Earlier this week, aboard a jet, TaylorMade announced the launch of their latest driver, the TaylorMade JetSpeed.
Set to replace the TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 driver, JetSpeed has a lower centre of gravity, a larger sweet spot and a Speed Pocket in the sole.
The main talking point in the JetSpeed driver is, of course, the new Speed Pocket. It is first time TaylorMade have added a slot or pocket in a driver.
In addition to adding speed and flex to the face, the main advantage of the Speed Pocket is its impact on shots struck low on the face. TaylorMade's research suggested that 72% of all shots are hit low on the face and the design of the Speed Pocket in the JetSpeed driver minimises spin on these shots, dramatically improving distance.
"With most drivers, low impact generates too much spin, making the ball fly too high and land short," said Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade's Senior Director of Metalwood Creation. "JetSpeed's Speed Pocket is engineered to dramatically reduce that added spin to promote more distance on that very common type of mis-hit."
Unlike previous Speed Pocket designs featured in the TaylorMade RocketBallz and RBZ Stage 2 fairway woods, the JetSpeed's version is filled with a polymer material. The soft polymer dampens vibrations at impact and also keeps any unwanted debris out.
As was the case with the Taylormade SLDR driver, the JetSpeed has moved the centre of gravity lower and closer to the face than past models.
"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."
This new CG position increases ball speeds and lowers spin, prompting TaylorMade to encourage golfers to "loft up". To help players find the correct launch and flight, the JetSpeed features TaylorMade's most advanced Loft-sleeve technology.
The JetSpeed driver is available in three heads of 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees and a high-launch 13-degree model. Furthermore players can choose from 12 different loft settings within each head, varying the loft by +/- 1.5 degrees. So yes, if you want a 14.5 degree driver, you can have one.
As for the looks, anyone who remembers the old TaylorMade Burner driver, may see similarities in the crown design of the JetSpeed. TaylorMade believe the new graphics atop the clubhead, along with a matte finish and contrasting face colour, will make it easier for players to get aligned at address.
The entire construction of the JetSpeed driver is built for speed, from the streamlined head design to the 46-inch length to the light, fast Matrix Velox T 49 shaft. Put it together and you have an adjustable, low-spin, speed-pocket driver that weighs less than 300 grams.
