The unveiling of a new TaylorMade driver series is a big occasion for golf enthusiasts worldwide, eagerly awaiting to see if TaylorMade has once again set a benchmark for their competitors' Drivers. The excitement was palpable with the introduction of the Taylormade Qi10 family, featuring the Qi10, Qi10 LS, and notably, the Qi10 Max.
The Qi10 Max emerges as the flagship model of this series, its name a testament to its ambition. The engineers at TaylorMade embarked on a mission symbolised by the Qi10—'Q' representing their quest, 'i' for inertia, and '10' indicating their target of 10,000 MOI (moment of inertia), challenging the conventional limits of golf engineering.
Historically, the pursuit of increasing MOI beyond the 8,500 benchmark was believed to compromise speed and induce excessive spin. The Qi10 Max is engineered to shatter this belief, aiming to be the most forgiving driver TaylorMade has ever created, without sacrificing ball velocity.
TaylorMade achieved this by elongating the head's profile by 8mm, shifting the centre of gravity (CG) deeper, thus enhancing MOI immediately. Compared to the Stealth 2 HD, the Qi10 Max boasts a 9 percent larger footprint, coupled with internal modifications that redistribute mass to further extremities, amplifying MOI. The continuity of 60 layers of carbon composing the face and the inclusion of Twist Face technology underscore TaylorMade's commitment to innovation.
The aesthetic transition from the distinctive red face of its predecessors to a sleek, dark navy face of the Qi10 Max has been warmly received. The face now features a subtle white alignment line, improving aim without compromising the club's visual appeal. This design change, along with the introduction of a new infinity crown replacing the previous model's thick border, offers a cleaner, more streamlined look.
When positioned behind the ball, the Qi10 Max's shape is notably large and rounded, reminiscent of the Titleist TSR2, instilling confidence in golfers at all skill levels to strike the ball effectively.
In practice, the Qi10 Max's forgiveness is nothing short of remarkable. Even less-than-ideal shots benefit from the high MOI, maintaining consistent ball speeds and displaying commendably tight dispersion in both distance and direction.
The sound and feel of the Qi10 Max at impact are deeply satisfying—a robust, yet refined sound paired with a lively and substantial feel. However, the standout feature is its stability; the driver's resistance to twisting upon impact, even at the farthest reaches of the face, is truly remarkable.
While spin rates tended to be on the higher side at my standard 9-degree loft, adjusting the loft slightly brought the spin into a more optimal range, resulting in a potent flight and respectable distance.
An interesting design choice is the Qi10 Max's quarter-inch shorter shaft compared to the other models in the series. Though it may reduce clubhead speed and thus ball speed, TaylorMade suggests that the shorter length promotes more consistent ball striking, potentially increasing average ball speeds over time.
TaylorMade's approach to avoiding any draw bias in the marketing of the Qi10 Max, opting instead for the concept of 'straight distance,' aims to appeal broadly without implying any specific flight pattern. Nonetheless, a subtle draw bias is inherent in the design, offering a balanced response without overwhelming the golfer.
The Qi10 Max stands as a testament to TaylorMade's innovation, blending unparalleled forgiveness with unwavering stability and speed. Its versatility makes it a top choice for a wide range of golfers, from weekend players to professionals like Collin Morikawa, despite its lower-than-typical base loft. This driver not only lives up to the anticipation but sets a new standard for what golfers can expect from TaylorMade.