TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max is their new technology-laden fairway wood designed for maximum forgiveness. We put these claims to the test.
NCG SUMMARY
I think TaylorMade have made a great club with the Qi10 Max, and the high tech coupled with simplicity in looks and choice is a smart move.
One to consider, whatever your handicap.
PROS
- Clean looks
- Wide appeal
- Very Forgiving
- Great off the deck and tee
CONS
- Some may perceive the lack of adjustability as a negative
TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway Wood Review: First Impressions
The Qi10 range of fairway woods, to my eye, has a cleaner look than many other brands due to the new infinity carbon crown. Do not be deceived by the looks, as these woods are brimming with the technology you would expect from a 2024 club.
The Qi10 Max is their most forgiving model in this new range. There is no adjustable hosel, which gives it a sleeker look and allows the freedom to optimise the weight distribution and lower the centre of gravity to deliver longer distances.
The infinity crown, made from carbon, also contributes to this, and TaylorMade says this is the highest MOI fairway wood they have produced. This very low CG makes it easy to launch, giving an extremely high launch that is optimised for carry distance. Other features are the Thru-Slot speed pocket to optimise ball speed on low-face hits and twist-face technology to straighten those less-than-perfect strikes.
The Qi10 Max has a slightly shallower head and a bigger 200cc head to help with confidence off the deck and tee.
NCG Verdict
I tested a 16° 3 wood with a Fujikura Speeder NX TCS 50 stiff shaft using a Foresight GC3 launch monitor at the Worksop Indoor Golf Centre. I also compared this to my current 15-degree 3 wood.
This club looked very pleasing behind the ball, and the extra degree of loft and shallower face made this confidence-inspiring. The carry and overall distance were what was expected, given the slightly added loft.
Unsurprisingly, less-than-perfect strikes were not disastrous, and this is a reassuringly forgiving club. Both distance and direction were helped by the forgiving technology. Off the tee, I gained about 5 yards, which is what I would have expected.
Taylor Made have produced a slightly more traditional-looking fairway wood (as much as any modern wood can look traditional). There are three lofts available (see below), and I do not see the lack of an adjustable hosel as a negative. In many ways, it is an advantage as it allows for optimum weight distribution.
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TaylorMade are marketing the Qi10 Max as their most forgiving fairway wood, and from my testing, I would agree. I found this incredibly easy to hit and also had the smallest dispersion with this model.
I would always recommend a custom fitting, as getting the correct combination of shaft and loft will produce the best performance for your swing and also get the gapping correct. Because of this, I would suggest trying the Qi10 Max out whatever your handicap. In my opinion, 3 Woods are one of the most difficult clubs to hit, and, speaking from experience, getting the right loft and shaft can make a massive difference in performance and consistency.
I think TaylorMade have made a great club with the Qi10 Max, and the high tech coupled with simplicity in looks and choice is a smart move.
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The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £309
Shafts: Fujikura Speeder NX TCS 50 (S, R, A)
Grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip Black/Blue 0.600 52g
Lofts: 16°, 19°, & 22°
Length: 43.25″, 42.25″ & 41.75″
Lie: 59°, 59.5°, 60°
Volume: 200cc
More information: TaylorMade Website
