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Introducing the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: A Quest for Inertia

Introducing the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: A Quest for Inertia

A New Era of Stability

Taylormade has once again raised the bar with the launch of their latest driver, Introducing the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: A Quest for Inertia

This year, they have moved away from the stealth name and introduced a driver that focuses on stability and control. I had the opportunity to sit down with Lee from Taylormade to learn all about this exciting new product.

What Does “Qi10” Stand For?

The term “Qi10” stands for “Quest for Inertia 10,000.”

This refers to the driver’s stability or moment of inertia (MOI). In simple terms, MOI is a measure of the clubhead’s resistance to twisting or rotating during off-centre strikes.

A higher MOI means greater stability, reducing the negative effects of mishits.

A Closer Look at the Models

The Taylormade Qi10 is available in three different models: the standard Qi10, the Qi10 LS, and the Qi10 Max. Each model caters to different player preferences and swing characteristics.

Standard Qi10

The standard Qi10 features a traditional head shape and offers forgiveness without sacrificing too much spin. It is an excellent choice for golfers who prefer a classic look and desire a forgiving driver.

Qi10 LS (Low Spin)

The Qi10 LS is designed for golfers with higher swing speeds and a desire for maximum ball speed. This model produces the fastest ball speed when struck in the centre of the face. However, it is the least forgiving option in the Qi10 line up. The LS model also features an adjustable weight that can be moved to the toe or heel for draw or fade bias.

Qi10 Max

The Qi10 Max is the most forgiving model in the line up and is geared towards golfers who prioritise accuracy and consistency. While it may not offer the same distance gains as the LS model, the Max driver provides ample forgiveness, helping golfers find more fairways and ultimately improve their scores.

CC: National Club Golfer. Tiger Woods with Qi10

Innovations in Face Technology

The Qi10 driver features a face made of 60 times carbon twist material, which provides excellent ball speed and durability. The new ledge system, where the face is housed, offers even better ball speed on off-centre hits and enhances overall durability. Taylormade has put a significant amount of research and 

development into the framing of the face, resulting in improved performance throughout the hitting area.

Shaft Options

Taylormade has partnered with renowned shaft manufacturers to offer a variety of options for the Qi10 driver. The Qi10 Ventus TR Blue model comes with Mitsubishi Chemical’s Tensei AV Limited shafts, available in blue and super low launch, low spin black. The Qi10 Max driver features the Speeder EVOLUTION IV TCS shaft, a collaboration between Taylormade and Fujikura. This shaft provides stability in the tip while offering a higher launch and forgiveness. Golfers can also choose the Diamana T Plus shaft for added stability and forgiveness.

Introducing the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: A Quest for Inertia – The Verdict 

The Taylormade Qi10 driver is a game-changer in terms of stability and forgiveness. Whether you prefer the traditional look of the standard model, the speed and control of the LS model, or the maximum forgiveness of the Max model, Taylormade has you covered. With its innovative face technology and a wide range of shaft options, the Qi10 driver is sure to help golfers of all skill levels improve their performance on the course.

Thank you for reading our blog post on the Taylormade Qi10 driver. If you enjoyed this content, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and share it with your golfing friends. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and reviews!

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The New Cobra DarkSpeed Iron for 2024: A Game Improver Iron

Today, we’re excited to introduce the new Cobra DarkSpeed Iron for 2024. This iron is a game improver model, designed to enhance your performance on the golf course.

In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features and technologies that make this iron a standout choice for golfers of all skill levels.

The Hollow Body Construction

The DarkSpeed Iron features a full hollow body construction, which is a significant shift from its predecessor.

This construction style flows down the set, starting from the 4-iron and continuing to the wedges. The hollow body design allows for increased forgiveness and improved launch conditions, making it an excellent choice for golfers looking to maximise distance and accuracy.

Hot Face and Powershell Technology

Similar to the Cobra driver, the DarkSpeed Iron showcases advanced technologies such as the Hot Face and Powershell. The Hot Face technology provides a large sweet spot and promotes faster ball speeds, resulting in longer shots off the tee. The Powershell technology, on the other hand, enhances face flexion, allowing for a more responsive and powerful impact.

Thinner Face for Enhanced Flexion

One of the standout features of the DarkSpeed Iron is its 21% thinner face compared to the AeroJet model. This thinner face contributes to improved flexion, creating a faster reaction off the face and generating more distance. The engineers at Cobra have carefully designed this iron to maximise performance and provide golfers with the speed and stability they need to excel on the course.

Loft Adjustments for Optimal Performance

Cobra has made significant adjustments to the loft of the Dark Speed Iron to optimise its performance. The loft of the 7-iron, for example, has been weakened, providing golfers with additional distance without sacrificing control. 

By carefully tuning the loft and incorporating the hollow body construction, Cobra has created an iron that offers both distance and forgiveness.

A Comprehensive Range

The DarkSpeed Iron is available in a comprehensive range, catering to both male and female golfers. The range includes graphite shaft options for ladies and left-handed players, as well as steel shaft options for the standard models. The KBS tour light shaft is the default option, known for its versatility and performance.

However, Cobra also offers other shaft options, such as the modus, to cater to individual preferences and fitting requirements.

Putting the DarkSpeed Iron to the Test

We understand that choosing the right iron is crucial for every golfer. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision. While the DarkSpeed Iron may not receive the same level of marketing as other brands, its performance speaks for itself. We encourage you to visit a fitting bay and give the DarkSpeed Iron a try. It may just be the perfect iron for your game.

Conclusion

The Cobra DarkSpeed Iron for 2024 is an impressive addition to their lineup.

With its hollow body construction, advanced technologies, and optimised loft, this iron offers golfers a winning combination of distance, forgiveness, and control. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the speed and stability of the Dark Speed Iron. Visit your nearest fitting bay and take this iron for a test drive.

Remember, if you enjoyed this blog, please hit the subscribe button over on our Youtube channel for more golf-related content. Stay tuned for our next video, where we put the DarkSpeed Iron to the test!

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The New Cobra DarkSpeed Driver: A Closer Look

We were recently joined by James Stafford from Cobra Puma golf to discuss the Cobra DarkSpeed family of clubs, Cobra’s latest launch.

About the DarkSpeed

The DarkSpeed driver comes in three different head options: LS, X, and Max.

Each head is designed to cater to golfers of all skill levels. The LS model aims to lower spin and maximise ball flight, while the X model offers the best of both worlds with its adjustable weight system for varying ball flights. Lastly, the Max model is perfect for those seeking maximum forgiveness with adjustable weight manipulation.

The Technology Behind the DarkSpeed

Let’s dive into the technology behind the DarkSpeed driver. The LS head features Extreme Arrow technology, which involves raising the skirt on the back of the head to create an aerodynamic tunnel. This results in increased swing speeds, making it an ideal starting point for testing and fitting.

All three heads have the Power Shell Face, which stands for Highly Optimised Topology. This innovative feature incorporates 15 sweet spots across the face, ensuring better chances of hitting the ball with precision. Additionally, the Power Bridge technology, located internally near the face, maximises ball speed for all three drivers.

Furthermore, the DarkSpeed driver offers eight different loft settings with its adjustable sleeve. This allows golfers to fine-tune their launch angle and optimise their performance. The LS heads come in 9° and 10.5° options, while the X model offers 9°, 10.5°, and 12° options. The Max head, available through customisation, offers a 9° degree option, along with stock options of 10.5° and 12°.

 

Shaft Options

The DarkSpeed driver comes with various shaft options to cater to individual preferences. The shafts are colour-coded to match the heads, but it’s important to note that these colours are not mandatory.

Custom fitting is highly recommended to ensure the perfect fit for your swing. The available options include the white shaft with a high kick point, the blue shaft with a mid kick point, and the red shaft with a low kick point.

The Design and Overall Impression

The DarkSpeed driver boasts a sleek and minimalist design. The branding is minimal, with the LS head being completely blacked out, and the Max and X heads featuring subtle red and blue accents, respectively.

Cobra has maintained their signature head shape, providing a familiar look to their loyal customers. The alignment tool, although difficult to see in the dark design, adds another layer of usability.

What sets Cobra products apart is their consumer-friendly approach. The DarkSpeed driver is no exception, offering a simple yet compelling story. It is easy to understand for both consumers and fitters, making it a highly anticipated addition to Cobra’s lineup.

Conclusion

We hope you found this insight into the new Cobra DarkSpeed driver helpful. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more golf-related content. In our next video, we will be putting the DarkSpeed to the test and providing you with a comprehensive review of its performance.

Thank you to James from Cobra Puma Golf for joining us. Until next time!

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The NEW Taylormade Qi10 Driver

The NEW TaylorMade Qi10 Driver has Launched, Focusing on Stability and Forgiveness

TaylorMade has unveiled the new Taylormade Qi10 driver for 2024. We recently sat down with Lee Martindale, fitting & product specialist for TaylorMade to get an inside look at this new release which moves away from the previous Stealth naming and focuses more on stability and forgiveness.

What Does Qi10 Stand For?

Qi10 stands for “Quest for Inertia, 10,000”.

Inertia refers to the stability of the club head, while 10,000 refers to the high MOI (moment of inertia) of the Max model which makes it extremely stable even on off-centre strikes.

There are 3 key models of the Qi10 driver:

Standard – Traditional shape and forgiving design perfect for golfers wanting a forgiving yet traditional looking driver.

LS (Low Spin) – Designed for faster swing speeds to optimise launch and reduce spin. An adjustable 18g weight allows biasing the shot for a draw or fade.

To increase speed through aerodynamics, the weight slides and hides into the drivers ‘garage’ system. Essentially under the head to improve air flow. 

As of winter 2023, we saw sneak peeks of this driver used by Rory Mcilroy and Tiger Woods amongst others! 

Max – This is where Taylormade’s story for 2024 comes to light, the most forgiving model that will fit 95% of golfers.

Extremely high MOI for maximum stability and forgiveness to help find more fairways.

Taylormade have been on the search for a driver that doesn’t have to sacrifice accuracy when searching for distance. With 10k MOI the driver remains incredible stable, even with off-centre strikes, yet with the technology going into the head, including the new ledge system that connects the face to the body with a spring-like effect at impact, you can maintain incredible distance! 

From a design perspective, the 60x Carbon twist face remains the same as it was with Stealth 2, however the appearance is now Blue with a full carbon crown leading into the face, removing the border trim from the Stealth which incredibly appealing on the eye. 

Custom Shaft Options Match Models

A new look Taylormade Ventus TR Blue shaft head into the Standard model.

Mitsubishi Tensei shafts optimise the LS for low spin and launch, while the he Max utilises Fujikura’s Speeder NX TCS to maximise stability and forgiveness.

Even more options will be available for custom fitting.

Qi10 Sets Up Well For 2024

The Qi10 driver brings forgiveness and stability to the forefront. Combined with its clean new looks and custom options to optimise every golfer’s needs, TaylorMade seems primed for another successful driver release in 2024.

WATCH THE TEST

Lee from Taylormade fits Alan for a NEW Qi10 driver! Plus reviews and more!
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Callaway AI Smoke Driver: A Comprehensive Review

Callaway AI Smoke Driver: A Comprehensive Review

Welcome back to our first review of 2024, where we will be discussing the highly anticipated Callaway AI Smoke driver. In this review, we will dive deep into the features, performance, and overall value of this driver. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just starting out, this blog will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let’s get started!

Design and Technology

The Callaway AI Smoke driver is a remarkable piece of technology that boasts an array of features to enhance your golfing experience. One standout feature is the smart face technology, which utilises AI learning to create a more forgiving face. This means that even on off-centre hits, you can expect consistent ball speed and increased distance.

Additionally, the Callaway AI Smoke driver offers multiple customisation options to suit your individual needs.

The Triple Diamond head, designed for higher swing speeds, allows you to adjust the centre of mass by flipping the 14-gram weight. The adjustable sleeve further enhances customisation, enabling you to fine-tune the loft, bias, and other settings to optimise your performance on the course.

For those with slower swing speeds, Callaway has introduced the Max Fast driver. This fixed product is specifically designed to maximise distance and forgiveness for golfers with lower swing speeds. Whether you’re a junior golfer, lady golfer, or a senior player, the Max Fast driver is an excellent choice to enhance your game.

The Max is the standard head with an adjustable sliding weight port in the head to offer draw to fade weighting dependant on your preference whilst the Max D is the draw bias head helping golfers who struggle with a slice or fade. This head in particular will help launch the ball a bit easier also. 

Performance

Now, let’s talk about the performance of the Callaway AI Smoke driver. We focused on the Triple Diamond head due to Alan’s club head speed. During our testing, we found that this driver excelled in terms of ball speed and forgiveness. Even on mishits, the AI Smoke driver delivered impressive results. The smart face technology truly makes a difference, allowing you to maintain ball speed and achieve consistent distances across the face.

With a ball speed of 171, the Callaway AI Smoke driver proves its ability to generate power and distance. The well-balanced design and optimised spin rate contribute to a solid and controlled flight, making it easier to find the fairway and achieve desirable rollouts. Considering most golfers struggle to repeatedly hit the middle of the face in a round, with the smart face technology clearly maintaining speeds and distance,  whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner, this driver will undoubtedly enhance your performance on the course.

Verdict

After thoroughly reviewing the Callaway AI Smoke driver, we can confidently say that it is a driver worth considering for any golfer. With its sleek design, advanced technology, and impressive performance, this driver is a standout in the market. The range of options, including the Triple Diamond, Max, Max D and Max Fast heads, cater to different swing speeds and playing styles, ensuring that there is a suitable option for every golfer.

In terms of value, the Callaway AI Smoke driver is competitively priced, making it an attractive choice for those looking to upgrade their equipment without breaking the bank. The customisable features, combined with the AI-powered smart face technology, provide a winning combination that is hard to beat.

Overall, we give the Callaway AI Smoke driver a score of 40.5 out of 50. With its exceptional design, impressive performance, and reasonable price point, we highly recommend giving this driver a try. Whether you’re a loyal Callaway fan or open to exploring new options, the Callaway AI Smoke driver is sure to impress.

Conclusion

We hope you found this review of the Callaway AI Smoke driver informative and helpful. Remember, investing in the right driver can significantly improve your game, and the AI Smoke driver is undoubtedly a top contender in the market. Stay tuned for more reviews on new golfing products coming in 2024. Be sure to watch more videos about the Callaway Ai Smoke Driver Here. 

Book Your FREE Fitting Today!

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Callaway AI Smoke: The New Driver for the 2024 Golf Season

The start of a new year always brings excitement to the golfing world, as it signals the launch of new products from major golf equipment manufacturers. In 2024, Callaway has introduced their latest driver, the Callaway AI Smoke. This new driver promises to take your game to the next level with its advanced technology and focus on consistency. In this blog, we will explore the features and benefits of the Callaway AI Smoke and discuss how it can improve your performance on the golf course.

The Callaway AI Smoke: A Closer Look

The Callaway AI Smoke is an extension and progression from the Paradym range, which was highly regarded by golfers for its carbon composite head.

The AI Smoke comes in four different head options, each designed to cater to different types of golfers. The first head is the standard head, which features adjustable weight in the back and Callaway’s innovative smart face technology. This smart face technology uses data from real golf shots to ensure maximum consistency in ball speeds.

The second head is the Triple Diamond, designed for golfers with higher swing speeds who prefer to work the ball. This head features a 14G weight in the back that can be flipped front to back to adjust the head weight. The Triple Diamond is also slightly open in its setup, making it ideal for golfers who struggle with strong fades or slices.

The third head option is the Max D, which is a draw bias driver that was highly popular in the previous year. It features more weight in the heel and at the back to help golfers hit a draw and achieve a higher ball flight. This head is perfect for golfers who struggle with fades or prefer to play a draw.

The final head option is the Max Fast, a fixed glued product with no adjustability. This driver is designed for golfers with slower swing speeds, aiming to generate more height and distance off the tee. It features a different color scheme with a sleek black head, giving it a distinct look.

Consistency and Performance

Callaway has placed a strong emphasis on consistency with the AI Smoke driver. They claim that, on average, golfers will be 19 yards closer to the fairway when using this driver. This can make a significant difference in your game, especially if you tend to miss fairways by a wide margin. The combination of the smart face technology and the carbon composite head ensures that the ball speeds are consistent and maximized. The adjustability options in the AI Smoke driver also contribute to its performance. The standard and Max heads allow golfers to change the weight distribution and adjust the loft according to their preferences. This provides golfers with the ability to fine-tune their shots and optimise their ball flight.

Head Options and Shaft Selection

The AI Smoke driver offers a range of head options to suit different playing styles and swing speeds. The Triple Diamond is ideal for golfers with higher swing speeds who prefer to shape their shots. Its lower spinning design promotes workability and control.

The Max D head is perfect for golfers who struggle with fades or slices. Its draw bias design and additional weight in the heel help golfers square the club face at impact and achieve a straighter ball flight.

The standard Max head provides a balance of forgiveness and adjustability, making it a popular choice among golfers. Its adjustable weight in the back allows golfers to fine-tune the fade or draw bias, while the smart face technology ensures consistent ball speeds. When it comes to shaft options, the AI Smoke driver offers the Denali, Tensei Blue, and Cypher as stock options. These shafts provide a good range of options for most golfers.

However, there will also be additional custom fitting options available to ensure you find the perfect shaft for your swing.

First Impressions and Performance on Trackman

During a test session on Trackman, the Callaway AI Smoke driver showcased its impressive performance.

The Triple Diamond head, with its slightly smaller and more forgiving design, produced solid ball speeds and spin numbers. Golfers with higher swing speeds will appreciate the workability and control offered by this head.

The standard Max head, with its elongated shape, provided a very solid feel and consistency off the face. The carbon composite head gave it a sleek appearance, and the adjustability options allowed golfers to fine-tune their shots. Despite not being a perfect fit for the tester’s swing, the Max head still delivered good performance in terms of ball speed and spin rate.

The Max D head, with its draw bias design, performed as expected, delivering a straighter ball flight and solid ball speeds. This head is well-suited for golfers who struggle with fades or slices and want to find the left side of the fairway consistently. The AI Smoke driver’s smart face technology and years of research and development have resulted in a driver that offers improved sound and feel compared to its predecessor, the Paradym.

The overall feedback from the tester was positive, with the driver feeling solid at impact and providing a satisfying sound.

Conclusion

The Callaway AI Smoke is an impressive addition to Callaway’s driver lineup for the 2024 golf season. With its focus on consistency and advanced technology, this driver has the potential to improve your performance on the golf course. The range of head options, including the standard, Triple Diamond, Max D, and Max Fast, ensures that there is a driver suited to every golfer’s needs and preferences.

The AI Smoke’s smart face technology and carbon composite head deliver consistent ball speeds and a solid feel at impact. The adjustability options allow golfers to fine-tune their shots and optimise their ball flight.

Overall, the AI Smoke driver offers a compelling combination of performance, forgiveness, and versatility. If you’re in the market for a new driver in 2024, the Callaway AI Smoke is definitely worth considering.

Schedule a fitting session at your nearest AFGolfStore to experience the performance and see how it can benefit your game.

Remember, the AI Smoke is just one part of Callaway’s complete lineup, which includes fairway woods and irons that complement this driver. So, get ready for the new golf season and elevate your game with the Callaway AI Smoke!

WATCH our driver review!

Book Your FREE Fitting Today!

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Meet The New Titleist TSR Driver

FIND YOUR FASTER

This years tag line from Titleist is ‘find your faster’ as they have worked hard to increase ball speeds with their new driver on the market. Meet TSR.

With new face technology and aerodynamic features, Titleist have found speed without hurting performance. 

Titleist TSR Product Range
Pictured: Titleist TSR2, TSR3, TSR4

Evolving from TSi, Titleist have introduced 3 new heads, featuring the TSR2, TSR3 and TSR4.

All looking for faster, longer and straighter ball flights through an improved aero dynamic look and advanced face technology. 

TSR 2 and 4 feature variable face thickness , which allows for a thicker centre spot with a thinner perimeter, allowing for increased ball speeds in any location of the face.  While the TSR3 offers ring variable thickness. This is centred more around precision, with better golfers benefitting from centre face strikes. 

WHAT DOES R STAND FOR?

At its core, the ‘R’ in TSR stands for refined. A declaration of TSR as the ultimate expression of the Titleist speed project. It could equally stand for the repeatable distance TSR provides with speed that shows up on every swing. Or reputation, for the legacy TSR builds on as the latest in a Titleist driver line that has 

Titleist TSR Driver AFGolfStore

been #1 on tour for three years running. However, what matters most is that TSR is the right driver for more players than ever.” ~ Titleist

Each head is slightly different in size and appearance, to showcase a driver for every player.

  • TSR2 has the biggest head with an elongated profile for more speed and forgiveness. 
  • TSR3 is built for precision, with the COG position for optimal ball speeds from players who can offer repeatable centred strikes. 
  • TSR4 is the lowest spinning driver with a weight track to alter MOI and effect the spin. 

In comparison to TSi, there are increased ball speeds through the aerodynamic improvements and better placed COG for optimal speed. Our very own AFGolfStore,  Titleist ambassador, Ollie Fullerton saw the results for himself as they he was fitted at the Titleist national fitting centre. 

AFGolfStore Ollie Fullerton Titleist TSR

OLLIE FULLERTON

GAIN WITH TSR:

  • +3 BALL SPEED
  • +8 YARDAGE

JACK’S SPEC:

  • TS3 9º A1 Setting
  • Graphite Design AD UB 6-X
  • 45.5″ Long 
  • Golf Pride MCC Black / White

SHAFT OPTIONS

There are 4 stock shafts on offer with a new custom option too. 

  1. HZRSUS RED CB – MID SPIN, HIGH LAUNCH with counter balance (CB) for face stability. 
  2. HZRDUS BLACK 4th GEN – LOW SPIN, MID LAUNCH.
  3. TENSEI BLUE XLINK – MID SPIN, MID LAUNCH.
  4. TENSEI 1K BLACK – LOW SPIN, LOW LAUNCH.

There are 4 stock shafts on offer with a new custom option too. 

        5. GRAPHITE DESIGN UB (Up & Beyond) – LOW SPIN, MID LAUNCH.

OUR VERDICT

Our fitting at the national fitting centre was a fantastic eye opener to the product and the changes made since TSi. 

The three heads all gave impressive results, speed being the obvious improvement.  And with 5 shafts to work with it was great to narrow down to the one that gave each player their optimal performance, i.e. longer, straighter, faster shots. 

Every player will find a spec to help their game, as the beauty of modern technology is that each new model now comes with a variety of options, from head shape multiple shaft choices. 

It is a must try!