Golf equipment: TaylorMade release 14° SLDR driver
TaylorMade have launched a new 14° SLDR driver in a move which breaks the current loft conventions in the market.
Launched in August, the SLDR is engineered with a low and forward centre of gravity placement, making it the lowest spinning driver in company history. Because of this construction, TaylorMade is encouraging golfers to “loft up” in a bid to create the perfect launch condition.
Everything we thought we knew about engineering drivers has been turned on its hea “We have been chasing a driver that delivers high launch and low spin, a coveted combination off the tee sought after by all golfers,” said TaylorMade chief technical officer Benoit Vincent.
“Having made significant industry strides with innovation advancements like movable weight, larger faces, adjustable shafts and improved aerodynamics, we are confident that we have cracked yet another code to more distance. And it’s through loft.”
This new model changes a long-standing industry belief that a low-lofted driver is the best for better golfers. TaylorMade has been working closely with its Tour staff to show that the combination of low-forward CG and higher lofts produces a better and longer ball flight.
“Everything we thought we knew about engineering drivers has been turned on its head,” said Vincent.
A launch date has not been officially announced, but the new drivers are expected to hit the market in the coming months.
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
