Also new for 2013 is the RocketBallz Stage 2 Fairway Woods, which TaylorMade claims goes an additional 10 yards farther than last year’s RocketBallz. If you consider their earlier 17-yard distance boost claim, that’s a 27-yard increase over other fairway woods (if you’re a better player of course). They accomplished this by improving on the original RocketBallz speed slot, a hollow strip behind the clubface, and by incorporating a high-strength steel typically used in aircraft landing gear. This steel, which they call RocketSteel, allowed their engineers to create a thinner, faster face and to move the club’s center of gravity low and forward, which helps project the ball higher with less spin. (The distance gain also comes from the fact that the club measures 43.5”, up to a half an inch longer than typical 3-woods).
Do these clubs live up to the hype or are they just cleverly marketed? They certainly impressed the HK Golfer editorial team at a recent test event in Macau, but only you’ll be able to answer those questions because ultimately the “best” club is the one that’s right for your game. And, while it might be fun to tweak and mess around with a club’s settings – not to mention scream "RocketBallz!" after every shot – the only real way to find the one that’s right for you is to take the time to test them out.
SCORECARD
R1 Driver
Comes shipped in a 10° loft but has a range between 8° and 12°. 460cc clubhead volume and 45.5” length. Stock shaft is the Aldila Rip Phenom 55 and comes in four different flexes. Custom options available. TP version also available. HK$5,600
RocketBallz Stage 2 3-Wood
15°, 43.5”, 175cc clubhead volume. Stock shaft is a Matrix Rocketfuel 60 in five different flexes. Numerous custom shaft options available. HK$2,580
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