The TaylorMade R15 Driver is by far one of the most technically advanced and adjustable drivers on the market today. Since it was first released in 2014, it has not only received the highest rating of Gold in the 2015 Golf Digest Hot list, but has also become one of the most recognized clubs used on the tour. The R15 has been the top choice of many golf professional including Paula Creamer, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose, and Sergio Garcia. The TaylorMade R15 Driver is a remarkable club that is perfect for the low to mid handicap player who enjoys tinkering, or for the high handicap golfer looking for more forgiveness with their driver .
Key Features
The Taylormade R15 biggest standout feature is its new Front Track System, and its two new sliding weights that help players fine-tune their ball flight. These sliding weights (each weighing 12.5 grams each, for a total of 25 grams) provide players with literally every possible ball flight scenario that is imaginable. All a player must do is move the weights in the toe for a fade, in the heel for a draw , to the center for maximum distance, or split the weights to give maximum stability.
This TaylorMade R15 Driver is really a beautifully crafted club, however if you don’t like the color white then this may not be the club for you. Like most TaylorMade drivers, the R15 comes in White. Now TaylorMade’s reason for choosing the color white is that they believe that it helps to make the head look larger, and to also inspire confidence while at address.
The TaylorMade R15 Driver comes in a variety of lofts, including the 9.5 degree (adjusts from 7.5 to 11.5 degrees), 10.5 degree (adjusts from 8.5 to 12.5 degrees), the 12 degree (adjusts from 10.0 to 14.0), and the 14 degree (adjusts from 12.0 to 16.0.) The TaylorMade R15 is also paired with the Fujikura Speeder 57 Evolution graphite shaft that comes in four flexes, Light, Regular, Stiff, and Extra Stiff.
Design and Technology
The R15 Driver is one of the most adjustable drivers designed by TaylorMade to date. By combining the latest in Inverted Cone Technology, Flight Control Technology, and a Front Track System Pocket (aka Loft Sleeve), the TaylorMade R15 Driver incorporates the very best in technology and design. The Inverted Cone Technology of the R15 helps to promote more ball speed and off-center impact, while the Speed Pocket helps to reduce spin. The combination of the Inverted Cone Technology and the Speed Pocket also produces a massive sweet spot on the club. This sweet spot creates a high moment of inertia that helps to resist head twisting and minimizes the negative effects of mis-hits.
The Flight Control Technology which was first used in the TaylorMade R9, offers a total of 4 degrees of adjustability (2 degrees up or 2 degrees down in ½ degree increments). The combination of technology and design are the mainstays of the TaylorMade R15 Driver making it one of the most technically advanced drivers on the market today.
TaylorMade R15 Driver
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PROS
- Fully adjustable driver that allows for more distance and lower spin
- Well balanced driver
- Very forgiving driver that allows for better performance off the tee
CONS
- Not able to adjust the loft with the weight in draw configuration
- Difficult to curve shots
- The white paint job and crown graphics can be a distraction
Our Experience
The TaylorMade R15 Driver impresses with its blend of advanced technology and classic design. The standout feature is the Front Track system, which incorporates two 12.5g sliding weights. This system allows for extensive customization of ball flight, offering options for draw, fade, and maximum distance or stability. The weights can be adjusted to fine-tune the center of gravity, enhancing both forgiveness and distance.
Visually, the R15 returns to the popular white crown, reminiscent of the R11, but also offers a sleek black option. The contrast between the crown and face aids in alignment, making setup easier.
Performance-wise, the R15 delivers low spin rates, which can significantly increase distance for many players. However, it requires precise contact to achieve the best results. The driver is more forgiving than the SLDR, thanks to the improved Inverted Cone Technology and the Speed Pocket, which expands the sweet spot.In testing, the R15 provided a stable flight with impressive distance gains, particularly when the weights were set to neutral. Adjusting the loft sleeve, which offers four degrees of adjustability, further optimized launch conditions.
Overall, the TaylorMade R15 Driver is a powerful tool for golfers seeking distance and customization, though it may be less forgiving for those who struggle with consistent contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the TaylorMade R15 driver?
The TaylorMade R15 driver features a Front Track system with two 12.5g sliding weights, which allow for customizable weight distribution to improve distance, forgiveness, and shot shape. The driver also includes a 4-degree Loft Sleeve for adjusting loft, lie, and face angle, and it comes in both 460cc and 430cc head sizes with options for a white or black crown.
How does the TaylorMade R15 driver perform in terms of distance and forgiveness?
The R15 driver is designed to deliver exceptional distance, particularly for players who need to lower their spin rates. The dual sliding weights and Front Track system enhance forgiveness on off-center hits, although it is less forgiving than some other drivers on the market. Players who can fine-tune the weight settings and loft will find that the R15 can produce some of the longest drives they have ever hit.
How does the TaylorMade R15 driver compare to the SLDR driver?
The R15 driver builds on the SLDR's low forward center of gravity (CG) philosophy but includes several improvements. The Front Track system in the R15 is positioned closer to the face and acts as a Speed Pocket, enhancing forgiveness and distance on off-center hits. Additionally, the R15 offers more adjustability with its dual sliding weights and a higher launch angle, making it more versatile and user-friendly than the SLDR.
Who is the TaylorMade R15 driver best suited for?
The R15 driver is best suited for players who can consistently hit the sweet spot and are looking to reduce spin for greater distance. It is particularly beneficial for better players who need a low-spinning driver. However, it may not be the best fit for average or below-average drivers due to its relatively low forgiveness compared to other models.
What are the available customization options for the TaylorMade R15 driver?
The R15 driver offers extensive customization options, including a 4-degree Loft Sleeve for adjusting loft, lie, and face angle. The dual 12.5g sliding weights can be positioned to alter the club's center of gravity and shot shape. The driver is available in various lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, 12.0°, and 14.0°) and comes with different shaft options, including the Fujikura Speeder 57 Evolution.
Conclusion
The TaylorMade R15 Driver was one of the most successful drivers of 2015, and it is easy to see why it’s still a top choice for players today. With advanced technology, ample feedback, full adjustability, and a modern design the R15 Driver is one of the best TaylorMade drivers to date. The R15 simply lets players shape shots easily, and with the two movable weights you can even tweak the flight of the ball. If you are looking for a moderately priced driver, that will give you the ultimate in adjustability and ball flight optimization, then the TaylorMade R15 Driver is the club for you.
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.
