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Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/02/08 12:58:15 PM
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Jeff
Posts: 2001
Joined: 09/17/02
Status: offline
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Taylor Made Tour Preferred Driver Models -
R510 TP - 2003
Head volume - 390cc
Stock Shaft -
Fujikura 757 Speeder Tip Stiff / 2.5° / 80g
Comments -
Still played and revered, the 510 TP was one of the first drivers to deliver tour-level performance out of the box.
Also found in non-retail Deep Face (DF) version.
R-580XD TP R540XD TP 2004
Head volume - 440cc and 400cc
Stock Shaft - Various, often Mitsubishi Rayon's.
Comments -
Not a commercial issue, found with tour B/Txxxxx serial numbers.
R7 Quad TP - 2005
Head volume - 400cc
Stock Shaft -
Fujikura 757 Speeder Tip Stiff / 2.5° / 80g
Mitsubishi Diamana 83 Tip Stiff / 3.0° / 78g
Fujikura Fit-on Six Tip Soft / 4.5° / 57g
Comments -
Four MWT ports
Also found with Mitsubishi Rayon TP-70 shaft
R5 Dual TP - 2005
Head volume - 450cc
Stock Shaft -
Fujikura 757 Speeder Tip Stiff / 2.5° / 80g
Mitsubishi Diamana 83 Tip Stiff / 3.0° / 78g
Fujikura Fit-on Six Tip Soft / 4.5° / 57g
Comments -
An R5 with 2 MWT ports and upgraded shafts.
R425-TP - 2005
Stock Shaft -
Re-Ax 55 TP Tip Soft / 3.5° / 55g
Re-Ax 65 TP Tip Stiff / 2.8° / 65g
Re-Ax 75 TP Tip Mid / 2.5° / 75g
Comments -
Initially prices at $1000, the 425 features 4 weight ports and Rombax shaft technology to reduce ovaling. ROMBAX technology uses two types of graphite weave, TRIAX (used in Fujikura's legendary Speeder 757 shaft) and a second weave recently developed to reinforce TRIAX. These weaves, which are used to make graphite sheets, are characterized by an intricate, strength enhancing pattern. The TRIAX sheet extends from the grip to the tip, while the second sheet covers the middle of the shaft, covering approximately 25% of the length.
R460-TP - 2005
Stock Shaft -
Re-Ax 55 TP Tip Soft / 3.5° / 55g
Re-Ax 65 TP Tip Stiff / 2.8° / 65g
Re-Ax 75 TP Tip Mid / 2.5° / 75g
Mitsubishi Rayon ReAx 54 Mid-High /?/ 54g
Mitsubishi Rayon ReAx 64 -Mid-Low / ? / 64g
Comments -
Two MWT ports.
Super Quad TP - 2006
Head volume - 460cc
Stock Shaft -
Re-Ax 55 TP Tip Soft / 3.5° / 55g
Re-Ax 65 TP Tip Stiff / 2.8° / 65g
Re-Ax 75 TP Tip Mid / 2.5° / 75g
Comments -
Super Quad was the first (and ultimately only) TM 460cc club head with 4 MWT ports. Also available as an "All Black" limited edition.
Burner TP- 2007
Head volume - 460cc
Stock Shaft -
Re-Ax 50 TP Tip Mid / 3.4° / 75g
Re-Ax 65 TP Tip Stiff / 2.7° / 65g
Comments -
First of the Super Fast series
Tour Burner TP - 2008
Head volume - 450cc
Stock Shaft -
Matrix Xcon-5 Tip Soft / 3.5° / 56g
Diamana White 65 Tip Stiff / 3.1° / 65g
Fuji Rombax 75 Tip Mid / 2.5° / 74g
Comments -
R7 Limited - 2008
Head volume - 440cc
Stock Shaft -
Matrix Ozik Xcon 5.5 Tip Mid / 3.1° / 60g
Comments -
Ozik shaft spec'ed by TM to provide additional tip control vs Xcon 5.
3 MWT Ports
It's not really a TP...
< Message edited by Jeff -- 10/09/08 7:53:26 AM >
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/02/08 1:00:46 PM
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Jeff
Posts: 2001
Joined: 09/17/02
Status: offline
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TP Drivers I have owned
But not necessarily loved.
R510TP 9* / Fuji 757 S - As one of the iconic drivers in golf history, the R510TP introduced me to what I'd come to know at Club Ho'ing. I had the 9* (the only left hand variant) with a 757 S. My current driver at the time was a Cobra SS-380, which remains about the longest driver I've ever hit. For me, the 510TP had the trajectory of a 1 iron. It was a low spin head with a high bend shaft, and it gave up at least 40 yards of carry vs. the Cobra. I sold it in a few weeks.
While one of the great clubs of all time in terms of sound and feel, it didn't work at all for me.
R425TP 9* / Re-Ax S - Another TP that many people continue to swear by due to its smaller head volume and 4 MWT ports. I was initially inconsistent with the club, and brought it to a fitter to check out. The shaft (an S) actually freq'ed to an X, and showed startling random oscillations when cycling. The shaft was splined, which helped, but the tip-stiff, X flex meant that I had to swing hard to create anywhere near correct launch conditions. I really wanted to make this club work, and playing with the head weights was cool, but I don't think it lasted 6 months.
R460TP 10.5* / Mitsubishi Rayon 64 S - I bought this club new about six months ago. They were (and still are to some extent) being vigorously dumped on e-bay. My then-current driver, an FT-3 / NVS S, is as those who have tried/owned/loved one know, a very tough stick to beat. Unlike the previous TP's, I had modest expectations for the 460, and again I was wrong. The 460TP is the last of the classic shaped /sound / feel TM's. It sounds wonderful, and feels superb both at impact the through the swing. It sets up neutral and flies neutral. It responds to movement of the MWT weight more linearly that any other TM head I've tried. The Rayon shaft is super stable without being at all boardy (unlike the Fuji options IMO), and delivers fine distance and correct launch conditions over an almost infinite range of swing speeds. I can swing at ~ half speed or completely out of my shoes and it still feels in complete control.
The 460TP has been one of the least popular and most overlooked of the family. IMO it is at least the equal of any current driver at any price. At the current e-bay rate of $200 or less, they're one of the great deals in golf.
Burner TP 10.5 / Re Ax 50 S - When the 07 Burners got marked down to $200 a few months ago, a local club was kind enough to mark the TP's at $200 as well, and as usual, resistance was futile.
First hits, vs. the 460TP were not good. Dispersion was horrible. Head location feel through the swing was virtually non-existent. It seemed to set up closed, but didn't necessarily hook when addressed that way. The SW is D7, which told me that at this club weight, TM had likely found that there was virtually no head position information at all. Not wanting too give up too easily, I brought it back to the range and hit a full bucket. The Burner TP is extremely picky about address position and swing path. You must conform to it's wants, or it flat doesn't work. The SuperFast / super light configuration really does work. You can and do swing faster. Unfortunately, that can lay waste to your current timing and tempo.
Later, once grooved by many balls, one thing was clear. Struck optimally, the Burner TP is capable of hysterical distance. It launches high and fast with low spin, and manages the "cruise missile" effect of carrying down range at a flat trajectory. The kicker (excuse the pun) is that on re-entry, the ball kicks hard forward rather than the drop and stop of most high-trajectory setups. Quick, to the course!
Where we hit one fairway out of 12. There were some very impressive misses though. I didn't care, as I was fully addicted to the distance potential. The biggest difference between the pro game and mine as I saw it was their ability to hit 280 to 300 yard drives, and then hit wedges to the majority of par 4's. I felt the keys in my hands, if only I could control the thing.
Many more balls are hit. I mark tee's with a depth indicator. I measure the distance from the tee to my heel before each shot. I draw the position of the thumb and index fingers on the grip.
My last round I only missed one fairway with driver. I shot 2 over par on a course where I've never shot in the 70's. Anyone who says length isn't critical is either lying or has no clue. The price of admission will not be for the majority, though, as the amount of practice and finicky setup will be more than many will be willing or able to pay.
R7 Limited 9.5* / Matrix Ozik 5.5 S - Is not a TP, but I'm including it as there apparently is no TP Burner with the newest model. It does have the spirit of a TP, though, and it includes the kitchen sink of TM's tech capability.
I was on a role with the last few drivers, and had a bunch of trade-in credit at GS with a 30% over value coupon. My hope was for the distance of the Burner, the feel of the 460, and a shaft superior to both.
Setup is perfect and easy. The head sits square and the triangle shape provides instinctive and accurate alignment. Swing feel is excellent. The Matrix shaft is world-class. It's stability through impact is a 10. It's a Porsche S4 of shafts. I could ask for no more.
The dark side. It's not as long as the 07 Burner. The sound at impact is not what one may expect from a TM TP Driver. The triangle head shape doesn't deform like a rounded one, and a rather "aluminum" sound is the result. For me, this is the first TP driver with a natural fade bias. While it has three MWT ports to adjust that, the stock configuration is 1-16-1. Therefore to substantially alter the bias, you also change the CG, which is set mostly by the rear single weight. It doesn't have a magnetic head cover.
I've been spending too much time with the 07 Burner to fully appreciate the Limited. It's an attempt to appeal to those who appreciate the more traditional size and trajectory of something like the 510TP, but with updated technology and distance. IMO it's a success. Any decent player should be able to pick one up and quickly be hitting long and repeatable shots.
Notes / IMO -
For the better player, the TP family is a superior solution. They are a pro level stick that's available to the public. For that, TM should be lauded. There is a lot of variety among them though, and for many players newest might not equal best.
The retail price of many TP's was outrageous. On the other hand, their current e-bay price for the same club is about as outrageously good. Club ho rule #1: Don't pay retail. Wait for it. It's worth it.
_____________________________
Driver: R460 TP / Mitsu Rayon 64 S
Woods: TiSi Tec 3&5 / Fuji VP
Irons: G10 3-4, i10 5-PW / Z-Z65
Wedges: Cleveland CG10 58*/ CG11 52*
Putter: Cameron Studio Select Newport
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/02/08 8:52:14 PM
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pellmell
Posts: 2696
Joined: 01/29/04
Status: offline
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...end of discussion.
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/03/08 6:47:43 AM
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Jeff
Posts: 2001
Joined: 09/17/02
Status: offline
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quote:
...end of discussion.
Actually, I was hoping others would provide opinions / reviews of TP drivers here 
< Message edited by Jeff -- 10/07/08 8:19:54 PM >
_____________________________
Driver: R460 TP / Mitsu Rayon 64 S
Woods: TiSi Tec 3&5 / Fuji VP
Irons: G10 3-4, i10 5-PW / Z-Z65
Wedges: Cleveland CG10 58*/ CG11 52*
Putter: Cameron Studio Select Newport
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/09/08 4:22:52 AM
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pointman131
Posts: 1410
Joined: 10/27/05
Status: offline
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The original R7 Quad TP in 400cc had 4 MWT Ports, not two. I have owned 7 or 8 of them.
The 425 is probably the all around best TP with MWT. Blows the 460 away due to lower spin rate.
The r5 is the most forgiving, just an easy club to hit straight.
The r510 TP still has a huge following, however, the 540 TP is a longer club.
I have at one time or another owned every TP model made (well, not any of the oldschool stuff, I am talking r510 and newer). My overall favorite is the 425. Rocket launcher for sure, even with the stock Rombax. I have a T/B Burner on the way, we'll see if it can knock the 425 out of the bag...
_____________________________
L4V X Purple Ice Black Tour X 9*
Burner 15*
Cleveland LDI
CG4 4-PW
Ping Tour 52 and 56
Cameron Square Back... big pimpin'
ProV1x - B330 Tour
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/09/08 7:54:11 AM
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Jeff
Posts: 2001
Joined: 09/17/02
Status: offline
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quote:
The original R7 Quad TP in 400cc had 4 MWT Ports, not two. I have owned 7 or 8 of them.
corrected. thanks! 
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/13/08 12:04:11 AM
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Mndset
Posts: 1
Joined: 10/12/08
Status: offline
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I have owned (& still use) the Original R7 Quad TP 400cc since 2005 (and paid full retail back then for it, $799). Ouch! Mine has the Speeder 757 shaft in X-flex, is 9.5 degrees. With the high kick point on the Speeder shaft and X-flex, the trajectory for me is mid-low. However, I tend to average 270 yds carry, and with some roll can get 285 - 300 yds consistantly. Since most the courses (including my home course), don't exactly have ideal "roll" on the fairways, I was hoping to find a club with more launch and carry, without altering my shaft flex.
Since 2005, I have demo'd the R7 Quad TP 425 (and liked it very much but couldn't justify spending $ right away after investing $799 on the 400cc Quad TP). I then Demo'd the R7 Superquad TP 460, loved the higher launch angle, almost bought one, but decided to wait till prices dropped.
I tried the 2007 TP Burner, and agree that the distance was noticable, but couldn't justify the investment. I've been cruising Ebay, waiting for something that struck my eye with a tasty price tag.
And then,.... I thought I found it and just recently purchased a "practically new" R7 TP 460 (with 2 MWT), with a Rombax REAX TP65 shaft in X-flex. I hit this shaft before when I demo'd the Superquad R7 TP 460, and thought it would play similar on the TP 460. The cool thing about this deal is that I bought it on EBay for $130 including the new headcover. The not so cool thing about this deal is that I can't hit it worth a dam!!!
I figured the TP 460 head would provide me with more foregiveness, distance, and a higher launch angle, but really I've only found it has less control and no change in distance and minimal change in launch angle. Granted, I haven't given it a fair chance and my swing is grooved for my loyal TP Quad 400cc, but I am not impressed with the TP 460 to say the least, for now.
Also, the sound and feel of the TP 460 is more hollow and "clanky" sounding than my TP Quad 400cc, which has a very solid "thwauuuuck" to it.
The one thing that I do love about the TP series, is that the Movable Weights are interchangable throughout the TP series (as far as I know), and I can experiment with different weight configurations on the TP 460 using my TP Quad 400 weight kit.
The other obvious difference is in the shafts, and my swing quite possibly could be "tuned" to the Speeder 757 now. The 757 Speeder is also 80g I believe, and the REAX Rombax Fujikura is 65g.
Without doing anything drastic right away, I am of course going to experiment with the weight configuration and give the TP 460 a fair test at the range and on the course before opting to put a new shaft in it. For right now, I would describe my TP Quad 400cc as a fine tuned instrument, with great control, feel, and consistancy. Similar to a blade iron. My only gripe with my TP Quad 400 is that I would like a little more trajectory and carry.
In comparison, for me the TP 460 has little to no feel, and does not give me the impression of being more forgiving. It also has a 9.5 degree loft and ideally, I should have held out for a 10.5 degree head, but couldn't resist this buy at such a great deal with what I thought was the shaft I wanted.
I have also been experimenting with different graphite shafts lately, and I'm considering putting a Diamana Red Board 83g X-flex into the TP 460. I have purchased, tested, and sold a Diamana Blue Board and Grafalloy EPIC FW shaft in my Titleist PT 3 woods, and I wasn't exactly thrilled with their performance. I failed to see what all the hype was about these shafts. The Diamana Blue Board was very smooth however, and I'm hoping that the Red Board that I just purchased will provide a higher launch as it's specs indicate.
In summary, I would say that my favorites thus far in the TP line are the older 400cc and 425cc R7 TP's. I would also say that I am not a big fan of when Club manufacturers "create" their owner proprietary shafts, contracted by shaft companies (ie. Fujikura, and Mitsubishi/Diamana). Somehow, they always seem to play a little different than the shaft company's OEM versions.
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/16/08 12:59:48 PM
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Jeff
Posts: 2001
Joined: 09/17/02
Status: offline
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quote:
TP 460 is more hollow and "clanky" sounding than my TP Quad 400cc, which has a very solid "thwauuuuck" to it.
Hummm... Mine is the most solid feeling and sounding driver I've ever tried.
I demo'ed the 425 and 460 togeather with the Rombax shafts in S and preferred / bought a 425. Mo' solid and better ball flight. The Rayon in the current 460 changes the club a great deal IMO.
As a cheap experiment, maybe try replacing the 10 / 6 configuration with 6/6. At least for me, all the MWT drivers feel and fly a bit better "balanced" instead of biased. Not a huge change though.
_____________________________
Driver: R460 TP / Mitsu Rayon 64 S
Woods: TiSi Tec 3&5 / Fuji VP
Irons: G10 3-4, i10 5-PW / Z-Z65
Wedges: Cleveland CG10 58*/ CG11 52*
Putter: Cameron Studio Select Newport
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/17/08 4:10:16 AM
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DavePearce
Posts: 115
Joined: 05/13/06
Status: offline
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I've got a 2007 Burner TP / TP50-S too, and wondered if I could do better ? Don't get me wrong, when I connect, I love it and I've been having problems with my driving for a few years now - coming in too steep and closed, or just plain erratic with my swing. I therefore put down my lack of consistency down to my swing (which I still think is the case), but am intrigued by your comments about the club being "extremely picky".
Could this be contributing to my dispersion issues ? I'd be interested in your thoughts, and if so what alternative driver should I be looking at ? Or do I just pay more attention to my set up as you seem to do ?
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/18/08 11:37:38 AM
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Jeff
Posts: 2001
Joined: 09/17/02
Status: offline
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quote:
Could this be contributing to my dispersion issues ? I'd be interested in your thoughts, and if so what alternative driver should I be looking at ? Or do I just pay more attention to my set up as you seem to do ?
Of course. IMO whether you try sticking with the Burner depends on how much distance advantage it's giving you. If it's less than 5-7 yards, it's probably not worth the additional dispersion.
quote:
having problems with my driving for a few years now - coming in too steep and closed
Like you're swinging a 7-iron?
IMO: Selling drivers is all about distance. Since COR is capped, manufacturers are looking for other variables to give them an advantage. The 07 Burner is very light, over standard length, very low spin, very low CG, high potential shaft deflection. Many current drivers excel on a launch monitor, and may be controlable at the range, but the swing requirements are just too different from the rest of your set to be produced on demand on the course.
And if you end up not hitting it consistantly, well maybe you'll come back next year for another shot.
Most tour players continue to use 44-44.5 drivers, since they're far better matched to the swing dynamics of the remainder of the set. If they're hitting these drivers, what are we doing with 46"+ clubs? It's nuts.
Many are having good susscess reshafting 07 Burners to 45".
The most consistant driver I've ever hit (by far) is the FT-3. It's lie angle is very upright. It sets up and swings like a 5 wood. Available cheap.
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RE: Taylor Made TP Driver Discussion Thread - 10/18/08 1:29:10 PM
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DavePearce
Posts: 115
Joined: 05/13/06
Status: offline
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Jeff : that sounds like music to my ears - I can (and regularly do) absolutely nail my 5 and 3 woods, and always play them off the turf. When my driving was the best it has ever been I was using an original TM Burner Bubble (non-Ti version), teeing it really low, and hitting it like every other club in my bag. It just plain worked.
Like you say, I now have this "swing every club like my 7-iron" swing that works fine with all but my driver (I don't even use a tee for my 3 or 5 woods off the tee, as I like to "nip" them close to the grass). I reckon this is precisely why a modified swing for one club in the bag (ie. my driver) causes such inconsistencies.
What's even more pleasing is that I should be able to snaffle an FT-3 at a good price - what shaft should I look for ? [I only have a 95mph driver swing speed with a horribly fast snatchy tempo, which is why I have favoured a stiff/firm shaft in my last four or five drivers] What's more I have never had the "gonads" to pay full price for a new driver, then get the shaft cut to a more sensible length (for ego / re-sale purposes), but have always thought that a shorter driver shaft makes very good sense - especially given my ability to kill my 3 and 5 woods consistently "out of the screws".
I reckon it'd be worth me investing in a cheap second hand FT-3, shafting it to fit, and cutting it to a 44"-44.5" length and seeing how that goes - should cost me only about half the price of a new OEM driver. What do you think ?
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