TaylorMade Launch R1 Driver

TaylorMade have unveiled their new R1 driver, the follow-up product to the massively-successful R11S.

The R1 has been designed with 12 loft options and seven face angle settings, as well as the brand’s famous movable weight technology – but despite the high level of adjustability, it’s an intuitive bit of kit that is straight forward to use.

“Offering a wide range of loft settings is imperative, because our research indicates that 80% of golfers are playing the wrong loft, which costs them distance,” said Dr Benoit Vincent, chief technical officer.

“The R1 offers 12 positions to help golfers find the loft that delivers the launch conditions that deliver maximum distance.”

There are seven standard loft positions, and five upright ones, while golfers can also change the face angle to sit in one of the following positions – neutral square, open, medium-open, maximum-open, closed, medium-closed and maximum-closed.

The brand was the first to offer white-headed woods to the masses when they launched the original R11 in January 2011 and the latest version looks set to be one of the hottest clubs of 2013.

In addition to the easier-to-use adjustability, the driver features an innovative crown design following consultation with Dr Steve Hitzeman, a professor of sports optometry. The combination of white, black, grey and orange on the crown helps the golfer with alignment, while the sizeable head inspires confidence at address.

There has also been an improvement in aerodynamics – the R1 is less affected by drag throughout the swing, which means more clubhead speed for greater distance.

RRP: £349 and £399 (TP).