Taylormade R7 Driver Review – The Largest Driver For Long Hits
TaylorMade r7 425/460 Drivers Review
TaylorMade has actually been among the leaders year over year in drivers on trip. This year they have actually revised their R7 line with the brand-new 425 and 460 versions. For existing TaylorMade followers, this is a newer, more trendy variation of driver that is not just interesting the eye, yet the golf video game too.
When it comes to the tee ball, TaylorMade leads, it does not comply with. The 300 collection driver was # 1 on scenic tour in 2000 and also 2001 as well as TaylorMade adhered to with the effective r500. More recently the r5 and the r7 quad have been located worldwide in the bags of Tour experts as well as novices alike.
While it is unusual to see a brand-new driver accepted so swiftly by excursion gamers, the new r7 425 remained in the bag of nine gamers at the season-opening Mercedes Championship. Even with the brand-new Nike SasQuatch as well as the very prepared for rollout of the Titleist 905R, the new r7 still seems to be the talk of the industry.
Construct
The TaylorMade r7 425 takes the r7 line from 400cc– the size of the 2005 r7 Quad– to 425cc. The 425cc clubhead places the r7 425 right between the r7 Quad and the r5 Dual (450cc), both essentially and in look.
While the dimension modification from the r7 Quad to 425 is fairly small, there are a few other adjustments that stand out in this modification. First are the modifications to the Movable Weight Technology (MWT). While MWT is not an addition to the r7 line, TaylorMade has actually relocated the TLC ports better apart in the 425, raising not only security yet the mercy of the driver. If you are stepping up as well as playing the TP version (as well as ponying up the additional $400), it includes 12 movable weights, offering a lot more flexibility and options. The r7 460 has 2 movable weights, one each towards the toe and also heel of the head.
Last, there is an adjustment in the weight dispersion and thus the neutral center of mass. TaylorMade used the use of “Ultra-Thin Wall Technology,” which permitted the wall surfaces of the clubhead to be lowered to 0.6 mm. This is a 25% decline over the wall surface size in the r7 Quad as well as, according to TaylorMade, “conserves critical weight.” Not just did it lower the center of mass, but it likewise enabled TaylorMade to enhance the dimension of the head and develop the TLC ports while even more standard drivers can not spare the weight.
Look
TaylorMade did an excellent task in the style of the new r7. There is a yellow red stripe along the back ridge of the club. The outer movable weight chambers are grooved right into all-time low of the club like they were shot right into it with a high-powered rifle. Once more, the design is really comparable to the old r7 Quad, but has a much more streamlined and also new-age appearance. While the Quad always struck me as a little bit “gurgled” on top, TaylorMade got the 425 and 460 right. These are confidence-inspiring, sleek-looking clubs.
From the top, the driver has a nice, tidy black look to it. It took a little getting used to, but I can set up with confidence now after a brief change duration. If I had a word to describe the appearances of these clubs it would certainly be “sharp.” From every angle the lines feel streamlined, smooth, as well as true.
These drivers are closed to a higher degree than any other drivers I’ve struck in the past few years. This forces me to ahead press with my hands more than I’m accustomed to in my regular configuration. I’ll discuss later what impact this had in my testing, but are adequate to state it really did not assist initially.
The other difference between the new r7 and also my 905S is the weight. All TaylorMade drivers have actually really felt incredibly light to me in the past … especially the r500 as well as r7 Quad. The r7 425, as well as also 460, has a lighter feel to it, but it’s not as severe as its predecessors. Most likely the distinction in weight remains in the new REAX shaft. My choice is for a much heavier driver. I seem like I can regulate the club, particularly the head, throughout the swing. Even though as well as the new r7 is on the light side, it was hefty enough for my liking.
Efficiency
My impressions of the r7 425 were not good. I hit a collection of balls very reduced and also really left. The weights were established in a 2-12-12-2 arrangement (heel to toe) which, by TaylorMade’s standards is optimum for a high ball flight and also neutral weighting as for left/right. Out of about 20 balls, I only a couple that were playable. Every little thing else was left of John Kerry.
The one change I made– which was tiny– was to put my hands a bit a lot more ahead at arrangement. This appeared to solve the problems I was having with the shut face sending out the ball low and left. When I made the change the balls began flying better.
While the ballflight was still a little bit less than my 905S, I went to least as long with the r7 425. My lug was most likely in the 255-260 yard area where it is usually a bit above 260 with the Titleist. I could not maintain the ball online with the 425 and also had problems pulling and pressing it a little bit even after I changed my configuration. Nonetheless, something started to click once I took it out on the program. I played a round with it and had a terrific finish off of the tee, only missing out on 4 fairways and also never ever getting involved in any type of severe problem. Because that round, I’ve struck the 425 numerous times at the range and also loved it.
When it comes to the 460, there where some distinctions and some resemblances. The greatest difference to me was the launch angle. The ball came off the 460’s face much more than the 425’s as well as was practically the same to my 905S. I hit a couple of drives with the 460 that were longer than the 425 or 905S.
There was no recognizable distinction in control or directionality, though I wasn’t expecting one offered the similar shaft in the 425 and also the 460.
Movable Weights, Wrenches, and Extras
Both the r7 425 as well as the 460 featured wrenches to exchange and move around the weights. If you would certainly such as added weights, they retail for around $15 (or less) each. If you shed your wrench, that’s about $30. At no point did I have problem relocating the weights around, and when locked into area, the weights stayed where I placed them without rattling. TaylorMade has refined movable weights in at least this respect.
The headcover, while extremely stylish, is a little bit tough to work with. It is virtually difficult to get it on with one hand. I normally need to pull the opening apart with both and also stretch the sock over the clubhead. It ought to eventually relax gradually. I would certainly rather have this trouble than a headcover that repeadedly diminished.
The grip is a rather standard one. All rubber, so if you like the corded grasps or anything special, you’ll need to change it on your own.
Verdict
I was admittedly prepared to surrender on the r7 425. I maintained hitting the ball reduced as well as left. Ultimately, after a little change in my setup, I’m glad I stuck with the driver. Once I settled in, the r7 425 was a strong driver. I believe that golfers currently making use of TaylorMade drivers would be well offered to upgrade to the brand-new line if they are searching for even more control. With a boosted shaft as well as even more mercy, I can finally say again that I actually like a TaylorMade driver. It may not knock my Titleist out of the bag just yet, but I can’t claim I would certainly miss out on a beat if somebody were to swipe my 905S, either.
Nevertheless, the r7 460 simply may change the 905S. I felt really comfortable swinging it and also liked the ballflight. The various other fantastic aspect of the r7 460 is that it didn’t feel that large. Yes it is 460ccs, yet in the past, during and also after my swing I never ever thought of the dimension. I haven’t joined the super-sized driver bandwagon yet, but if I do, the r7 460 will likely be the driver to get me there.