TaylorMade R9 Fairway Wood
With the same high degree of adjustability and stunning looks of its bigger-headed brother, the R9 fairway wood represents a fantastic all-round package. It has already made its way into the hands of several of the world’s best players and is also proving a big hit in the amateur game. But how did it perform in the Whitley Golf test, and how can it benefit you? Find out…
The Claim:
Flight Control Technology (FCT) lets you change the face angle, loft and lie and offers adjustability to promote up to 36 yards of trajectory change. A new classic clubhead shape combines super-high MOI and an easy-launching CG position whilst a Fujikura shaft and high inertia tip promotes a faster ball speed.
The Truth:
When we reviewed the R9 driver last month, we were very impressed — it was long, accurate and great to look at — and its fairway wood counterpart is just as good.
From the moment you address the ball with the sleek and inspiring clubhead, you just feel as though nothing can stop you ripping one right out of the screws.
And with a large, forgiving face, and a high moment of inertia, the technology ensures that this is exactly what you’ll do.
Like its big-dog brother, the R9 fairway wood features the revolutionary flight control technology (FCT) which, in essence, allows you to unscrew the clubhead and replace it at an angle which dictates ball flight.
As a result, it can offer up to 36 yards of side-to-side trajectory change and offer you the versatility professionals take for granted.
“All it takes is a twist of the wrench, which is included, and you are ready to shape shots like your idols.”
Therefore, if the hole you are playing demands a draw, and you are not good enough or confident enough to take one on yourself, you can set the club to do it for you.
All it takes is a twist of the wrench, which is included, and you are ready to shape shots like your idols.
But what is most impressive about the R9 fairway is the booming distance you can achieve with any setting.
Unlike previous TaylorMade models, which, in our opinion, focused more on a higher ball flight than carry and roll, the R9 fairway is extremely long.
It flies very high thanks to a low-positioned centre of gravity and a lot further thanks to the high quality titanium and high-inertia-tipped shaft, which increases ball speed right off the bat.
This huge carry provides a very high ball flight, which in turn, leads to a soft landing — the perfect combination for a fairway metal.
Another facet of the R9 fairway which makes it perfect for use off the deck is the sleek, low profile.
“From the moment you address the ball with the sleek and inspiring clubhead, you just feel as though nothing can stop you ripping one right out of the screws.”
This is perhaps its most useful feature as it makes it very versatile and accessible to players of all levels and means that it can be used as easily from the rough as well as the short stuff.
But we have found one potential problem with the R9 fairway — the price. It retails at a fraction under £200 and is therefore out of many recreational players’ price ranges — especially in this economic climate.
But the performance and technology this club offers is not to be missed, so make sure you scour the market for the best offers you can get.
To Sum Up…
Long, high-flying and accurate — the full package. The TaylorMade R9 fairway is a serious player for 2009 and will serve golfers of all levels, from all lies. Perfect for those unconfident with a driver and for those 200 yard+ shots that intimidate so many of us. A must-buy for anyone with a spare £200.
In Short
Looks: 10
Distance: 10
Accuracy: 8
Feel: 9
Forgiveness: 9
Versatility: 10
Off The Tee: 9
Off The Deck: 10
Quality: 10
Value: 8
OVERALL: 93/100
Details
RRP: £199
Standard Shaft: Fujikura Motore 70
Left-hand Option? Yes
Website: www.taylormadegolf.eu
Telephone: 00800 8624 4653
Tags: Equipment, Fairway Wood, R9, Taylormade, TaylorMade R9 Fairway Wood
