TaylorMade Qi10 Drivers - 2024 Forum Member Review

[GolfSpy_APH]

Testers Announced!

The TaylorMade Qi10 drivers were one of our most requested products for member testing. It is no surprise to see why, either, with several PGA Tour pros putting them into their bags immediately from launch, and even Colin Morikawa finally replacing his original TaylorMade SIM in favor of the new TaylorMade Qi10 Max. Yes, that’s correct—a tour player using the Max head.

About The TaylorMade Qi10 Series

The series of drivers consists of three models: the Qi10 Max, Qi10 LS (low spin), and Qi10 Standard. Each has slightly different weight placements, but only the LS model includes a moveable weight.

The big story for these drivers is forgiveness. TaylorMade has created its first driver with 10k MOI points. To read all the finer details of why this matters, you can see our full overview here: TaylorMade Qi10 Drivers First Look 

The shorter version is TaylorMade has leveraged a multi-material design, relocated mass, and improved shapes to achieve maximum forgiveness within each model while claiming to still retain all the speed (and therefore distance) characteristics.

Other big changes to the driver include the face and crown. Where previous versions for years had a clear distinction between where the titanium support met the carbon crown, the Qi10 features a clean glossy black crown with a new blue carbon face. The blue replaces the red of the Stealth models and is their third generation of carbon driver face.

Please welcome and congratulate our 6 testers!

TaylorMade Qi10 LS
@Jmikecpa
@GolfSpy_BEN

TaylorMade Qi10 Standard
@IndyBonzo
@EMacK1961

TaylorMade Qi10 Max
@Hook DeLoft
@Michael.Sandoval33

[Jmikecpa]

Intro and About Me

First off thanks to MGS for this great opportunity to test one of the hottest product launches of 2024.  I have been a member of the site for a lot of years and have done several tests for products over the years and it is nice to be back after being quiet on the site for a few years.  So a little about me…  I am 47 and for the first time in close to 10 years I actually live at home with my wife of 23 years and my three children.  My wife and I met at 19 and well she somehow hung onto me for going on close to 28 years….yes she is a saint and supports my golf addiction.  I have a soon to be 18 year old son that is a senior in high school and will be heading to Johnson and Wales in the fall. A 15 year old daughter that is a freshman in high school and just taking the game of golf back up so she can play in high school. Last but not least 12 year old daughter that turns 13 next week and is the reason I have a gray beard and drink.  We also have a five year old St. Bernard named Sebastian that came to live with us after my best friend passed away.

Career wise I am a finance guy by trade and am a CPA and have my MBA.  From 2010 until late last year I was in the casino business and as mentioned above I either lived away from home or travelled so much that I was never home very much.  I spent close to a decade with the Genting Group so if you have ever been to a Resorts World property in the US I was part of the design team as well as the opening team for just about every property.  Now that I have decided to grow up and stop playing casino I work from home four days a week and am the CFO for a software company that develops slot machine content as well as iGaming infrastructure.  It is a good gig and I am starting to get adjusted to being home all the time and working a more traditional job.  Overall it was a positive move and allows me to have a little more free time on my hands

My Golf Story

My golf career started when I was two years old and my grandparents starting taking me to the course.  I had a cut down left handed 7 iron that I would wack away at on the course and somehow was pretty natural at it.  I started taking some very basic lessons when I was about 5 and then was essentially self taught from that point forward.  The four lessons at the end of Golf Magazine from Jack Nicklaus was my guide for close to a decade.  I spent many years on the course with my Grandfather and by the time I was about 8 or 9 I was beating him and his group fairly regularly.  Around the age of 10 I stopped playing left handed and started playing on the correct side of the ball and was a scratch handicap by the age of 14.  I have pretty much stayed scratch or better most of my adult life with my lowest index being about a +5.6.  I unfortunately grew up in the pre-Tiger era where golf was not cool so I played baseball, football and wrestled in high school.  I was on my high school golf team but considering that the season was the same as football I played matches very infrequently. When I went to college I was supposed to play baseball and thanks to a nasty shoulder injury my freshman year I got an opportunity to walk onto the golf team and the rest was history.  Golf became my number one sport and baseball became a hobby that I played until my late 30’s.

My game these days can be summed up as I can make a 7 from places I should make 4 and 4 from places I should make a 7.  I have always had distance on my side and can still move it pretty well for someone my age.  Iron play has always been good and really good from 100 yards and in.  Putting was my nemesis for a lot of years, but I have finally tamed the beast to get to where I am average at worst and have days that I can make everything I look at.

Bit of an older video of my swing but not much has changed in 5 years.

 

Testing Plan

So the last question is what do I want to get out of this test?  Well, quite simply I am chasing distance for the first time in my life.  Chasing may not be the right term but more appropriately preserving distance.  I am playing CB irons for the first time since college because well I am just not long enough with blades anymore.  I have also moved full time to graphite in my irons as being a pitcher for over 30 years is starting to catch up with me physically.  In full disclosure the last TM driver that was in my bag was the R1 and that was just a short stint.  I would have to go way back to the R7 to say that I had a TM driver in my bag for and extended period of time.  The M series and I just never got along for various reasons and it just became a brand that I was not interested in.  Will the Qi10 change all that????  Stick around and we can find out together.

I plan to test this driver primarily on the range to start since well I live in NY and we are in later winter.  I will try and provide as many numbers as I can from launch monitor data or as much as I am comfortable with.  I tend to not try and get caught up in the numbers but prefer to go by the eye test.  As for competition I have two drivers for comparison; my gamer which is TSR 3 with a HZRDUS RDX Smoke Blue 60 TX and a Rogue ST Max LS with an AD DI 7x turned down two degrees.  Looking forward to the process and maybe I will discover a driver I would have normally overlooked in the new releases.

...and man I gonna miss playing this place every week.

 

First Impressions  (19 out of 20)

My driver arrived safe and sound in the typical box and packaging that most of the OEMs use these days so no major surprises there.  In the box there was the driver that was packed well enough, a spec sheet and the head cover.  I know it has been mentioned but the lack of a weight tool is a real detractor.  Like many I have dozens of them so it is not an issue for me, but if you are upgrading to this driver as your first major purchase not having the tool could be another $10 to $15 on top of a close to $700 driver.  To contrast when I got my TSR3 through it came not only with the head cover and the wrench but also a nice little pouch that held the wrench…..sometimes small touches are really nice.

First thing that I did once I had some time to get into the workshop was get the specs and measure them to the stated specs. As shown below they were spot on according to my tools and the loft I am deeming close enough since I don’t have a loft/lie machine that plays well with Twist Face.  The only detraction that I can really say was I ordered mine with a slightly heavier weight in the back and it was shipped with the standard 2g weight.  Not a huge issue but again for a $700 driver the specs should be spot on as ordered.  Also a bit of a pro tip…the back weight is held in with blue locktite so a little bit of heat is needed before you try and remove the weight.

                           OEM Spec    Actual Spec

Swing Weight       D4                 D3.7

Length                  45 3/4"         45 3/4"

Loft                          9*                  9* as best I could measure

Headweight was spot on....

Now onto the looks category.  In a word this driver is just stunning!  I like that they have moved away from the red and black and into the black and blue color way; it is really a nice look.  The head cover is done really well and one little touch that was nice is the TM logo that is on the bottom of the head cover is a soft plastic that actually flexes a little bit.  Nice touch that shows someone spent some time designing the head cover.  One immediate reaction I had to this driver is that it looks like it has no loft on it.  Not sure if this is the Twist Face effect or not, but it has a very tall flat appearing face.  I do really like that new Infinity Carbon Crown that they are using for this driver.  One of my put offs with TM in the past was the two tone top that I just could never get used to looking at.  The line that contrasts the face to the crown was also a really nice addition, helps a lot with the alignment of the club head which is a nice subtle touch.

L to R:  2016 M2, Qi10 LS, TSR3

My Specs:

Qi10 LS 9* with a HZRDUS Blue 60g 6.5

Gamer Specs:

TSR3 10* (set at 9.25*) with a HSRZDU Blue PVD 60 TX

Due to the weather in NY since this driver has arrived I have only been able to get in one range session with the driver and my initial thoughts really boil down to two main points aside from how good it looks behind the ball.  First is that this driver really does kill spin and at some point I see myself possibly having to put some loft into the head.  Jury is still out on this since I am not yet to cruising speed and I was hitting garbage range balls.  I generally play a spinner ball so this just maybe the day and the balls I was hitting but out of the 35 or so balls I hit with it there were some dippers that fell out of the sky which is not what I ever want to see.  Secondly this driver is really flat….like really really flat.  Set at the standard setting the driver has a lie angle of 54* which is 4* flatter than the similar offering from Callaway and 4.5* flatter than the TSR4.  My current gamer is a TSR3 that I have set 1* upright so it is at 59.5* or 5.5* more upright than the Qi10 LS.  Not sure if this will make a difference but thanks to the loft sleeve there is a setting that only adjusts the lie which takes it up 4*.  For now I am not changing this setting based on the limited balls I have hit that were in a nice grouping on the face just slightly toe side of center which is my normal strike pattern.

Lot's of options for adjustment

Overall I am really looking forward to diving into the real testing and put this driver through its paces.  Early results are very promising and with some time and possibly some tweaks this could be a winner for me.  As a side note I have jumped all in on the TaylorMade brand mostly because of this test.  As I stated in my intro I have not had a TM club in my bag in ages and now the entire top end of my bag is TM.  I had a failed experiment with a 7 wood and was scrambling to find something that I could build before heading to FL for a week.  Had a choice of a TSi2 five wood or a Sim.  Three weeks ago I would not even have considered the Sim and after two rounds I absolutely love it….does exactly what I need it to do.  Combine that with a good friend of mine the “loaned” me an M5 three wood and a Sim2 Rescue to try along with the driver and I am almost a TM fanboy.

TaylorMade Qi10 LS Final Review by Jmikecpa

Well, I can’t believe the official review period has come to a close but I guess it is time for my final thoughts.  I would again really like to thank MyGolfSpy and TaylorMade for this fantastic opportunity as it has been a blast.  Now onto the final verdict and if the Qi10 LS will have a spot in my bag.

Asthetics (10 out of 10)

As I said in my initial impressions this club is just a beautiful looking driver and has a classic shape.  In the past I was not a fan of the color scheme as well as how the carbon crown was blended into the face.  In the Qi10 they just got it right.  From a shelf appeal standpoint I would grab this and give it a swing just on looks alone.  The feel and the sound match the looks and it all is just spot on.  The feel to me is powerful with a nice crisp crack at impact.  Also a huge fan of the blue face over the red that was in the Stealth and an A+ to TaylorMade as after close to 1,000 balls hit the face looks like new with little to no signs of wear.

The Numbers (7 out of 10)

This aspect has been a mixed bag for me and the static numbers in a word were poor.  If I had not been able to hit this driver outdoors it would not have made it past swing number five on Trackman.  It seemed about every fourth or fifth ball would result in a low spin dipper that went nowhere but down and hard left.  I should note that I have not hit one ball outdoors that I was able to replicate this shot and saw good results on balls not hit into a net or a screen.  I am rating this lower mainly due to the fact that if I had an indoor fitting with this driver I would have just said not for me and moved on.  I know that everyone wants data and numbers but it just was not working for me during this test and after two indoor sessions on Trackman I just decided to see what I could get on the course as that is where it really matters.

From a ball flight standpoint this driver launches low for me at around 10.2* on average and spins just over 2,000 RPMs on quality strikes.  Due to my issues with getting dipping flights indoors it lead to a lot of heel strikes just to avoid the shot I never wanted to see.  Again I just needed to get out of playing data scientist and just get out and play and use the eye test and Arccos to gather the numbers that were meaningful to me.

On the Course (18 out of 20)

I have been able to play a handful or rounds with the Qi10LS due to weather as Long Island this time of the year is hit and miss.  It should also be mentioned that my rounds were played in less than optimum conditions that were mostly cold (two rounds with temps in the 30’s) and a lot of wind…..I mean a lot of wind.  I have had a lot of time on the range thanks to my daughter playing high school golf and can honestly say I have practiced more in the last two months than I have in the last three years combined.

The initial on course experience for me was at best up and down to put it in the best light.  The good was really, really good and the mediocre was worse than what I would expect.  I did give a mystery shaft a try for part of the test and it has some promise but may be too radical of a change for me right now.  I was able to do a mini fitting with this club and the fitter put me in a UST Quantum Purple which is a very light shaft for me but the idea was to give a little more launch and keep the stability that I like.  Results were mixed so I stayed with the HZRDUS Smoke RDX Blue for the majority of the test.  In a nutshell the driver became a numbers hero and with some work I could learn to trust it on the course.

I played a round yesterday morning in mid 40’s temperatures and sustained 30 mph winds with gusts near 50 mph.  I had thought about bailing on my tee time due to weather but gave it a go for the sake of one more data point for this test…..and I am glad that I did.  My sentiment going into the round was that I had one more round and then I could go back to my gamer and stop struggling along with the Qi10 LS.  That sentiment changed yesterday and I began to realize that what I am looking for in a driver has changed since moving back to NY.

Yesterday’s round was at a club that is local to me that I have not played in about 8 or so years that consists of three nine hole layouts.  One of the layouts is a parkland style course while the other two nines are out along the water.  I was fortunate to have my opening nine on the parkland course and only was subjected to nine holes of absolutely crazy wind.

Round started on a hole that I would normally hit a 5 wood or hybrid and thanks to the 25 mph left to right wind blowing seven of the eight tee balls OB I was a bit jittery on the tee.  Aimed up the left side and the wind never moved it from the start line.  Knocked 30 yards off of it but it was safe and playable…no issues.  This flipped a switch in my head that I had known but not exploited at all on the course.  This driver is just flat out stable in the wind and with a decent pass it stays on the line that is intended.  I saw that in range sessions but just could not trust that on the golf course so I started doing just that and had some great results.  That little bit of trust went a long way.

On #6 I finally unlocked the code and ripped a 341 yard bomb center cut leaving just over 40 yards into the green.

#10 was another bomb that unfortunately ended up in a divot that I couldn’t take advantage of, but got the results.

#13 was a hard left to right wind with OB left and right….drive stayed dead solid straight and found its way to the left center of the fairway.

#14 was straight into a 40 mph wind and will just illustrate how hard the day was.  I had to wait for the gusts to die down on the green since I was physically incapable of taking the putter back into the wind.

 

 

At the end of the day I had zero balls OB or in any trouble and was just able to keep it in play.  I ended up with a 75 on the day and had the low gross round of the day by 8 shots when I left after lunch to head home.

This round got me thinking about something that I always had top of mind when I was playing a lot on Long Island and that was how does my equipment handle the wind.  I started this test saying I want to preserve distance as I am getting older but now realize that playability is more important.  In the six rounds that I have played with the Qi10 LS in the bag I have not had one penalty stroke off the tee which may be a record for me.

I really needed the last round of this test to reset my expectations.  The Qi10 LS is just as long as anything I have hit the last several years but the stability in flight is not something that I was used to.  My early testing would bare this out as I had many times that I played to avoid the big miss and erred on being safe.  Had I just trusted it a bit more then this would have been a much more positive review period.  That being said the outlook is positive and I am no longer counting down the days until the review period was ending.

Early season stats after 5 rounds with the Qi10 LS.....I will take these stats.

 

The Good, the Bad and the In Between (18 out of 20)

The good is the flight and how stable the ball is in the wind.  I saw this on the range and just struggled with trusting it on the course.  The club responds very well to what you put into it and it is really just point and shoot.  This is what most would term as the “player’s” model but I think that any decent ball striker that is in need of spin reduction could play this model as it is surprisingly forgiving for the design.  Again as stated above this driver is just flat out stunning to look at behind the ball and I think that TaylorMade nailed it with the blue and silver color way.

The only real knock that I have right now on the Qi10 LS it is a bit hard to turnover with the flat stock setting and just the design as a whole.  I did move the sliding weight all the way to the heel and that was some help but this is a driver that is meant to be straight to a fade for most.  I am toying with pulling the adapter and keeping to standard loft and put it in the upright setting, but that is for a later time.

The in between is something that may seem minor but is a bit of an issue for me and that is the TaylorMade loft sleeve. I just seems like a not great design and it was a pain in the back side getting the head back on the shaft when I had it off the several times that I needed to pull the head.  Could be that I am just used to Callaway or Titleist which to me are the best adapters out of all the major OEMs.

Play it or Trade it (19 out of 20)

Before yesterday I was going to punt on this section and say it needs further testing as I was just not there and I did not think that the golf I had played were a fair test of the club.  After the performance yesterday the driver is firmly in the bag and I don’t see that changing.  I may make some tweaks as conditions require but for the most part the settings and shaft will not be changing.  The only change that I am making is taking the 4g of lead tape off the weight port and actually getting a proper weight for the club.

Looking back at the testing period my highest score was 75 and that was in conditions that most would not even try and play in.  I needed to adjust my expectations and when I looked back at the positive it far outweighed the negative once I looked at it objectively.  I am not sure if I was expecting to be blown away and find my Excalibur and when that did not happen I started to sour a bit….maybe.  From a numbers perspective it really is no better than my TSR3 but I can say that I would not have been able to keep the TSR3 on the planet yesterday.  Unfortunately living on Long Island high wind and golf is a reality that I forgot about after three years in VA.  Thanks to this test I now have a top end of the bag that is built for Long Island.

Overall Score (91 out of 100)

Conclusion

Thanks again to TaylorMade and MyGolfSpy for allowing me to participate in this test and give my thoughts on one of the hottest drivers of 2024.  My testing was a bit mixed but in the end there was a lot more good than bad and I found a driver that could be a staple in the bag for a few seasons (I am reformed and not buying every new club on the market).  The mixed was more of trying to stick to initial goals of the test and not considering if this was the best for where my game is right now.  The other positive that came from this testing period was my eyes were opened to a brand that for the most part I had written off for the last decade or so.  The entire top end of my bag right now is TaylorMade with only the Sim2 hybrid not making the cut.  When I sat down after my round yesterday and thought honestly about how the Qi10 LS performed I could not think that anything else would be better for me right now.  If this driver performed the way it has in real rough weather I am looking forward to see how it performs under normal conditions.  I will be popping back into the thread to give and update and a mid year review once we get to a more forgiving time of the year.

As a bonus, this shot yesterday was hit with a 4 hybrid and landed in the hole……..but did not stay.  Cut hybrid into a hook wind that never left the flag and to make matters worse I lipped out the putt for bird.

 

 

Edited April 15 by Jmikecpa
Final Review

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Introduction

Hello All, most of you have seen me here and there around the forum, but for the new and uninitiated, my name is Ben. I am a 45-year-old father of 3, who has been happily married for 14 years. I am on the forum staff, as a moderator. My primary duties lend themselves to the VCT, as Commissioner, but I help out in other areas as needed. If you are not aware of the VCT and haven't checked it out, come join us! It is a friendly, low key way to compete against your fellow members in a virtual setting. 

And now, a bit on the current state of my game. Through a considerable amount of practice, hard work and a little rub of the green, I have worked my index down from a 9 to 1.4 over the past 18 months. I am a good ball striker, a great wedge player and a competent putter. However, off the tee, I am decidedly average and a little inconsistent. 

Baseline Numbers

A recent trip to the range allowed me to grab some baseline numbers from current gamer, a Callaway Paradym TD with a Graphite Design Tour AD - XC 7x shaft. Through trial and error, i have found the combination of a low spin head with an x-stiff low spin/low-mid launch shaft helps me keep my spin numbers manageable and helps to mitigate a slightly negative Angle of Attack. This time of year, my swing speed averages around 106 mph, during the warmer weather I am around 110 mph.

 

Questions to Ponder

1. Can the QI-10 help improve the following metrics?:

• Ball Speed
• Carry Distance
• Total Distance
• North/South Dispersion
• East/West Dispersion

2. Will the Twist Face Technology help mitigate my misses, weather they be low bullet pulls or high spinny slices? (See above re: consistency. A reliable miss would be a welcome addition as well)

3. Will the QI-10 help me improve my "off the tee" Strokes Gained number during actual rounds?

This is going to be fun! 

Lastly, as always, if there is something that you, the constant reader, would like to see or be tested, please feel free to ask. I will accommodate your requests, as I am able. 
 

Link to my fitting post:

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/62804-testers-announced-taylormade-qi10-drivers/?do=findComment&comment=1017665

Link to my unboxing:

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/62804-taylormade-qi10-drivers-2024-forum-member-review/?do=findComment&comment=1022464

 

Taylor Made QI-10 LS – Official MGS Forum Review by GolfSpy_BEN

 

First Impressions (20 out of 20)

At first blush, this driver exudes class and a simple elegance that I find very appealing. Taylor Made knocked the design out of the park with this one. Gone is the garish red face, replaced by a dark blue that, at a glance could be mistaken for almost black. One of the things I never liked about the Stealth lines was, at address, I noticed that face and I found that distracting during the task at hand. Also, gone is the strip of differing material just above the face, and in it's place a glossy one piece crown that absolutely sparkles to the eye. 

Aesthetics (10 out of 10) 

The QI-10 has a timeless look about it and hearkens back to design elements of drivers of yore. It reminds me a little of what Titleist tries to convey with their offerings from a design perspective and I, for one, am here for it. The perfect driver, to me, is one I barely notice when I am swinging. The shape of QI-10 LS is akin to a classic shaped driver and puts off a vibe, best described as, fast. Looking at the club, at address, the mind races with possibility. This clubs subtly suggests, "The ball will go far, just give it a swing, find out." I get the sensation that there is a beast lurking beneath the tranquil facade, a feeling similar to a Ferrari or a Porsche. Standing still, they just look fast. 

The Numbers (10 out of 10)

A refresher of where the Paradym TD stood in a practice session prior to the commencement of this test

And here is a month’s worth of accumulated sessions with the QI-10 LS:

The thing that stands out to me, is the numbers are depressingly similar. A glass half full type will point out that it is a sign of consistency that there isn’t a great increase or sharp drop-off between the 2 clubs. That’s great and all, but my mediocre average driving numbers are what prompted me to volunteer for this test to begin with. That everything stayed more or less the same, means I can’t/won’t penalize the QI-10, but I admit I had hoped for something more. One aspect to all of this, is the Kai Li shaft proved to be a dud for me, which prompted me to come out of pocket on an upgrade shaft.

There is some hope moving forward that as I acclimate towards the new shaft/head combo, that the averages will naturally rise up to the level I am seeking. Plus, as we move into the summer months and prime golf season, the warmer temps will aid and abet a faster swing and more favorable playing conditions. 

On-Course (17 out of 20)

Because of the abbreviated testing window, the QI-10 LS was basically given one round to make the bag. An argument can be made for either side, whether this is fair or unfair to the product. On the one hand, I can acknowledge that to truly make this decision a number of rounds need to be played and a large body of evidence must be weighed and measured to make a truly informed decision. Yet on the other hand, if the product doesn’t crack and require 3 weeks to be replaced, then those rounds and the larger sample size happen and this is all an academic argument. Such is life. 

For the QI-10 LS’s audition, I booked and played a round at my home course; Majestic Springs. We had a 9:34 am tee time on a Sunday morning that was forecast to be partly sunny and more importantly, dry. Upon arriving at the course, we were informed of a 45 minute frost delay that had pushed back the tee times, so we were now going off the back at 10:15 am. The back nine is on a higher elevation and is more open to the sun and wind, so this is SOP, any time there is a frost delay. It was approx. 45 degrees when we started with an a cold, intermittent wind. Through the round, the wind died down and it warmed up to 65 degrees. Here is an unvarnished recap of the driving holes:

Hole 10

For my first tee shot, it went straight but was woefully short. I caught it high center of the face and the ball went nowhere. Not the start I was looking for, and it led to a bogey.

Hole 11

More of the same for the par 5 11th, except this one went 20 yards shorter. The irony of me hitting my second shot 80 yards further is particularly delicious, given if I wasn’t testing a driver this is the point in the round where I would pull the ripcord on using the driver and hit 3 woods off the tee for the rest of the day. Given that wasn’t an option, I recovered nicely on this hole for a par

Hole 12

Another 181 yard bomb, but this one sliced weakly off to the right, and if it was mid summer would have been lost to the heather. Fortunately, the heather is clear cut at the end of the season, so the ball was easily found and played forward toward another bogey. 

Hole 13

Better contact on this one, as it went 213, but still a slice. Aggravation was starting to creep in with another bogey and I was now +3 through 4 holes. Why do I play this silly game again?

Hole 14

Blessedly a par 3, which I chipped in from the fringe for par after a short tee shot and duffed first chip. 

Hole 15

The number 2 handicap hole on this course, and one i usually fair well on. Drive was 209, but in the fairway. On this swing, I saw a glimmer of hope as it felt like I caught it well but the wind knocked in down a bit. Add another par and keep it moving.

Hole 16

This short par 4 is one that fits my eye well and I usually love driving the ball from the elevated tee box. I’ve had some really great drives on this hole, but this wasn’t one of them. 184 yard slice that had me contemplating walking off the course, however a par is a par.

Hole 17

To this point, the par 3’s were arriving when I needed them most. A workmanlike par took us to 18.

Hole 18

A 226 yard drive that wasn’t pretty but it was effective and I parred this hole to finish the first nine in 3 over 39. Bring on the front nine.

Hole 1

This tee shot encompasses what I hoped this driver could be for me. 260 yards, down the middle, leaving me a short pitch in. It is more than coincidental that as we started the front nine, the temperature had risen into the 60’s and there was a subtle whisp of warm breeze, making for agreeable playing conditions. Another par.

Hole 2

It is important to note that this is my nemesis hole. My usual play is a 6 iron off the tee, followed by a 7 iron into a narrow green. I don’t typically take Driver on this hole because with the 240 yards forced carry any mishit drives end up in the creek that divides the fairway. But given that this is a testing round, I pulled driver and produced a high draw that carried 245 yards, hopped once and stopped. It was a new experience leaving myself a gap wedge in. Of course, I bogeyed the hole, as I was still in shock at the drive. 

Hole 3

Unlike the first nine, this par 3 had awful timing, as it broke the driving groove I spent the previous 2 holes cultivating. A par, so I can’t be too disappointed.

Hole 4

This elevated tee box and fairly wide fairway invites players to come out of their shoes. I tried to, and damn near missed the ball, resulting in a 192 slice into the clear cut heather that made me mad. Golf is a fickle mistress, at best.

Hole 5

Par 3’s were now back in my good graces, following that awful drive and the resulting par was satisfying.

Hole 6

Not a great drive, but also not a bad drive. Given that it stopped 1 ft before the pond on this hole, it may have been my luckiest drive of the day, and the par train kept a rolling.

Hole 7

The last of the par 3’s and with it, my last bogey as well. Flubbed a nine iron because I was trying to get cute with a tucked right pin that was located on the upper tier of the green. Lesson learned, we live to fight another day.

Hole 8

220 yards of I don’t know what the hell happened on this par 5, coupled with an downhill/sidehill lie for my second and thank the golf gods, that they allowed me to walk away from this hole with a par.

Hole 9

207 yard high spinny right ball was a fitting end to this topsy-turvy driving round. A lovely 7 iron to the center of the green allowed for a 2 putt par and a +5, 76. It is a testament to the other parts of my game that this lackluster display of golf ball driving didn’t completely send this round off the rails. 

A final postmortem of this round reveals a couple of profound truths. I need to commit more time in practice to my driver swing and there isn’t likely a place in my bag, for this level of inconsistency and frustration.

The Good, the bad, the InBetween (10 out of 20)

The Good: When my swing was grooving, this driver produced great drives and left me hungry for more. The head cover is of a premium quality and really well done. 

The Bad: The advertised stock shaft for the LS was on back-order and required a last second switch, in order to keep to the testing schedule. I have deducted 3 points for this. The head cracked on a normal swing, in what can only be surmised as a freak occurrence and yet the whole ordeal lost me 3 weeks of valuable testing time, so for that I am deducting another 7 points. 

The InBetween: The further we get into this season, I will be keenly watching for other cases of the club malfunctioning, because I am genuinely curious if what happened to me was a one-off or a part of a larger pattern of quality concerns for Taylor Made. Going back to the original SIM, there have been cases of faulty heads, so it bears monitoring.

 Play it or Trade it? (19 out of 20)

For this test, I am treating this question as literal. The simple answer is trade it and so I did. @IndyBonzoand I have traded heads, so that he can see if he likes the LS and I will do the same with the core head. It is entirely possible with enough time and persistence, I could grow to love the QI-10 LS but I frankly don’t have the patience to find out. And because hope springs eternal, bring on the core head and let’s see what this baby can do. I deducted a point for the cost of shipping the head to my fellow tester. 

After receiving the core head, I took it up to the golf ranch. Persistent rain kept me off the turf range, so I don't have any Rapsodo data to share just yet, but I liked what I was seeing from a shape perspective. More straight balls and fades, less high spinny slice balls. So there is still hope that a QI-10 driver makes the bag this season, just not the one I thought it would be. Lastly, it is my earnest hope that the LS is everything @IndyBonzohopes it will be and more. May he find the happiness that resides within it.

Conclusion

The QI-10 LS is a good driver. My personal feeling is that this line of drivers is an upgrade over the two generations of Stealth. Early on in the testing period, there were moments of brilliance and promise before a series of unfortunate events tainted my testing experience, but based on the evidence put forth by the testers and shadow testers alike, this is a line of drivers that works really well for a cross section of skill ranges. As evidenced by @Michael.Sandoval33breaking 100 numerous times with the Max and @chisag declaring his standard model,  the holy grail. 

High praise indeed. 

Final Score (86 out of 100)

[IndyBonzo]

Introduction

Who is this guy?

Greetings MyGolfSpy readers!  Welcome to my review of the TaylorMade Qi10 standard driver.

(FABWIFE and the author)

My name is John, and for almost as much as I can remember of my 53 years, I have enjoyed two hobbies:  playing drums and playing golf. 

For Father’s Day a couple years ago, my amazing FABWIFE and three daughters gave me an octopus driver headcover as an homage to both of my hobbies.  (The Octopus is sort of emblematic of drummers, with the many limbs doing different things.)  I crazy love that headcover.  In my mind, a driver has to *earn* the right to wear it.   So, what’s really happening in this review, is . . .

That’s interesting I suppose, but how’s his game?

Driving the golf ball has always been the most variable part of my game, with phases of joyful glory, and periods of abject failure and humiliation.  Last summer was a particularly good driver season.  This winter (especially during a dreadful January) practice time has been hard to come by, and driver has suffered most.  This baseline (below, from December 2023) is not where I want it to be.  Can the TaylorMade Qi10 help?

My current gamer is a Callaway Paradym ◊◊◊ with an Accra FX 3.0 140 M0 shaft.  (It’s an Otto-Phlex shaft.  IYKYK.  There's a great, long thread here in the forums on it.)  Right now the handicap sits at 8.2.

So, how will he judge the Qi10?

Would you believe I have never owned a TaylorMade club of any kind?  It’s true, and when the realization hit me, I was surprised myself given TaylorMade’s reputation and longevity.  So no preconceptions here. 

For the TaylorMade Qi10 to Earn the Octopus, as compared to my current gamer, it will need to show:

• Improved accuracy and dispersion
• Greater distance (carry and total)
• Workability
• Consistency

Using launch monitor data (indoors and out), I plan to:

• Provide results with different loft and lie settings from the TaylorMade 4-degree loft sleeve
• Perform head-to-head comparisons against my current driver
• Bonus:  Compare data against the 2023 Stealth 2 (standard) on loan for the test

On the course, I will test for accuracy/fairways hit, distance, forgiveness on mishits, and most importantly scoring effect.

Results will matter most, but feedback on sound, feel, and aesthetics are forthcoming too. 

Dear readers:  please also share any other testing ideas or questions you have!

Seriously though…

I want to express my gratitude to both TaylorMade and MGS for the opportunity to test and review the TaylorMade Qi10 driver.  Thank you!

Now let’s get after it . . . the octopus is eager to find out if it’s moving to a new home.

First Impressions (18 out of 20)

It was not just the excitement of a driver delivery and review opportunity that revved me up to get the Qi10 in my hands.  TaylorMade makes some lofty claims about the Qi10 standard driver, namely, that the Qi10 provides a "balanced blend of distance and forgiveness."  More distance and more forgiveness.  That's every driver, every year, right?  But TaylorMade's substantial mathematical and design-based support for those claims increased my eagerness to do this review. 

(It's here . . .)

Who wouldn't want all this?  TaylorMade avers that the Qi10 offers:

• Extra forgiveness - meaning more consistency on off-center strikes - resulting from an 8500 MOI and lower mid-head center of gravity.  The Qi10's MOI significantly exceeds that of the 2023 Stealth 2, and is equivalent to TaylorMade's purportedly most forgiving model from 2023, the Stealth 2 HD.
• Better distance resulting from "improved energy transfer" yielded by the redesigned 60X Carbon Twist Face, lighter titanium than "traditional" titanium drivers, and carbon fiber covering 97% of the crown (for weight dispersion to the exterior and more clubhead speed).
• A cool, new blue color.  (Spoiler alert:  it is cool!)

I go into more excruciating detail about TaylorMade's Qi10 driver claims, sortof explain MOI (moment of inertia) and what forgiveness really means with a golf club, show the driver from all angles, and hit on sundry other related topics in this unboxing video if you would like to learn a bit more.

(Unboxing video with  cameos) 

My daughters and FABWIFE rightly tease me about being unjustly confident in asserting opinions as fact sometimes.  Undeterred, I offer you, dear reader, this unoriginal but honest opinion:  the sub-premium packaging for this premium driver cannot suffice.

(Opinions are like . . ..)

The good folks at FedEx treated my Qi10 with kid gloves.  Good thing, since it arrived in a thin-ish brown box, bubble wrap encasing the shrink-wrapped head, and loose plastic bags over everything else.  TaylorMade must know more about effective packaging than I.  Regardless:  - 2 points.

 

Last on the technical front, I remain impressed by the TaylorMade 4 Degree Loft Sleeve.  My Qi10 can play at lofts from 7 degrees to 11 degrees, with the clubface open or closed 4 degrees from standard, and with up to a 4 degree increase (upright) in lie angle..  Certain combinations of these settings purportedly increase or decrease spin by 400 rpm.  After one quick range session with the Qi10, I can confirm the ability to modify spin with the sleeve.  

(The TaylorMade 4 Degree Loft Sleeve)

 

Kudos to TaylorMade for offering a numerous and varied selection of stock shafts for the Qi10 driver from prominent makers like Fujikura, KBS, Aldila, Mitsubishi (MCA), Project X, and UST, along with several other custom options.  My fitting resulted in the choice of one of my favorites, the low launch, low spin Mitsubishi Kai'li White 60S.  

(Sexy)

Aesthetics (10 out of 10)

Everything else about the Qi10 impressed straight away.  

The 460cc clubhead carries a traditional-looking oyster shape.  The subtle blue face does not distract.

(TaylorMade Qi10's 60X Carbon Twist Face)

TaylorMade's engineering prowess shows up more upon inspection of the carbon face and its pronounced grooves, and especially on the underside where some science fiction - based design work reveals itself.

(30g rear weight for a lower center of gravity)

(Lucasfilm/Disney)

The deep black crown and alignment aid seem likewise subtle, and look darn good behind the ball.  Again, no distractions.

Last and perhaps least, the headcover.  Usually I don't care.  They get replaced quickly.  The Octopus forbids interlopers anyway.  That said, the Qi10 headcover objectively screams "luxe," with the white, quilted side ("Qi10" in the quilting) looking like an elite running shoe (says FABWIFE) or a designer handbag (says me; go figure).  The Qi10 lettering has just a dash of gold for extra panache.  It's sweet.

(The Q is for "Quest for Inertia," not for "quilted")

The first hitting session with the Qi10 left me wanting more due solely to driving range issues, although performance hints abounded, particularly with respect to the effectiveness of adjustability and increased forgiveness.  Much more to come, of course.  A little less conversation, a little more action please . . ..

IndyBonzo's Qi10 Standard Driver Specs:

• 9* loft
• Mitsubishi Kai'Li White 60S shaft
• GolfPride Z-Grip, 4 extra wraps
• Length:  44.75" (1" shorter than standard)

 

(So pretty)

The Numbers (8 out of 10)

The TaylorMade Qi10 is an excellent driver, packed with distance potential, and significant technological improvements that will make it perfect for a variety of golfers.  Let's look at the data.

First, the admission (again) - your author is accustomed to, and has been fit into, a low-spin driver.  Any issues I had with the Qi10 related solely to my own swing and that spin tendency.  

That said, the distance potential in the Qi10 is pretty incredible.  I played over ten rounds with it, hit countless balls on the range and in the sim, and I can tell you without hesitation that when struck well and with manageable spin, the ball just flies off the head.

(Needs lessons)

The Qi10 also excels in forgiveness.  A heel, toe, low or high face strike (without excessive spin) does not fly far off-line, if at all.  I could find my target locations easily and regularly without difficulty.  Look at this dispersion pattern from a March range session:

(Tight like a Tiger)

When my spin crept in, that is when I struggled to keep the distance up.  Again, that's about me and my swing, and not an indictment of the Qi10.  

The data proves that TaylorMade improved its flagship driver significantly since 2023.  As promised, I compared the Qi10 standard driver with the Stealth 2 standard, and the results showed added accuracy and forgiveness, with no meaningful loss of distance at all.  Check this out:

In comparison to my gamer, however, both distance and forgiveness fell just short when tested over several shots.  To wit:

For that reason alone, I must deduct two points.  Redemption may be in the cards for the Qi10, however, as you will see below when I discuss the future.  Hint:  Spin can be addressed.

On the Course (19 out of 20)

In golf you have to pick your spots.  By that I mean sometimes you are playing target golf and need to drop a drive into a small area with precision, or sometimes you have a large landing area and you just want to uncork one.  The Qi10 can do both.

As you can see from my dispersion example above, the Qi10 will go where you point it.  The impressive 8500 MOI and resulting forgiveness also means it delivers accurately whether the strike is perfect or not.  Purely in terms of precision, I do not think I have ever played a more accurate driver.

I played well over ten rounds with the Qi10 and never doubted I could put the ball on the line I chose.

Again, my personal spin tendencies affected distance on the course, but I don't think it's fair to knock the Qi10 for that again.  A golfer with a normal or better driver spin tendency will have no issue at all with consistent distance.   This driver can pop off.

(Boom goes the dynamite)

Feedback is also excellent.  I knew when I struck a golf ball if it was going to go long, short, or somewhat off-line, purely by feel.  It's a great feeling club on the course.

My only quibble on-course is with workability.  Because the Qi10 is so forgiving, your author sometimes found it difficult to hit an intentional draw or fade.  Is this a big deal?  No.  Forgiveness is the name of the game with the Qi10, so a mere one point deducted.

The Good, Bad, and In-Between (18 out of 20)

TaylorMade has really impressed your author with the Qi10.  Yes, it can be long and accurate and it's undeniably forgiving.  It's gorgeous too, and that blue face just screams class.  But beyond all that:

It holds up.  After beating countless range and sim balls and playing on-course repeatedly, the driver face looks near new, with only slight ball marks on the face.  (Darn range balls.)

(Holding up well)

Also, the wide selection of stock (no upcharge) shafts is one of the best I have ever seen in a driver offering.  It virtually guarantees finding one that will work with your swing.  It turned out that, in looking back at my numbers from testing, the stock Kai'Li White shaft (low spin!) gave me the best results, including over the premium shafts I tried in the standard Qi10.  

Finally, the loft sleeve and adjustability settings just work.  Launch angle and spin were affected precisely as predicted by settings changes.  The adjustability from the sleeve exceeded my expectations, and is better IMO than that offered by Callaway in the drivers to which I am accustomed.

The only small demerits (- 2 points) I have to offer on the standard Qi10 result from the absence of a movable weight to affect draw/fade bias (which can be had in the Max and LS models) or the ability to move fixed weights around the head to do the same.  I find this quality very helpful in drivers, and TaylorMade provides this variability effectively  in its other models.  Why not all?

Does the Qi10 Earn the Octopus (a/k/a Play it or Trade it)? (19 out of 20)

Trade it.  And maybe.  Let me explain.

The standard Qi10 just did not fit my spin tendency, plain and simple.  And it's not designed to!  The Qi10 LS was designed for players like me, who need to keep spin low.

If you are a golfer who can generate consistent distance without spin issues, seeking truly outstanding accuracy, playability, and forgiveness in a slightly more traditional-shaped head as compared to the "max forgiveness" offerings from TaylorMade and other brands, then you should definitely try the Qi10.  

Luckily for me, the kindof guy who can spin a ball off a boat oar, I have made a friend (well, lots of friends) here at MGS.  More particularly, @GolfSpy_BEN who tested the Qi10 LS model very graciously offered to swap his LS with me for the standard model.  I hope he makes a love connection (y'know what I mean) with the Qi10 I sent him.  As for me and the LS? 

With one round in the books, I can say without hesitation the LS model is better for my game.  Please read about my very encouraging first experience with the LS here:  

 

So, my testing will continue, and I will report back in this thread with frequent updates, and eventually a decision on where The Octopus will live long-term!

Conclusion

The TaylorMade Qi10 is undoubtedly an excellent driver.

Packed full of improvements and technology, in the hands of a very wide range of golfers, it will provide distance potential, accuracy, and forgiveness in an aesthetically attractive package.  Even those seeking the highest levels of forgiveness should try it, alongside the Qi10 Max driver.

For the subset of golfers whose swings foment silica nanoparticle equivalent spin, like your author (Google it), a lower spin model may be more appropriate.  TaylorMade has you (and maybe me) covered with the Qi10 LS.  More to come on that front!

FINAL SCORE:  93 / 100

THANK YOU to MyGolfSpy and TaylorMade for this excellent opportunity for me and my fellow testers!

 

 

Edited April 16 by IndyBonzo

[EMacK1961]

Hello golfers, readers of all ages, I’m EMacK1961 and I have been selected as a tester for the TaylorMade Qi10 Standard Driver.

I play out of a region just south of San Diego, in Ensenada, Mexico. The weather allows for golf year-round, unlike some parts of the spy network, that is currently under snow and ice. Most days are in the 60’s-70’s with on shore breezes to contend with. I currently am a member at Baja Country Club. I also play at the Bajamar Oceanfront and Golf Resort.

I have been playing since the 80’s, when I was in the USArmy at Ft. Campbell, KY. I became more serious about the game in the 90’s as an escape from my bowling pursuit. I was a member of the PBA in the 90’s. I enjoyed rounds of golf to clear my head from the bowling life.

The 2000’s were not kind to me from 1999-2014 I had 14 spinal surgeries. I have pieces of metal, plastic, and cord holding my spine together. It was after the last of the surgeries, that I allowed myself to seek out an instructor who I could work with. Bobby Lopez, PGA was the guy. He worked with what I brought and made a half decent swing out of it.

Since 2020, I’ve had two more surgeries. My swing didn’t change much after that, thank goodness. With surgery behind me, I went to work on my body. I worked out, dropped almost 50lbs, became stronger, yet more flexible as well. Now my clubhead speed with a driver is over 100mph.

I’m the kind of golfer that enjoys every round as if it could be his last. I appreciate a well done shot by myself or my playing partners and I acknowledge it.

My scores hover around 90. Some higher and some lower. I need to work more on 125yds and in. I keep pulling to the left.

I want to test this product on the range and on the course. I have a launch monitor I will use to show the differences between my current TaylorMade R15 and the new Qi10 Standard. I also have Shot Scope which will help track data with the new driver as well. Ultimately, the data will determine if it stays in the bag.

I’m over the world excited about the testing of the new Qi10 Standard. I have never had any new technology at my disposal before. I’ve always bought used and several years old (at the time). I’m not one to go into a golf shop and look at the new equipment. A. I usually couldn’t afford it and B. I find it hard to decipher all the technospeak used with those new products. That’s why I rely on MyGolfSpy to help me make sense of it all.

Over the years I’ve had a TaylorMade bias, I suppose. I’ve followed their products more closely than the other OEMs. The thing that jumps out at me, at the moment, is the word forgiveness.

Yes, it has a carbon fiber crown, and it is the 3rd generation of the twist face technology (better results on off-center hits), but forgiveness…that’s what I’m looking for.

I’m going into the testing not loving the driver. This is a relationship that has to be built. There  will be a feeling out process in the beginning. I’ll take it to the range and set up the launch monitor and see what we get. I’ll take it on the course for a date, so to speak. Does the club perform the way I want it to? Does the club speak to me? Does the club work as advertised?

My expectations…wow, that’s a good one. I expect that I will see a definite difference on the launch monitor and on the course. My dispersion should be less as my off-center hits wouldn’t be as penal with this new technology.

As far as my specs for the driver, I chose the 10.5 degree and the Adila Rogue Silver 110 60 shaft for low launch and low spin.

Final Review

 

For this review, I want to do the Good, Bad, the Inbetween. 

 

First, the Good. The new TaylorMade Qi10 Standard is a quantum leap from what I had in my hands before, which was the TaylorMade R-15. The R-15 feels like a brick on a stick compared to the Qi10. I’m actually a couple of miles per hour faster with the Qi10. The 60xCarbon Twist Face has saved my bacon on more than one occasion. Where we play, the fairways are lined with olive trees for the most part. Once in there, it is like a one-stroke penalty. Off-center shots are generally guided back on line.

 

Next up is the Bad. The Qi10 Standard would be a shade better if it came with an Open/Closed/Neutral adjustment for the face. I like the look of the more closed face when at address. Hey, I had to find something to gripe about.

 

Now for the Inbetween. The Qi10 Standard is as basic as you can get as far as the head/hosel adjustments go. Nothing fancy. Just your basic Higher/Lower loft settings. I didn’t find that the Qi10’s adjustments made any difference on the flight except for the height. In my area where there is a fairly constant 10-15 mph wind, the Lower setting did produce a bit more penetrating ball flight. It didn’t make much difference, for me at least, on the left/right flight of the ball.

 

For this section, I’d give the TaylorMade Qi10 an 18 out of 20.

 

Play it or Trade it, I have to give the TaylorMade Qi10 Standard a strong Play it score of 20/20.

For my tournament on April 7th, the Qi10 performed as expected. I didn’t get lost in the olive trees, stayed out of the rough, and played out of the fairway. I came in 4th (just out of the money). It wasn’t for the driver that happened. My up and down short game was in down mode. I made quite a few putts which saved me.

But, I digress. You don’t want to hear about my tournament. You want to hear about the club. I believe that TaylorMade has made a huge leap forward with the technology in the Qi10 Standard over what I used before (TaylorMade R-15). The blend of distance and forgiveness is definitely there. The lightness of the materials makes for a faster club, at least for me. That lightness hasn’t sacrificed any strength, however. The use of the carbon fiber in the crown puts the weight of the club lower on the face where the power is generated. The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket on the bottom of the club helps if you hit it too low on the face.

At $599.99, it is not inexpensive. If I walked into a fitting session and was led to this club, knowing what I do now, I’d take it out of the store with me.

Who is this club for? Wow! That’s a question. I feel that the Qi10 Standard would benefit the golfer who hits the ball fairly on line at the moment but who also gets the occasional hit to the heel or to the toe. The Twist-Face technology will help the ball flight. I don’t think someone who sprays it all over would find what they are looking for here. 

All of the above has led me to want to put the Qi10 into use on a daily basis.

All of the tech features built into this club renders it worthy of the TaylorMade moniker. To me, TaylorMade has always created the best in drivers. I’ve had a TaylorMade driver in my bag like forever.

The verbiage in the TaylorMade literature about the TaylorMade Qi10 Standard talks about the MOI, lower CG projection, 60xTwist-Face, Carbon Crown, and the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket. To me, that is lost. What matters is the performance.

My off-center shots are not as penal. The ball is not far offline. I haven’t lost any distance in the process. I don’t always hit it on the button, but this club forgives that. What’s not to love?

This club performs. Pure and simple. If you have a driver that is a few years old, do yourself a favor and give this club a look. Book some time at your fitter of choice and give it a go.

My overall review of the TaylorMade Qi10 Standard is that this is one badassed club. It rates an overall score of 98/100.

 

[Hook DeLoft]

FINAL REVIEW

First Impressions (16/20)

I wasn't impressed with the lack of protective padding in the box.  The driver arrived without damage but I can easily imagine a delivery company gorilla damaging the club with the lack of protection.  The different torx screw sizes for the two weight placements is puzzling.  The head cover is nice and exudes quality.

Aesthetics (19/20)

I think the dark blue body and dark blue face are smashing.  The Max has a very large profile that some won't like but I find it reassuring.  Bottom line:  this is a very good looking club.

The numbers (20/20)

I don't care how good a club looks if it doesn't deliver.  This club delivers in spades.  You can see in the body of the review that the club delivers elite ball speed numbers on off center hits.  After adjusting the loft and adding some lead tape, the performance on the course was outstanding.  At my slower swing speed, I just don't think I can get more out of a driver.

On course (20/20)

Despite being designated as the most forgiving of the Q drivers, the Max gave me a penetrating flight with low enough spin to produce a lot of roll out after landing, even in the highest loft setting.  As you would expect from the ball speed numbers, it was forgiving on mis-hits.  It takes a truly terrible swing to get in trouble with this club. 

The good, the bad, and the in between (18/20)

This driver won't suit everyone.  A high swing speed player may find better results with the LS or regular version.  But that is hardly a criticism.  There is no club that is right for everyone.  The driver did not come with an adjustment tool or an explanation of the different hosel settings.  The adjustment tool is probably no big deal for most -- there are plenty floating around and anyone who bought a driver in the last decade probably has one.  I have no idea why TaylorMade would not include a chart explaining the hosel adjustments, but I am deducting points for that. 

Play it or trade it (20/20)

This club is now my gamer.  I fiddled with my previous driver until it was maximized for my swing and the TaylorMade still produced a small but measurable increase in performance.  I am looking forward to using it as a test platform for different shafts, but the results I'm getting now are excellent. 

Final score:  93/100

I need to thank the guys at my local Edwin Watts.  They let me pound balls on their launch monitor a few different times without charging for their time.  Apparently, customer service isn't dead!  Thank you to TaylorMade and My Golf Spy for the opportunity.

 

INTRO

What an exciting opportunity!  Many thanks to TaylorMade and My Golf Spy.  First, a little about me.  I am a 67 years old (and I mean old) retired guy who has been playing golf since my mid 30's.  Strictly speaking, I played a little bit when I was 11 years old but it didn't take.  Interestingly, the main thing I remember about golf at that time was that I was always hitting the ball left.  As you can see from my user name, the problem seems to be baked into my genes.  I have never had much speed.  I blame a lack of fast twitch muscle fiber.  When I was a kid I could run all day but I was no sprinter.  You can call me the Slow Twitch Kid.  When I played football, I was small but made up for it by being slow.  I'm married to a wonderful woman.  We have two grown sons (my step sons) and three grandchildren.  The two youngest grandchildren live 5 minutes away and we keep them every afternoon after school.  I am trying to get them interested in golf, but so far no luck.

The USGA says I am currently an 8.8 handicap.  I say they are full of it.  I have a hard time breaking 80 from the senior tees.  No telling how high my scores would be from the regular tees.  Driving is the strength of my game.  I don't miss many fairways but am distance challenged.  Iron play is the worst part of my game.  My chipping and pitching are good.  Putting is mediocre. 

A couple of days ago a Rapsodo MLM2 PRO launch monitor showed up on the doorstep, so I'll be using it for measurements during this test.  I got some shots in yesterday.  I am going through a bout of dizziness at the moment, so they were not my best efforts.  Dizziness -- they should use that as one of the excuses on the Carl's Golf Land commercials.  Here are the numbers from my best shot:

Carry  207.9  YARDS

Total  218.8  YARDS

Ball Speed  127.6  MPH

Launch Angle  19.0°

Launch Dir.  2.0°

Spin Rate  3065 RPM

Spin Axis  -1.7°

Descent Angle  44.4°

Apex  109.0 FEET

Side Carry  1.4 YARDS

Club Speed  86.2 MPH

Smash Factor 1.48

Here are the averages for all shots:

Carry  198.2 YARDS

Total  210.3 YARDS

Ball Speed  124.8 MPH

Launch Angle  19.3°

Launch Dir.  0.4°

Spin Rate  3028 RPM

Spin Axis  -0.6°

Descent Angle  42.8°

Apex  100.2 FEET

Side Carry  -0.3 YARDS

Club Speed  85.8 MPH

Smash Factor  1.46

What stands out is that I am loosing yards because of high spin and too steep a descent angle.

PLAN FOR TESTING

I am going to use a combination of environments:  on the course, on the range and outdoors into a net.  For the net shots, I'll be using the Callaway Soft X balls that come with the Rapsodo.  On the course, I'll mostly be using my current gamer, the Bridgestone B XS.  I will be trying the driver in different settings in an attempt to maximize results.  I also have a spare shaft with a TaylorMade adapter that I'll try, but my official results will be based on the stock shaft from TaylorMade.

GOALS

I'm looking for lower spin and a lower descent angle than my current gamer in an effort to eke out a few more yards without loosing forgiveness on off center strikes.  One of my talents is missing the center of the face, so forgiveness will be a big part of the test.

 

 

 

I received the driver yesterday.  Make me wanna dance!

It arrived safe and sound despite having essentially no padding in the box.  I was disappointed that there was no adjustment tool included.  Luckily, I have an old Taylormade tool that works.  Also, there was no card explaining the hosel settings.  I went online and printed off instructions for the Sim 2 driver that had the same hosel settings. 

The driver is a handsome devil.  I really like the dark blue face.  It is darker than the blue you can order for the My Stealth customization.  This morning I played 18 holes.  Playing in a 12 to 15 mile per hour wind, I hit 9 of 12 fairways.  The distances ranged from 180 yards (terrible flipped hands pop up) to 249 yards (down wind on a hard fairway),  with an average of 216 yards.  Without the wind the range would not have been so large.  I think these are encouraging results.  Tomorrow I will get some numbers using the launch monitor.

NOTE:  I hit a number of shots today using my Rapsodo launch monitor.  Unfortunately, after the shots synced, it was showing some bizarre numbers.  For example, on some of the best shots, it was showing a club head speed 7 to 8 mph lower than it showed in the app at the time of the shot, but what looked like the original ball speed.  This resulted in smash factors of 1.57 and 1.58.  As much as I would like that to be accurate, I know it just ain't so. As a result, I am not going to post any numbers from the session.  I'm going to the local Edwin Watts sometime this week and see if they will let me compare the Rapsodo to their high dollar launch monitor. 

I still find it odd that the heel weight and back weight are not interchangeable.  I am going to get in touch with Taylormade customer service and see if they offer various rear weights (don't worry mods, I won't tell them I am part of the MGS test).

UPDATE:  I played 18 holes yesterday and was able to get a feel for the forgiveness of this driver.  Not that I did it intentionally.  I put 2 terrible swings on it and got playable results.  You get a different sound when you miss the sweet spot and I did that a few times and still got my normal distance.  That was impressive.  
When looking at the club head, I noticed something for the first time—the alignment mark is off centered towards the heel.  I took a picture of that.  Maybe that is to compensate for the player’s eyes being so far to the side at address.  

You'll notice in the first pic above that my miss is toward the toe.  I say miss, but since I hit it there more often than the middle maybe the occasional shots out of the sweet spot are my miss!  I went into this review hoping for more distance while retaining forgiveness.  My thought was lower loft would give me higher ball speed and that may be true; but yesterday, I decided to go in the opposite direction and turn up the loft by 2 degrees and had good results.  Hmm, more testing is needed to figure out that.

UPDATE:  I spent some time on a Trackman launch monitor to get an idea of forgiveness on off center hits.  As you will see in the pictures, the retention of ball speed on off center hits is extraordinary.  I tried different hosel settings to see how much they influenced spin and ball speed.  The average smash factor of all hits was 1.49.  That boggles the mind.  The stickers in the pictures show the impact positions.  Even if I didn't get the stickers perfectly centered on the face, the results are extremely impressive.

Basically, any strike in the same zip code as the middle of the face gives you high ball speeds.  I noticed on the course the other day that the highest loft setting was giving me the best results.  The launch monitor session showed why.  At my slower club head speed, I need more spin to keep the ball in the air for maximum carry.  I have a positive attack angle with the driver of 3 to 5 degrees.  That tends to lower my spin.  Despite this, spin with my gamer driver is too high.  My hope going into the test was that lower spin would get me more yards but with this driver overshoots the mark in lowering spin.  However, that is applicable only to my swing.  The driver cannot be faulted.

UPDATE

Adding some lead tape to the driver really helped with my consistency with it.  Almost all shots are now soft draws and I'm generating a little more club head speed.  There is something unusual about this driver which may make adding or lowering weight a little more difficult than with other drivers.  Take a look at this video: 

UPDATE 

I compared the Qi 10 Max with regular flex shaft to my gamer Ping G430 Max with a Distanza 40 senior shaft.  The TaylorMade was slightly better.  I then tried the TM with a senior shaft and saw an increase of about 5 yards.  I will be using the senior shaft from now on.  Here are the numbers before switching shafts.

TaylorMade Qi 10 Max

Ping G430 Max

Edited April 15 by Hook DeLoft
update

[Michael.Sandoval33]

Taylormade Qi10 Max Driver
Official MGS Forum Member Review
by Michael.Sandoval33

Greetings from Sunny Southern California! 

A Tidbit About Me
As you may be able to tell, my name is Michael. I am currently 33 years old, a beginner-level player, and this is my official foray into the amazing world of MGS testing! I was born and raised in San Jose, California where when it came to sports growing up, you played football. And I was pretty ok... until my knee...

These days, I am studying for my Bachelor's Degree in Software Programming. Beyond that, I enjoy the little things like spending time outdoors with my Fiancé and our ball of wireless energy Mr. Pickles, or lounging around watching the next episode of the show we are enthralled by. 

Picking The Game Back Up
Growing up, I played from time to time in Middle School with my older brother. He was never really into it, but I appreciated the times we went out to the course as brothers. From there, I would play down in San Diego with friends at a nine-hole on the weekends, but it was all for fun as we used rental clubs from the pro shop. All of that changed towards the end of October when a buddy in Virginia insisted I start playing before my visit this fall. Daily visits to the range and many visits to the courses later and I now think that I may be slightly addicted, though only slightly. Currently, the weakest aspect of my game is finding the fairway from the tee and I am looking to vastly improve in that area during testing.

[Heartwell GC in Long Beach, CA]

Well... What About The Test?
I am going to be testing the Qi10 Max primarily at the driving range and out on the course. I have also committed myself to at the very least, (2) indoor sim sessions per week. As the testing unfolds, I am open to member suggestions on how you would like to see the Qi10 tested, which will further broaden the testing parameters.

As I am fully aware of my current handicap and preconceived notions regarding such, I welcome every opportunity to provide an insightful perspective from my personal skill level. In my testing, the key is in the forgiveness of the 10K MOI that Taylormade has generated. My expectations are mountain-esque for this product, especially so after reading the release information on the Qi10 as well as the buzz from the world of Golf. As of writing, I expect to see results that display a consistent carry distance and flight path, especially when contact with the ball is not directly centered. I am currently looking for a fairway finder, and if the driver can truly deliver a solid and consistent offering while helping elevate my game to the next level, this is no doubt a club that will stay in my bag after testing.

I would like to graciously thank the forum staff here at MGS for the amazing opportunity and I am ecstatic to embark on this journey with you all! 

*FITTING UPDATE!*

*Why I Signed Up For The Test*

*Unboxing Update*

First Impressions (18 out of 20)

When I was selected to test the Qi10 Max, I had lofty expectations from all of the claims that Taylormade had placed on the levels of forgiveness promised with the 10k MOI. As my first season of golf was already in full gear, I was ready to begin using the club as soon as it arrived at my front door.

There is not much that can be said negatively about the looks of the Qi10 Max. However, when I unboxed the club, my initial thought was, "It is bigger than I remember it being at the fitting." Even with that being said, the Qi10 is still in the running to win the Beauty Pageant. The carbon blue face carries an understated "Bang" that cannot be missed. 

The Taylormade symbol at the top of the head provides a simple touch, acting as an effective alignment aid that I find easy to look at behind the ball with added confidence.

 The bottom of the head has been compared to various sci-fi spaceships, which is fair. To me, the club is more similar to something straight from the world of Formula One with its sleek and aerodynamic shape and lines along the bottom of the head. 

One thing is for sure after taking the Qi10 out on a few dates, other people are taking notice. Especially when she is out in her fancy dress. 

Aesthetics (9 out of 10)

As mentioned in my first impressions, the Qi10 Max is quite the beast when addressing the driver from the tee as it is the largest model in the Qi10 line. But I am still a big fan of the dark blue face with the black carbon crown while the Taylormade logo used as an alignment aid adds a clean touch. Pairing the head with the Fujikura Ventus Blue 5-S shaft, the Qi10 Max is a sight to behold as the blue & black colorways match perfectly. 

The bottom of the head does have a lot more going on with the silver lines that run across paired with the larger Taylormade and Qi10 Max branding which attracts attention from other players. Still, as it is the bottom of the head, the markings are not a deterrence and I found myself rarely looking at them. 

When connecting with the ball, the driver's sound is very subtle both on flush shots and mishits. While not particularly loud, you do know when you have hit the ball. On the off-chance that you completely miss the carbon face, it does sound and feel like you have hit a rock. This occurred on a couple of occasions but it was expected on such misses. Nothing aesthetically with the Qi10 affected my performance throughout testing as I preferred the overall calmness that the driver provided.

The Numbers (7 out of 10)
When I first started testing the Qi10 Max, the dispersion was not as tight as expected. The larger head was daunting to me and I found that my shots were constantly fading off the tee into what would be considered out of bounds. 

Throughout my continued use and as my comfort with the driver grew, the grouping of my shots vastly improved though the fade never fully went away, even when adjusting the loft sleeve of the driver to both open and close the face. In that same sense, the Qi10 was very forgiving to me as I grew accustomed to knowing no matter where I connected off the face, the ball was either going to launch and stay straight or fade late in its carry and well within the ranges I was seeking. 

The loft setting that I did find myself comfortably adjusted at was 11.5 degrees and paired with the mid-launch/mid-spin design of the Ventus shaft, the trajectory and distances I was seeing were both what I was searching for. 

On-Course (18 out of 20)

Here it is, the most important part of my testing, how does the Qi10 Max perform when it is time to come out and play? Based on the Arccos data that I was able to gather, the driver did exactly what I asked of it. I mentioned in my introduction that I was looking for a fairway finder and that is what the Qi10 Max is. I was able to hit the fairways 71% of the time while missing to the right 26% of the time which was expected based on the driving range stats.

My favorite shot with the Qi10 Max was easily Hole 7 at Recreation Park 9 GC in Long Beach, CA where I was able to clear a large water hazard with confidence I did not have before my testing and that was by far my biggest "This Is It" moment. 

With each use, my confidence continued to build. When I hit the ball from the tee, I knew I would look down the fairway knowing the next shot was going to be in play. The distance was less important to me than some of my fellow, more experienced testers. But knowing that my yardage around the tee averaged around 200 yards, I quickly learned how to continue setting up the rest of my play after my initial tee-off.

Final Performance Comments:
In the end, with the Qi10 Max, I went from constantly playing smaller courses due to my skill level and lack of confidence, to tackling the larger 18-hole par 72 courses. I was able to break the 100 barrier twice (both times shooting 97) which I absolutely would not have accomplished so quickly in my time golfing without the driver.

According to GHIN, I took my initial handicap of 29.5 down to a very respectable 23.3. The fact that I was able to achieve this over the short 6 week testing period is a true testament to the performance I saw from the Qi10 Max. 

The Good, the bad, the in-between (18 out of 20):
The Good: Without question, the looks and on-course performance of the Qi10 Max were very good to me. I enjoyed pulling up to the first tee, pulling the driver out of my bag, and knocking one clean down the fairway (or close to it). One question that was brought up numerous times was concerning the face of the Qi10 and how well it held up compared to the last generation of Taylormade Stealth models. Through all of the testing, the face barely showed any sign of use besides a range ball mark that will be permanently imprinted on the driver and takes nothing away from the performance.

The Bad: The standard length for Taylormade drivers. The shaft is too long for my swing as most of my mishits were connected from the heel which ultimately led to the continued shot fading.

The In-Between: While not the driver's fault, the in-between is 100% my swing which I will be looking to improve sooner rather than later. I cannot blame the hammer for the wielder's lack of experience and skill.

Play it or Trade it? (18 out of 20)
You have made it this far, am I going to play it or trade it? 

Without question, I am going to keep the Qi10 Max in the bag. I chose to keep the driver as stock as possible for testing purposes to give an honest review for newer golfers who might see the Qi10 Max available online and order without looking at any other available options. From here, however, I will be tinkering with different shafts, lengths, and head weights to find the perfect combination to suit my game. 

Conclusion:
The Qi10 Max is a performer that gave me the confidence I was seeking on the course. It did take some time to adjust to the driver as a whole, but when I reached that point, I knew I had found the one for me. If you are looking for a driver that is going to keep you in bounds and in play, the Qi10 Max is an option you should seek to test out for yourself. It may not be the longest out of all of the drivers on the market, or even within the Qi10 line, but there is no doubt it can perform with the best out there. 

Final Score (88 out of 100)

Edited April 14 by Michael.Sandoval33

[GolfSpy_APH]

Congrats to our testers!

[GolfSpy_BEN]

 

congrats to my fellow testers! Now the fun begins

 

[Splatt]

Congrats everyone.
I can't wait for you guys to hit some bombs and then for me to read about it 

[Leonvdwesthuizen]

Congratulations guys... probably the most highly anticipated testing opportunity of the year.. and it's only just started!

We can't wait to read your reviews, do us proud!

[DonnieGolfs]

Congratulations everyone, especially to the first time testers. Excited to see some non TaylorMade players/reps test these and give me an opinion, everything I've read has me excited other than everyone trying to explain inertia to me incorrectly.

[berkeleybob]

Hey! Super congrats to you all! I hope you folks have a ton of fun with this one. Not sure why, but this might be the first time I’m actually interest in hearing about TaylorMade’s driver.

[Josh Ross]

Congrats, guys! Excited to see your feedback on these!

[Josh Parker]

Congrats testers!  Looking forward to seeing everyone's thoughts on these!

[sirchunksalot]

Congratulations testers! It looks like we've got a great group here and I'm looking forward to hearing what y'all think of them. 

[Bobbers]

Give 'em hell, guys.  Looking forward to your results particularly given the nice wide range of handicaps.  Have fun!

[ronnieg]

Congrats Testers!

[Wheelieb]

Congrats testers. I can’t wait to read your write ups. 

[Wib081]

Congrats everyone!!!

[MattF]

Congratulations testers.

[rkj427]

Congrats. to this great and diverse group of testers.

Looking forward to their comments and results.

May they all hit them long and straight during this testing.

[cojobro77]

Congratulations Testers!

[RohanVster]

Congratulations to the testers. 

[WyattTroxell]

Congratulations!  Looking forward to hearing real world stories about these drivers. 

[ParFore74x]

Congratulations testers!! Exciting day for you, looking forward to your thoughts on the Qi10 drivers. 

[Willie T]

Congrats to all the testers…..gonna be fun to see how “10k Fargiveness” tests out!   

Edited February 13 by Willie T

[Big moose]

Congratulations guys, can't wait to see the reviews on this driver. I have never played anything from Taylor made so I want to see if you can convince me to leave callaway with your reviews. 

[Parshooter36]

Congrats testers,  I look forward to following along.

[berkeleybob]

2 hours ago, DonnieGolfs said:

Congratulations everyone, especially to the first time testers. Excited to see some non TaylorMade players/reps test these and give me an opinion, everything I've read has me excited other than everyone trying to explain inertia to me incorrectly.

I think it has something to do with chaos theory.