Taylormade JetSpeed Driver

TaylorMade was the first company to tout the distance-enhancing properties of a channel designed into the sole of an iron (aka their "Speed Pocket"). For those not familiar with this technology, the Speed Pocket lets the face of the club flex more at impact, creating a trampoline effect. This delivers higher ball speed and more distance, even on mishits. So it only made sense that TaylorMade would go one step further and incorporate this technology into a driver?

Although some may question the logic of engineering a product that is already near the COR (Coefficient of Restitution) limit, the JetSpeed driver is designed to promote less spin. The Speed Pocket is filled with a polymer that keeps debris out and absorbs unwanted vibration while allowing the face to flex freely.

The New Taylormade JetSpeed driver gets its name honestly; every aspect of this club is designed to promote extreme velocity: swing speed, clubhead speed and ball speed. The JetSpeed is longer and lighter than most drivers on the market. With a 46" shaft weighing in at only 49 grams and a clubhead of only 299 grams, JetSpeed promotes faster swing speed which equates to more distance. The streamlined head shape also helps to increase swing speed for more distance. JetSpeed comes stock with a Matrix Velox T 49 shaft. A Tour Pro version is also available, the difference being the stock Matrix Velox 60 shaft. Matrix developed the Velox shaft specifically for the JetSpeed. It is designed with more weight towards the butt end, which is ideal for lighter driver heads.

As a rule, the higher a players' handicap goes, the more likely they are hitting the ball low on the clubface. This leads to excessive spin and lower ball speeds, which in turn makes the ball fly too high and land short. JetSpeed's Speed Pocket is designed to minimize that added spin dramatically, resulting in more distance. This is true not only for off-center hits but when you catch it thin as well. And when you hit it square in the middle of the face, you're going to beam with excitement. I have not come across anything that is longer!

Something else you need to know about the JetSpeed is that most players will have to "loft up" to realize the full distance-enhancing benefits of this club. The JetSpeed has a low-forward CG (Center of Gravity) location, which TaylorMade has proven in previous models generates a faster ball speeds and lower spin rates. For years it had been widely accepted in the golf industry that a low-back CG was the best location to enhance distance; TaylorMade proved this theory wrong.

A shallow profile allows this ultra-low CG to promote high launch for more distance. The JetSpeed is available in three lofts - 9.5°, 10.5° and HL (13°). The "Loft Sleeve" technology allows you to easily choose from one of 12 positions giving you a range of loft adjustment from (+ or -)1.5°. The weight on the sole of the club is not adjustable; it's factory-installed to improve swing weight.

Looking at the sole of the club, one can quickly see the similarities between the JetSpeed driver and the SLDR. Both have the same blue shading and shiny chrome finish, obviously the JetSpeed does not have the moveable weight. A matte black crown on the JetSpeed reduces glare, and the contrasting silver face makes alignment easy. This matte black crown is further evidence that TaylorMade is headed back to its roots of a black finish on drivers, woods and hybrids.

The TaylorMade JetSpeed driver will benefit golfers of all abilities. Whether you tend to hit if off the toe or off the heel, JetSpeed will deliver more distance than you are used to. If you are an above average ball striker and tend to hit the ball in the center of the clubface more often than not, you will be amazed at the piercing trajectory and above average distance you get., as well as some additional roll. As far as the sound you hear with good contact, it seems somewhat hollow and muted, nothing that will deter a player from buying this club.

If you are thinking of changing out the "big stick," the TaylorMade JetSpeed may well be the right club for you. The number of adjustments that can be made are minimal, so you won't spend as much time overthinking your club set up. Even with its light weight, this club feels nicely balanced when you first pick it up. It offers both forgiveness and added distance - something most amateur players crave. With a sweet spot 25% larger than its predecessor, the RBZ Stage 2, JetSpeed can be hit more consistently.
You can find the JetSpeed driver at all brick and mortar golf retailers as well as online. If they carry TaylorMade - and who doesn't - then they will have the JetSpeed; unless they're sold out. MSRP on this club is $299, so the price is right. For more information, visit the TaylorMade website at www.taylormadegolf.com.