Overshadowed By the R7
Written: Aug 19 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very advanced technology, long and versatile.
Cons: None to speak of.
The Bottom Line: An under appreciated club that has some of the best technology that Taylor Made has to offer at a reasonable price.
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| lmh3's Full Review: Taylormade& R580 Xd Driver |
Taylor Made's R580XD driver has long been considered inferior to the R5 and R7 drivers, however, the 580XD has almost as many technological advances in its design as the other two high profile clubs. The 440 cubic centimeter head is only 10 cubic centimeters smaller than the R5, and is 40 cubic centimeters larger than the R7. Also integrated into this club is the inverted cone technology in the club face. This is a diamond shaped indentation in the back of the club face which allows for a larger COR zone and a larger sweet spot. The 580 XD also has a deep club face which promotes a high launch low spin tee shot that maximizes distance.
As a member of the Taylor Made playing staff, I was given an R580XD to play and test on the course. When it comes to actual performance with this club, you will find that it will hit the ball longer than any of the older Taylor Made models. The larger sweet spot also enables you achieve vertical gear effect which is when the ball is hit at the top of the sweet spot and takes off from the club at a high angle with low spin. I hit the 8.5* loft with a Fujikura Tour Platform S flex shaft and found that I was able to get a penetrating flight while still able to move the ball from left to right or right to left. I still had the ability to take a high shot over trees to cut a corner on a dogleg. The R580XD also removes some of the confusion that may come up when dealing with the R7 and it's movable weights or deciding to go with a draw or neutral setting in an R5. The Taylor Made MAS2 shaft is one of the best stock shafts on the market, it is made by Fujikura to provide players with a wide range of skills the optimum launch conditions.
As far as any negative aspects that I found with this club, I didn't see too many. The stock playing length is 45.5 inches which is a half inch longer than other Taylor Made models, but shorter than the Ping G2 and the Callaway drivers. The added length is not overly noticable, but it may take some getting used to for someone who has always played a 45 inch driver. Taylor Made stock grips are less than perfect, they are rather thin and get very slick when wet or after a few rounds. Those are the only two negatives that I found when hitting this club, it has been surpassed technologically by the newer models from Taylor Made, but it is still one of the best drivers available.
As an assistant PGA Pro, I am constantly being asked what some of the best clubs are for the average player to hit. When it comes to distance and forgiveness, the R580XD is a fantastic choice, it has a very large sweet spot and a high moment of inertia. I would not hesitate to put this club in the hands of a high handicap player or a scratch golfer, it is that versatile and can be used to play any shot that is required. With the R5, R7, R7TP, and the new R5 TP, the 580 XD is available at many retail stores for under $200 now which is a bargain.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lmh3
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 in Sports & Outdoors |
 - Top 200 |
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Location: North Carolina
Reviews written: 235
Trusted by: 35 members
About Me:
Adams Golf staff member.
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