I've been playing golf for over two decades, and every year manufacturers promise the "longest driver ever" or "the most forgiving club you'll ever hit." Usually, I take these claims with a grain of salt. But when TaylorMade sent me the Qi10 LS to test, I'll admit I was intrigued. This wasn't just another driver iteration; this was supposedly built for players like me who generate decent clubhead speed but struggle with too much spin. After three months and countless rounds with this club in my bag, I ultimately understand why Tiger and Rory have this thing in play.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
The Qi10 LS delivers exceptional low spin performance with 2,200-2,400 RPM rates, ideal for golfers with swing speeds over 105 mph.
Advanced carbon construction including Infinity Carbon Crown and 60X Carbon Twist Face produces consistent ball speeds of 165-170 mph.
The 18-gram sliding weight system and 12 hosel settings provide extensive customization for shot shaping and trajectory control.
Despite being designed for better players, the driver maintains surprising forgiveness on mishits through strategic weight redistribution.
Currently priced at $399.99 on sale (regular $599), offering premium tour-level technology at a more accessible price point.
TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver
TaylorMade Qi10 LS dominates with piercing ball flight and max tour control off the tee.
Initial Impressions Set the Tone
Right out of the box, the Qi10 LS looks different. That all-gloss carbon crown covers nearly the entire top of the club, we're talking 97% of the crown area, and it immediately screams premium. The 460cc head sits more compact at address than I expected (in a good way), giving me that control-oriented look I prefer without sacrificing forgiveness. The sliding weight track on the sole caught my eye immediately. It's not just for show that the 18-gram weight slides farther forward and lower than anything TaylorMade has done before.
Setting up behind the ball for the first time, I noticed how the deep face profile frames the ball perfectly. Something is confidence-inspiringthe about the way this driver sits at address. It doesn't look oversized or game-improvement-y, but it doesn't look intimidating either. It's that perfect middle ground that better players crave.
The Carbon Innovation Actually Matters
Let me talk about this Infinity Carbon Crown for a minute because it's not marketing fluff. By using carbon fiber for 97% of the crown, TaylorMade has effectively freed up weight from where you don't need it (up high) and moved it to where you do need it (low and adjustable). I've tested plenty of carbon crown drivers before, but this implementation feels different. The weight savings are real; you can feel it in the swing.
The 60X Carbon Twist Face (their third generation of this technology) is noticeably lighter than traditional titanium faces. Now, I'm not an engineer, but I understand physics well enough to know that less weight in the face means more weight can be redistributed for forgiveness and adjustability. And that's exactly what TaylorMade has done here.
What really impressed me during testing was how this lighter face construction translated to ball speed. Even on strikes that weren't perfectly centered, I was maintaining speeds that would normally require a pure strike. The energy transfer feels more efficient, like the club is doing more of the work for you. I'm seeing consistent ball speeds in the 165-170 mph range, which is about 2-3 mph faster than my previous gamer.
Low Spin Isn't Just a Buzzword
Here's where the Qi10 LS really separates itself from the standard Qi10. This driver is specifically engineered for players with faster swing speeds who need to reduce spin. I'm talking about guys swinging 105+ mph who see their drives balloon and lose distance. That's me. My swing speed hovers around 108-110 mph, and with most drivers, I'm spinning the ball at 2,800-3,000 RPM. Too much.
With the Qi10 LS, I'm consistently seeing spin rates between 2,200 and 2,400 RPM. That 400-600 RPM reduction might not sound like much, but it's the difference between a drive that peaks and falls versus one that penetrates through the wind and rolls out. On my home course, there's a par 5 that plays into the prevailing wind. With my old driver, I'd hit what felt like a crushed drive only to watch it climb and die at 265 yards. With the Qi10 LS, that same swing is producing drives that bore through the wind and finish at 280-285.
The lower launch angle works perfectly with the reduced spin. I'm launching the ball around 11-12 degrees (with the 9-degree head), which is about 2 degrees lower than before. Combined with the lower spin, my path is that penetrating ball flight that better players covet. It's not a low screamer; it's a controlled, powerful flight that enhances both carry and roll.
Adjustability That Actually Makes a Difference
The sliding weight system on the Qi10 LS deserves its own discussion. That 18-gram weight (3 grams heavier than the Stealth 2 Plus) slides along a redesigned track that positions it lower and more forward than previous models. I spent an entire range session just experimenting with different positions, and the results were eye-opening.
With the weight in the heel position, I can hit a reliable draw that starts right of my target and curves back 5-10 yards. Move it to the toe, and I can hit a controlled fade that holds its line even in a left-to-right wind. The neutral position gives me that straight ball flight I use on tight driving holes. What impressed me most was how the different weight positions didn't dramatically affect the spin rate or launch angle; they primarily influenced the shot shape, which is exactly what I want.
The hosel adjustability adds another layer of customization. With 12 different settings affecting loft, lie, and face angle, I can fine-tune this driver for different course conditions or when my swing changes. I've settled on the standard loft with a slightly upright lie (57 degrees instead of 56), which helps me avoid the right miss that plagued me with other low-spin drivers. The club comes with a wrench included in the package, making adjustments easy whether you're at the range or on the course.
Forgiveness Where It Counts
Let's address the elephant in the room – can a low-spin driver designed for better players actually be forgiving? With the Qi10 LS, the answer is a resounding yes. The strategic weight redistribution from that carbon crown, combined with the evolved support structure between the face and back of the club, creates surprising stability on mishits.
I'm not saying you can hit it anywhere on the face and get tour-level results. But on those inevitable heel and toe strikes that happen during a round, I'm maintaining enough ball speed and direction to stay in play. My typical miss is a toe strike (I tend to stand up through impact when I get quick), and with most low-spin drivers, that results in a weak fade that loses 20+ yards. With the Qi10 LS, that same miss loses maybe 10-12 yards and still finds the fairway.
The deeper face profile also helps with forgiveness on high and low strikes. I tested this extensively on the launch monitor, and strikes a half-inch below center were only losing about 300 RPM of spin and 5 yards of carry. That's impressive for any driver, let alone one designed for spin reduction. The high strikes maintained better energy transfer than expected, though they did launch higher and spin more (as physics would dictate).
TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver
TaylorMade Qi10 LS dominates with piercing ball flight and max tour control off the tee.
Is the TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver Worth It?
Absolutely, while the TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:
Pros:
Legitimate spin reduction (400-600 RPM for faster swingers)
Excellent adjustability with meaningful impact on ball flight
Surprising forgiveness for a low-spin design
Cons:
Premium price point ($599) puts it at the top of the market
Requires 105+ mph swing speed to fully benefit from low-spin design
Limited shaft options compared to standard Qi10
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Warranty Period for the Taylormade Qi10 LS Driver?
Your TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver comes with a 2-year warranty from the original purchase date. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship during normal use, but you'll need proof of purchase from an authorized retailer. It doesn't cover cosmetic issues, normal wear, or damage from misuse. If you experience a manufacturing defect within those two years, TaylorMade will replace the club or provide a comparable product at their discretion.
Can I Use Aftermarket Shafts With the Qi10 LS?
Yes, you can use aftermarket shafts with your Qi10 LS driver. You'll need compatible 0.335 adapter sleeves that connect graphite shafts to the driver head. Multiple manufacturers like Aldila, Fujikura, Mitsubishi, Project X, and UST offer suitable options. These adapters provide seven adjustable settings for fine-tuning. Complete packages including shaft, adapter, and grip typically cost $129-$239. Professional installation guarantees proper assembly and compatibility with your Qi10 LS specifications.
How Much Does the Taylormade Qi10 LS Driver Cost?
You'll find the TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver's MSRP is $629.99, though prices vary considerably across retailers. TaylorMade's official site offers it at $529.99, while Pro Am Golf sells it for $449.99 and Fairway Golf USA has it marked down to $399.99. That's a price range from $399.99 to $629.99 depending on where you shop. The Qi10 LS costs more than the standard Qi10 models, which retail at $599.99 MSRP.
Is the Qi10 LS Available for Left-Handed Golfers?
Yes, you can get the Qi10 LS in left-handed configuration. You'll find left-handed models at major retailers like GlobalGolf, 2nd Swing, and Rock Bottom Golf with multiple shaft options including stiff and extra stiff flexes. They're available in 9° and 10.5° lofts, both new and certified preowned. Prices range from $223.99 for preowned to $527.49 for new models. You've got plenty of southpaw options with the same advanced features as right-handed versions.
What's the Difference Between Qi10 LS and Regular Qi10?
You'll find the Qi10 LS delivers lower spin and launch with its compact, pear-shaped head that's designed for skilled players seeking penetrating ball flight. It features an 18g sliding weight for shot shaping, while the regular Qi10 uses fixed weights and offers more forgiveness with higher spin. The LS suits fast swing speeds and rewards center strikes, whereas the standard Qi10 blends distance and forgiveness for broader appeal.
Concluding Thoughts
After three months with the Qi10 LS, it's earned a permanent spot in my bag. This isn't a driver for everyone. If you swing under 100 mph or already struggle with low launch and spin, look at the standard Qi10 or Qi10 Max instead. But if you're a faster swinger who fights high spin, wants tour-level shot shaping capability, and doesn't want to sacrifice forgiveness, this is your driver.
I've tested dozens of drivers over the years, and few have delivered on their promises like the Qi10 LS. It's not just marketing hype; the technology actually works. The fact that it's currently available at a $399.99 sale price makes it an even more compelling option for serious players looking to upgrade their driver game. For skilled players seeking that penetrating ball flight with the adjustability to fine-tune their ball flight, I don't think there's a better option available right now. Yes, it's expensive. But for the right player, those extra 15-20 yards and improved accuracy are worth every penny.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
