50 Words or Less
The TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver is all about forgiveness. While the carbonwood era continues, there is plenty to differentiate this club from prior generations.
Introduction
10k is the magic number when it comes to the Qi10 Max driver. Qi, we’re told, stands for “quest for inertia.” TaylorMade has made this the focus of its marketing for this club, highlighting the jump in MOI it has achieved with this club specifically. While it sounds impressive on its face, what exactly does it mean and how does it translate to the launch monitor and the golf course? Find out in this review.
Looks
The TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver represents a significant departure from previous generations but still reads clearly as a TaylorMade product. First of all, the garish red face of the Stealth family has been replaced with a toned-down and much more palatable blue. You’re now also looking down at a monochromatic black crown which is 97% carbon fiber and doesn’t have a lot going on visually. There isn’t a lot there to help you get lined up, save for the small “TM” logo alignment aid. A glossy black replaces the more matte finish of previous iterations.
In terms of its shaping, the clubhead has a massive footprint. Many other drivers in comparison look noticeably smaller, even “Max” models from other OEMs. The shape at address is stretched back and rounded. Overall, the visual effect is one that feels more stripped down, less techy, almost reminiscent of some of the company’s legendary older models, like the R7.
Sound & Feel
I found the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver to have a distinctive sound that has become synonymous with forged carbon. I would describe it as a mid-high pitched snap-crack. It feels explosive and powerful off the face. At times I found myself thinking “I really ripped that one,” only to find it was really not that great of a strike. This is cool, but also don’t expect a ton of precise feedback about your strike location with this one.
Check out the TaylorMade Qi10 driver HERE
Performance
It’s important to point out that the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver is the only version of this driver that breaks the 10K barrier. Theoretically, the shape of the clubhead sacrifices some of its aerodynamic qualities in order to add stability, relative to the other models in the lineup. That said, as a player with average swing speed, I was able to swing this just as fast as the majority of other drivers I’ve tested. I tend to produce more than optimal spin with driver, and I definitely found that to be the case here as well.
Need lower spin? Check out the TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver HERE
In football, every player on the team has a job to do, but no one would dispute that it’s the quarterback who has by far the most influence on the outcome of the game. The driver is the QB in your golf bag. On course, the Qi10 Max is a reliable performer, consistently doing what you ask and limiting mistakes.
Somehow the weather allowed for some on-course testing here in Minnesota in early February, and the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver was a great fit for my mid-winter swing. It consistently produced high-flying baby cuts, as it typical of my swing, but I could not get it to go hard right without really chopping across it aggressively. As far as the the forgiveness claims go, I found them to be true.
As usual, loft is easily adjusted via the adapter sleeve. There are no moveable weights to influence ball flight. Stock shafts include made-for versions of Fujikura Speeder NX and Mitsubishi Diamana. I tested it with the Diamana T+ and found it likely to be a serviceable shaft for a wide range of golfers.
Conclusion
For golfers in the market for a new driver whose top priority is consistency and forgiveness, the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver should be on the list to try. Though general wisdom would probably put this primarily in the hands of higher handicappers, Collin Morikawa has chosen to game this model, serving as a reminder of the importance of getting fit.
Visit TaylorMade HERE
TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Price & Specs
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11 Comments
Your spin is high, and with a clubhead speed of 101 mph your total driving distance should be 272 yards
272 yards seems a bit much, with 144 ball speed. (Maybe if he’s playing on Tour fairways, lol?) Anyway, with better strike near 1.5, Dylan could get >150 ball speed, which would help.
The spin is a bit high, but even the Ping driver chart has mid 140s ball speed at mid 12s launch, needing something in the high 2500s-low 2700s range. Plug that spin and ball speed into flightscope’s trajectory analyzer, and the difference in total distance between his numbers and those is only like 8 yds total distance.
TL;DR: it’s not bad, but clean up strike a tad—which should also lower spin— Dylan could get some more distance.
Dylan, thx for
Your review. Do you play golf as a lefty? Your comments about high cuts and hard rights seems confusing? Thx in advance. Lou
Hi Lou,
I play right-handed. I tend to come a bit out to in so my stock shape is a cut. If I miss it it tends to slice and go hard right. Hope that makes sense.
Dylan
Nice review, Dylan! Quite informative.
How did this head feel vs other Max Forgiveness type heads you’ve tried in the past? E.g., Ping’s G 4xx Max, Cally Paradym X, etc…
Hi George,
Sorry I can’t offer much in the way of comparison as I haven’t hit many of the ‘Max’ style heads in the past couple of generations.
Best,
Dylan
Unfortunately for TM, Collin Morikawa was last seen using his TM Sim driver from a couple of years ago at the Genisis LA Open. According to sources at Riveria, a dozen TM reps were following Morikawa on the range and during the practice round working to get him into the Qi10. Always a tough spot when an athlete prefers older equipment over new product. Perhaps a lesson for us consumers.
A fine example of why virtually every single piece of content on this site tells golfers to get fit.
-Matt
I tried the MAX with the stock A flex 50gm Speeder NX shaft. My driver swing speed is 70mph. The Max has a swing weight of D4. I thought the stability and forgiveness was better than Ping 10K Driver. Wondered whether you think this club can work for slower swing speed players as it might be a bit heavy to get much distance gain.
Hi DPB,
I think it certainly could work for players with low speed but as with all things, it’s a case by case basis and needs to be figured out in the fitting bay rather than on paper.
Best,
Dylan
Just bought one 3 weeks ago. I’m 77 and a relatively slow swing speed. 7 iron about 125 and average drive about 190. Since buying, my accuracy has been above average and length about 10-15 further (off center hits more forgiving for sure).