One of the reasons why I continue to watch your videos and share them is your honesty. Whenever I'm thinking about adding a club or clubs to my bag I check out your review first. Thanks, Bro.
One of your best videos Mark; straight talking, honest and a great ad for lofting up, lol! I have a TM R1 set at 11 and I'm seeing 15yd avg further drives.
I've just been fitted by Dave fernley at tru-fit golf in Warrington for both the SLDR driver and 3 wood and can honestly say it was a fantastic experience, I think it's absolutely essential that u get fitted, it may have cost a few quid more , but having hit the driver with about 5 different shafts and various changes with the loft, once u get the right setting it's just amazing ! I'm now at 11.25 with the driver and 16.5 with the 3 wood, I urge anyone to go and get fitted at a taylormade test centre, great video mark, keep them coming
Went to get fitted for a 9.5 913 d2.....walked out with a 10.5 SLDR. As much as I loved the D2 I couldn't argue with the figures on the SLDR. Extra 5-10 yards carry and about 600 rpm less spin. Not just another gimmick. Taylormade has nailed it with this one. I even bought a matching 3 wood. Daz
Superb video Mark, I've been struggling with low launch and a mid fade as my natural drive so i opted for a 16 deg sldr after watching this vid, played my home course today and averaged and seeing the numbers, I set the club 1 notch into draw and was nailing my drives straight around 260 to 270 massively improved my game, please keep doing the reviews I like the no nonsense approach you have and your almost never wrong 😃 thanks again.
+Russell Lodge how is it still going with the 16dg driver? I've seen one in the proshop at my course and after struggling and seeing this video and your comment, I'm inclined to test it out. I've been under the shadow of the golfer's ego with lofts but if your comment is true then I might as well test it out. cheers
Hi Mark I really love the sldr driver And yes it does start off high but I play it on 12 degress And it given me 10 to 15 yards Over my titleist 913d2 10.5. It does work.
Was in the market for driver and fairway woods. Took the local pro's advice, had a flightscope session and hit several drivers. This club stood out by miles for me. The "numbers" were much better and more importantly - consistent. I hit it straighter than I can dare to say and it felt wonderful. Had my mind set on a totally different club but this one just suited me perfectly. Definitely try this against other drivers. My first Taylormade and I hope with the adjustability to suit my hopefully ever improving game with practice for a long time to come.
Major props to you for actually doing the video! I know your opinion on them. I would also agree it changed the flight a lot but I did not get enough numbers to realize how much it would help!
Hey *****, we finally got some good weather here in Canada and I got out to play a round today. After watching this video again recently it got me thinking about my old R1 Driver and the possibility that lofting up would work on this club too. So I did it, I lofted up from between 9.5 up & 10.5 up (which is what I used last year) to 11 deg. (I think? The notch before 12 deg.). I have to say WOW, the additional yardage is impressive. I hit what could be the farthest drive of my life and without swinging out of my shoes to do it, without a downhill run and without the help of a strong wind. Aside from that one monster drive, I hit 3 other drives 10 yards farther than the furthest drives from last year and 20 yards farther than what I consistently hit last year. (I will admit that some of the additional yardage is from delivering better attack angles this year from last. Thanks for all the golf knowledge that you pass along to us.)
Very honest video Mark - well done. I never thought I'd see the day you actually said anything positive about a Taylormade product!! Joking aside, it will be interesting to see if it actually does replace the i25 in your bag? I've been using the SLDR (10.5* up from 9.5* in my previous Driver - TM R1) for a few months now. It's by far the best driver I've ever hit. Something special about it, and seems to be one of those drivers that only comes around once in a while. Would definitely would recommend a proper fitting however.
I'm with you 100% mark, i've had the 913 in the bag since it's launch and for me thought i'd never get rid of it as it's the most consistant driver i've ever had, but had a fitting for the SLDR just to see if the hype was true and it went straight in the bag, i've gone from 9.5 to 12 deg and gained around 20 yards on my drives, played the Belfry at the weekend and actually drove OVER the 10th green!! defo staying in the bag for me.
Mark, this video is fantastic. I'm glad you took a chance on lofting up and I'm glad you let us know the outcome. Now I've got to get to my pro-shop! Thanks for the great videos. KC
I dont know if this is even a good question or not but does this mean with the RBZ or Jetspeed you would be getting distance like the SLDR beacause didnt RBZ move the CG forward too...just wondering if this only applys to the SLDR i , beacause obviously just "lofting up" sounds great (but not gonna work with every driver)but sounds like the CG has to be forward...wondering if this applys to other taylormade drivers
Probably already pointed out, but two of the 3 balls you hit at 8:06 were the same hit.... you can see a ball roll out in front of the hitting area to exactly the same spot on the first two hits.
Mark, a wonderful vid. Although I must say I find it amazing that people come on these boards to condemn or praise their brands of choice. The best driver is the one you find the fairway with most often. The one you have confidence in at address. What may be right for you may not be right for someone else, hence the importance of being fit before you buy. I myself have always been steep, launching high with tons of backspin. The sldr in an 8 degree head ( no longer available ), dialed down to 7 degrees gives me the low spin low launch 285 yard straight drive I've been trying to hit all my life. So you see the loft up campaign is just marketing rhetoric. I love my sldr at 7 degrees. The point is its a low spin head and I like the look at address. The notion that one club or driver is "better" than another is just marketing rhetoric. Go get fit, try everything and find what's best for you. Thanks again mark, you do a wonderful job. But now I'm going to go work on something that matters, learning to putt as well as Jonas blixt.
I almost stopped watching these reviews (not really, I love ya Mark) because they all end up being the same: 255 again, all clubs are the same, go try it yourself, etc. etc. Lo and behold, you found a club that is better than all the others, or so it seems. Definitely will be heading to the shop to test the SLDR!
Glad I was lying down when I watched this vlog. Do we get to see TM Tour Preferred reviews now? (-; Joking aside, integrity is one of the main reasons I follow you Mark. Two thumbs up for an epic, MC upload.
I had a 8.5 driver longest driver I ever hit...However because of the low launch high spin I didn't hit many fairways. Just got the new Nike covert2 will try it at 10.5 next Saturday. I will let you know how I get on. Great video as always Mark.
I doff my hat to you Mark. I see TaylorMade as great marketing, but you can't argue with raw data. Personally I will always go with what I "feel" is better unless I am gaining significantly in the numbers dept. Kudos for doing the board thingy
Great video Mark, i recently got fitted at woburn golf club for Golf Juice Tv and the numbers were staggering. i gained 10 yards carry and 10 yards extra run!! total 20 yards extra!! video to come.
@@andynaz5631 I'm in the process of changing now. I'm not the same guy I was when I bought in 2014. Time to accept things change and I need something else!
Very honest vid Mark...Are you going to loft up the i25(perhaps a 10.5° model) to see if you get similar numbers?? Taylor Made does not have a monopoly on lofting up!!! You can do it with any driver. Loft up an i25 and show us the numbers Mark.
I enjoyed your video, Mark. I bought a 12º SLDR a couple days ago, on the recommendation of my instructor. Rain and cold have kept me from playing it outdoors, but a recent trip to a very good indoor golf dome has me thinking it was a good choice. My instructor is going to arrange a fitting session with the TM rep to help me fine tune it, possibly upgrading the shaft.
Great show! This confirms my only problem with comparing adjustable drivers: because they're both set up the same (loft, flex, and length), doesn't mean it is a fair comparison. One driver might be longer for a player at 11.25*, and the same player, another driver will perform better at 9*. You can hit/compare what you think is your best specs, and actually be 2*-3* off.
Hi Mark. I am still using my Wilson Superlite HL 12 degree driver. Even though not the same technology as TM, the higher loft and launch suit me fine and are still producing good results and make the game so much more enjoyable. No silly ego issues to deal with. Even if the spin rate on my driver must be much higher.
I just recently got a SLDR and it does go further... I had a Titleist d3 (9.5) and a Cobra Amp cell pro (8.5) and now my SLDR 430 (11.5) has em both, not by a lot, but definitely has em... and I like the way it sounds
Good video Mark. I bought a SLDR last fall when they first became available as my son is a huge fan of anything TaylorMade and the concept of weight forward was intriguing. Like most of the TM drivers I have hit in recent years, it was simply too light for me, as an older, slower swing speed guy. I need a head I can feel and eventually ended up with a Ping G25 which seems to fit my swing much better. While I liked the looks/setup of the SLDR very much, I think it is probably a better fit for those with swing speeds exceeding 100 MPH.
Don't worry Mark I game Mizuno JPX-ez irons and now a Taylormade SLDR driver (so we maybe similar soon). I was completely skeptical over buying from a company that brings out so many clubs per year its easy to lose count but i couldn't hide away from the numbers. I tried about 12 drivers on a fitting session and numero uno was the SLDR closely followed by the R1. The next clubs were a good 20-25 yrs behind which i was never going to give up regardless of what i wanted to see in my bag.
Humble pie ! , but well done take guts and with u being a example makes all this possible, great vid and proves to me your honesty in reviews, defo going to make the journey down to you for a weekend golf fitting and fixing :)
Hey Mark, would you say that along with the increased distance you received with this club that you would also be increasing your accuracy since a higher lofted club is easier to hit than a less lofted club? This becomes a no brainer (in a year when this club is for sale online for $150) if you get increased distance AND accuracy. What do you think? PS - Love your channel!
Interesting data collection, thank you Mr. Crossfield for that. I'm in the market for a new driver and just principles of your due diligence has me thinking at a broader spectrum.
I would like to see you hit the sldr against the covert tour 2.0 set at 11.5 degrees.I would be interested to see how close the spin launch etc compare.I think the covert is also a cg forward design.Thanks for another good vid.
Still struggling with my SLDR 10.5 since i bought it . Thinking of replacing it and now hearing its almost known to be quite unforgiving for mid handicap players. I've never changed the loft, but might try it.
i do something strange. I play ball behind heel at address. Put a large amount of lead wt on it. Then use 16 degrees. It hits a beautiful high draw. If i play a driver at max loft(ie:14 deg) then i must play ball very forward and it fades. Weird, i know. But thats my swing.
Mark, can you please compare the TM SLDR and the Big Bertha Alpha (preferably with the same shafts and loft to have a true spin rate comparison). The BBA was a direct response to the SLDR and I know many people would like to know if it lives up to the hype! I'm pretty sure this video would get a lot of attention on Golfwrx as this question is asked on a daily basis. Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Just done a similar test at The Belfry and I didnt need a computer read out to tell me I was hitting further and with less dispersion - even though I had all the figures at hand. Same goes for the irons I got amazing results with Speedblade irons compared to the clubs I use now.
Thank you for the helpful videos Mark. If you're still hitting the SLDR have you experimented with tee heights at all? It looks like you're using the std. 1/2 ball above the club but I've seen comments suggesting a bit lower is better? Opinion? Thanks.
Hi mark Eat your words lol , love your truthful advice , will be swapping my cobra ZL 9.5 head to my 11.5 and down the range , keep up the good Honest advice Shaun
Hey Mark, great videos as always. 1 question though. Given the driver is primarily aimed at "booming" the ball off the tee, at what point (re: yardage gain) do you consider a change from your current gamer (e.g. +5 yds, +15 yds)? I'm carrying my 910D3 275yds and when I tested the SLDR, my carry increased by 10 yds (dispersion about the same). Is that increase enough to change anything?
Awesome video Mark!!! One question, would you prefer using a 10,5 or 9,5 tweeking it to your preferable loft or using a higher lofted driver with your ideal standard loft. I'm asking since I'm using a RBZ stage 2, which I've added loft to and I would prefer a higher standard loft to keep the head square.
Does forward CG mean the weight is more forward towards the face making the club feel more like an iron? I would like that, I don't like weight that's far back.
Mark - How does club head speed factor into this? Will mere mortals see similar benefits, or do you have to bring the heat (and hit the middle) in order to see such improvement? Thanks!
Mark, interesting video! My only issue is that you are comparing the data to what you remember your averages being on a different driver. Can you post the data of the 9.5 degrees setting on the same club so we can get a better read on the difference?
Mark, Interesting video, but what I want to know is are you able to still hit low drives with it? Because surely if your into a strong wind, maybe hitting slightly down (to keep it down) with more loft it will just spin more, not stay low and not go as far? Basically does loft up work into a strong wind? Can you keep it down?
I think this goes to show how important the difference between launch and spin is. For years, I thought I hit the ball too high, but when I found out my launch was around 13 degrees, and it was my spin that was taking the ball high, I knew what I needed. I got fitted with a shaft that spins a lot less, so now I'm launching it at the same height, but with less spin (around 2100 from 2800), and I'm gaining another 10-15 yards. I think this driver with the wrong shaft could cause massive problems, but paired up with the correct shaft for you then this could be a winner!
Well said! The shaft is overlooked far too often. I'm not a techi-wiz, but haven't the major club companies maximized the clubs COR's anyway? This would mean that the shaft is far more important than the head. In my hunt for a longer driver, I've been disappointed time and time again while doing side by side comparisons with my current gamer. The golf techs always tell me the same thing: My gamer shaft fits me better than the shaft on what I am testing. Several drivers have been equal, but that's not worth the $300-$400 price tag to switch. Just my opinion...
It makes sense to loft up, with less spin and a higher loft the ball is in the sir longer therefore it carries further. I wonder what their next driver is going to be like. We will have to wait a few more months before they bring one out. What was the loft on the head that you were using, was it the 9.5 and you lofted up? Cheers mark
Was interesting data from this mark will go and buy one to try it out should I get a 9.5 or 10.5 my swing speed is around 105 never have problem launching it high current game callaway extreme 9.5 model
Hi mark, another interesting video thanks... I would have preferred to have seen you hit your gamer there first to give some base line numbers for the sldr to beat. I think a trip to Ping at Gainsborough should be your next port of call, i reckon the boys there will match or beat the numbers you've achieved with the sldr at TM. I have bought the i25 driver and found it to be a very low spinning head, I've lofted up in i25 with good results. I personally found the sldr to be like Gorilla James, long but directionally challenged!
Mark, do you plan on doing a head to head with the SLDR and the Covert at the same time. When looking at Flightscopes trajectory optimizer it is obvious your GC2 was operating in error for this test and it might be wise for a head to head test.
Probably one of the best videos yet. Really asked great questions and gave real numbers. Though, only thing I didn't like was no dispersion numbers. Mark, any chance of seeing those?
Very interesting mark, thanks for posting. I too was a sceptic about this campaign, but have been forced to eat my words. Just for sake of argument though, i wonder whether this higher launch and ballflight will hinder confidence and control when playing into a headwind or crosswind. Probably a better benefit for top players, as opposed to my high flight, spinny, flippy swing (working on it:) and i feel more comfortable lofting down.
I had this for a round over the weekend and I found it impossible to hit high at standard 9.5. I normal hit up on the ball so I launch it high with my standard covert. I had to adjust it to 11 degrees standard to get some normal height on it. So yeah I would say it's a perfect for low shot on a links course.
Hey Mark, DO you think this loft up campaign would work with other clubs such as the Rocketballz driver or a ping G25 driver or is it actually specific to the SLDR? Awesome videos and thanks for all your help.
Very humble Mark...good on you. Seems crystal clear that it's legitimate technology. I find it amusing that people still think that lower loft goes further. This was proven to be myth years ago... Angle of descent and spin determine rollout. If the sldr gives a better ratio of descent and spin at 11.25 vs something else at a lower loft (8,9,etc) it will roll farther. This isn't complex.
Great vid. How does the roll out compare with your own driver. It would be interesting to take some drivers out to the course and physically see how they each perform from the same tee box. Love your straight talking!
If you compare these numbers versus the ones. In the I25 Covert 2.0 Test then the peak height if significantly lower by 7 yards, but the descent angle is higher by about 6 degrees. I really wonder how these numbers would correlate to the roll out?
Ok I have the sldr and didn't buy into the whole loft up at first. I was hitting my standard 9.5 degree but found I would be a lot more inconsistent in finding the sweet spot. This and my swing coach told me to loft up to 10.75 degrees I gained 10 yards of carry and went to having a very consistent flight. It may not work for you but don't criticize the guy for giving you his numbers by trying to help you better your golf game. Just my thoughts.
Did SLDR kick the I25 out? I just hit the SLDR 430 for the first time. Sorta quick comparo vs my Amp Cell Pro. I was just as astonished as you are. Not sure it's going to kick the ACP out...will have to hit them both in front of Flightscope but the SLDR felt like a beast and had a similar sound as the ACP which I really like.
No one talks about the SLDR TP version. I bought the 10.5 version (70 gram shaft, 0.5 inch shorter than standard). The TP version has an open face (standard setting) of 0.5. It's a far more solid driver. I lofted up slightly, and it is now in the square/ neutral face angle setting. The net result is increased consistency and reduced dispersion, not an extra 17 yards.
how do those carry numbers compare to the numbers you got when you tee it a bit higher and off your left toe? i recall you did a vid on that, but dont remember the numbers
Would be interesting to know what shaft Mark was fit into also? I think for anyone who consistently hits the middle there's no better driver but the compromise of the extra distance is it is a LESS forgiving driver. Other drivers on the market would better suit the majority but because Taylormade are so good at marketing their equipment, this golf club will sell very well. I think golfers need to be made very aware that they cannot buy this club straight off the self (my brother-in-law has just made that mistake). A proper fitting session will ensure that you get the most out of the SLDR. If not we are likely to see MANY SLDRs sitting in the used section in our local pro shops
I had my SLDR set at a 9.5 as well and had some of the same thoughts when I was out on the range. Without a launch monitor, and me setting the club to 11 degrees, the drive didn't look pretty, and I was short about 8 yards compared to the 9.5 -- so maybe more loft?
So the question is... do you STILL play with a TM SLDR or have you gone to one of the newer technology drivers like the Callaway Epic Flash? With my 100-103MPH swing speed, it seems that the SLDR is just as long and consistent (for me) now as it was 5 years ago when I won this for winning my flight @ the Myrtle Beach World Handicap Amateur (9 index)
So would the same apply to lofting up the Nike Covert? I currently have the covert non-tour version at was at 9.5 but now hitting 10.5. Is there benefit in lofting this to 12.5? surely the covert has a forward CG without the back section? maybe you could do a video on the stats of that?
Just purchased a covert driver, do you think lofting this up to the max would give me better numbers? I hit a fairly long ball 300 yards in the winter 320 plus on a nice day I'm really sceptical about this and don't fancy forking out for another new driver :-/ Great vids though really enjoy the channel
Good video. I did their loft up campaign at the local golf show recently but was disappointed in their execution. As you said in the video and the TM guy said at the show the SLDR is designed differently from older clubs. They had me hit the SLDR at my old loft and then at a new lofted up number. Just buy design I would get better numbers this way. But a comparison to my R1 would be ideal. The numbers weren't that spectacular. Maybe 5-10 yards farther than my R1 but launch monitor ball flights are always the complete opposite to my real ball flight. I hit a fade shot with the driver and the monitor was showing a draw/hook. (I'm a lefty and he had to move the flight scope over and didn't seem too confident when doing so.) To maybe get 10 more likely 5 yards, the $450 price tag just isn't worth it.
Cool video, I recently went from 9.5 to 10.5. At first I thought it was a bit of a high launch but now I feel its a bit more controlled and I cant tell the difference. Maybe 11.25 is my next step with those numbers!
I'm seriously thinking about getting fit for a SLDR head from my Cally RFX right now. The Cally is definitely low launch/spin, but I'm a believer in science.
One of the reasons why I continue to watch your videos and share them is your honesty. Whenever I'm thinking about adding a club or clubs to my bag I check out your review first. Thanks, Bro.
One of your best videos Mark; straight talking, honest and a great ad for lofting up, lol! I have a TM R1 set at 11 and I'm seeing 15yd avg further drives.
I've just been fitted by Dave fernley at tru-fit golf in Warrington for both the SLDR driver and 3 wood and can honestly say it was a fantastic experience, I think it's absolutely essential that u get fitted, it may have cost a few quid more , but having hit the driver with about 5 different shafts and various changes with the loft, once u get the right setting it's just amazing ! I'm now at 11.25 with the driver and 16.5 with the 3 wood, I urge anyone to go and get fitted at a taylormade test centre, great video mark, keep them coming
Went to get fitted for a 9.5 913 d2.....walked out with a 10.5 SLDR. As much as I loved the D2 I couldn't argue with the figures on the SLDR. Extra 5-10 yards carry and about 600 rpm less spin. Not just another gimmick. Taylormade has nailed it with this one. I even bought a matching 3 wood.
Daz
Superb video Mark, I've been struggling with low launch and a mid fade as my natural drive so i opted for a 16 deg sldr after watching this vid, played my home course today and averaged and seeing the numbers, I set the club 1 notch into draw and was nailing my drives straight around 260 to 270 massively improved my game, please keep doing the reviews I like the no nonsense approach you have and your almost never wrong 😃 thanks again.
+Russell Lodge how is it still going with the 16dg driver? I've seen one in the proshop at my course and after struggling and seeing this video and your comment, I'm inclined to test it out. I've been under the shadow of the golfer's ego with lofts but if your comment is true then I might as well test it out. cheers
HUUUUGE kudos Mark. I'm so impressed you did this, and did it such a measured fashion. A golf scholar and a gent indeed.
thanks for watching and it was a interesting day.
Mark Crossfield Did you finally switch drivers to the new loft?
Hi Mark
I really love the sldr driver
And yes it does start off high but I play it on 12 degress
And it given me 10 to 15 yards
Over my titleist 913d2 10.5. It does work.
Was in the market for driver and fairway woods. Took the local pro's advice, had a flightscope session and hit several drivers. This club stood out by miles for me. The "numbers" were much better and more importantly - consistent. I hit it straighter than I can dare to say and it felt wonderful. Had my mind set on a totally different club but this one just suited me perfectly. Definitely try this against other drivers. My first Taylormade and I hope with the adjustability to suit my hopefully ever improving game with practice for a long time to come.
Major props to you for actually doing the video! I know your opinion on them. I would also agree it changed the flight a lot but I did not get enough numbers to realize how much it would help!
I hope you enjoyed your humble pie Mark, no more freebies from Gainsborough now.
Hey *****, we finally got some good weather here in Canada and I got out to play a round today. After watching this video again recently it got me thinking about my old R1 Driver and the possibility that lofting up would work on this club too. So I did it, I lofted up from between 9.5 up & 10.5 up (which is what I used last year) to 11 deg. (I think? The notch before 12 deg.). I have to say WOW, the additional yardage is impressive. I hit what could be the farthest drive of my life and without swinging out of my shoes to do it, without a downhill run and without the help of a strong wind. Aside from that one monster drive, I hit 3 other drives 10 yards farther than the furthest drives from last year and 20 yards farther than what I consistently hit last year. (I will admit that some of the additional yardage is from delivering better attack angles this year from last. Thanks for all the golf knowledge that you pass along to us.)
Very honest video Mark - well done. I never thought I'd see the day you actually said anything positive about a Taylormade product!! Joking aside, it will be interesting to see if it actually does replace the i25 in your bag? I've been using the SLDR (10.5* up from 9.5* in my previous Driver - TM R1) for a few months now. It's by far the best driver I've ever hit. Something special about it, and seems to be one of those drivers that only comes around once in a while. Would definitely would recommend a proper fitting however.
I'm with you 100% mark, i've had the 913 in the bag since it's launch and for me thought i'd never get rid of it as it's the most consistant driver i've ever had, but had a fitting for the SLDR just to see if the hype was true and it went straight in the bag, i've gone from 9.5 to 12 deg and gained around 20 yards on my drives, played the Belfry at the weekend and actually drove OVER the 10th green!! defo staying in the bag for me.
Mark, this video is fantastic. I'm glad you took a chance on lofting up and I'm glad you let us know the outcome. Now I've got to get to my pro-shop! Thanks for the great videos. KC
thanks fro watching.
I dont know if this is even a good question or not but does this mean with the RBZ or Jetspeed you would be getting distance like the SLDR beacause didnt RBZ move the CG forward too...just wondering if this only applys to the SLDR i , beacause obviously just "lofting up" sounds great (but not gonna work with every driver)but sounds like the CG has to be forward...wondering if this applys to other taylormade drivers
Probably already pointed out, but two of the 3 balls you hit at 8:06 were the same hit.... you can see a ball roll out in front of the hitting area to exactly the same spot on the first two hits.
Mark, a wonderful vid. Although I must say I find it amazing that people come on these boards to condemn or praise their brands of choice. The best driver is the one you find the fairway with most often. The one you have confidence in at address. What may be right for you may not be right for someone else, hence the importance of being fit before you buy. I myself have always been steep, launching high with tons of backspin. The sldr in an 8 degree head ( no longer available ), dialed down to 7 degrees gives me the low spin low launch 285 yard straight drive I've been trying to hit all my life. So you see the loft up campaign is just marketing rhetoric. I love my sldr at 7 degrees. The point is its a low spin head and I like the look at address. The notion that one club or driver is "better" than another is just marketing rhetoric. Go get fit, try everything and find what's best for you. Thanks again mark, you do a wonderful job. But now I'm going to go work on something that matters, learning to putt as well as Jonas blixt.
I almost stopped watching these reviews (not really, I love ya Mark) because they all end up being the same: 255 again, all clubs are the same, go try it yourself, etc. etc.
Lo and behold, you found a club that is better than all the others, or so it seems. Definitely will be heading to the shop to test the SLDR!
Glad I was lying down when I watched this vlog. Do we get to see TM Tour Preferred reviews now? (-;
Joking aside, integrity is one of the main reasons I follow you Mark. Two thumbs up for an epic, MC upload.
I had a 8.5 driver longest driver I ever hit...However because of the low launch high spin I didn't hit many fairways. Just got the new Nike covert2 will try it at 10.5 next Saturday. I will let you know how I get on. Great video as always Mark.
I doff my hat to you Mark. I see TaylorMade as great marketing, but you can't argue with raw data. Personally I will always go with what I "feel" is better unless I am gaining significantly in the numbers dept. Kudos for doing the board thingy
Great video Mark, i recently got fitted at woburn golf club for Golf Juice Tv and the numbers were staggering. i gained 10 yards carry and 10 yards extra run!! total 20 yards extra!! video to come.
I'm still using this driver in 2023. Love it.
2024, Still use the SLDR 430 TP Version still long and more forgiving than the 460 model.
@@andynaz5631 I'm in the process of changing now. I'm not the same guy I was when I bought in 2014. Time to accept things change and I need something else!
Very honest vid Mark...Are you going to loft up the i25(perhaps a 10.5° model) to see if you get similar numbers?? Taylor Made does not have a monopoly on lofting up!!! You can do it with any driver. Loft up an i25 and show us the numbers Mark.
I think it's a Taylormade design, i've always ballooned other high lofted drivers
I enjoyed your video, Mark. I bought a 12º SLDR a couple days ago, on the recommendation of my instructor. Rain and cold have kept me from playing it outdoors, but a recent trip to a very good indoor golf dome has me thinking it was a good choice. My instructor is going to arrange a fitting session with the TM rep to help me fine tune it, possibly upgrading the shaft.
Just a two quick questions Mark.
1) Was that with using the stock shaft?
2) Did you feel you could still shape the ball with that much loft?
Nice shank from the next bay over at 6:10
lmao
Great show! This confirms my only problem with comparing adjustable drivers: because they're both set up the same (loft, flex, and length), doesn't mean it is a fair comparison. One driver might be longer for a player at 11.25*, and the same player, another driver will perform better at 9*. You can hit/compare what you think is your best specs, and actually be 2*-3* off.
Hi Mark. I am still using my Wilson Superlite HL 12 degree driver. Even though not the same technology as TM, the higher loft and launch suit me fine and are still producing good results and make the game so much more enjoyable. No silly ego issues to deal with. Even if the spin rate on my driver must be much higher.
I just recently got a SLDR and it does go further... I had a Titleist d3 (9.5) and a Cobra Amp cell pro (8.5) and now my SLDR 430 (11.5) has em both, not by a lot, but definitely has em... and I like the way it sounds
Good video Mark. I bought a SLDR last fall when they first became available as my son is a huge fan of anything TaylorMade and the concept of weight forward was intriguing. Like most of the TM drivers I have hit in recent years, it was simply too light for me, as an older, slower swing speed guy. I need a head I can feel and eventually ended up with a Ping G25 which seems to fit my swing much better. While I liked the looks/setup of the SLDR very much, I think it is probably a better fit for those with swing speeds exceeding 100 MPH.
Look at you eating humble pie *gobble gobble* HAHAHA love it!!!
haha yes its tastes good
Don't worry Mark I game Mizuno JPX-ez irons and now a Taylormade SLDR driver (so we maybe similar soon). I was completely skeptical over buying from a company that brings out so many clubs per year its easy to lose count but i couldn't hide away from the numbers. I tried about 12 drivers on a fitting session and numero uno was the SLDR closely followed by the R1. The next clubs were a good 20-25 yrs behind which i was never going to give up regardless of what i wanted to see in my bag.
Mark, did you get any footage of the motion capture sequence of the fitting?
Hi Mark,
So what shaft did They put you in the SLDR on the day?
Humble pie ! , but well done take guts and with u being a example makes all this possible, great vid and proves to me your honesty in reviews, defo going to make the journey down to you for a weekend golf fitting and fixing :)
Brilliant video it mirrors exactly what I went through wouldn't part with my sldr but YOU MUST get on a monitor and compare
Hey Mark, would you say that along with the increased distance you received with this club that you would also be increasing your accuracy since a higher lofted club is easier to hit than a less lofted club? This becomes a no brainer (in a year when this club is for sale online for $150) if you get increased distance AND accuracy. What do you think? PS - Love your channel!
And presumably mark u had a play with various shafts ? Or was it the stock shaft ?
Interesting data collection, thank you Mr. Crossfield for that. I'm in the market for a new driver and just principles of your due diligence has me thinking at a broader spectrum.
I would like to see you hit the sldr against the covert tour 2.0 set at 11.5 degrees.I would be interested to see how close the spin launch etc compare.I think the covert is also a cg forward design.Thanks for another good vid.
Still struggling with my SLDR 10.5 since i bought it . Thinking of replacing it and now hearing its almost known to be quite unforgiving for mid handicap players. I've never changed the loft, but might try it.
i do something strange. I play ball behind heel at address. Put a large amount of lead wt on it. Then use 16 degrees. It hits a beautiful high draw. If i play a driver at max loft(ie:14 deg) then i must play ball very forward and it fades. Weird, i know. But thats my swing.
Mark, can you please compare the TM SLDR and the Big Bertha Alpha (preferably with the same shafts and loft to have a true spin rate comparison). The BBA was a direct response to the SLDR and I know many people would like to know if it lives up to the hype! I'm pretty sure this video would get a lot of attention on Golfwrx as this question is asked on a daily basis.
Thanks! Keep up the good work!
Just done a similar test at The Belfry and I didnt need a computer read out to tell me I was hitting further and with less dispersion - even though I had all the figures at hand. Same goes for the irons I got amazing results with Speedblade irons compared to the clubs I use now.
Very compelling video. I wasn't going to even try this driver I might have to now.
Thank you for the helpful videos Mark. If you're still hitting the SLDR have you experimented with tee heights at all? It looks like you're using the std. 1/2 ball above the club but I've seen comments suggesting a bit lower is better? Opinion? Thanks.
Hi mark
Eat your words lol , love your truthful advice , will be swapping my cobra ZL 9.5 head to my 11.5 and down the range , keep up the good
Honest advice Shaun
Love the videos.Will you be doing a review on the cobra bio cell driver?
Hey Mark, great videos as always. 1 question though. Given the driver is primarily aimed at "booming" the ball off the tee, at what point (re: yardage gain) do you consider a change from your current gamer (e.g. +5 yds, +15 yds)? I'm carrying my 910D3 275yds and when I tested the SLDR, my carry increased by 10 yds (dispersion about the same). Is that increase enough to change anything?
Awesome video Mark!!! One question, would you prefer using a 10,5 or 9,5 tweeking it to your preferable loft or using a higher lofted driver with your ideal standard loft. I'm asking since I'm using a RBZ stage 2, which I've added loft to and I would prefer a higher standard loft to keep the head square.
Does forward CG mean the weight is more forward towards the face making the club feel more like an iron? I would like that, I don't like weight that's far back.
Mark - How does club head speed factor into this? Will mere mortals see similar benefits, or do you have to bring the heat (and hit the middle) in order to see such improvement? Thanks!
Very interesting data! Thanks for giving TaylorMade a chance Mark. I'm very happy with my Ping i20 driver, but now I will have to try out the TM SLDR.
Mark, interesting video! My only issue is that you are comparing the data to what you remember your averages being on a different driver. Can you post the data of the 9.5 degrees setting on the same club so we can get a better read on the difference?
Mark,
Interesting video, but what I want to know is are you able to still hit low drives with it? Because surely if your into a strong wind, maybe hitting slightly down (to keep it down) with more loft it will just spin more, not stay low and not go as far? Basically does loft up work into a strong wind? Can you keep it down?
With the higher loft of the driver will you have steeper decent angles effecting roll out distances? Also great videos keep it up
I think this goes to show how important the difference between launch and spin is. For years, I thought I hit the ball too high, but when I found out my launch was around 13 degrees, and it was my spin that was taking the ball high, I knew what I needed.
I got fitted with a shaft that spins a lot less, so now I'm launching it at the same height, but with less spin (around 2100 from 2800), and I'm gaining another 10-15 yards. I think this driver with the wrong shaft could cause massive problems, but paired up with the correct shaft for you then this could be a winner!
Well said! The shaft is overlooked far too often. I'm not a techi-wiz, but haven't the major club companies maximized the clubs COR's anyway? This would mean that the shaft is far more important than the head.
In my hunt for a longer driver, I've been disappointed time and time again while doing side by side comparisons with my current gamer. The golf techs always tell me the same thing: My gamer shaft fits me better than the shaft on what I am testing. Several drivers have been equal, but that's not worth the $300-$400 price tag to switch. Just my opinion...
Hey Mark,
You should do a comparison between the rbz stage 2, jetspeed, and Sldr fairway woods
It makes sense to loft up, with less spin and a higher loft the ball is in the sir longer therefore it carries further. I wonder what their next driver is going to be like. We will have to wait a few more months before they bring one out. What was the loft on the head that you were using, was it the 9.5 and you lofted up? Cheers mark
Was interesting data from this mark will go and buy one to try it out should I get a 9.5 or 10.5 my swing speed is around 105 never have problem launching it high current game callaway extreme 9.5 model
Hi mark, another interesting video thanks... I would have preferred to have seen you hit your gamer there first to give some base line numbers for the sldr to beat. I think a trip to Ping at Gainsborough should be your next port of call, i reckon the boys there will match or beat the numbers you've achieved with the sldr at TM. I have bought the i25 driver and found it to be a very low spinning head, I've lofted up in i25 with good results. I personally found the sldr to be like Gorilla James, long but directionally challenged!
lol at the huge drive at 6:07. Great video Mark!
Mark, do you plan on doing a head to head with the SLDR and the Covert at the same time. When looking at Flightscopes trajectory optimizer it is obvious your GC2 was operating in error for this test and it might be wise for a head to head test.
Probably one of the best videos yet. Really asked great questions and gave real numbers. Though, only thing I didn't like was no dispersion numbers. Mark, any chance of seeing those?
thanks for watching I was hitting it straight, it is a driver I hit drivers straight. :)
Fair enough haha.
Very interesting mark, thanks for posting.
I too was a sceptic about this campaign, but have been forced to eat my words.
Just for sake of argument though, i wonder whether this higher launch and ballflight will hinder confidence and control when playing into a headwind or crosswind. Probably a better benefit for top players, as opposed to my high flight, spinny, flippy swing (working on it:) and i feel more comfortable lofting down.
9:45 hmmm, nice 'loft up' there in the background :D
Hi Mark, are you going to do a review of the new Nike RZN balls?
I had this for a round over the weekend and I found it impossible to hit high at standard 9.5. I normal hit up on the ball so I launch it high with my standard covert. I had to adjust it to 11 degrees standard to get some normal height on it. So yeah I would say it's a perfect for low shot on a links course.
I like this observation
Hey Mark,
DO you think this loft up campaign would work with other clubs such as the Rocketballz driver or a ping G25 driver or is it actually specific to the SLDR?
Awesome videos and thanks for all your help.
I was fitted for one yesterday...great numbers, bought it on the spot!!
And sold it again! Now hitting Titleist 913...happier
Did they fool you with a different shaft than you're use too? Longer? Less Spiny?
Fair play to Mark. Saying it how it is and admits he was wrong about TM's marketing on this occasion.
Mark, where did you have the slider positioned? Neutral, open, closed?
Very humble Mark...good on you.
Seems crystal clear that it's legitimate technology. I find it amusing that people still think that lower loft goes further. This was proven to be myth years ago...
Angle of descent and spin determine rollout.
If the sldr gives a better ratio of descent and spin at 11.25 vs something else at a lower loft (8,9,etc) it will roll farther.
This isn't complex.
Great vid. How does the roll out compare with your own driver. It would be interesting to take some drivers out to the course and physically see how they each perform from the same tee box. Love your straight talking!
thanks for watching, it should roll more as it has less spin and total height was not any higher.
Mark Crossfield and be beast into the wind when not lofted up!
best video to date by a mile, honest as always (and makes me feel good as I bought one last summer) #loftup
If you compare these numbers versus the ones. In the I25 Covert 2.0 Test then the peak height if significantly lower by 7 yards, but the descent angle is higher by about 6 degrees. I really wonder how these numbers would correlate to the roll out?
Where has the "hump" on the bottom of the R11 and R1 gone? Or is that all done in the hosel adjustment?
Ok I have the sldr and didn't buy into the whole loft up at first. I was hitting my standard 9.5 degree but found I would be a lot more inconsistent in finding the sweet spot. This and my swing coach told me to loft up to 10.75 degrees I gained 10 yards of carry and went to having a very consistent flight. It may not work for you but don't criticize the guy for giving you his numbers by trying to help you better your golf game. Just my thoughts.
BIG QUESTION IS....... Is it going in the bag???
Did SLDR kick the I25 out? I just hit the SLDR 430 for the first time. Sorta quick comparo vs my Amp Cell Pro. I was just as astonished as you are. Not sure it's going to kick the ACP out...will have to hit them both in front of Flightscope but the SLDR felt like a beast and had a similar sound as the ACP which I really like.
Very interested to see what the higher lofted I25 does..................and has the SLDR made it to the bag?
Does the lofting up affect the "roll"? I noticed that the GC2 numbers only have "carry"?
No one talks about the SLDR TP version. I bought the 10.5 version (70 gram shaft, 0.5 inch shorter than standard). The TP version has an open face (standard setting) of 0.5. It's a far more solid driver. I lofted up slightly, and it is now in the square/ neutral face angle setting. The net result is increased consistency and reduced dispersion, not an extra 17 yards.
how do those carry numbers compare to the numbers you got when you tee it a bit higher and off your left toe? i recall you did a vid on that, but dont remember the numbers
Would be interesting to know what shaft Mark was fit into also? I think for anyone who consistently hits the middle there's no better driver but the compromise of the extra distance is it is a LESS forgiving driver. Other drivers on the market would better suit the majority but because Taylormade are so good at marketing their equipment, this golf club will sell very well. I think golfers need to be made very aware that they cannot buy this club straight off the self (my brother-in-law has just made that mistake). A proper fitting session will ensure that you get the most out of the SLDR. If not we are likely to see MANY SLDRs sitting in the used section in our local pro shops
Hi mark what shaft did you use with the driver was it the standard stiff that comes with the driver ???
I had my SLDR set at a 9.5 as well and had some of the same thoughts when I was out on the range. Without a launch monitor, and me setting the club to 11 degrees, the drive didn't look pretty, and I was short about 8 yards compared to the 9.5 -- so maybe more loft?
Hey Mark! could you Review the Bombtech driver please?
Still using the SLDR fitted by TM, lofted to 11 deg. With stiff shaft.
So the question is... do you STILL play with a TM SLDR or have you gone to one of the newer technology drivers like the Callaway Epic Flash? With my 100-103MPH swing speed, it seems that the SLDR is just as long and consistent (for me) now as it was 5 years ago when I won this for winning my flight @ the Myrtle Beach World Handicap Amateur (9 index)
So are you putting the SLDR in the bag?
So would the same apply to lofting up the Nike Covert? I currently have the covert non-tour version at was at 9.5 but now hitting 10.5. Is there benefit in lofting this to 12.5? surely the covert has a forward CG without the back section? maybe you could do a video on the stats of that?
Just purchased a covert driver, do you think lofting this up to the max would give me better numbers? I hit a fairly long ball 300 yards in the winter 320 plus on a nice day I'm really sceptical about this and don't fancy forking out for another new driver :-/
Great vids though really enjoy the channel
lol 300 yards in winter.....video proof or gtfo
mark the covert has forward weighting so doesnt the TM concept work the nike too
why dont u do a custom fit for the covert instead of the stock shafts
Good video. I did their loft up campaign at the local golf show recently but was disappointed in their execution. As you said in the video and the TM guy said at the show the SLDR is designed differently from older clubs. They had me hit the SLDR at my old loft and then at a new lofted up number. Just buy design I would get better numbers this way. But a comparison to my R1 would be ideal. The numbers weren't that spectacular. Maybe 5-10 yards farther than my R1 but launch monitor ball flights are always the complete opposite to my real ball flight. I hit a fade shot with the driver and the monitor was showing a draw/hook. (I'm a lefty and he had to move the flight scope over and didn't seem too confident when doing so.) To maybe get 10 more likely 5 yards, the $450 price tag just isn't worth it.
Cool video, I recently went from 9.5 to 10.5. At first I thought it was a bit of a high launch but now I feel its a bit more controlled and I cant tell the difference. Maybe 11.25 is my next step with those numbers!
I'm seriously thinking about getting fit for a SLDR head from my Cally RFX right now. The Cally is definitely low launch/spin, but I'm a believer in science.
Thanks Guru I lofted up as well! 11.75!!!
So are you switching to this driver? And is it standard 9.5 adjusted to the 12 or whatever degrees?