More than any other major club manufacturer, TaylorMade releases new products. Some years, the company puts out new equipment every quarter. And their equipment never disappoints either.
Whether it’s the hottest drivers in the game, or irons that are loaded with technology, their clubs are popular with golfers of all abilities.
New doesn’t always mean better, however. That’s the case with TaylorMade’s R7 irons. Even though these clubs were introduced more than a decade ago, they’re highly sought after to this day.
That’s because these clubs are easy to hit, and deliver all the performance of modern clubs at a fraction of the price.
Key Features
Inverted Cone Technology increases ball speed and shot distance.
Deep cavity back design creates a low COG for high launch and increased stability through impact.
TaylorMade Launch Control Technology allows players to optimize trajectory to their liking.
Design and Technology
Ask anyone that knows anything about golf equipment and they’ll tell you that TaylorMade is arguably the most innovative and cutting-edge when it comes to technology.
Even though the tech in the R7 iron heads is old, it’s more than stood the test of time. Testament to the fact that these irons are still so popular to this day.
These irons go a long way, even by today’s standards. That’s due in large part to Inverted Cone Technology that increases ball speed off the face.
When you think of distance, you probably think of a hard feeling face that lacks in the feedback and feel departments. It’s quite the opposite with R7 irons. The cavity is filled with a soft and sound dampening aluminum web that absorbs vibration and gives you the sense the you’re hitting a forged club even though these irons are cast.
Weight is also positioned low, and back in the clubhead. This lowers the COG and helps golfers launch the ball high in the air, even with the longer irons.
Lastly, I can’t help but mention the marketing genius of the folks at TaylorMade. They came up with the term “TLC” when they introduced the R7 irons. The acronym stands for TaylorMade Launch Control. This technology allows fitters to optimize launch angle and trajectory. It also affords players the ability to hit a variety of different and control distance.
Even though TaylorMade’s product cycles are the most frequent in the industry, they understand the value of not fixing something if it isn’t broken.
That’s why the R7 irons are still so popular to this day.
TaylorMade R7 Irons
When these irons first hit the shelves, they were all the rage. Even the best players in the world had them in their bag. Everyone was a fan of hot and forgiving these clubs were.
It quickly became apparent that these clubs were most beneficial for higher handicaps that struggle with consistent ball striking. While TaylorMade has certainly released plenty of top-notch irons since the days of the R7’s, these clubs remain one of their most popular models.
PROS
- High launch design characteristics increase playability and control.
- High MOI makes the R7’s more forgiving than other irons of the time.
- Price point can’t be beat.
CONS
- May be hard to find a used set custom-fit to your swing.
- Thicker than average top line may be off-putting to some golfers.
- Lower handicaps report some struggle with shaping shots compared to forged blade irons
Our Experience
Back in the day, I played a set of R7 irons and still have them in my garage. Every once in a while, I show them some daylight and take them out for a round. And I must say, they perform every bit as well as any iron I’ve played since. When they first came out, these irons were ahead of their time. And they’ve remained timeless since then.
Put side-by-side with the irons I currently have in my bag, they perform comparably well.
What I love most about these irons isn’t just their forgiveness, but the fact that they’re both hot off the face and easy to control.
If I wasn’t such a geek about the latest and greatest gear, they’d still be in my bag on a full-time basis today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the TaylorMade R7 irons?
The TaylorMade R7 irons feature a multi-material construction with a stainless steel body and a lightweight titanium face insert. This design helps increase the moment of inertia (MOI) for improved forgiveness and launch characteristics. The irons also incorporate TaylorMade's Inverted Cone Technology, which expands the sweet spot for better performance on off-center hits.
How do the R7 irons perform in terms of distance and trajectory?
The TaylorMade R7 irons are designed to provide a high, penetrating ball flight with excellent distance control. The combination of the titanium face insert and the multi-material construction helps generate a fast ball speed and a mid-to-high launch angle. Many reviewers have noted that the R7 irons offer a noticeable distance boost compared to their previous iron sets.
What are the key differences between the R7 and other TaylorMade iron models?
The R7 irons are positioned as a game-improvement iron, offering a larger clubhead and more forgiveness compared to TaylorMade's more player-oriented iron models like the Tour Preferred or P-Series. The R7 irons also feature a slightly stronger loft configuration than some of TaylorMade's other offerings, which contributes to the increased distance.
How do the R7 irons perform for players with different skill levels?
The TaylorMade R7 irons are designed to appeal to a wide range of golfers, from high-handicappers to better players. The forgiving design and high launch characteristics make the R7 irons a good choice for beginner and intermediate players who want more forgiveness and distance. However, more skilled players may find the R7 irons to be a bit too large and bulky for their preferences.
How much do used TaylorMade R7 irons cost?
The price of used TaylorMade R7 irons can vary depending on the condition of the clubs and where they are purchased. However, they are generally affordable, with some golfers finding good deals on used sets at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
Conclusion
I’ve always been a fan of TaylorMade golf equipment. Everything from their drivers and fairway woods down to their irons and wedges. This company has never been afraid to push the envelope, and they’re good at it.
That’s exactly why the R7 irons remain so popular to this day. They were way ahead of the technology and design curve at the time of their release, and still prove themselves are more than worthy contenders today.
If you’re looking for a high-performing iron, but don’t want to pay a premium price, do what you can to get your mitts on a set of TaylorMade R7’s. You won’t be disappointed.
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.
