bobcat

Bad assumption! Fact is, the SLDR-C has NOT been declared non-conforming by the USGA, although I suspect that only Taylormade has actually done any CT testing of the 2015 SLDR-C Driver. Performance is great, and build quality is the same as the original SLDR line. The only obvious difference is the new gloss black color on the SLDR-C. Less obvious, is the different shape of the SLDR-C clubhead...(lower profile, and wider clubface from heel-to-toe than the original SLDR Drivers from 2013-2014). Having said that, TM was known to be considering a non-conforming Driver for recreational only play just a few years ago, but there is no reason to believe the company has ever intentionally announced any non-conforming driver models, aside from the very early R500 Series which proved to be a costly mistake for the company, (even though many recreational players were actually delighted to learn they owned an illegal, 'too hot for the USGA' TM driver). The very early R510, R540, and R580 failed the COR test, because those were above the .083 COR limit established by the USGA, which at the time was in conflict with the higher .086 COR limit of the R&A who considered those early models to be completely legal. TM had expected the USGA to approve the .086 COR standard to be consistent with the R&A,, and therefore jumped the gun a bit before the USGA had ruled. Unfortunately, the USGA decided to keep the .083 COR standard, so TM was forced to replace those early R500 series non-conforming models with proper USGA conforming models, but only in the USA where we are governed by those USGA rules. Note: In case you are curious, the R500 series non-conforming models have no scoring lines in the center of the clubface, while the R500 series conforming models do have scoring lines there. Of couse things have changed since then, and COR (Coefficient of Restitution), is no longer the relevant test for USGA clubface compliance. It has been replaced by the CT, (Characteristic Time) Test. CT is the current USGA method for testing the 'trampoline effect' of a driver's clubface. As always...the more you know...

Actually, I would rather NOT know because I plan to keep playing it!..

Only Taylormade knows if the SLDR-C Driver is non-conforming, (because it fails the CT test), but it does seem to be a very 'HOT' clubface. In the absence of any formal declaration that it has been deemed 'non-conforming', I plan to keep on playing it..

Great idea...but don't limit your testing to the SLDR-C Driver! You should also test the SLDR-C Fairways and the SLDR-C Rescue Hybrids as well. (I suggest the lofts shown below). All perform very well!.. - 9.5* SLDR-C Driver - 15* (3W) and 19* (5W) SLDR-C Fairways - 19* (3H) and 21* (4H) SLDR-C Rescue Hybrids SLDR-C FAIRWAY SLDR-C RESCUE HYBRIDS

It's a very 'hot-faced' driver, and quite possibly non-conforming!.. Could this 'hot-faced' 2015 SLDR-C clubface pass the CT test?.. Well, knows, but frankly I prefer NOT to know!.. (Of course, if I did actually know, I wouldn't admit it here!).. Others can debate the matter....I just want to keep on playing it!.. (WE REALLY MUST GET BACK TO TOPIC NOW)...

Check out the 100+ (Positive) Buyer Reviews while you're there!..

There is a reason why TM did not promote the SLDR-C (Classic) Driver, but there is no reason for anyone to think it is something less than an excellent Taylormade Driver. All you have to do is hit it to know that! When you look deeper into the timing of the announcement perhaps you will understand. It was indeed somewhat of a "silent announcement" because of the very unusual timing of this annoucement. The SLDR-C came out mid-2015 and AFTER the R15/AeroBurner, and TM rightfully kept their marketing campaign dollars focused the "all new" models rather than on this very late addition to an older (SLDR) line of drivers. Of course that has nothing to do with how its performs or the extra forgiveness that TM was attempting to address with the "C" announcement. The timing was indeed strange, but the product was in the pipeline, and apparently TM felt it was a solid product that deserved to be announced, despite the rather odd timing. TM couldn't afford to make a lot of noise about an addition to the SLDR line because the R15 and the AeroBurner had just hit the stores, so they didn't promote it and even downplayed it...it's as simple as that! As previously stated, it's purpose was not to break any new ground with the latest TM "technology breakthrough", (like a 2nd Slider or new material construction). The whole idea behind the SLDR-C was simply to bring a forgiving model to the existing SLDR Family whose marketing buzz was already quite well established by earlier (SLDR) ad campaigns. I am relatively sure you remember all the complaints about a lack of forgiveness with the original SLDR Drivers, and in fact, there are even a few of those within this thread in case you forgot. With the SLDR-C, TM addressed the SLDR forgiveness issue and I am so very glad they did! Have you ever even seen one up close or taken the opportunity to actually hit one? I would venture a guess that your answer to that question is NO. You may have knowledge about a lot of other clubs, but when it comes to the SLDR-C you know next to nothing! On this Driver, you are... Oh and by the way, by your definition, virtually every new TM Driver could be called a "Big Box Special". Try playing a round with one before making negative comments about a club you know nothing about! That is the only way to properly evaluate it's worth! I PREFER THIS SHAFT IN MINE!

"Big box specials"? If indeed you are referring to the SLDR-C, it is being sold by Golfsmith, Edwin Watts, PGA Superstore and other major golf equipment Retailers, and online stores as well. (JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER TM DRIVER) This is not just a "designed exclusively for Dicks" type of product as you seem to be alluding to here. Like I said, facts and truth actually matter.

TM gave it the SLDR name and that is quite good enough for me....As previously said, it's just a more forgiving version of the SLDR for those that can actually appreciate a more forgiving SLDR Driver. In my opinion, facts and truth actually do matter. I have no idea of what "T" or anyone else here may have seen, hit or actually played, but if anyone wants to further challenge the SLDR-C's credentials or needs more information about how it compares with the other SLDR Drivers, I suggest you contact Brian Bazzel, Senior Director of Product Creation for Metalwoods at TaylorMade. There is no need to take my word...just go directly to the source for the information. Note: Brian Bazzel can be reached directly through Linkedin.

That is a very off-base comment since this is, after all, an SLDR thread, so my posts are very much ON TOPIC! It doesn't matter to me whether anyone else shares my affection for the SLDR-C, but I needed to replace some false assumptions made here with the actual facts which I know from having played both the SLDR-C and the older Drivers in the SLDR Family as well. That is the reason why I have made replies here. I think its very clear now that if you have never actually hit or even seen a particular driver yourself, any comments you may make here are of questionable credibility, no matter who you are. My comments are based on actual experience with the SLDR Family. Just in case you missed it hckymeyer, this thread's title is "Operation Beat SLDR", and in my case, nothing has except the newer, and even better SLDR-C!

The SLDR-C didn't offer any new "breakthrough technology" but it is still very much an SLDR that retains a low forward CG and low spin similar to the originals while adding FORGIVENESS to the mix. IMO a forgiving SLDR is a beautiful thing, and the only thing the SLDR Family was lacking. I judge a driver on how it performs, not its (MRSP) price. Fact is, there is no direct relationship between price and performance despite what the OEM's might want you to believe. I have found that to be particularly true within the SLDR Family of Drivers. When it comes to golf equipment, you can always spend more, without getting better performance. People often buy hyped, expensive drivers that don't work well for them as seen with the original SLDRs. The right/driver shaft combo for you is probably NOT the most expensive one you can buy. It is always best to test and compare to find the best head/shaft combo for your swing, and I am not talking about in-house launch monitors. You need to hit clubs outside where you can see and compare actual ball flight.

Just to be clear, the stock M2 driver shafts,(for Men), are the Fujikura Pro 50 or Pro 60 that have Fujikura's graphics, (not Taylormade graphics). As for the weight, all I can only say that Fujikura quotes the raw weight of their driver shafts which is 46", not sure if TM is using that or their installed stock shaft length when quoting the weight of their stock M2 shaft. The premium shaft offerings for the M-Family also use the shaft manufacturers graphics, and not any special TM graphics. These are all "real deal" shafts, not "made for" shafts.

There is no quality trade-off here. The SLDR-C was announced with a lower MSRP simply because it is a 100% Titanium bonded, (non-adustable hosel), and has no slider mechanism(s). (A speed pocket replaced the slider just as with the SLDR Mini Driver, and you see that on the new M2 as well). It should come as no surprise to anyone that a simpler, non-adjustable driver cost less than highly adjustable and multi-material TM models. However, not everyone needs, (or even wants) adjustable drivers with complex mechanisms that can add weight in some very undesirable places. No doubt you have read all the complaints about the original SLDR's lack of forgiveness, which may help explain why TM decided to add a more forgiving version to the SLDR mix even AFTER the R15/AeroBurner were already out. For those who are interested, all TM heads are produced in China to the very same quality standard. I assure you the Chinese assembly line workers have no idea of how TM prices their drivers here in the USA or elsewhere as they build/paint these drivers from raw castings. The SLDR-C does not come with a "TP" or other premium shaft option. It comes stock with the TM "57" shaft that is the same as the original SLDR stock shaft, but with slightly different TM/SLDR graphics. You may prefer a premium shaft just as I did, but you'll have to purchase it separately. FWIW, I have played every 460cc SLDR model and also a Tour-issue (430) and for me, the SLDR-C performs much better and is considerably more forgiving. While your SLDR preferences may vary, I think is worth understanding the differences between the newest S2015 SLDR "C" model and verses the older 2013/2014 versions. Ironically, the only "quality" issues I have heard about lately from TM have been with the (most expensive) M-Family of Driver, where there have been some reports of paint peeling where the composite material meets the titanium on the M1/M2 crown.

I referenced the M-Family shafts because you can plainly see those are the "real deal" shafts, with no special "made for TM graphics". That indicates the change in shaft logo philosophy for TM that occurred around mid-2015, (when the SLDR-C was announced). The shaft manufacturer's logo on the various M1/M2 premium Driver shafts is identical to what you would get if you bought the shaft directly from the shaft manufacturer.

I referenced the M-Family shafts because you can plainly see those are the "real deal" shafts, with no special "made for TM graphics". That indicates the change in shaft logo philosophy for TM that occurred around mid-2015, (when the SLDR-C was announced). The shaft manufacturer's logo on the various M1/M2 premium Driver shafts is identical to what you would get if you bought the shaft directly from the shaft manufacturer.

Comments are one thing, but outright lies and distortions about equipment are something else entirely and should not be tolerated by anyone. To state that the SLDR-C and the SLDR-S are the same head is a huge distortion of the truth and people deserve the truth when they visit this site. Completely different clubheads!

You are obviously quite clueless about the SLDR-C Driver. Fact is, it is a totally different clubhead than the Silver "S" or the original Charcoal Gray SLDR 460cc Driver. The SLDR-C is a completely different clubhead shape with a lower profile crown and a clubface that is wider from heel-to-toe than the origiinal 460cc or the "S". If you had actually compared the heads up close you would know this, so you are clearly just spouting off B.S. here. Before criticizing my driver choice you should at least educate yourself. When you do an up close comparison AND compare performance, the differences in the "C" vs the other SLDR's are quite obvious indeed, and as for the color, the new gloss black color looks GREAT on this new SLDR head, (contrary to what you said above). BTW, although I don't play it, the TM "57" stock shaft is the same co-engineered stock shaft used in the original SLDR, just slightly different TM SLDR graphics with the Fujikura name removed. TM moved away from the using the "made for" shaft graphics in 2015 and no longer pays royalties to Fujikura in exchange for using their name on TM shafts. (You may have noted that the stock shafts for TM's M-Family use the shaft manufacturer's graphics, so TM's "made for" graphics on driver shafts appear to be history now). The SLDR-C's stock 57 shaft probably fits a fairly wide array of players as TM says, but it's not for me. I prefer the premium Miyazaki Kusala Black 61s. (I used the upgraded "TP" Tourspec 7.3 shaft in the original SLDR 430/460 Drivers so upgraded shafts are the norm for me). Hopefully this clears up the clueless and false assumptions made by "Undershooter30" about the 2015 SLDR-C Driver.

Yes...As I stated before, with the 2015 SLDR-C's loft measurement, TM returned to the more "traditional" loft measurement stamping. The original charcoal gray and silver SLDR Drivers (from 2013 and 2014) were very much the exception in loft, which is why players had to "loft up" to get the same trajectory they were used to with other drivers that had lower lofts on the soleplate. I had to loft up to a 12* in the Tour 430, (actual 11.3*), which kind of blew me away, because I never needed a loft that high with any other driver. Now, with the (gloss black) 2015 SLDR-C Driver I am back to 9.5* which is the driver loft I have used for most of my life, and is usually the best loft for me. Having played all all the SLDR's , I much prefer the 9.5* 2015 SLDR-C with a premium shaft. It gives me consistent long, straight drives with loads of forgiveness and it seems quite effortless...basically a point-and-shoot type of driver. It doesn't make me work nearly as hard for great drives as the 12* SLDR 430 did, which is why I recommended it.

There is no need to "loft up" with the 2015 SLDR-C Series Driver....I went from a 12* Tour issue SLDR 430 (actual 11.3*), down to 9.5* on the SLDR C-Series Driver and trajectory is the same. (9.5* is actually the loft I have played for most of my life), Seems the original 2013/2014 SLDR's were very much the exception, and not the rule for how TaylorMade measures the loft that is stamped on the sole plate.

There is a newer and far more forgiving SLDR Driver now and I think it is likely the best performing SLDR model for most players. I have played all the SLDR's and it certainly is the best one for me. Mid-way through 2015, Taylormade announced a redesigned 460cc version of the SLDR and this new model is called the SLDR-C, (aka the SLDR C-Series Driver). It is long, straight, and super forgiving with a huge sweetspot and a very "hot" face. It has a non-adjustable, (bonded), hosel like "Classic" TM Drivers of the past, and a "speed pocket" replaced the Slider mechanism just as with the SLDR Mini Driver. The new color is gloss black, and there is no need to "loft up" with this late addition to the SLDR Family. This was actually the last 100% Titanium Driver that TM introduced, because it was introduced AFTER the R15 and AeroBurner. Almost a silent announcement because TM kept their ad campaign focused on the R15/AeroBurner which makes sense I suppose since the SLDR-C was a late addition to an older line of products. However, for those of you who wished for a more forgiving SLDR Driver, this is it! There is a truly forgiving SLDR now that still offers the characteristic low forward CG and low spin the SLDR Family is known for. I have been playing the SLDR-C for over 9-months now and I can assure you it delivers long, straight, drives. With a premium shaft, this is as good as a driver gets! (I have a 45.5" Miyazaki Kusala Black 61s tipped 1/2" in mine). In case you are curious, the SLDR-C replaced a Tour issue 12* SLDR 430 with Fuji Motore Speeder 7.3 Tourspec that I was hitting well, but in a head-to-head competition, this new 9.5* SLDR-C/Kusala Black combo just proved superior in every conceivable way. I've had some very good drivers over the years, but having played this one for awhile now, I can declare it my best driver ever, and I believe others here may like it just as much as I do! While the SLDR-C is a 2015 model, you can still find it at Golfsmith, Edwin Watts, PGA Superstore etc, and various Online Retailers as well. It is available in 9.5*, 10.5* and 12* lofts and in both RH and LH. Give it a hit and compare its performance with your current and other drivers, including TM's latest M-Family. You may be very surprised, and perhaps even shocked by this "sleeper"... Highly recommended Driver!...