Description:
Over the past seven years, since TaylorMade originally introduced the r7 driver, the whole general concept of adjustability has really sky-rocketed, both in terms of industry adoption (with nearly every major manufacturer now offering some form of adjustability), and from a technological standpoint. Not only have the methods of adjustment grown, so has the degree of flexibility offered by each. TaylorMade has year in and year out upped the ante since then, and now, the new R11 and R11 TP marks the first time they offer independent adjustment of both loft and face angle.
First it was the interchangeable heel and toe weights (MWT, or Moveable Weight Technology, still present after seven years), then they gave us the ability to change the angle of the driver head on the shaft via the use of an adjustable shaft sleeve/hosel combination (FCT - Flight Control Technology). Now they bring us ASP (Adjustable Sole Plate) Technology, which allows the fine tuning to reach a whole new level.
When modifying the club using FCT, not only does the face angle change, the loft does as well. As the face is closed, the effective loft increases, and vice-versa - the loft decreases as the face opens. Now, the player adjusts the loft using FCT, while ASP provides up to 2° of additional face angle modification in either direction. Though we're not clear on exactly how ASP works (it's a sole plate, so how does it affect the face?), we have asked TaylorMade for more details and will update this post when we get a response.
The combination of FCT and ASP also can result in up to 4° of range in the face angle if needed. Add in the multitude of combinations offered by MWT, and you're left with 48 different configurations available to the player. TaylorMade states that this can promote up to 100 yards of side to side trajectory adjustment.
The slightly triangular-shaped clubhead clocks in at 440cc, though the white crown makes the head appear ever-so-slightly larger than one might expect. The white crown is a stark contrast to the black PVD of the R11's face, with the intent of making the club easier to aim. Another advantage to the white crown is that it eliminates the glare you might see with glossy black clubheads.
Included with the R11 is two weight cartridges, a 10-gram and a 1-gram, though 4- and 6-gram weights are available for purchase if you'd like a greater degree of flexibility. The standard R11 is available in your choice of 9° or 10.5° of loft for right-handed players, while lefties get to choose from 9.5° or 10.5°. It comes equipped with a 45.75", 60 gram Fujikura Blur shaft, featuring a medium-firm tip profile. Four shaft flexes (X, S, R, M) are available and the TP model has 19 available shafts on top of the standard Fujikura Blur TP. The R11 hits stores February 4th with a price tag of $399 for the standard model and $499 for the TP.
