TaylorMade unveil stunning new SLDR driver

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TAYLORMADE’S new SLDR driver features a weight that slides along a rail on the sole of the club.

The SLDR (pronounced ‘slider’) takes the market-leading company’s Movable Weight Technology (MWT) to new levels and is engineered to launch the ball high, fast and long – in fact TaylorMade say it is the longest driver in their history.

Key to the leap in distance is a lower and more forward centre of gravity (CG) that promotes a hotter launch, low spin and faster ball speed. Similar to the impact the “Speed Pocket” had on the performance of the RocketBallz fairway and Rescue clubs, TaylorMade engineers believe SLDR’s low and forward CG placement will redefine driver distance.

“Without a doubt, this is the longest driver we have ever created,” said TaylorMade’s chief technical officer Benoit Vincent.

“Our expertise at positioning the CG low and forward sets us apart from our competitors, and is vital to making SLDR the spectacular distance machine that it is.”

The SLDR features a blue, 20g weight that slides on a track located on the front of the sole. Movable weight shifts the clubhead’s CG horizontally toward either the heel, to promote a draw, or toward the toe, to promote a fade.

It delivers 6mm of movement – that’s 50 per cent more than R1 – promoting a shot-dispersion range of up to 30 yards.

“Without a doubt, this is the longest driver we have ever created” – TaylorMade’s Benoit Vincent
The SLDR weight slides on a 21-point track system located on the sole of the club. To position the weight in any one of them simply loosen the screw, slide the weight to the point selected, then tighten the screw. Golfers can adjust for a “draw” or “fade” by sliding the weight across the slider track into the appropriate position in as little as 10 seconds.

Nearly 10 years ago, TaylorMade brought to market its first movable weight driver, the r7 quad –which featured four small weight cartridges that could be used to change the head’s CG location and influence ball flight. Since that release, TaylorMade has spent nearly 10 years searching for a way to improve and simplify MWT. The company believes SLDR’s new sliding system is a significant leap forward in its quest to engineer a driver that offers outstanding performance with simple and intuitive technology.

SLDR also incorporates TaylorMade’s Loft-sleeve Technology, which allows the golfer to easily adjust the loft. Golfers can choose from 12 positions within a range of plus-or-minus 1.5˚ of loft change. The more loft added, the more the face closes and vice-versa.

In addition to its performance and easy-to-use MWT system, golfers will also take note of SLDR’s look and sound. At address, golfers will see a driver that possesses a classic shape and a rich charcoal-grey crown colour that contrasts with a silver face to aid with alignment.

At impact, the sharp and crisp sound that echoes from the tee box will undoubtedly be that of a TaylorMade driver.

“TaylorMade is well-known for creating technologies that help golfers hit better shots, but we also revere in the beauty of a golf club,” said executive vice president Sean Toulon. “It’s a very special feeling when you sole a club for the first time and fall head-over-heels in love with what you see. SLDR is that club. And it is going to make you fall in love with your driver all over again.”

Via Twitter, player feedback has included:

• Justin Rose (@JustinRose99): “It’s Solid. Great acoustics and Hot Flight” 

• Darren Clarke (DarrenClarke60): “It goes like a dream” 

• Joel Sjoholm (@SwedishTORO): “Amazed by this new driver #musthave” 

• Ken Duke(@DukePGA): “I love this driver”

TaylorMade expects SLDR to become the No. 1 played driver as early as the WGC Bridgestone Invitational next week.

SLDR

LOFTS: 9.5°, 10.5° and 12°

SHAFT: Fujikura Speeder 57

SRP: £349

AVAILABLE: August 16

SLDR TP