Grant Horvat Tests The All-New Qi35 Driver Lineup | TaylorMade Golf
Grant Horvat duels the world of modern golf technology with TaylorMade’s latest Qi35 driver lineup, delivering a detailed look at what each model brings to the bag. From precision-faced geometry to lightweight adjustability and optimized CG placement, the Qi35 series aims to merge distance, forgiveness, and workable flight. This page delves into Horvat’s firsthand impressions,the tech that powers the lineup,on-course performance,fitting considerations,and practical tips you can use to decide if Qi35 belongs in your bag this season.
Qi35 Driver Lineup: Overview and First Impressions
TaylorMade’s Qi35 family is built around three core models designed to address different player needs while sharing a common thread of speed, stability, and forgiveness. Grant Horvat tested each model across range sessions and on-course rounds, focusing on consistency, feel, and how the new tech translates to real-world performance.
Key takeaways from the Qi35 lineup
- Clear differences in intended player profiles: a high-launch, forgiving option; a versatile tour-level model; and a control-focused variant designed for shaping shots without sacrificing speed.
- Perimeter weighting and CG optimization contribute to tighter dispersion on mis-hits while maintaining high ball speed on center hits.
- Adjustability remains a centerpiece, with a redesigned weight track and hosel options to dial in launch, spin, and draw/fade tendencies.
- Face geometry and stability technologies work together to promote consistent performance regardless of swing tempo.
Qi35 Models In Focus
| Model | Loft Range | Key Tech Highlight | Adjustability | Ideal player |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qi35 Tour | 9°–11° | Twist Face 2.0 with optimized face curvature | Weights and hosel for flight plank adjustments | Low-handicap players seeking stability and precise workability |
| Qi35 Pro | 10°–12° | Speed Pocket 2.0 and perimeter weighting | Advanced adjustability with more pronounced weight track | All-around players who want a good blend of speed and forgiveness |
| Qi35 Max | 9°–13° | High MOI design for maximum forgiveness | Full front-to-back weight distribution and hosel options | Beginners and high-handicap players prioritizing launch and stability |
Tech Behind Qi35: What Makes It Different
Grant Horvat’s testing highlights several design choices that set the Qi35 lineup apart from previous TayorMade generations. Here’s a breakdown of the core technologies you’ll here about in reviews, press materials, and on-course feedback:
Twist Face 2.0 is engineered to correct mis-hits by adjusting alignment and launch tendencies for off-center strikes, resulting in more consistent ball flights. - Speed and Forgiveness: The Qi35 family leverages a revised Speed Pocket and lightweight crown/sole materials to optimize ball speed while maintaining a forgiving profile on miss-hits.
- CG Optimization: Perimeter weighting and strategically placed internal weights shift the center of gravity to support higher, more stable launch with reduced spin for longer carry.
- Adjustability System: An improved weight-tracking system and hosel configurations provide a wide range of loft, lie, and face-path options to tailor the driver to your swing.
- Aerodynamic Damping: subtle aero shaping around the crown reduces drag through the swing, contributing to faster swing-through speeds and a smoother feel at impact.
Grant Horvat’s First-Hand Experience: Setup, Swing Feel, and Flight
Test Setup and Methodology
Horvat approached the Qi35 lineup with a measured testing protocol designed to mirror real-world golfer use. Key aspects of his setup included:
- On-range sessions with TrackMan-based data capture for ball speed, launch angle, spin, and carry, paired with subjective feedback on feel and sound.
- Fine-tuning each model in terms of loft and face-to-path adjustments to align with Horvat’s preferred shot shape and dispersion.
- On-course validation: using the same configurations to navigate typical course conditions—wind,typical fairway lies,and approach scenarios.
Feel, Sound, and Visual Feedback
Horvat noted a distinct difference in the Qi35 models’ impact sound and tactile feedback compared with prior TaylorMade drivers. Highlights included:
- A crisp, solid click at impact that translates to confident distance control across the lineup.
- Perceived stability through the swing arc, especially in the Tour and Pro variants, where the weight distribution helps reduce wheelspin on mis-hits.
- A favorable blend of muted feedback on off-center hits and clear cues on well-struck strikes, aiding quick in-swing adjustments for better carry and roll.
Flight and Dispersion Observations
Across the Qi35 family, Horvat observed that:
- The Tour model tended to fly higher with slightly more spin, which helps hold greens from mid to long range while maintaining forgiveness on mis-hits.
- The Pro model offered a balanced flight path, delivering consistent numerics with mid-launch trajectories that draw less than the Tour under similar conditions.
- The Max model delivered the most forgiveness and the lowest penalty on off-center hits, producing flatter dispersion with respectable distance gains on center hits.
On-Course Performance: Real-World Results
Field testing with Grant Horvat emphasizes practical results you can translate to your next round. The Qi35 line demonstrated the following on-course benefits:
- improved accuracy for players who struggle with inadvertent misses to the right or left, thanks to refined face geometry and weight distribution.
- More stabledownswing behavior, helping golfers maintain a confident tempo even when timing isn’t perfect.
- Consistent launch windows across the lineup, enabling players to optimize distance control on a variety of hole layouts.
- Better forgiveness for slower swing speeds in the Max model, helping beginners and mid-handicap players achieve more playable ball flights.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Qi35 Owners
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive club golfer, the Qi35 lineup offers actionable advantages. Here are practical tips to maximize your Qi35 experience:
- Start with the Qi35 Tour if you want a blend of workability and stability. It’s a great baseline for players who shape shots but still want forgiveness on mis-hits.
- Opt for the Qi35 pro when you need a well-rounded driver that responds to a wide range of swing speeds and tendencies without requiring dramatic changes to your setup.
- If you frequently face mis-hits or are new to adjustable drivers, the Qi35 Max is your friend for higher launch and more forgiveness on off-center strikes.
- Leverage the adjustable weight track to fine-tune dispersion. Moving weight toward the heel can help with draws, while shifting weight to the toe can encourage fades or straighter shapes depending on your needs.
- Pair with proper shaft options and tighten grip pressure to optimize feedback from the face for better on-course consistency.
Case Studies: Which Qi35 Model Fits Different Player Types?
| Player Type | recommended Qi35 Model | Why It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| High-Handicap / Beginner | Qi35 Max | Max forgiveness and a higher launch to keep shots in play and build confidence. |
| Mid Handicap / All-Around | Qi35 Pro | Balanced speed, workability, and stability for a reliable all-around performance. |
| Low-Handicap / Shot Shaper | Qi35 Tour | Enhanced control, tighter dispersion on center strikes, and better shaping capabilities. |
Specification Snapshot: Qi35 at a Glance
| Model | Loft Range | Weight System | Face Tech | Forgiveness Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qi35 Tour | 9°–11° | Mid-weight track with heel-to-toe weight distribution | Twist Face 2.0 | Moderate |
| Qi35 Pro | 10°–12° | Advanced weight track and adjustable hosel | Speed Pocket 2.0 | High |
| Qi35 Max | 9°–13° | Full-front to full-back weight distribution | High-MOI face design | Very High |
Fitting Considerations and Practical Tips
A solid fitting is the difference between a good driver and a great one. Here are fitting-oriented tips that align with the Qi35 lineup and Grant Horvat’s testing beliefs:
- Work with a qualified club fitter to dial in loft and lie settings based on your height, swing speed, and typical attack angle.
- Experiment with the weight track settings in small increments to observe dispersion and flight changes before committing to a full setup.
- Test all three Qi35 models on the same day with the same shaft family to isolate model-driven differences from shaft-driven effects.
- Consider your typical course conditions (wind,firm vs. soft turf) when choosing between Tour, Pro, and Max models for the season ahead.
- Combine with a fitting for shaft options,including weight class and stiffness,to optimize tempo and launch for your unique swing.
First-Hand Experience: Practical Takeaways for Golfers
Grant Horvat’s experience with the Qi35 lineup provides actionable cues for players evaluating a driver upgrade this season:
- Expect a tangible upgrade in feel and feedback across the lineup, especially on center hits where new face geometry translates into solid, audible feedback.
- Use the adjustable weight track to fine-tune dispersion and trajectory before deciding on one model as your primary driver.
- For players who struggle with consistency, the Qi35 max offers a forgiving option that doesn’t compromise distance quality on well-struck shots.
- Balance your expectations with your current swing characteristics. The Pro model can often deliver the best blend of speed and control for many mid-handicap players stepping up from older generations.
FAQ: Qi35 Driver Lineup and Usage
What makes Qi35 different from previous TaylorMade drivers?
Qi35 emphasizes improved mis-hit handling through Twist Face 2.0,smarter CG placement for stability,and a refined adjustability system designed to maximize both speed and forgiveness without sacrificing workability.
Which Qi35 model is best for a beginner who struggles with distance?
The Qi35 Max is typically a strong starting point for beginners as of its high launch, generous MOI, and forgiving performance, helping players gain confidence with longer, more playable shots.
How vital is fitting for Qi35 models?
Fitting is critical.The models share core tech, but the differences in weight distribution, loft range, and face geometry mean that the right model and shaft combination can dramatically impact launch, spin, and dispersion. A proper fitting can unlock the model’s full potential and ensure you’re getting the most distance and accuracy from your swing.
Related Accessories and Additional Tips
- Pair the Qi35 driver with a shaft profile that complements your swing speed and tempo—consider a tip-stiff or mid-stiff option if you tend to over-rotate on the downswing.
- Use alignment aids and practice with a consistent routine on the practice range to transfer improved swing mechanics to the course.
- Keep the grip size appropriate for your hands to maintain stable head control and feel at impact.
Grant Horvat’s in-depth exploration of the Qi35 driver lineup showcases TaylorMade’s ongoing commitment to speed, forgiveness, and player-centered design.Whether you’re chasing a higher launch with more consistency or seeking a workable driver that can handle precise shot shaping, the Qi35 family provides a compelling set of options backed by modern tech and real-world testing insights.
