Jump to content
IGNORED

Anyone like the new R9?


Note: This thread is 5439 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Alot of people do not like the driver on this forum. I was one of those people, but after extensive use, i have come to like it...just wondering, am i the only one in this boat?

FYI im looking for a new driver i currently have the r7 425. I really like the r9, i dont know if i like it more than the 909 d2 though.
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I am interested in hearing about the new r9 as well because I have the r7 460 currently (and SQ Sumo 5900)

What's In My Bag:
Driver: TaylorMade R11s 9* w/ Fujikura Motore F1
3 Wood: TaylorMade R11s w/ Mitsubishi Fubuki 
Irons: Taylormade R11
Wedges: Titleist SM4 Vokey 52.08, 56.11, 60.04 
Putter: Odyssey Metal-X #9
Ball: Taylormade Penta TP5

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I am interested in hearing about the new r9 as well because I have the r7 460 currently (and SQ Sumo 5900)

My opinion was that the R7 460 was much more solid feeling and a little bit heavier which I liked as all drivers are going lighter for higher swing speeds, my favorite was the Cobra S91 pro S the Titleist 909D3 or 2 and the Mizuno MP600 there are a lot of great drivers out there so try them all I used to really like taylormade but over the last 3-4 years it seems like there more interested in quantity instead of quality and the new burner, R7 limited and R9's have all seemed to lack something that really made me want to pull the trigger on one of TM's new driver's.

Mizuno mp 630 9.5 Mitsubishi Fubuki stiff
Taylormade R7 RE*AX 55g Stiff
Taylomade Rescue mid 19* Light metals 95g
Mizuno MX25 4 -52*Gap True Temper Dynalite S/L
Mizuno MP-T 56* / 60*Odyssey White Hot Tour # 1

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I hit the R9, the '09 Burner TP and a few others and believe it or not, after coming from my old driver (Cobra Speed Pro D) I got the new Cleveland Launcher and to be honest I've never hit a ball as solid or straight more consistently with the ease of workability (when i want to) like this club, just my opinion. I thought the R9 hit a bit "spongelike" and didn't give me the feedback i wanted, i'd assume from all the different crap at the head for adjustability. best of luck, my suggestion is at least try swinging it. personally i hated it.

In my Titleist 2014 9.5" Staff bag:

Cobra Bio+ 9* Matrix White Tie X  - Taylormade SLDR 15* ATTAS 80X - Titleist 910H 19* ATTAS 100X - Taylormade '13 TP MC 4-PW PX 6.5 - Vokey TVD M 50* DG TI X100 - Vokey SM4 55 / Vokey SM5 60* DG TI S400 - Piretti Potenza II 365g

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I recently tried it having decided that if I liked it I would buy it. I hit it about 15 swings on a simulator and didn't like it, but I also didn't mess around with the adjustability of it at all. I didn't like the way it felt. It might have been the shaft in part that I didn't like, but I'm not sure. I ended up buying a R7 Limited instead because I liked the feel of it a lot better (not to mention it was 1/2 the price at $199). I would like to have actually been able to hit the R9 more and play with the adjustability of it just to see if that made a difference in the feel. The one I hit had everything set to 'Neutral'.
Driver: SQ DYMO STR8-Fit
4 Wood: SQ DYMO
2H (17*), 4H (23*) & 5H (26*): Fli-Hi CLK
Irons (5-6): MX-900; (7-PW): MP-60
Wedges (51/6*): MP-T Chrome; (56/13): MP-R ChromePutter: White Hot XG 2-Ball CSPreferred Ball: e5+/e7+/B330-RXGPS Unit: NEOPush Cart: 2.0
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I've seen a lot of mixed reviews about the R9, many are from those that have only hit a few in a net somewhere.

Fortunately brother is a golf pro so I get access to new equipment as low prices. I play the R9 myself and have been since it came out.

If you really want an honest assessment, here it is...

The R9 is the most 'players' driver I have ever touched since the Titleist 975D.
The R9 is absolutely unbelievable and nothing comes close to it's accuracy. It almost feels like cheating.

BUT. If you miss the direct sweet spot on the clubface, I kid you not you will lose between 25-30 yards in distance! In the fairway still, but way way short. It is by far the shortest driver I have hit in many years if you just barely miss.

That being said, hit the sweet spot directly and it is as long as most out there.

I have messed with the shaft adjustments and it works just like they state, however I still play all neutral.

If you are not a low handicapper, you are nuts to play this thing. The distance loss is stunning, but again, you will not find a better driver for hitting fairways, period.

Ive never seen so many PGA Tour pros play one driver the way they are flocking to the R9 so I had to try and I really do understand why they all love it. They never the miss the sweet spot so they get their distance(maybe minus a few yards honestly) but it is way straighter than any driver made and they can tweak FCT & MWT

SO to sum it up, its a fantastic driver, but definitely very short if not pured. The feel is very good, and very similar to the R7, The sound is awesome and the bal really jumps off the face.

Ill let you all know if the R9 stays in the bag, guess it's up to me and my ballstriking. I know 100% I usually drive the ball around 265yds and when I hit this good it goes 265. I barely miss, 230 every single time..the wierd thing is it feels and looks great, but the skycaddie and impact label are like "nope" you barely missed so subtract 30 yards but its always in the fairway..

good luck all
Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator
The R9 is the most 'players' driver I have ever touched since the Titleist 975D.

I don't know if I'd go that far, but...

BUT. If you miss the direct sweet spot on the clubface, I kid you not you will lose between 25-30 yards in distance! In the fairway still, but way way short. It is by far the shortest driver I have hit in many years if you just barely miss.

I would agree with that wholeheartedly. Our review (on the site) will be up this weekend, likely immediately following the r7 Limited review on Saturday.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

The new R9 is amazing. The best driver I have ever had by far. It is so versitile and there are so many diffrent ways to help your game with it. If you get a chance or are interested in this club go and do a custom fitting and you will see how much this club can help. IMO its leaps above the competion.

Whats in the my bag,

taylormade.gifR9 TP taylormade.gifSuperfast 3 wood Rescue 19*  712 MB (3-P KBS T shaft)  

 SM4 52*,54*,60*   Pickemup 42" Belly Putter  titleist.gifPro V1x  adidas.gif 360 footwear

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I've seen a lot of mixed reviews about the R9, many are from those that have only hit a few in a net somewhere.

That sounds crazy, was the forgiveness similar to that of the r7 425? Or was it more like the 909 d3?

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I love my R9. Its long and its straight. This is the first TM club Ive ever owned, so I cant speak for how it compared to any of the previous TM drivers, but its working really well for me.
Im hitting the ball longer and straighter than I ever have off the tee and its given me a lot more confidence to shortcut doglegs and hit over trees, which is something Id never even consider doing with any of the other drivers Ive owned.

Whats in my :sunmountain: C-130 cart bag?

Woods: :mizuno: JPX 850 9.5*, :mizuno: JPX 850 15*, :mizuno: JPX-850 19*, :mizuno: JPX Fli-Hi #4, :mizuno: JPX 800 Pro 5-PW, :mizuno: MP T-4 50-06, 54-09 58-10, :cleveland: Smart Square Blade and :bridgestone: B330-S

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I have honestly never hit a driver like the R9. It is very very forgiving in regards to accuracy. I have played only Titleist drivers since 2000. But like I said soooo many tour pros are playing it, even guys that are not TM staff. Pros are switching like I have never seen, even guys like Harrington(wilson) are switching and playing it, so I just had to try.

Im anxious to read Eriks review, he always has straight up, informed, and honest reviews and Im telling you his review will echo mine.

Accuracy and consistency = Best ever
Distance = very short if not pured


I'm also wondering if the shaft may have something to do with it, is it shorter than the TP version?
Link to comment
Share on other sites


I have honestly never hit a driver like the R9. It is very very forgiving in regards to accuracy. I have played only Titleist drivers since 2000. But like I said soooo many tour pros are playing it, even guys that are not TM staff. Pros are switching like I have never seen, even guys like Harrington(wilson) are switching and playing it, so I just had to try.

im looking foward to the review as well, however you scare me a bit when talking about the r9's forgiveness. I'll just have to demo one to find out for myself then!

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I switched to the R9 after using the Titleist 905 R for 3 years and currently have regretted it thus far. I think it's more forgiving but seems shorter overall. I am not too thrilled about the stock shaft and it's difficult to change out the shaft except buying a new one thru Taylormade for a couple of hundred dollars; I am going to use it for a few more months before I totally give up on it and move onto either 909 D3 or Ping G10

In My Bag

Taylormade Burner 09 TP 9.5 Fujikura REAX 65 S
Cleveland Launcher 2009 15 UST V2 75 S
Cleveland Launcher Steel 19 UST V2 75 STitleist 585 H 21 Aldila VS Proto STaylormade R7 TP 4-PW DG S300 StiffTaylormade TP Satin 54 and 58Scotty Cameron Studio Style Newport 2Taylormade TP...

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I bought the R9 and after fiddling with the adjustments, I proceeded to the driving range to test it out. I seriously did NOT like the club. It was terrible on mis-hits and unless you know how you are going to play that day...why have all the adjustments?? I don't get it. For $400 there are better drivers out there. I took it back to GolfSmith and bought something else. My 2008 TaylorMade Burner and my Callaway FT I Q are phenomenally straight and when I'm amped up, I use the TM. It is by far longer than the Callaway, but the Callaway is great for those days when you just don't have the game in you. It hits straight in spite of your defects.

Tools of my game:
Burner 09' Driver 10.5 Reg flex
5-pw G10's/ plus Taylormade R7 4 iron
Burner 08' 4 Hybrid
A70S 3 Hybrid Burner 09' 3 wood "Zing" SW 56 degree Fastback Laser range finder / plus Skycaddie SG5...also a great ball retriever!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I don't understand the hype that surrounds both the r7 and the r9. I am almost positive that it is illegal to alter your club during a round, so unless you know a course favors a draw or a fade heavily, I don't see much use. And if you are using this club to correct a slice or a hook, there are plenty of other more forgiving drivers out there.

Also, one other side note. Notice that the r9 only has two changeable weights..it won't be long before TM makes the r9 superquad...just a heads up for those of you that may think this club is for you.

"Hey! Llama! How about something..you know..for the effort.."

Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Select
LW: Titleist Vokey 60*
SW: Bazooka Milled Carbon Steel 56*GW: Hand Made Snake Eye 3-PW: King Cobra II Tour OS5W: Taylor Made Burner SupersteelDriver: Henry Griffitts 13*...

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I've seen a lot of mixed reviews about the R9, many are from those that have only hit a few in a net somewhere.

accurate review. Also I'd like to add that I see sooo many high handi's spraying this driver off the tee box, but that one great drive is all it takes to erase the 12 or so horrid sprays in there round!! So many more forgiving drivers out there but as long as they have the latest and greatest in there bag to brag to all there buddies about, that all that matters. you guys rock.

  Four 5 Stand Bag Blue   PRO V1X

 910 D2 9.5° - Diamana Kal'li 65g S

 RBZ Stage 2 15° - Diamana Kal'li 72g S  

 913H 21° /  910H 24° - Diamana Kal'li 82g S

 710 AP2 6-PW - Dynamic Gold S300SL

  Vokey Spin Milled 09  56° &  60° 

#1 White Hot 34" - Ionic Grip

My Swing  

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I had the 07 burner and went to try out the R9.. hated it!!! instead i now own a Diablo Driver and 3 wood.

In my bag

909D2 9.5 Driver
Big Bertha Diablo 3 Wood
Burner 5 Wood AP2 Irons 3-W Scotty Cameron Newport Two Pro V1x Ball

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I bought the R9 and after fiddling with the adjustments, I proceeded to the driving range to test it out. I seriously did NOT like the club. It was terrible on mis-hits and unless you know how you are going to play that day...why have all the adjustments?? I don't get it. For $400 there are better drivers out there. I took it back to GolfSmith and bought something else. My 2008 TaylorMade Burner and my Callaway FT I Q are phenomenally straight and when I'm amped up, I use the TM. It is by far longer than the Callaway, but the Callaway is great for those days when you just don't have the game in you. It hits straight in spite of your defects.

I don't understand the hype that surrounds both the r7 and the r9. I am almost positive that it is illegal to alter your club during a round, so unless you know a course favors a draw or a fade heavily, I don't see much use. And if you are using this club to correct a slice or a hook, there are plenty of other more forgiving drivers out there.

The point is that you can adjust the club for your game. Instead of making a standard and a draw driver, TM can make 1 club and give the owner the option of adjusting the head for what they need.

I personally love my R9 and the fact that so many tour pros who arent sponsored by TM are gaming R9s says a lot about how impressive it is.

Whats in my :sunmountain: C-130 cart bag?

Woods: :mizuno: JPX 850 9.5*, :mizuno: JPX 850 15*, :mizuno: JPX-850 19*, :mizuno: JPX Fli-Hi #4, :mizuno: JPX 800 Pro 5-PW, :mizuno: MP T-4 50-06, 54-09 58-10, :cleveland: Smart Square Blade and :bridgestone: B330-S

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Note: This thread is 5439 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...