It wouldn’t be a TaylorMade release cycle without refreshed Fairway and Rescue clubs. Like most companies, the driver release tends to get the majority of attention, especially on a year with so much change. Gone is Stealth, so no one has to worry about a third iteration. In its place, is Qi10, and although none of the fairways or hybrids are going to hit that 10,000 MOI mark which is signified in the name, continuity is a good thing.
TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway Woods
For the last fifteen years, TaylorMade fairway woods have had two things in common, they have been near or at the top in overall play, and they have used some version of a Steel or Titanium topline frame. This year, one of those things is guaranteed to change.
Say goodbye to one of the most familiar fairway wood looks in golf as the “Infinity Carbon Crown” featured in the drivers has also made its way to the fairways. The reason for the application is the same in that it is about saving weight which can be moved to the extremes of the three clubheads to optimize the CG and MOI. Similarly, this does mean a footprint change, but being honest, even their Tour/Ti fairways in the past have not been overly compact.
The “Thru Slot Speed Pocket” is alive and well, still creating the potential to optimize the energy transferred back into the ball at impact. Twist Face is also here, and although they are sticking with a metal face still, it has increased 5% in size this time around and each face is unique to that club/loft. Additionally, the weight placements within each head means that all three have a lower CG than Stealth 2 achieved across the board. Add in a revamped new asymmetrical V-Steel sole and there is a lot to be intrigued with.
TaylorMade Qi10
The standard Qi10 looks to be the biggest blend of length and playability in the fairway lineup. Coming in at 190cc it continues a long tradition of heads that inspire confidence, and historically this spot in the lineup is one of the most played fairways on tour for TaylorMade.
By applying the Infinity Carbon Crown they are looking to blend the past with the present. The new crown allowed the internal mass pads to be moved to keep the flatter flight while maintaining forgiveness.
The Qi10 is a bonded fairway that will be offered in 3 (15), 3HL (16.5), 5 (18), 7 (21) and 9 (24) wood options paired with Fujikura Ventus TR Blue FW 6 (R, S, X) and priced at $349.99.
TaylorMade Qi10 Max
If more forgiveness is the name of the game for you, then of course the Qi10 Max is the place to look. At a whopping 200cc, with the new Infinity Carbon Crown it is 5% larger with 5mm in added front to back clubhead length. While externally the size and V-Steel sole bring the confidence from all lies, internally it is the splitting of weight pads to the front (24g) and back (42g) that create the highest MOI fairway ever for TaylorMade.
The Qi10 Max is a bonded hosel design which comes standard with the Fujikura Speeder NX TCS 50 (A, R, S) and will be offered in 3 (16), 5 (19) and 7 (22) wood options. It will be priced at $349.99.
TaylorMade Qi10 LS
Finally, the player driven LS. At only 170cc this is the smallest of the three options at fairway, but it does have the deepest face. The size combined with the Infinity Carbon Crown makes for the most compact looking and traditionally shaped as well. TaylorMade is calling it “Three Fairways in One” thanks to the 50g sliding weight (+/- 150 RPM) which is placed lower in the head than ever before with over half of the track hidden internally to help aerodynamics.
This one is a low spin, but workable fairway wood, utilizing the Titanium head and is the only of the three to feature TaylorMade’s adapter system for +/- 2-degrees of loft adjustability. The Qi10 LS will be available in 3 (15) and 5 (18) and priced at $449.99.
TaylorMade Qi10 Rescues
At times it feels like people forget not only TaylorMade’s history with the hybrid, but just how good their Rescue clubs have been over the years. The Rescue has long been a blend of do-it-all, gap filler, and flat-out iron replacement. This year, with three clubhead options, they are looking to blend even more while keeping max versatility.
The Qi10 Max Rescue is the biggest overall footprint of the three, but it has the shallowest face. This is part of keeping the CG as low as possible thanks to the rearward perimeter weighting which has increased thanks to the application of a carbon crown. The Qi10 Max is a bonded hosel Rescue available in 3 (20), 4 (23), 5 (27), 6 (31) and 7 (35) options and is paired with Fujikura Speeder NX TCS 50 and 60.
Next is the all-around Qi10 Rescue. This one will be most familiar to those who have used a TM Rescue before and is the most balanced shape, right in between the other two size wise. This also uses a carbon crown and has a middle-of-the-road face depth. Internally the weighting is split front and back to create distance while staying easy to launch. This too is a bonded hosel option available in 3 (19), 4 (22), 5 (25), 6 (28), and 7 (31) Rescue paired with Fujikura Ventus TR Blue HB (5A, 6R, 7S).
Finally, the deep faced and square toe, but ultra compact, Qi10 Tour Rescue. Using a forged C300 face with a centralized internal weighting, this is a better player style club focused on workability. Unlike the other two, there is no carbon crown here, but the Tour does have adjustability with a rear TSS weight and +/- 2-degree adapter capability. Options are 2 (17), 3 (19.5), 4 (22) Tour Rescue’s, but thanks to that adapter system they can cover a massive range of fitting.
All three hybrids will be priced at $299.99.
The Details
Once again, it looks like TaylorMade has come forward with a complete lineup that keeps a unified story and provides options for everyone. How will the significant change to Qi10 be taken by consumers? Only time will tell.
Both the Fairways and Rescue clubs will be available for pre-order on 1/9/24 while all the clubs except the Tour fairway will be at retail on 2/2/24. The Qi10 Tour fairway will instead hit shelves on 2/16/24.
Awesome write up. I thought the LS version of the stealth was an awesome FW….its just hard to justify the price.
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] is there any different between the TR shafts coming in these vs the ones other OEMs have an upcharge for? I know in the past there was velocore and no velocore but I’m not as familiar with the TR line
Excited about this one!
Last year’s fairways were pretty underrated. The plus 5W was a big weapon for me. The deeper faces are a real functional benefit for me. And from early returns this year’s will be too. And looks even better over the ball. It will get a long hard look.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1000053534.jpg”]9235342[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”BuffaloPlunger, post: 12061251, member: 59303″]
Awesome write up. I thought the LS version of the stealth was an awesome FW….its just hard to justify the price.
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] is there any different between the TR shafts coming in these vs the ones other OEMs have an upcharge for? I know in the past there was velocore and no velocore but I’m not as familiar with the TR line
[/QUOTE]
These are not Velocore Ventus TR shafts
TM fairways have always been solid. Options are good and having the bonded standard version makes sense but I’m drawn to the tour version of this fwy
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12061254, member: 53737″]
Excited about this one!
Last year’s fairways were pretty underrated. The plus 5W was a big weapon for me. The deeper faces are a real functional benefit for me. And from early returns this year’s will be too. And looks even better over the ball. It will get a long hard look.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1000053534.jpg”]9235342[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
I prefer the past address without the carbon wrap but that’s a my swing issue if you catch my drift.
Excited to give the rescues a try, especially the HD version.
Nice Article [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] ! Like the look of the Max Fairway – Screams “Hit Me”
[QUOTE=”Iceman!, post: 12061384, member: 32688″]
Nice Article [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] ! Like the look of the Max Fairway – Screams “Hit Me”
[/QUOTE]
Agreed, 200cc makes it a big boy for sure
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12061378, member: 62865″]
I prefer the past address without the carbon wrap but that’s a my swing issue if you catch my drift.
Excited to give the rescues a try, especially the HD version.
[/QUOTE]
I do wonder about that with both the fairways and drivers. More the drivers. For people who struggle there or places where the heads get hit by a wide variety. Time will tell on durability.
[QUOTE=”BuffaloPlunger, post: 12061251, member: 59303″]
Awesome write up. I thought the LS version of the stealth was an awesome FW….its just hard to justify the price.
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER] is there any different between the TR shafts coming in these vs the ones other OEMs have an upcharge for? I know in the past there was velocore and no velocore but I’m not as familiar with the TR line
[/QUOTE]
One is made by Fujikura and hte other isnt :ROFLMAO:
I really love my S2+ fairways. I can’t see myself upgrading after one year wtih them.
But the 4 hybird pro set to +2 to make it 24 degrees… hmmm… I like my current S2 25 degree hybrid ok, but that new Qi10 Tour rescue does make me ponder…
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12061394, member: 1579″]
Agreed, 200cc makes it a big boy for sure
[/QUOTE]
It’s a Mini Mini Driver at that size.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12061254, member: 53737″]
Excited about this one!
Last year’s fairways were pretty underrated. The plus 5W was a big weapon for me. The deeper faces are a real functional benefit for me. And from early returns this year’s will be too. And looks even better over the ball. It will get a long hard look.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1000053534.jpg”]9235342[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
Did you see any spin or launch improvements with the carbon crown?
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12061407, member: 3″]
One is made by Fujikura and hte other isnt :ROFLMAO:
[/QUOTE]
Wait so that’s a bonafide ventus TR as a stock offering?
I really liked the S2 + last year. Will probably get a LS fw.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12061407, member: 3″]
One is made by Fujikura and hte other isnt :ROFLMAO:
[/QUOTE]
I remember you mentioning something like that a while back but didn’t say who it was…now we have the answer
Great article, [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER].
These look solid and I love the look at address.
[QUOTE=”Iceman!, post: 12061419, member: 32688″]
It’s a Mini Mini Driver at that size.
[/QUOTE]
It’s gotta at least feel like it at setup! Haha
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12061396, member: 53737″]
I do wonder about that with both the fairways and drivers. More the drivers. For people who struggle there or places where the heads get hit by a wide variety. Time will tell on durability.
[/QUOTE]
I was wondering about that as well. I think it’s cool that they brought it to the fwys, but wonder about it getting hit in that location a lot. I think these look fantastic. I’m really curious if they ever bring the carbon face to fwy woods.
[QUOTE=”outlawx, post: 12061431, member: 74252″]
Wait so that’s a bonafide ventus TR as a stock offering?
[/QUOTE]
No.
[QUOTE=”outlawx, post: 12061431, member: 74252″]
Wait so that’s a bonafide ventus TR as a stock offering?
[/QUOTE]
Haaaaaaaaaaard no
[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 12061468, member: 40538″]
I was wondering about that as well. I think it’s cool that they brought it to the fwys, but wonder about it getting hit in that location a lot. I think these look fantastic. I’m really curious if they ever bring the carbon face to fwy woods.
[/QUOTE]
I’ll be honest, I’d be terrified to see the durability. I also wonder if in such a small head, they can get the carbon to flex enough.
If they could, I’d think we would have seen it by now on the third year in.
[QUOTE=”outlawx, post: 12061424, member: 74252″]
Did you see any spin or launch improvements with the carbon crown?
[/QUOTE]
It’s too early to say. Limited time with it. I was out with the back and then tore a calf muscle at the gym so I’ve had to pick and choose what to hit and how many times. Numbers for me have been good though.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12061512, member: 1579″]
I’ll be honest, I’d be terrified to see the durability. I also wonder if in such a small head, they can get the carbon to flex enough.
If they could, I’d think we would have seen it by now on the third year in.
[/QUOTE]
That’s kind of what I was thinking as well. It’s just been on my mind since the release of carbon face with them.
[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 12061525, member: 40538″]
That’s kind of what I was thinking as well. It’s just been on my mind since the release of carbon face with them.
[/QUOTE]
Same, I’ve been waiting on it, expecting it.
Enjoyed reading the article about these FWs and hybrids. For some reason, it surprised me to see the standard FW come in at 5cc bigger than the new Cleveland FW I read about yesterday. The LS FW appears to be more of the size I am accustomed to but the standard would probably suit my game much better these days. The hybrids sound really good as well and appear to cover a good range of needs for golfers.
[QUOTE=”ttucliffhanger, post: 12061468, member: 40538″]
I was wondering about that as well. I think it’s cool that they brought it to the fwys, but wonder about it getting hit in that location a lot. I think these look fantastic[B]. I’m really curious if they ever bring the carbon face to fwy woods.[/B]
[/QUOTE]
Not sure I’ve heard Tomo’s take on that recently. I remember last year him saying not to expect that. And they don’t really need to mess with that. Their faurways are already very good how they are.
Great write up as always, the Rescue looks very interesting.
Tell you what I don’t blind buy…much…however I can’t get this Max version out of my head.
The couple of hitting reviews revealed that this club is so me.
Give me 200cc fairway wood head all day.
Interesting that I heard one reviewer say that the Fujikura shaft that is in this head has a purposeful lower torque shaft in it as Fujikura had determined that a lower torque in the shaft helped golfers close the face.
So let’s talk about this 3 max rescue…. Speed for days in that thing…
[ATTACH type=”full”]9237408[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=”Iceman!, post: 12067009, member: 32688″]
Tell you what I don’t blind buy…much…however I can’t get this Max version out of my head.
The couple of hitting reviews revealed that this club is so me.
Give me 200cc fairway wood head all day.
Interesting that I heard one reviewer say that the Fujikura shaft that is in this head has a purposeful lower torque shaft in it as Fujikura had determined that a lower torque in the shaft helped golfers close the face.
[/QUOTE]
Hit the Max fairway wood today. I like it. Forgiving and monster off the tee.
The Rescue in this lineup will go overlooked by many but will be excellent as in years past.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 12088232, member: 37622″]
The Rescue in this lineup will go overlooked by many but will be excellent as in years past.
[/QUOTE]
After my time with the max it has me contemplating a hybrid swap out if I’m being honest…
Anyone hitting things in this line?
Really want to try the Standard at some point. I’m impressed with the Stealth 2 FW’s so far, and pondering a switch in the 7W slot.
[QUOTE=”Scooby45, post: 12141346, member: 62865″]
Anyone hitting things in this line?
[/QUOTE]
I have the rescue. The thing is long , and easy to elevate. I also love the feel and sound. Best rescue I’ve hit beside the g430.
I had a lot of fun with the 5W today indoors, much more what I expected.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 12144769, member: 1579″]
I had a lot of fun with the 5W today indoors, much more what I expected.
[/QUOTE]
For as much as I don’t think the driver in for me, I saw good success out of the hybrid. Tested the 4 and it looks good and sounds great.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 12144780, member: 3″]
For as much as I don’t think the driver in for me, I saw good success out of the hybrid. Tested the 4 and it looks good and sounds great.
[/QUOTE]
That’s how I feel about the fairways, the driver was a pretty significant miss, but man I mashed the fairways at the store.
The 3HL has me curious
[ATTACH type=”full”]9242924[/ATTACH]
This is happening
[ATTACH type=”full”]9242925[/ATTACH]
Forgot to post this, but with this added to my Tour 5W I’m going 3 headcovers for the first time in years!
Tried the 3-5 woods on the range n they feel kind of weird n dead like i am hitting a really hard piece of plastic- but the balls were flying nice lol
[ATTACH type=”full”]9243311[/ATTACH]
7w is Ventus’d up and ready to rock. Seems like a pretty breezy 250 on course with a high flight. Will need to get it on monitor now and see what’s what.
[ATTACH type=”full”]9243314[/ATTACH]
So 7W matches the bomb 5 Tour ^ that replaced my Stealth 2 Plus 5W from last year. #Weapon
I get to try the Rescue tomorrow, and my buddy said it will probably end up in my bag. For that….I’m excited haha.
[MEDIA=youtube]-9-4IoLIGgw[/MEDIA]
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1000058118.jpg”]9243923[/ATTACH]
265 pin. Into a hurting left wind. Wanted to see what the 7W would do.
[QUOTE=”OldandStiff, post: 12061254, member: 53737″]
Excited about this one!
Last year’s fairways were pretty underrated. The plus 5W was a big weapon for me. The deeper faces are a real functional benefit for me. And from early returns this year’s will be too. And looks even better over the ball. It will get a long hard look.
[ATTACH type=”full” alt=”1000053534.jpg”]9235342[/ATTACH]
[/QUOTE]
D^m I want a 5 wood but can’t bring myself to do it?
[ATTACH type=”full”]9243934[/ATTACH]
And..
[ATTACH type=”full”]9243935[/ATTACH]
I really like the hybrid, TM hybrids have been great since the SIM. Just easy to hit and solid feel to it.
This was a pretty meh release for me looks wise, for some reason. I’m sure they loo better in hand, they always do. It’s neat to see that people are having good results with some of the lineup.
Honestly thought by the name it was a PING release not TaylorMade. Still hard for me to make the connection.