Review – Taylormade RocketBallz Driver

By: Fernando Solorzano

First introduced back in March of this year the Rocketballz (RBZ) Driver has given its counter part R11S a run for its money. The very popular RBZ driver comes in two different performing shapes, one for the average golfer and one for the low handicap and golf professional. The RocketBallz used by average golfers has a larger face that translates into more forgiveness, while the RocketBallz Tour driver has a smaller face and it is designed for the more accomplished golfer.

For this review we will concentrate on the RocketBallz used by average golfers (hcp 10 and up) TaylorMade has incorporated everything they have learned from the past into this new driver. Designing a simpler driver that even the average golfer can adjust to diminish swinging flaws.  There are two main improvements in these woods vs. any predecessors. The main one being the increase in ball speeds due to the higher COR face design which should increase distance immensely. The other being the improved CG which results in less spin from being moved forward and higher launch as well. More ball speed, higher launch, and less spin just equals more distance.

Indoor Test: We brought our test Rocketballz driver to Doral Golf Warehouse for some indoor testing. The specs for our driver are as follows:

Rocketballz 460 CC 9.5* Degrees

  • All settings at neutral loft and lie
  • Shaft: MATRIX HD6 S Flex
  • Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip

I was very impressed by the overall weight of the club. Being used to a heavier club myself I could see that Taylormade was making it very possible for an average player to obtain faster swing speeds. The club came factory adjusted to standards and for the purpose of the test we had to manually open the face of the club just a couple of degrees. After just a few swings I became accustomed to the smooth rhythm of the club, the ball seems to explode of the face effortlessly. One of the things I was impressed the most was how high the ball was being launched off the face, the final averages were: swing speed 104 mph, 14.5* degrees launch angle (between 12-14* recommended) and the ball was coming at 3,200 rpm (between 3k and 4k recommended). Without getting too caught up with the numbers I can tell you that the club is extremely easy to hit, it has great distance and great control.

There were a couple of customers inside the shop and I let one of them (a 17 handicap) hit some balls. His immediate reaction was the same.. how high the ball comes out of the face, the customer’s swing speed was in the neighborhood of 92-96 mph and his launch angle was just perfect at 12* degrees.

Outdoor Test: Our test continued at CB Smith Park in western Broward County. The outside temperature was in the low 90′s and there was a mild easterly wind blowing constantly from right to left. We teed up the driver in different positions, high, mid and very low and we noticed that the driver performed best when is teed up high. Also, for the purpose of the test we moved our ball forward and backwards in our stance. The club performed up to and above our standards, even when hit off the toe and heel the ball continued to carry a long ways, just um-believable!

Summary

The RBZ driver came to life as a replacement of the Burner Superfast 2.0 driver. I never liked the odd shape of the head on the Burner Superfast but according to friends who are still using it the club performed great. This new driver by Taylormade is much more compact, sleeker, traditional shape design and that appeals to my eye. TaylorMade’s RBZ crown is painted white matte and does not reflect the sunlight as many of the standard black heads on the market. In performance the RBZ must be one of the longest and most forgiving drivers on the market. The Flight Control Technology of the RBZ allows players to alter face angle, loft and lie angle for increased accuracy and distance. The club can also be custom made with several shaft options and at the $299.00 retail price (standard version) it will continue to lead in sales around the world.

Pros

  • Very forgiving head
  • Adjustable options
  • Long! very long!
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • White finish distracting to some
  • Not recommended for low handicap players (Try RBZ Tour version instead)