TaylorMade to Release Black R1 Driver?

[Tony Covey MGS]

Rumors are swirling that TaylorMade may be poised to release a black version of the R1 driver. Supporting that idea is the fact that an apparently black "Version 4" of the R1 just landed on the the USGA's conforming list.

 

 

As you might be aware, the USGA doesn't concern itself with color so all we have is the pic and the following info for a description:

 

SOLE: (weight screw), TaylorMade (w/ T logo), (1R logo), (CLOSED (triangle), (triangle) OPENED, orientation indicators on dial), FACE (triangle) ANGLE, (port for screw)TOE: (segmented parallelogram) TUNED PERFORMANCE (two lines)CROWN: (T logo alignment mark)HOSEL: (dashes), (loft orientations)HEEL: (weight screw), (triangle) LOFT (triangle)

 

The rumors (reported as potentially limited edition on WRX) would be anything but a surprise should they prove true. TaylorMade is facing stiffer competition in the marketplace this season, and the thinking among some is that going all in with crown graphics (both R1 and RBZ 2) without giving the consumer a more traditional/conventional/ordinary alternative was at best limiting, and at worst, a mistake.

 

Our own tests prove the 2013 TaylorMade drivers are among the best on the market today, so with performance not an issue, would you be more inclined to purchase a black TaylorMade driver than either of the two graphics-topped models?

 

UPDATE:

What TaylorMade is telling me is that this is a one-off prototype for Mike Weir. The newly listed version is 400cc, and obviously left-handed. While TaylorMade has made is abundantly clear they don't comment on rumors, the letter of what they're telling me is the are no plans to bring this - a left-handed, 400cc model - to retail. As far as something more conventional (right-handed, 440+cc) the response is basically 'no comment', which to me suggests the door is definitely open for TaylorMade to bring the black R1 to a store shelf near you.

[Mr_Theoo]

Looks like they took rookie's paint job

[Rickles]

As stated in my RBZ Stage 2 Fairway and Hybrid review I dislike the white and the "crown graphics". I would be much more likely to buy this version. However, as broke as I am at the moment I would be unlikely to purchase any new driver anytime soon. Props to Taylor Made for paying such close attention to my review and putting out that limited edition R1 just for me. Now if you could please let them know where they can ship me one as well as the wrench they never sent me.

 

By the way, that also looks like just a black and white photo of a r1. Are they really doing this?

[Mr_Theoo]

As stated in my RBZ Stage 2 Fairway and Hybrid review I dislike the white and the "crown graphics". I would be much more likely to buy this version. However, as broke as I am at the moment I would be unlikely to purchase any new driver anytime soon. Props to Taylor Made for paying such close attention to my review and putting out that limited edition R1 just for me. Now if you could please let them know where they can ship me one as well as the wrench they never sent me.

 

yea im still waiting on the wrench too

[Tony Covey MGS]

original post updated

[The Artful Duffer]

Rookie getting any royalties if this thing comes to market?

[Shambles]

Offhand I'll say those black drivers are going to look old real quick. The difficulty with coloring the working parts of a golf club is that the color does come off with use. The sight of new clubs with their colors rubbing off from use or practice is bound to be discouraging for further sales.

 

To the best of my knowledge, nobody has found a way to permeate steel or any durable metal with color other than it's own natural color so any coloring is bound to be only on the surface or a form of electro plating. None will survive rubbing.

 

 

Shambles

[RookieBlue7]

Continental Golf has been doing black TMag clubs since they released the first white one. I won't be getting anything, lol. Just taking something someone wanted and making it happen is all I do.

[whiskey golf]

It's about time, I'd actually give this consideration in driver choices.

[revkev]

Yep, black would be sweet!

 

I never imagained that there would be a time when releasing a black driver would merit a press release, lol

 

Only at TMaG, LMAO!!

 

 

Fairways & Greens 4ever

 

I've been attacked in other places for calling TMag the Anhueser Busch of the Golf Industry. Most people take offense because they see it as a swipe against Bud - Bud is Bud - it's no different from the rest - its enough quality that when people try it, it works, cold, relatively clean taste - but the marketing is through the roof. So it is with TMag and this comment prooves the point.

 

I may be the only one in the world but I love the white - my eyes are very sensitive - as advertised it reduces the glare for me and significantly so - My R11s is the first white driver I've had and I have no desire to see it changed.

 

Actually the more I use the thing the faster it ascends up my list of favorite bagged drivers of all time - for me - I'm going to start a thread on that.

[TheHacker]

The problem with white clubs is they get dirty real quick. I'll take black anytime, and never worry about using beat up looking clubs.

[cycleguy55]

This reminds me about Coca-Cola introducing "New Coke", then re-introducing the old coke as "Coca-Cola Classic". What's old is new again.

[gunmetal]

Saw this in Fleabay the other day and was pretty impressed and tempted. I've always thought this would be down the pipe. I actually thought they'd do it with the R11 as it gets hard trying to peddle more distance time and time again. Anyhow, I'd love for this to come out as I'm not a fan of white. The F12, X Hot Pro, and Cobra grey are nice, but white is just a little too flashy for my tastes.

[RookieBlue7]

Continental did that one. The guy that had it done is on WRX and posted the process.

[MmmmmmBuddy]

Just so you know.... TaylorMade is releasing the R1 in a black finish. Scheduled release date is June 6-7. "Select" tour players will have it in the bag in Memphis. Street price will be the same as the white one. No pics as of now...

[hckymeyer]

It's official...

 

Back in Black

[Tony Covey MGS]

really really official - I even wrote something about it: http://bit.ly/r1black

[Mr_Theoo]

This is either the smartest thing ever or the worst back peddle of all time. But for what its worth the black R1 looks sick

[Hula Rock]

That is a sick looking driver.... is it 30 yards longer than the white version ?????

[Walkerjames]

really really official - I even wrote something about it: http://bit.ly/r1black

Great read T! I like the look I think it would have been better in flat or semi gloss. But that's easy to fix.

[Walkerjames]

That is a sick looking driver.... is it 30 yards longer than the white version ?????

32.7 yards actually!

[Hula Rock]

32.7 yards actually!

 

hahahaha. When Black version photo's emerged, I was convinced that you did the paint job

[Walkerjames]

hahahaha. When Black version photo's emerged, I was convinced that you did the paint job

No not me my R11 is matte black but this looks like Rookie's work he did for a friend I think TMAG has been reading the forums! LOL!

[Super Tuna]

This is either the smartest thing ever or the worst back peddle of all time. But for what its worth the black R1 looks sick

 

 

I'm firmly on the back peddle side.

[Super Tuna]

On the other hand, holy crap has TM upped their custom shaft offerings that they list. That's more then double the options they had before.

 

Very impressive.

[whiskey golf]

Why did they keep that stupid triangle alignment aid? I was looking forward to a clean crown.

[GolfSpy WD]

Being priced at $349 to match the standard R1. Also, Golfsmith is offering a $20 gift card with purchase.

[PFCBirdieBabe]

Oh Boys, I happen to think that white is sexier

 

And it goes with so much more

 

[Mr_Theoo]

Oh Boys, I happen to think that white is sexier

 

And it goes with so much more

 

 

But everyone needs that little black number lol

[Hula Rock]

Wonder if the headcover changed too .....