TaylorMade introduce new RSi Irons with face slots
By James Savage
5 TaylorMade have introduced the new RSi iron family featuring Face Slot Technology, the next great innovation from the company that has pioneered the performance of the modern distance iron.
Two years ago, TaylorMade introduced “Speed Pockets” (a small slot in the sole of the iron to improve shots struck low on the face of the iron).
The company has taken everything it’s learned from the development of the Speed Pocket technology (originally introduced in its revolutionary RocketBallz fairway wood) and applied it to the iron face to activate the toe and heel areas to provide more uniform flexion across the face and protect ball speed on off-centre hits.
Only available with RSi, Face Slots are found in the 3-8 irons.
In addition to Face Slots, the improved Speed Pocket in the RSi iron features ThruSlot technology – engineered to activate the lower portion of the face by minimising speed reduction and creating higher launch on shots hit below centre.
The family of RSi irons features three distinct models; each designed to appeal to the performance needs of different player types.
RSi 1 features TaylorMade’s Advanced Face Design – an engineering feat that incorporates the company’s thinnest face ever, a deep undercut and Inverted Cone Technology (to extend the COR zone) in order to promote greater ball speed.
The most resounding characteristic of the RSi 2 is the Progressive Multi-Material Construction. The 3-5 irons are cast from 450 stainless steel with tungsten weighting to promote a lower CG and slightly higher flight.
The RSi TP irons combine the forged look and feel preferred by better players with Face Slot Technology. An advanced two-piece construction merges a premium 1025 forged carbon steel hosel/face with a 431 stainless steel back using plasma welding in the 3-7 irons.
PGA Tour Professionals find the centre of the clubface far more often than amateurs, but even the world’s best players miss more often than you think.
“We’re not all perfect,” said TaylorMade Tour Staff Professional Jason Day. “We mis-hit shots all the time, but they still go on the green. We’ve just honed our skills to make our mis-hits a little straighter.”
Sergio Garcia is regarded as one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour when he has an iron in his hand, but the mis-hit is also a big factor for him.
“I would say that in a given round of golf, we probably mis-hit the ball at least 30% of the time,” said Garcia.
“It’s difficult to hit the centre of the clubface every time. That’s why it’s important that the club you play helps those little mis-hits perform pretty much as well as your sweetspot hits.”
SRPS:
RSi 1
Steel: £699
RSi 2
Steel: £829,
Available: November 14
RSi TP
SRP: Steel – £949,
Available: January 15, 2015
CLICK THE BELOW LINKS FOR EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CONTENT
“Nobody’s Perfect” – Mis-Hits Happen
RSi: Sergio First impressions
RSi Irons: Face Slot Education (Whiteboard)
RSi: Face Slot Technology
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
