Another month, another new product from TaylorMade. Following the recent release of their SLDR fairway, TaylorMade have announced the launch of the JetSpeed fairway.
Set to replace the TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 fairway, the JetSpeed fairway wood features new looks, a new speed pocket, a low-spinning centre of gravity and a shallower clubhead design.
The new Speed Pocket is smaller and accounts for less weight than before. It's wrap-around design allows more of the face to flex at impact to increase ball speeds and distance. Improved especially for the JetSpeed range, the pocket is filled with a polymer material to dampen vibrations and prevent debris from getting into the slot.
The top of the clubhead features a new crown design, that may remind some players of the old TaylorMade Burner designs. The company carefully designed the crown to reduce glare whilst improving alignment and confidence at address.
At 165cc, the JetSpeed 3-wood is 10cc smaller than the RBZ Stage 2 and 10cc larger than the SLDR.
JetSpeed fairway woods feature a new face, aptly named JetSteel. The steel alloy material is high-strength and lightweight, promoting faster ball speeds. Additionally, the face is actually shallower than before.
The 2mm different in height compared to the RBZ Stage 2 may sound small, but it does lower the club's centre of gravity and give the JetSpeed fairway woods a lower profile look at address,making it more playable from the fairway, not just off the tee.
In fact, TaylorMade say the JetSpeed is not only the "longest" but also the "most playable" fairway woods they've created.
"We expect 'low and forward CG' to represent the next great innovation in metalwood performance," said Sean Toulon, Executive Vice President. "With our SLDR and JetSpeed products, we're giving golfers of all types the opportunity to increase their launch angle and reduce their spin-rate, which ultimately leads to more distance."
By moving the centre of gravity lower TaylorMade are able to increase the launch. By moving weight forward they are able to lower spin rates, and by adding the speed pocket they are able to increase ball speeds. Ultimately, TaylorMade say the JetSpeed reduces spin by 200 to 300 rpm versus the RBZ Stage 2.
Whilst many metalwoods today are built to be as lightweight as possible, TaylorMade have actually added weight to the JetSpeed via the shaft. The 69-gram Matrix Velox promotes more control than lighter shafts whilst also increasing feel.
Isn't there something missing?
You might be asking where the adjustability has gone. TaylorMade have chosen to offer the JetSpeed fairway is not adjustable with a non adjustable hosel. However, the JetSpeed is available in 5 different lofts from 15 to 23 degrees.