When was the last time TaylorMade introduced a new driver?
In January 2024, TaylorMade launched the Qi10 series standard model, Qi10 LS (low spin) and Qi10 Max (maximum forgiveness), forming a three-pronged attack on the wood club market that TaylorMade has always been good at.
Compared to the Stealth 2's red face, the Qi10 is navy blue and has a more rounded shape instead of a pear shape. Technically, it aims to maximize the moment of inertia without losing any speed. The higher the MOI (moment of inertia), the more forgiving the club is. A higher moment of inertia reduces head rotation on off-center hits and reduces mis-hits. Previous efforts to increase MOI reached around 8500, but this driver has hit the 10,000 mark. So Qi10 – task (Q), i (inertia), 10 (10k).
What's in the new series?
This time around there are four additional driver head options – Qi35 (standard), Qi35 LS (low spin), Qi35 Max (maximum forgiveness) and now Qi35 Max Lite (lightweight). Gone is the blue carbon twist side, and now we have a black carbon side with a striking, rather futuristic gray matte crown.
What are the key technologies?
The most important topic is CG projection. According to TaylorMade, this is “the measurement of the balance point of the head projected onto the face.” This metric can help define the driver's intrinsic startup conditions. When the ball is hit above this equilibrium point, the ball launches higher and spins less, allowing for a longer hit. When the ball is hit below this equilibrium point, it produces more spin, lower launch, and a shorter ball.
By lowering the balance point and optimizing clubhead weight, TaylorMade engineers activated a larger area of opportunity on the clubface for improved launch conditions. These improvements allow each driver in the Qi35 driver series to sit farther from the clubface. With interchangeable Trajectory Adjustment System (TAS) weights, the CG projection of the Qi35 LS and Qi35 can be further optimized to create the most efficient CG adjustment for shot shape and control.
To put it more simply, if you think about it, when you hit the ball high on the driver face, the ball launches high but with very little spin, and it goes on forever. Conversely, lower shots launch lower, spin more, and don't go anywhere. So the plan is to lower the center of gravity projection to give you more hitting surface, and they do that by moving the weight around the clubhead.
Why 35?
That doesn't mean 35,000 MOI, but 3 and 5. of club head. Yes, we did say four before, but there's a fifth SelectFit head. That's the name of the TaylorMade accessory component where they installed six white squares that are reflective markers. As each model is fit, a launch monitor such as GC Quad can pick up this data to achieve a more accurate fit. It also works with TrackMan, which seems like a brilliant advancement in the assembly process.
What is the TaylorMade Qi35 Driver?
What's most striking about their standard driver offering is that it has the same high-inertia shape as the Qi35 Max. Therefore, there is enough force to help the weight in the club head move further forward and backward. The overall clubhead length has been increased by 8mm from front to back, and weight has been reduced/repositioned to make it a 9k driver.
It features two TAS weights; 13g rear and 3g front allowing golfers to customize the CG projection. Available in 9°, 10.5° and 12° tilt angles.
What is the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Driver?
This is another inspiring driver with a small white strip at the top of the face that pairs perfectly with the gray crown. These Qi35 drivers have been well received for their appearance, with most observers preferring their appearance to the previous Stealth and Qi10 models. It's super forgiving, which will appeal to those who hit the ball full-face, and here we have a 34-gram fixed tungsten weight that doesn't add to the overall weight of the clubhead. This keeps the MOI at 10k, which is printed on the sole of the clubhead. Testers also said the Qi10 Max drivers in the Nelly Korda bag sounded better. Available in 9°, 10.5° and 12° tilt angles.
What is the TaylorMade Qi35 LS Driver?
This low-spin product is ideal for players who swing quickly and don’t need extra forgiveness. It has a more compact pear-shaped head and features three removable weights – 13 grams and two 3 grams. The 13g is centrally located so it's designed for neutral flight, while the front weight can be positioned for optimal spin, launch and shot shape control. Previously there was a removable weight track in the Qi10, but TaylorMade felt this took up too much weight. This will appeal to players who really spin the ball. MOI wise it weighs about 7.7k and if you move the heavier weight into the front groove it's below 7k so if you hit it very low on the face it's going to create very little of rotation, which is exactly what you want. Available in 8, 9 and 10.5° tilt angles.
What is the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite Driver?
Here we have an ultra-lightweight driver, 35 grams lighter than the Max. This is designed for golfers looking to increase clubhead speed and is also available in a women's size with a slightly shorter 44-inch shaft. Like the Max, it has a slight draw bias and features a single 24-gram tungsten weight designed to increase ball speed and forgiveness. Available in 10° and 12° inclination angles.
Can I pre-order the TaylorMade Qi35 driver?
Known as one of the most forgiving options on the market in 2025, the Qi35 has received nothing but praise since its introduction to the PGA Tour.
With each model priced at a whopping £529, it will be an interesting debate over whether the Qi10's 2025 upgrade is worth the money: but one thing is for sure, the Qi35 is going to be a fantastic and diverse range of drives.
Pre-orders are now open, and the full range will be available for sale on January 30.
Read more: 2025 First Look: What do we know about the new Ping G440 driver?
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