off a theory that a buddy of mine that manages a GS store had. The SLDR was made to play with Tour-grade balls. Pro V1s, Lethals, etc. He might be onto to something. When playing with Pro V1s and Lethals, the spin rates during a driver shot was high enough so that a hook and slice would easily go out of bounds. He was thinking that the SLDR will help limit some of that. From playing 9 holes with a Pro V1 and SLDR combo, he might be onto something. Also, with the 10.5*, I still needed to turn it up one notch on the hosel.
[/quote]


Not buying into this theory one bit.....way to many variables from person to person, ball to ball. Not one driver was made for only Tour Grade balls IMHO.
Each player swing has its own DNA even though some might be minor when compared to others...SS, AOA, FA, LA, CP, Smash, Spin are all variables that can make one person like a certain driver while others do not...The same goes with Golf Balls

Would I buy into the theory that a high spin ball would work better with a low spin head, over a low spin ball? Yes, for a certain group of people, but not the masses.

The comment about the Pro V's helped a member get better results over range balls makes sense as this has been going on for decades.

First I heard that the ball needed to be teed lower with the SLDR theory, then I heard teed high. Someone else mentioned a high spin ball is the ticket, now Tour Grade balls is the latest theory. My theory was head weight, but based on my personal past dealings with heavy TM heads and how many members went light and found success with R11's R11s and R1's when going lighter.

It is getting great play on Tour, so for that type of player something is working right, but for the masses, it seems like buried treasure.
[/quote]
Would obtaining a JDM SLDR get me a lighter driver head? Some JDM releases have lighter weights compared to the US counterpart.

[Scott@84]

I am loving my SLDR so far but I will wait until after the honeymoon period to post more thoughts.