Shaft:Superlite 50 stiff flex
Grip:TaylorMade proprietary
Looks:This is one of the largest driver heads ever seen!
But as with virtually all TaylorMade clubs it is finished to a very high
standard.The black clubhead and shaft marry beautifully and the club looks
powerful.It looks much larger than the XR-03 it is replacing and makes
the 500 series drivers (particulary the 510) look quite small in comparison.The
grip is excellent,but may feel a little thin in the hands for some.The
clubhead seems a little "toed in"(closed or pointing to the
left for the right handed player) at address,but this seems to be a trend
with virtually all big headed drivers.Despite it's huge size this club
looks superb.The Tuned Weight Cartridge at the back of the clubhead is
not noticable at address although it's benefits may be minimal to club
performance.
Marks;(out of 10) 9
Performance:Before you even attempt to use a driver of this size
you nee to purchase extra long (2 ¾") tees from your local
golf pro or golf outlet.The face of the driver is so deep and therefore
the centre of gravity so high up in the clubface that ordinary length
tees are simply no use.The closed clubface forces you to aim slightly
left at address which may encourage a quick hook for some.The club feels
extremely light and well balanced in the hands,no doubt the lightweight
(50g) shaft has something to do with this.The impact sound is LOUD!
A solid strike sends the ball soaring into the air and it doesn't want
to come down.Best results were achieved with a slow,smooth swing which
collected the ball on the up (high tees the key here).Misses were on the
left because of the closed clubface,but this will benefit mid to high
handicap players who invariably slice the driver.I would say that this
was as long a driver as I have hit in 20 years of golf.
It is extremely forgiving at a shot from virtually anywhere on the clubface
yielded excellent yardage.The problem for the low handicap player is that
it is very difficult to shape the ball with this club (clubhead too large,shaft
overly light and whippy).The low shooter who likes TaylorMade should get
one of the 500 series models with a premium shaft (ProForce,Fujikura.Graffalloy),but
high handicappers will love this club.
Marks:9
Value:The problem area! This club is much too expensive .There
are equally good clubs for the mid to high handicapper at much less cost
(eg.Cobra 420 and the superb Integra range).As for resale TaylorMade clubs
hold value well,but models change about every 6 months so you need to
trade v.quickly.
Marks:6
Verdict:Classy driver for the high handicapper with money to burn!If
you love the TaylorMade badge you will not be disappointed,but if you
are strapped for cash buy a second hand XR-03 and save a fortune as the
benefits do not outweigh the cost.
I GUARANTEE You'll Lengthen your Drive and Cut your Handicap by 7-12 Strokes in Just Two weeks." 
