News

TaylorMade R9 Review!

BY Adam Beach
Jan 16th 2009
Read all comments

TAYLORMADE R9 DRIVER & R9 FAIRWAY WOODS are both now currently available at GolfDiscount.com

The MyGolfSpy Taylormade R9 World Exclusive Article

MyGolfSpy was the first website to give the world a glimpse of what the new Taylormade R9 driver would look like. For those of you seeing this for the first time and want to get caught up on the Taylormade R9 hoopla…you can see the “World Exclusive” article here.

The “R9 Review”

Hre is a great review of the R9 by our friends at GearPatrol.com

The “R9 Update”

For the regular readers of MGS looking for an update of what this driver is all about check out the sneak-peeks we got below.

TAYLORMADE R9 DRIVER & R9 FAIRWAY WOODS are both now currently available at GolfDiscount.com

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Adam Beach

My name is Adam Beach. This place, this site, it’s more than just a business to me, it truly is an expression of who I am and what I believe in, down to my core. I feel the work I do is a reflection of who I am and the idea behind the work I do is more important than the work itself. You see, I don’t actually see myself in the golf business at all, I am in the business of caring. I am a guy who wakes up with one goal: do the right thing.

Adam Beach

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Adam Beach

Driver PING G430 Max 10k	Hybrid PING G430
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Adam Beach

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hp wang

15 years ago

I have mine and the R9 just feels great in compare to the burner. I have that extra feel of the weight head, probabably due to the lighter shaft. My complain is the multipoint adjusterable setting of the head, stick to 1 setting. The inner thread got worn out.

Jake Speeder

15 years ago

I found that the R9 was always rapping off my Johnson when my swing got a little inside out. And it hurt. The lighter R5 didn’t do that.

mygolfspy

15 years ago

LOL…I have never heard that one before Jake.

Seth

15 years ago

Does anyone know anything about the alpha version 5 drivers

sjwano

15 years ago

Just to clarify, meant to say after about 15 balls with the old driver I was averaging 240-250, but with the new driver I was at 260+ and the difference in feel, distance, ball flight was with the new driver. Re ball flight, usually hit a low to medium height shot, with this club I was medium to high (depending on where I caught it on the face) which is what I was looking for. Distance was good even when “mis hit” high on the face, but the medium flight balls were carrying well and rolling.

sjwano

15 years ago

I purchased the R7 Limited edition at Dick’s Sporting Goods about 2 weeks ago when they had it on sale for $199 and included a free pair of Adidas golf shoes. I tested at the store, though it felt good I have a hard time judging results in that environment. It passed the look and feel test though. One concern I had was the length, but it turned out to be no longer overall than my TaylorMade 320 Driver (purchased used in 2004). The other concern was the shaft stiffness, I went for the regular rather than stiff given my swing speed is typically 96-102. I took it to the range (with tape on the face just in case) with the old driver as well, and worked my way through a large bucket. After about 15 balls with the old driver I was averaging 240-250 or so and there was an immediate difference in feel, distance, and ball flight (much improved). I also was able to work out a swing flaw that I have been trying to correct. At first the neutral stance I was spraying left and right, switched to draw and hit everything up the middle. Fixed my swing issue (chicken wing/no hinge) and immediately started grooving everything. My natural swing is a slight draw, so the draw setup was the most dicey…usually OK but occasional big hook. Switching to the fade I could hit power fades no problem, not a slice…the distance was good but not as good as the neutral setup later into the bucket. I was really hitting them clean with just a hint of draw. From what I saw of the R9 it seemed the only difference was that you have more options to configure the driver which while may be nice, I don’t think I need. Since you cannot change mid round (at least in league/competitive play) it doesn’t factor in much anyway. The R7 is a great driver and a great deal at $200 (have seen on web for as low as $175) and seems a better value than $400 for a new R9. Since my trip to the range, I played 9 holes last week and the results translated to the course. I was easily picking up 10 yards compared to old, the accuracy was better and the couple mis hits were more forgiving. I bombed a couple in the 290 range which for me has only happend a hand full of times in the past 5 years. I used to love my old 320 driver compared to what I used before (early Adams driver) but this is another level. Go to the store and pick one up. I cannot compare to other brands, only tried a Nike at Dick’s which didn’t “feel” as good (hollow & light) but I trust Taylor Made given past experience and the evidence on tour (such a large following including some of the best drivers of the golf ball).

Bruce Payne

15 years ago

I now own the Burner 2009 with the Fuji standard shaft and a Burner 2009 with the Matrix Xcon-5 shaft but not the TP head and the R9 with the standard shaft and a Matrix Xcon-5 shaft ..The Burner with the Matrix shaft is 20 yards longer than either the Burner with the standard shaft or the R9 with standard shaft the difference for me and my swing (13 handicap) is on a miss hit the R9 is shorter but in the fairway not the same with the Burner standard shaft even miss hits are long but that is not always a good thing even short the R9 is in the fairway. I just got the Matrix for the R9 today and have not hit it yet but I ordered it with a plus 3/4 inch shaft. I am hoping it is as long as my Burner with the Matrix shaft but more forgiving but I must confess I am not expecting it to out perform my Burner with the Matrix shaft

sjwano

15 years ago

Went to Dick’s sporting goods to check out the sale on the R7 Limited – was 399, now 199 plus a promo code for a free pair of Adidas shoes (up to 99 value). I have been playing a Taylor Made 320 for the past 5 years so I trust the brand and their quality. When I first got the 320, I probably gained 20 yards easy on my average compared to the old Adams driver I was playing. Old driver was about 230-240 drive (includes carry & roll), with the Taylor Made 320 I am generally hitting about 250.

When I tested the R7 today, first tried a 9.5 degree stiff shaft, and found it to be very stiff (as others mentioned for the R9). My swing speed is 95-100, so I am in the grey zone normally between regular and stiff shaft. I also normall hit a low ball with a slight draw when struck solid. I found that I was launching the ball pretty low, consistently pushing to the right with the R7 and getting about the same distance as I do now, but with more roll and less carry. I switched to a regular flex R7 with 10.5 degree angle and improved considerably. I was hitting my normal shot shape, and carrying much further without sacrificing much roll. Shots were averaging 260, so a noticeable 10 yard improvement and the accuracy was good. I went ahead and purchased, will try it out tomorrow on the range and play 9 on Wednesday. I am a little leary about the flex but from everything I have found online the numbers match up to a “stiff” shaft even though its labeled a regular. Apparently some manufactures don’t want to hurt the egos of their purchasers? I believe my old 320 is a regular flex anyway, so if so no worries. I am looking forward to trying out moving the weights to see what I can do to shape the ball. Given the neutral setup to begin with the R7 is perfect for me given my draw, versus a default draw setup which would end up in severe hooks for me….I’ll post another update (hopefully not as long winded) for those interested. Go check out the club though, the special on the shoes lasts only through this week.

Ridge

15 years ago

Interesting reading. I just purchased an R9 after hitting it in a simulator at a sporting goods store. Normally, I hit 99/100 drives pulled left of center. I went looking for the R7. With the heavy weight at the toe and using a slightly weak grip, I could keep it somewhat on line. The people working with me suggested the R9 but noted it was double in price. Using a 10.5 with regular shaft, club face to the right and heavy weight on the toe, I hit every shot down the center. One actually went slightly right of center. With this kind of consistency, I could then think of swing speed. My best length was 253. Considering I am 59 and normally drive a ball about 220, I was thrilled. Double the price or not, I now own one. Unfortunately, have not hit it yet at a range. Here’s hoping.

Taylor Made fan

15 years ago

I just got finished playing with the new Taylor Made R-9, 9.5 degree loft with stiff shaft and was extremely disappointed. I play with a Taylor Made Burner with 9.5 degree loft and stiff shaft so I thought the same specs would work and just had to tweak it a bit with the removable weights and adjustable settings. BOY, was I dead wrong!. The stiff shaft on the R-9 is REALLY stiff compared to the Burner’s stiff shaft. The R-9 shaft is also slightly shorter as well which magnifies the stiffness. The Taylor made Burner ‘s head is dramatically more forgiving. I was consistently 15- 20 yards longer with the Burner and a heck of a lot straighter no matter how i tried to compensate with the weights on the R-9.. Youy better be super fast with your swing speed (I am 95-100) and have a grooved swing to hit the center of this club. Off center even just a tad and you are punished severely in distance and accuracy. ( You will see my club club offered on e-bay very soon. LOL!.) It isn’t worth the price to put a new and expensive shaft in. just to try to play catch up with the MUCH cheaper and better Burner. Don’t let the hype drain your wallet. Try it before you buy it is my most fervent advice. Be warned.

mygolfspy

15 years ago

Hurry up and sell before the R9 460 comes out ;)

Tom

15 years ago

Well, to each their own. I WAS playing a TaylorMade Burner TP driver, and recently switched to the R9 TP with Matrix HD6 shaft. The Burner doesn’t even come close. The R9 is more forgiving, just as long, and EASY to hit the center of both the club AND the fairway. I have also found that off center hits fly almost as far as dead center hits. The hype is not hype at all……….you can tweak this driver to match your swing characteristics, if you can’t then you’re either dumb as dirt, or just so bad a golfer that you should probably take up table tennis.

Keegan

15 years ago

If you suck at golf you’d suck at table tennis. It’s not as easy as you might think. I also have a Burner with stiff shaft, swing speed of 110, hit the R9 at the range last weekend, buying one this week LOL. There is no comparison, the R9 out performs the old Burner in every way. Those of you out there dissing the R9 are either retarded or have never actually tried it properly, or even been on a golf course.

BB

15 years ago

To get the best out of this club you need a professional to assits you with that. If not it’s just a waste of your hard erned money. I’ve always been a Taylormade fan not anymore. To much to figure out to get the right setting.

mygolfspy

15 years ago

Hey BB – thanks for your 1st comment at MGS! Look forward to hearing more from you.

Mike

15 years ago

Just traded my R5 for the R9 this week. Hit the 10.5 reguar flex and a 9.5 stiff shaft….ended up with the 9.5 stiff. I could feel the regular flex,”give” at the bottom of the swing. Went to the range and made small adjustments to the club. I could tell a differnece in ball flight…tried to hit about 15 to 20 shots for each setting so I felt like I was getting good feedback. Ended up with a slightly closed clubface, because I have a tendency to hit the ball to the right, and most of the time it went straight. Love the way the club looks and how the balll feels coming off of the clubface. I never thought I would pay that much for a driver, but I’m glad I did and love the club.

Nomad

15 years ago

I was tested on the R9 today and recomended the Stiff shaft with my swing speed averaging 115mph in a 10.5 loft. Went to my local range afterwards and by chance the pro had a 10.5 in a stiff shaft for me to try all I can say is boy is it stiff you really need to let go to make this work. I tried the FT IQ from Callaway also in the stiff shaft and there is noticeably more flex. In the end I settled for the Regular flex in a 9.5, addition of rear weight make it play like a 10.5 anyway. My set up was neutral (so not sure if the tuning is worth the money yet) I eased back on my swing and all I can say is that this club flies far and straight, further than the Callaway plus you can shape the ball unlike the Callaway. Now in my bag :) of to play princes tomorrow so fingers crossed its not a range wonder!!!

Sean-Paul

15 years ago

This club is Suhweet! I’ve also been playing the 983K for quite some time. I was very dissapointed that you CANNOT reshaft this club so I was going to have to wait for the TP. By the way, the head on the TP is exactly the same, only the shafts are diff for +$100. But while in a store I was swinging a stiff and thought, hey this is really stiff. I had them check it and it measured well into the Xstiff shaft. I swing at 120 and normally play an aldala75x but this is working well.. so check the stiffness on the shaft before buying….I snatched this, cuz all the others measured within the standard stiff I just got lucky to find an aberation. Additionally, because of my swing speed, my driver is often all over the place, but with my other drivers, if I try to slo it down for more control on those skinny courses where not as much length is needed, it was a guaranteed pull, or pull-hook. This club can be adjusted 2*open and weighted so I can slo it down, keep the ball flight a little lower and it’s right up the gut and still pretty long. It’s still out there 280-300 (in SLC) This is the greatest club invention since Geno thought of bouce!

Nick

15 years ago

Nobody is going to buy this club. You can get a Taylormade Burner driver for 150 bucks.

Gimmick clubs don’t sell.

mygolfspy

15 years ago

Hey Nick – thanks for your first comment at MGS. Actually theses drivers are the only ones flying off the shelves in many stores. The gimmick seems to be working.

Bob

15 years ago

Think again,
I’m shop/Range owner, it is the best selling Driver even with the other offering free club . Because of opening a new business I only played 39 HOLES last season, this year I played twice with the r9 it is the best driver I ever hit, I have also put 10 different shafts in other customers club ( shafts of thier choice, I have extra tips ann the capability of doing most anything.
GIVE IT A TRY It is better than the $700.00 one I had before it.

Mark

15 years ago

Gimmick clubs don’t sell? I agree, but this is no gimmick. I’m a 5 handicap and this club is everything it is advertised to be. Kudos Taylormade!

cody

15 years ago

i am a huge fan of taylor made i always get exited to here wut there gonna put on the market next even thoe im 15 years old im already winning tournaments across canada and i have a set of taylormade’s great job on the r9 and keep up the good work

Gord-oh

15 years ago

I just bought the new R9…
I have to say it IS amazing!! I have loved my R7 and thought that it would be very difficult to replace it. WELL…I was proven wrong!!!! Tried the reg shaft but noticed that if I let loose on it, I would lose it right. Tried the stiff, 9.5 and I can swing slow…fast..in between..doesnt matter – all down the middle and anywhere from 250 to 306yards… NOW THATS WHAT I’M TALKIN ABOUT!
You wont be sorry if you put out the cash for this baby…WELL WORTH IT!

mygolfspy

15 years ago

It is a pretty good driver I must admit.

kevin

15 years ago

just got the R-9 Taylormade driver. I hit them all from 8.5 to 10.5 and tried all the different shafts.
my best fit is the 10.5 with regular shaft. have swing speed of 100. Carry distance was 240.
lauch angle is 13.8 with spin rate of an insane 2000.
it hits it high no two ways about it but its completely amazing.
must be the shaft. I went with a regular flex shaft. The way they have manufactured shaft there are no weak points in it. So with that said most people who play stiff will go with regular and the stiff is really extra stiff.
played it for 2 rounds and its amazing. cant wait until it gets hard out with 2000 spin rate. go baby like you stole something.
all the hype is correct…

michael

15 years ago

Your an idiot. If you really did have a swing speed of 100 then no one in their right mind would buy a regular shafted driver and you would hit the ball further than 240 yards. Your ego needs to be checked at the door. Good luck with your phony golf game.

Fred

15 years ago

I have been carrying a Titleist 983K in my bag for a long time. Why? No other driver I hit came close. Sure some were slightly straighter, some even a couple extra yards, but nothing worth changing up for.

So when I heard about the R9 I decided to hit the range with several drivers (including my own) and put it to the test. I liked the fact I could tweak it if needed.

The R9 was not only noticeably longer (about 18-22 yards), it was difficult to put off course. Sometimes I “bail out” of a drive and lose it to the right. The R9 did no such thing (I did put the heavier weight in the back).

I took it out on the course to put it to the real test. It did great (now I have to brush up on a few of my shorter irons!

Jonathan Shepherd

15 years ago

I believe that this club will do wonders for your local, rich, hacker and wackers. I myself cannot wait to try this club out and hope that it will live up to all the hype it has been getting over the last six months.

zach-attach

15 years ago

the r11 is due out this summer and its suppose to have FIVE weights!!!
cant wait baby

mygolfspy

15 years ago

LOL

ggg

15 years ago

this driver looks so simple but cool…
but i am not too sure about the flight control system…
i somehow think the driverhead will fly out of the shaft…BUT poehaps not asthey are definitely launching them~~

pounder

15 years ago

yes taylormade comes out with alot of new drivers, but its not like they are making them all for one level of golfer. most of my bag is taylormade and i play the superquad right now and i love it, but i am for sure switching to either the limited tp or r9 tp when it comes out

AO

15 years ago

LOL this is crazy…what’s next R10- to R15 for 2009 ?

Shadow

15 years ago

Taylormade, SLOW DOWN. I got the cbg max, then the limited came out (which i never liked anyway), and now this (which I love), guess i’ll just have to get one.

mygolfspy

15 years ago

Come on Shadow…you can’t say you don’t love them coming out with 19 drivers per year…lol.

Gary

15 years ago

Minimum Advertised Price is $399.95. You could also look at the new Dynacraft Prophet ICT driver which has:

1. Removable and adjustable shaft (.335 Tip). You can use ANY non-proprietary shaft (no matter what the price).
2. Adjust the face angle from 3 deg. closed (Slice correction) to 1 deg. open (Hook correction).
3. Adjust the lie angle from 56 deg. to 60 deg.
4. Loft Angles: 9.5 deg, 10.5 deg, 12 deg

Price starts at only $134.95 at http://www.condorgolf.com

Kevin

15 years ago

I hear there is a new company coning out with an interchangeable head that will be just as good as the R9, but only about $350 with 2 shafts. My buddy told me Harrison is going to be distributing it. He has already talked to them and prebooked. It’s called Hathaway Golf. I think it has been on this site before. Looks cool!

mygolfspy

15 years ago

Yes we did have a piece on that Hathaway driver…I have not hit it but was not impressed by the appearance of it…quality did not look top notch.

AB

15 years ago

how much is the retail price gonna be when it hits stores?

GP

15 years ago

NICE!

ryan

15 years ago

looks like u are stuck with what ever shaft you get. From the pic the hosel and shaft are one. If so that would suck

Bob

15 years ago

Not so,
you can get any of the folloeing shaftsStock Fuji Motore std and TP VooDoo, Mitsubushi Fubuki Matrix X-con and Matrix HD6,

and if your near a shop like mine you cand get any shaft out there
Bob

Kevin

15 years ago

what if I wanted Grafaloy, UST, or Harrison? Is there an upgrade available?

Bob

15 years ago

I am a big TMAG Dealer and think this one will sell even with the economy mess
I’m already working on one for my bag,
They are presently at there national sales meeting, they are really up on this one and the new burner iron

mygolfspy

15 years ago

The driver hit nice…the iron hoopla is a pretty much hogwash to us here.

Kevin

15 years ago

Is this going to be a 420cc head or 460cc. Golfsmith has it listed as a 420, but as we all know they are cluless. Thanks

CJ Bush

15 years ago

I can’t wait for this driver to come out. I love the look, but I am just interested in seeing how this new technology (which isn’t too new) helps out. I like being able to tinker with things so I can see myself bagging this club when it comes out.

mygolfspy

15 years ago

Hey CJ – you can pre-order them now from Golfsmith.com.

alex

15 years ago

i just got this driver and its no different than the r7. its the same technology just with new looks. its not worth the money. im bringing mine back and getting the burner or just staying with my r7 superquad (great driver, should be in your perspective)

mygolfspy

15 years ago

Hey Alex – thanks for your 1st comment on MGS…we hope to see you back on a regular basis.

Tom

15 years ago

Alex says this driver’s technology is no different than the R7. Alex, what are you smoking?

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News

TaylorMade R9 Review!

The MyGolfSpy Taylormade R9 World Exclusive Article

The “R9 Review”

The “R9 Update”

For You

For You

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Apr 22, 2024

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Adam Beach

Adam Beach

Adam Beach

Adam Beach

Adam Beach

Adam Beach

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Adam Beach

comments

hp wang

Jake Speeder

mygolfspy

Seth

sjwano

sjwano

Bruce Payne

sjwano

Ridge

Taylor Made fan

mygolfspy

Tom

Keegan

BB

mygolfspy

Mike

Nomad

Sean-Paul

Nick

mygolfspy

Bob

Mark

cody

Gord-oh

mygolfspy

kevin

michael

Fred

Jonathan Shepherd

zach-attach

mygolfspy

ggg

pounder

AO

Shadow

mygolfspy

Gary

Kevin

mygolfspy

AB

GP

ryan

Bob

Kevin

Bob

mygolfspy

Kevin

CJ Bush

mygolfspy

alex

mygolfspy

Tom

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