Taylor Made Golf Clubs
The Taylor Made Hybrid Golf Clubs line
is extensive. The company offers five different club solutions in their
Rescue line of hybrids. The different models target different levels of
golfers and their tendencies. This article will discuss the 5 models of
Taylor Made Hybrid Golf Clubs. For those not aware, hybrids are designed
to replace hard to hit long irons. A 3 hybrid, for example, should
replace your 3 iron.
The Burner Rescue
This model is made for golfers with driver swing speeds of between 70
and 105 MPH. The Burner has a relatively large head which enables more
perimeter weighting and a center of gravity (CG) a bit lower and farther
back than some other models. This translates into both a forgiving club
face and shots launched at a high trajectory. In other words the club is
easy to hit. Another feature is what is called “Steel Pull-Face”
construction which results in a club face with a high COR (coefficient
of restitution- it means the club has a spring-like effect), and this
translates into more distance. As with all the Taylor Made hybrids,
there are choices of stock graphite and steel shafts, and some other
custom shaft choices are available as well. There are 4 clubs available
in this model: 3, 4, 5, and 6 hybrids, and they come in both women’s
and left handed versions (except the 6 hybrid for lefties). In general
this set would fit below average, average, and some above average
players.
The Rescue TP
This model is designed for more advanced players with higher driver
swing speeds, that is from 90-115 MPH, which is getting up to
professional levels on the high end. The face is shallow and smaller
than the Burner, as more skilled players don’t need such a forgiving
club. The launch angle is lower and the club doesn’t produce as much
backspin. These are all attributes of clubs used by low handicap players
who are able to hit solid and consistent shots with long clubs. The four
clubs available in the series are 1, 2, 3, and 4 hybrids, so clearly
these are made for more advanced players. All but the 4 hybrid are
available for left handed players. There is not a women’s club in this
line, as very few women have swing speeds in this range. Once again, a
number of different steel and graphite shafts can be chosen for Rescue
TP hybrids.
The Rescue Dual Hybrid
This line of hybrids offers Taylor Made’s “Movable Weight Technology™”.
Weights can be moved on the club which will result in more of a draw
bias, so this will be helpful for players who have a tendency to hit a
slice. The weight shift can also modify the ball trajectory. More
advanced players don’t need or want a high launch angle, as they hit
the ball hard and it will get high enough into the air. The club head is
relatively small, but the club still offers a moderate amount of
forgiveness. This line of clubs is recommended for golfers with driver
swings between 55 and 105 MPH, which is a wide range. Basically this
says that below average players and even some above average players
could benefit from these clubs. It’s a question of whether the movable
weights will be of help for your particular swing. Once again, 4 clubs
are available for right handed players, a 2, 3, 4, and 5 hybrid. Only
the 3 and 4 hybrids come in left-handed versions, and there are no
ladies clubs in this line.
The Rescue Dual TP Hybrids
These clubs are for skilled players with driver swing speeds over 105
MPH. The movable weight system is in this line as well. The CG is
slightly higher than in the Rescue Dual, and thus the ball flight is
lower and more piercing. Strong players prefer this type of ball flight
since they can control the ball better. Tour level shafts are used in
this model, and 4 choices of clubs are available. There are two choices
of a 2 hybrid, one with a 14 degree loft and the other with 16 degrees
of loft. 3 and 4 hybrids are also available. The 14 degree 2 hybrid and
4 hybrid are not made in left-handed versions.
The r7 Draw Rescue
This line of hybrids can be used by players needing a club that can be
hit easily and gets into the air quickly at a high launch angle. The
club is also designed to produce a hook bias to aid golfers who
habitually slice the ball and to help them hit straighter shots. The
specs say that anyone with driver swing speeds from 55-105 MPH can use
these clubs effectively. The club head is large, and this allows for a
CG that is well back from the club face. This also allows for more
perimeter weighting leading to a club that is forgiving of off-center
hits. There are 3, 4, 5, and 6 hybrids available, except for the 6
hybrid for lefties. Women’s clubs are available. The clubs are
designed for use with lighter shafts to develop more club head speed for
those who need all the distance they can get. This is another line for
below average, average, and some above average golfers. The main issue
is to address a correction for a constant slice that many golfers have.
It differs from the Rescue Dual line in that it does not have the
movable weight system.
It is clear that making a choice of
which hybrids to put in your bag is a confusing one as there are so many
choices. And here we have only been discussing the offerings of Taylor
Made Hybrid golf clubs. Obviously all the golf equipment brands have
their own lines as well. If you are going to pay $120- $175 or so for
each of these clubs, it would behoove you to have a custom fitting with
a knowledgeable professional, preferably a certified custom club maker,
before making your purchases. That person can help guide you into clubs
you can use effectively and get the most out of. If you don’t do this,
you might be not only wasting your money, but paying a high price to
play poorly.
