50 Words or Less
The TaylorMade Qi10 driver is a wonderful, impressive, blend of distance and forgiveness. The new sleek, clean look adds to the appeal.
Introduction
Like most OEMs, TaylorMade produces drivers to suit three categories of golfers: accomplished fast swingers, average players, and those that need maximum forgiveness. Zack covered that first category with his review of the Qi10 LS [read it HERE], and Dylan provided his take on the latter with his review of the Qi10 Max [read it HERE]. In this review I’ll cover the base model Qi10 driver which has been “engineered to help players optimize distance and enhance forgiveness.”
Looks
Having gamed the TaylorMade Stealth 2 [full review HERE] for a year now, the look of the new Qi10 was familiar to me, yet with some definitely improved visual features. The most obvious is the switch from a dominant red color scheme to more conservative black, silver, and blue.
I really like the cleaner look of the Qi10 at address. The new Infinity Carbon Crown, with its 97% coverage, looks elegant compared to the framework surround of the Stealth 2. A subtle pinstripe adds some definition to the trailing edge, while the TaylorMade “T” serves as an alignment aid. TaylorMade also made the top edge of the face visible and light grey to assist with alignment – a visual element that instantly helped me. As my photo reveals, the deep gloss of the crown is reflective, but adds to the elegant accolade.
That grey top edge of the face is more readily apparent straight on. TaylorMade did another great job at adding interest to the face with a restrained honeycomb pattern and pops of blue graphic grooves.
In the bag, the Qi10 is distinctively TaylorMade. That starts with the prominent, yet “nothing new here,” Inertia Generator pod and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket. The somewhat large branding makes clear the club name and company behind it.
Sound & Feel
As the third writer covering the TaylorMade Qi10 drivers, I had the privilege of reading Dylan and Zack’s Sound & Feel sections for comparison. As Zack noted, the sound didn’t change much from the Stealth 2 line – which is a positive in my book. The pitch of the “snap” may have gone up slightly, but I still find it very satisfying. The “clean sound” I made note of during testing adds to the satisfaction but provides little audible feedback on mishits.
I agree with Dylan that impact felt “explosive and powerful,” and would add the descriptors stable and solid. It took a fairly bad strike to register strike location.
Performance
I gathered launch monitor data after returning from a whirlwind 700 mile drive, 10 hours walking, trip to the PGA Show [check out our recap HERE], and my swing definitely reflected the long journey. Fortunately the TaylorMade Qi10 driver wasn’t concerned and produced solid ball speeds and serious forgiveness. I can’t recall a tighter dispersion with a stock setup.
I attribute the consistency to Qi10’s high MOI and the hugely successful Fujikura Ventus TR Blue shaft [check out Matt’s review of the Velocore version HERE]. We toss around MOI frequently, so it’s good to remember that Moment Of Inertia refers to the clubhead’s resistance to change in rotational motion. Higher MOI equates to less twisting on off-center strikes. Stability better preserves ball speed and direction. Bottom line: MOI is your friend.
Also contributing to performance are the now “cornerstone” TaylorMade technologies: Thru-Slot Speed Pocket and 60X Carbon Twist Face. It is important to note that the face has been re-engineered and according to the website “maximizes energy transfer at impact for better ball speeds and preserved performance on off-center strikes.” For anyone who experienced issues with the Stealth 2 face (for the record, I did not), you may find their next statement intriguing and possibly reassuring: “An evolved support structure bonds the face.”
Conclusion
The TaylorMade Qi10 driver stayed in my bag [full WITB HERE] after testing, and I couldn’t be happier with the performance. I’m hitting balls notably further down the fairway, and equally important, finding the fairway more consistently. The new clean look is a total winner in my book. If you are in the market for a new driver in 2024, make sure to check out the TaylorMade Qi10 family.
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TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Price & Specs
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14 Comments
The Ventus TR that comes stock in the Qi10 is not the same as the review that was linked.
The stock shaft is a made-for painted to look similar to a premium offering. It does not have Velocore which provides much of the magic in the Ventus line.
The real-deal Ventus TR that was previously (and wonderfully) reviewed is a $350 up charge on TM’s website.
I would please ask that section be edited, as not to mislead any readers.
Great observation Jeffrey. I clarified the link. Thanks for reading.
– Meeks
Great observation. There is a huge difference between the stock shaft and the Velocore shaft.
Good morning Matt,
Which flex did you test in the Ventus TR Blue?
Regular.
– Meeks
Hi Matt
At your clubhead speed, would it not be more appropriate for you to be in a senior flex ?
If only it were that simple John. OEMs used a lot of different nomenclature for shaft flex. And I guarantee I could show you a senior flex that is stiffer than a regular flex based on straight oscillation measures. For me, the profile of the shaft is more important than a generic classification. That said, I do fall right on that generic line between regular and senior.
Thanks for reading.
– Meeks
I see your swing speed on your test performance number is right where i’m also at as a senior golfer. In comparison how much further does the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver carry and distance vsTaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Driver? I see your test at 168 yards carry and total 202 yards
Having purchased the TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Driver just last May and liking it, but as everyone else also always looking for a few more yards!
Thanks for your reviews!
As I mentioned in the review Rick, my numbers were generated after an exhaustive trip. That said, I’ve definitely picked up a handful of yards now that I’ve put the Qi10 in play with a fitted shaft. The biggest thing is the forgiveness – I’m hitting so many more fairways and maintaining distance with mishits. Typically we see only marginal differences in one model year, but for me, the Qi10 had been a big step forward.
– Meeks
just because it works for Scotty Shuffler doesn’t mean it will work for you. Go get fitted. There are a bunch of high MOI drivers out there which might suit your swing and clubbed speed just as well or better.
Hey Matt, I was just fit into this driver yesterday and I couldn’t be more excited. I can’t wait to get it on the course once it comes in! Great review! Agree with all you said, the club just feels stable in all parts of the swing.
I’ve got the M4 and my distance is so-so. I’m wondering if this club is worth the money for a few more yards.
Chuck,
You need to get fit to get the most distance for your swing speed, regardless of what driver brand or model you buy.
-Matt
I allowed the golf gods to suck me into purchasing this driver….I hit a demo on the range, played 9 holes with it and bought it…straight downhill since…I hit it over 500 times on the range and I could not get rid of the fade…when I hit it straight it went a mile but that was 5% of time…with our golf season short here I did not want to spend addl time with it so I sold it…I currently use a Ping 410 plus and plan on a fitting Sept 17…Interested in a Ping G430 or others…I wished this Qi 10 would have worked for me as my good drives were 30 yds further than normal…oh well…