WRX Forum Buzzz
Black TaylorMade R1 Spotted
UPDATE: April 29
Things are heating up. Today, a black TaylorMade R1 showed up on the USGA’s conforming driver list. This is the first sign that there may indeed be a black version of TaylorMade’s flagship driver in the near future. Interesting to see that it’s a left-handed version.
By GolfWRX Member: CG05
I have been told by a reputable source that there will be a limited edition (2500 or so) release of black R1 drivers.
I couldn’t get an answer as to whether the graphics will still be on the crown but I would assume they will be. Didn’t see any info on this so I thought I would put it out there. No solid info on release date yet, was told price would be the same. Discuss.
via click here to read more about the rumor and all the related discussion in the forums
In our forums, our members have been discussing the most forgiving wedges on the market. WRXer ‘aaronpoling’ lays out his current setup and what he’s currently considering, saying:
“I am looking at getting new wedges, but looking for a forgiving wedge.
I currently play Ping G25 50°, MD4 54° and 58°. I used to play the CBX2 in the 50°, 54° and 58° and liked them a lot; but like any good dad, my son took them.
I am currently looking Callaway’s CB12 and Cleveland’s CBZ. Anyone have thoughts on these? Or recommendations of other wedges that I should check out?”
And our members have been weighing in with their thoughts and recommendations in response, with one brand coming out emphatically on top.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- boggyman: “CBZs are amazing wedges!”
- drewbens: “Agreed, the Cleveland CB wedges are great! Already had a CBX Full Face 2 54 and recently added a 50 and 58 (for well under $100 a piece). Was chipping so well last week that my brother-in-law asked if the wedges were legal. Definitely underrated wedges for those of us that are not scratch golfers.”
- BogeyTed: “Get Cleveland CBX/CBZ. Very underrated clubs.”
Entire Thread: “Best ‘forgiving’ wedges – GolfWRXers discuss”
In our forums, our members have been reacting to a WRXer who claims to have built the “worst fitting clubs ever.” ‘dlow206’ recounts his experience with plenty of insightful findings for where he can go better next time in a detailed post, saying:
“Here’s my story of building the worst fitting clubs ever (for me). And my findings of what a better fit is.
I am short in stature, as well as a very short wrist to floor of 30.5″. I went down a rabbit hole of wanting to try irons 1″ shorter of more than standard length. Given the shorter lengths, the swingweights would be super light unless I added back a ton of weight to the heads, but I don’t like adding an extreme amount of weight back to the heads, so I decided to compensate with heavier shafts (115 grams instead of 95). Played with this set for a while and was hitting all irons extremely poorly. Thin, fat, right, right, left. My swing didn’t deteriorate that much because I was hitting my driver well, woods well, etc.
Went back to my older set of irons, playing at standard length, and my iron play improved immediately. Since then, have been doing more testing, while paying more attention to different possible variables. What I have found is I actually prefer lighter total weight with relatively normal or slightly heavier swingweights. Did a recent fitting and found that 85 gram shafts were better for me than 95 grams with standard length and relatively standard swingweights.
Still trying to dial in a final iron shaft choice, so have a few contenders that I will be testing. Will be moving away from my current Steelfiber i95 S parallel to lighter and softer
- MMT 80 parallel R – worked pretty well in a limited number of swings at a fitting
- Fujikura Travil 85 R – the fitter liked the Axiom 95 R for me at Club Champion, but i didn’t love the effort required to swing them. If there was a 85 Axiom, that would probably have been a great fit. So i am going try a Travil 85 R which is japan only
- Steelfiber i80 CW R – i have been playing Steelfibers for a long time, so need to give one Steelfiber shaft a shot
Given I do club building work, I am going to build all of these shafts with the All-Fit universal iron adapters to pair with a Srixon 7 iron head for testing. With these adapters, there isn’t a swingweight issue because the amount of weight from drilling out is about equivalent to the universal adapter components.”
And our members have been sharing their reactions in our forum.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- Mikey_HACKilroy: “That length cut costs you a fair amount in swing points. I’d posit the length mattered more than the weight because a 115g shaft isn’t going to actually add enough back after cutting an inch off. Does it mean 115 would ultimately work? Hard to say. Maybe try a 1/2″ cut and add 2g to the head to compensate assuming the 7i is 37″ long. Maybe that will feel better. It translates to the same ~D2 you’re swinging at with the 95g shafts (estimated based on common weight, but you can weigh your parts on your own obviously).”
- Stuart_G: “Your process is good – keep at it and trust it.”
Entire Thread: “I built the worst fitting clubs ever – GolfWRXers discuss”
A second version of PXG’s Secret Weapon has this week landed on the USGA’s conforming list, much to the interest of our members.
The original version of the brand’s Secret Weapon launched in January of 2025, with the second version also featuring four distinct weight ports in the head and coming with 13-degree of loft.
In our forums, our members have been assessing the new version and sharing their thoughts.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- DTorres: “Kinda looks like the face on the new one might be slightly deeper. Little bit more rounded leading edge.”
- snagy2000: “The current version is REALLY good, long…This one looks like they’re bringing some lightning tech to it…”
- SEP1006: “Agree with this, hard to tell from that angle but looks like the face may be the same as the Lightning. If that’s the case may have to give this a serious look. Absolutely love my 2wd which is also a 13* loft. But that Lightning Tour Mid Driver face is hot and forgiving.”
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Little
Jun 1, 2013 at 1:12 am
It’s not even matte black its glossy and will have a big glare at address
jay
May 25, 2013 at 12:36 am
Ok, tmag rep showed up today with the black r1, has a shinny head and not a matte finish. Looks really nice and he said it will be not limited edition but will public release on June 7, meaning maybe June 10 if we are lucky. Tour guys will be the white head as it is marketing spin is the white head and the black head is to appeal to those r7/r9 loyalist to quote our tmag rep.
Adam
May 19, 2013 at 11:45 pm
Will be arriving in June…not limited edition or custom order. BACK IN BLACK
oly 2573
May 14, 2013 at 8:17 pm
I need to clarify my previous post. The black R1 is available for order. I personally know someone who has odered one. I am not sure of the delivery date. I also have been told it is a limited availability club. I apoligize for any confusion.
oly 2573
May 14, 2013 at 6:40 pm
The black R1 is available currently. It might not be at your local golf shop, but try a Taylor Made Performance center and you should be able to order one. It doesn’t seem like the Players who have seen it are very excited.
samuel torian
May 14, 2013 at 4:16 pm
everybody is allowed to voice their opinion here but just be ready to get jumped on if your opinion is not the same as theirs. i guess i am one of the few who really like the looks and feel of my r1. it took a few days to get it dialed in and i added an aftermarket shaft. this shaft and head combination makes it the best performing driver for my current swing that i have tested and played… i am a 5 handicap with a 104mph swing speed and i hit it an average of 280 yards but i am at 4000 ft elevation..
Im nobody:(
May 12, 2013 at 9:25 pm
Wow im not a scratch golfer so i guess i better keep my mouth shut!
jgpl001
May 9, 2013 at 6:06 pm
They just couldn’t leave the R1 logo off the crown
No suprises here
TM – tacky to the end
What’s next TM? – the RX01TPZ type B with a purple crown, a green go faster stripe and a 20 way inverted cone, cold melted, adjustable face?
Oh I forgot maybe a dot version would be good……..
Swooshmeup
May 7, 2013 at 8:08 am
So ugly…
Demo Day Rat
May 7, 2013 at 3:15 am
Nothing but haters on this page. Don’t worry they are only making 2500 (for now) if you didn’t want one. Thats good, that gives me a better chance of getting my hands on one.
The graphics have not been completely decided on. Only the color. I also disagree with the the R1 not being any better than the R11s or the R9. Maybe you just grabbed a stock stiff club and swung away. Indoors? maybe outdoors was there a launch monitor?
I saw a fitting for a single handicap with an R9 and there was 9 yard difference from best shot to best shot.
And of course there always the comment about how tour players get paid a lot of money to play them just so they can make the claim. REALLY like other companies like Callaway and Titleist don’t pay? Pfffft
lloyd duffield
May 6, 2013 at 3:20 pm
theres also a black nike covert which tigers been testing
Joe Golfer
May 3, 2013 at 11:42 pm
It’s okay. I personally don’t mind the white color, but I don’t like all the graphics on the top of the clubhead, whether in white or black or whatever.
I like the black look of the Ping Anser driver the best.
Having that R1 on the heel side of crown is lame. It reminds of the the Swoosh on the Nike Covert driver. It serves no purpose, and it is distracting to the eye.
Lee
May 3, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Who cares for the majority of regular golfers the R1 is an expensive dud. It doesn’t out perform the R11s which in turn doesn’t out perform the R9 of course if you’ve got the magic formula ‘correctly custom fitted for you’re game’! I’ve been involved in marketing and it makes me laugh what the likes of TM come out with, don’t get me wrong I even believe it until I pinch myself and realise I as dreaming up similar bull sh*t 20 years ago.
Pingback: A Matte Black TaylorMade R1? | Mulligang Golf
Mike
May 2, 2013 at 6:12 pm
Agree with Ted. The feel and sound of TM woods is just not my taste. Demoed various brands on weekend and Titleist is still my all time favorite and in my bag.
purkjason
May 2, 2013 at 1:27 pm
The last Taylormade Club that was any good was the V Steel 3 Wood … my 12 handicapper 2 cents.
Commentor_01
May 12, 2013 at 3:49 am
Totally agree. I still use the V Steel 3 wood. Won’t replace it ever.
GolfDose
May 2, 2013 at 12:18 pm
No wonder the R1 is now selling fast with low prices.
This model is indeed 10x better to look at. Without the R1, it would be the Cobra Long Tom
jgpl001
May 9, 2013 at 6:07 pm
And what a success the Long Tom was……………
Brad
May 1, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Wow… a bunch of 12 handicappers complaining about colors of their drivers. Hahah… comical
Ted
May 2, 2013 at 1:55 pm
Hate this driver and the graphics. Make it all black! I am a plus 3 handicap. Titelist is still the best. If players have a choice they play titelist.
Ted
May 2, 2013 at 1:56 pm
I am a plus 3 handicap and have never liked the feel of taylormade and looks. Titelist is still the best. If players have a choice they play titelist.
jgpl001
May 9, 2013 at 6:10 pm
They ALL have a choice, but money talks…
Agree on Titleist though (and Mizuno)
Though not a fan, Ping make quality clubs too
christian
May 5, 2013 at 5:08 am
So it’s compulsory to be scratch now in order to be able to have an opinion about how something LOOKS? Idiotic comment
actually good at golf
May 1, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Wow… why would TaylorMade change the R1? Number one driver on every single tour? Doesnt make sense
Scott
May 2, 2013 at 1:01 pm
Because what they care about are consumers buying them. The only reason it’s the number one driver on tour is because Taylormade pays lots of tour players to play them, just so they can make that claim. However they haven’t been selling that well, because, well, they’re not very good.
christian
May 5, 2013 at 5:06 am
Not to mention the ones being played on tour are a different size, different shape and for sure also different fel than the one being sold to consumers.
A
May 16, 2013 at 1:02 pm
TM pays the least in club contract and individual club payments. That is a fact. I know as I played on tour. R1 is the most used driver right now on all major tours Scott. It must be good otherwise the best players wouldn’t use it!
Scott
May 29, 2013 at 12:55 pm
the R1 is the best driver on the market hands down. It produces the lowest spin, and is the most effectively adjustable driver ever produced.
ahbot
Apr 30, 2013 at 12:15 pm
The middle picture is from my post on the forum. Ace of Clubs did the refinish along with some Hot Melt!!! Solid club so far.
Roy D Mercer
Apr 30, 2013 at 11:48 am
That thing is butt ugly. What’s wrong with a simple, uncomplicated, black driver, TaylorMade? If it works people with buy it. Duh.
Bobby
Apr 30, 2013 at 10:53 am
The top picture is a BLACK & WHITE photograph.
John M
Apr 30, 2013 at 12:00 am
To bad it’s still an R1. Worst feeling and sounding driver I have played in a long time.
jim
Apr 30, 2013 at 10:50 pm
totally agree the R1 is terrible
Desmond
May 15, 2013 at 9:58 am
A little hot melt in the head solves those issues
Mick J
Apr 29, 2013 at 1:48 pm
Anyone have a good link to procedure on how to refinish matte white TM drivers in black? I want one, but not the ugly dustin johnson version.
Honmagolfan
Apr 29, 2013 at 2:36 pm
Contact Continental Golf they can paint it flat black.
919-833-8887
LDV
Apr 29, 2013 at 1:29 pm
The black R1 is real. I painted mine mat black the day I got it.
michael
Apr 29, 2013 at 1:13 pm
nice try taylormade….youre still not cool.
John M
Apr 30, 2013 at 12:01 am
I’m with you Michael.
Jack
Apr 29, 2013 at 4:02 am
Being black in color still doesn’t make it a better club for the majority of us than the rocketballz stage 2 driver!
M
Apr 28, 2013 at 10:05 pm
Yes, this is a real thing gentlemen. Talked to a good buddy of mine who is a teaching professional that was contacted by the reps about this club. Already selling if you have some friends in high places.
G
Apr 29, 2013 at 12:43 am
So it’s not selling at all, if you need that sort of connection! Duh! Selling means it’s readily available at the general consumer level, and it’s obviously not! You don’t see it on store shelves, do you? Stoopid.
R
May 14, 2013 at 8:31 pm
how much is he selling for? may be interested
D
Apr 28, 2013 at 4:57 pm
This is absolutely a paint job, look at the Hosel on the right pic.
Looks really nice though.
J
Apr 28, 2013 at 1:38 pm
Believe that is pics from a custom job a member had done
nice
Apr 28, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Where did the pictures come from? not from the forum thread. Are they photoshoped or does a black one really exist?
KCCO
Apr 29, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Continental did it I believe
spaz
Apr 28, 2013 at 11:11 am
I wonder if this is to help slumping sales of the R1?
lloyd duffield
May 6, 2013 at 3:18 pm
your probley right a i no sales of the R1 has been poor the R11s was the same story last year thats why TM aint released the R1 fairway and irons . Nike covert seems to be the one this year
G
Apr 28, 2013 at 12:42 am
I wish they could make it shiny like the R9. And without the 1R graphic.
lloyd duffield
May 6, 2013 at 3:16 pm
the r9 was the best driver taylormade produced
yomomma
May 7, 2013 at 3:12 pm
r7 superquad
Little
May 23, 2013 at 8:43 pm
They are shiny. Too glossy to b honest. So much glare
Scott
May 29, 2013 at 12:53 pm
they did…this is not what it looks like