The Exciting Arrival of TaylorMade’s Qi35 Driver Heads
Hey, golf fans! It seems like 2024 has been quite the year for TaylorMade. With their impressive driver lineup, they’ve truly hit a home run. A standout in that lineup was the Qi10 Max, which many golfers hailed as one of the most forgiving drivers on the market. And let’s not forget the Qi10 LS, a wonderful low-spinning option that had players raving. Now, as we start to peek into 2025, TaylorMade may have even more tricks up their sleeve!
New Releases on the Horizon
Although the buzz is mainly speculation, we’ve caught wind of something exciting! Three brand-new driver heads have just popped up on the USGA Conforming List under the name of TaylorMade Qi35. What does that name mean, you ask? Well, it seems that ‘Qi’ is still a nod to the brand’s ongoing “Quest for Inertia,” but what about the mysterious ‘35’? We’re not sure, but rest assured, it’s not about chasing a 35,000 MOI, as there are legal limits in place!
A Sneak Peek at the Qi35
Here’s where it gets really interesting. There are three different models of the Qi35 driver heads that have been listed. The first looks like a standard model. Taking cues from the earlier Qi10, it has two interchangeable weights in the head – with the front weight listed as a modest 3 grams. A notable change is how central the weight is compared to its positioning in the Qi10, which leaned more towards the heel. And as you’d expect, the ever-popular speed pocket remains a feature!
The standard Qi35 comes in two lofts—9° and 10.5°. It’s a bit surprising not to see a 12° option, but with an adjustable hosel, maybe the 10.5° can be lofted to suit your game.
Meet the Qi35 Max
Next up is the Qi35 Max, which is sure to be the talk of the town for golfers looking for forgiveness. It only has one back weight, and though we can’t see its weight just yet, there’s an intriguing label on the sole that reads “10kg-cm²”. This might refer to the MOI of the Max model, throwing out some serious hints about stability and performance. Like its counterpart, the Max is available in 9° and 10.5° lofts, which is a common trend with TaylorMade’s recent designs. If you’re after a high-performing driver, you might want to keep an eye out for this one!
The Low-Spin Challenger: Qi35 LS
Lastly, let’s not overlook the Qi35 LS. Now, the LS typically signals a low-spin design, and this model seems no different. It boasts two front weights for greater adjustability, allowing players to tweak performance by moving mass forward to lower launch and spin rates. From what we can see, both front weights appear to be 3 grams, which could point to a highly customizable playing experience. There appears to be a back weight as well, but we’re still figuring that aspect out.
This model is an absolute dream for those who love to shape their shots. With weights labeled for “draw” and “fade,” it caters to a variety of swings and shot shapes. The Qi35 LS, like its siblings, comes with a speed pocket behind the face and is available in 8°, 9°, and 10.5° lofts.
A Bright Future for Golf Equipment
For equipment to make it onto the USGA’s Equipment Database, it has to conform to strict rules and specifications, so potential buyers can rest assured that the Qi35 line is up to the task for competitive play. While whatever comes next from TaylorMade is still under wraps, the sight of these new drivers certainly has the golf world buzzing with excitement.
As we gear up for 2025, keep your eyes peeled for TaylorMade’s official announcements, because it looks like they’re cooking up something spectacular!