TaylorMade-adidas Golf is a pioneer in golf club adjustability when it introduced its r7 quad driver in 2004. The r7 quad incorporated TaylorMade’s Movable Weight Technology(MWT), which gave golfers the ability to change the clubhead’s center of gravity to promote different ball flights.
2009 marks a dawn of a new era in golf club design and adjustability with the introduction of the R9 driver, that not only allows you to adjust the center of gravity, but also the face angle, loft, and lie angle of the R9 through its Flight Control Technology (FCT). The combination of the of Flight Control Technology and Movable Weight Technology promote up to 75 yards of side-to-side trajectory adjustability.
Look and Feel
At first glance the R9 driver features a new clubhead shape that is a blend of modern and classic designs in 422cc clubhead, that looks a lot like last year’s r7 limited driver and r7 SuperQuad, with its triangular shape, contoured corners, and similar graphics on the sole. In fact, TaylorMade calls it “New Classic” because it is at once modern and traditional, and should prove the test of time.
The R9 clubhead is constructed with the aid of TaylorMade’s Ultra-Thin Wall (UTW) technology, which allows the clubhead walls measuring as thin as 0.6 millimeters, with the saved weight redistributed to make the MWT and CG low as possible.
The Movable Weight Technology on the R9, features three weight ports (Center, Heel, and Toe) and cartidges. One 16-gram weight, and two 1-gram weights that can be adjusted using included torque wrench.
When you setup to the ball, R9′s smaller triangular shape took a little getting used to, espeically in this era of oversized 460cc clubheads. The R9 is equipped with a brand new shaft by Fujikura Golf-the 65-gram Fujikura Motore graphite shaft that is 45.25″ Long. The Fujikura Motore graphite shaft with High Intertia Tip (HIT) technology, is engineered with a new advanced tip construction that promotes faster ball speed. The added kick through the impact zone to promote increased ball speed and distance.
The Fujikura Motore shaft features a white graphic print on the top portion of the shaft, that uses a special “rotating graphic” that looks the same no matter what position the shaft is locked into. You’ll also notice that the grip is also graphic free, as to prevent distraction when the shaft is rotated.
As the shaft tapers down towards the hosel it begins to turn into a deep red and connects to the special metallic sleeve over the tip of the shaft.
Overall, its a really sharp looking driver that has a great throwback look to it packed with a lot of modern technology.
How Does FCT Work?
Up until now, if you wanted to adjust the face, loft, and lie angle, you needed to have that done by a club technician at your local golf shop. Or in the case of the PGA Tour Pro, you had this done at the TaylorMade Tour Trailer. This process requires a technician to immobilize the clubhead and bend the hosel by hand. Flight Control Technology eliminates the need of a tour technician to make adjustments quickly and accurately to the face, loft, and lie angles (Neutral-1 Flat Lie, Neutral Upright-1 Upright Lie, 1.0 Closed-.5 Flat Lie, 1.0 Closed-.5 Upright Lie, 2.0 Closed-Standard Lie, 1.0 Open-Flat Lie,1.0 Open-.5 Upright Lie, 2.0 Open-Standard Lie).
To adjust the face, loft, and lie angles, is quite simple process with the supplied R9 torque wrench, which provides 40 inch-pounds of torque. Just loosen the FCT bolt, remove the shaft from the head, rotate the sleeve and shaft into one of the eight clubhead positions and then locking the clubhead into position with the FCT bolt. The clubhead position adjustments were simple to make, like described, but I did find it a little tricky at times to line up the desired position with the clubhead. You’ll know that you have tightend the FCT bolt on tighly when you hear a loud snap.
When using the provided torque wrench, I was little nervous about loosening the FCT bolt, because I might lose it. But that’s not possible, since the FCT bolt cannot be removed from the clubhead completely. Using the same torque wrench you can also adjust the Movable weights on the R9, but these can be misplaced, so be careful where you do this.
I would really like for the torque wrench to be able to be stored in the clubhead cover, because having to fish it out of my golf bag anytime I want to makea an adjustment can be a bit of a hassle and easily misplaced.
Performance
What makes the R9 a fully adjustable driver is the combination of the FCT and MWT. As mentioned before, the R9 features three weight ports that can be adjusted. Put the 16-gram weight in the heel port to promote a draw, in the toe port to promote a fade, and in the middle for a neutral ball flight. By combining both the MWT and FCT you actually give yourself a ton of influence over the flight trajectory of your shots. According to TaylorMade testing, the R9 driver can promote up to 75 yards of side-to-side trajectory change, depending upon how the clubhead has been adjusted. If you take the eight positions of the FCT and multiply that with the three MWT configurations, you end up with twenty-four possible combinations.
In my tests, I didn’t notice too much of a variance in my shot trajectory to validate the 75 yards claim by TaylorMade, you’ll need to take their word for it. But what I did notice, is that shaping my shots was much easier to do with the combo of FCT and MWT. The only downside of so many options is that it took a lot of experimentation to find the right combination that worked best for my swing (neutral upright). Once, you have it dialed in your not going to want to change it.
In terms of the trajectory of my shots, I found that ball would fly off the face of the R9 and have a nice medium to low trajectory, similar to that of Tour player. Part of this can be attributed to triangular shape of the R9 that lowers the center of gravity lower in the face of the club that makes it easy to launch the ball.
The Inverted Cone Technology which has been used in other TaylorMade drivers, expands the area of the clubface that delivers high ball speed. The cone is actually milled directly onto the inner side of the clubface, which gives the R9 forgiveness on mis-hits, high MOI, and low CG. Now in terms of distance, the ball flies off the face of the R9 and travels a good distance, but not as far as I would like. I think part of it has to do with the lower trajectory ball flight and Fujikura Motore shaft. I need a softer tip shaft then the stock offerring on the R9.
Bottom line, the TaylorMade R9 driver is a great golf club that provides unprecendented amount of adjustability and customization quickly, and without the support of a tour van. If your a low-mid handicap golfer, who likes to fine tune their golf club, and wants a tour claiber flight trajectory, than checkout the R9 driver.
The TaylorMade R9 driver is available in 8.5, 9.5, and 10.5 (tested) degree lofts (9.5 and 10.5 left-handed), and in X, S, and R shaft flexes. MSRP $500
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
I ordered an R9 from a clubfitter in Pennsylvania. I asked for a 73g White Board stiff at 45″, a shaft I have in 3 fairway woods. However, the R9 head with the 18g of moveable weight made the club too heavy for me. I noticed on line that several club fitters had said the R9 head is heavy. I had some TM weights from an old R7, and reduced the moveable weights in the R9 to 6 (heel), 1 (back) and 4(toe). Seven grams of weight may not sound like much, but it made a difference.
For several years I have been playing a straight tee shot with a miss being a fade, and bought my drivers to suit my swing. But now with the R9, I can move the ball both ways.
After a lot of experimenting (which was really fun), I found I could set up easily for a fade or a – relatively – straight tee shot. I settled on Neutral 1 degree closed to hit a draw (to suit one particular course I am playing regularly), and I can draw the ball most of the time. The White Board does not hook for me, so my miss tends to be straight or a fade. I have a smooth transition and smooth release – a quick tempo player may not get the same result from this combination. I would guess my dispersion range would be 15 to 20 yds on bad days, and 10 to 15 yds on good days.
Overall, I would estimate that my R9 combination is no longer than my other two drivers, but I can now shape tee shots with some confidence.
I just picked up the r9 and i am comfortable using it at neutral but i was wondering what the difference is compared to neutral upright
Hi Mack,
The difference is the lie angle is 1 degree upright as opposed to 1 degree flat in neutral. The face is square in both cases, but produces a higher ball flight and right to left movement of up to 10 yards.
In neutral the ball should go straight and not as high. This assumes your square at impact.
Enjoy the R9!
Rob
I have ordered the R9, form a christmas gift card, but I am reading some disturbing comments that the head actually come off of the shaft (please tell me that this a rare incident). Did I make a big mistake?
Mark,
You didn’t make a mistake. The head can only come off the shaft if you don’t properly tighten the head back on after you’ve made your adjustments.
Thanks
R
I have been looking at the new 2009 TaylorMade R9 in a 8.5 or 9.5 degree loft and with either a stiff or x-stiff shaft. What I am having trouble figuring out is that there appears to be three different moels of this driver. Can you explain to me the difference between the R9, R9-TP and R9-Max models and why a person would choose one over the other.
Thanks
Cary (located in North Carolina)
Mark-
I have searched the web for 3 nights and yet to find the answer to my question; is the Motore shaft “above average” in stiffness to a standard stiff shaft (i.e. Graffaloy Red or other stock stiff OEM shafts)? I am a 10 handicap with a swing speed of 100-110. I currently play the Burner with a stiff Graffaloy Pro-Launch Red that I hit pretty straight and average distance (265). How would that compare with the Motore shaft in stiff flex? Should I consider regular flex? Thanks…great work!!
Cary,
The R9 and R9TP both have adjustable face, lie,loft angle, and moveable weights technology. The main difference is the shaft, where there is a TP version of the various shafts.
The R9 MAX is the Japanese version of what is called the R9 460 in the United States. The R9 460 features only an adjustable face, lie, loft, angle. No Moveable weights, like in the R9 and R9 TP.
The difference between the R9, R9TP and R9 460, is you don’t have moveable weights in the 460. Also the R9 460 is a 460cc head vs 422cc head on the R9, R9 TP.
Why one over the other? This really depends on your game and what will work best for your swing. If you like the smaller 422cc head shape and also like the moveable weights to really fine tune the club. The R9 460 is for those who like the bigger 460cc head shape and don’t want to deal with the weights. It’s best to get fit for these drivers, to determine what would work best with your swing before running out and buying one in my opinion.
Good Luck
Rob
Since the Motore shaft appears to be a bit stiffer than standard, I am thinking of puting in a Reax shaft in the R9. What is the difference between the Fujikara Reax 65 shaft and Aldila Reax 60 shaft? My swin speed is a modest 95 mph; which is better for me?
I misplaced ( or lost ) the torque wrench for the head adjustment my Taylormade R9 driver anyone have one to sell or know where I can get another one ? Thanks ,pete
There are a few on eBay but I use a T-25 star bit to loosen the adjustment bolt. If you have a inch-pound tourqe wrench, tighten to 40 inch-pounds. Be careful not to strip the threads.
I recently purchased the R9 off eBay and haven’t receved it yet. I am a junior and not a very long hitter, did I make the right decision? Or should have I gone with the Dymo ST8FIT? Thanks.
Hi Evan,
Both clubs you mentioned are good drivers, but it really depends on your swing, swing speed, etc. There are a lot of different factors that go into finding the right driver/clubs for your swing, and getting fitted for them is very important. Depending on your swing speed, ball flight, etc, the stock shaft may not produce the results you want to maximize your new driver. Go get fitted for your new driver.
Good Luck!
As a left handed player… which setting should I use to get rid of a small(right to left) slice??
Thanx.
just got a tm driver – super tri what and how do I use the weights? do they affect trajectory or accuracy?
As a left handed golfer does the R-9 FCT work same way for lefties: use setting R to combat a slice or use the opposite of the setting for right handed golfer i.e use setting L?
I’m also a Lefty. Had my first chance to really mess with my SuperTri at the range tonight and R setting changed my fade to laser straight. (I normally fade my driver and only draw it by accident) I have to weights set Heal to Toe. 8 / 16 / 4. Still a more experimenting to do but I was really liking the ball flight by the time I was done tonight. Have the 9.5* w/ a S flex X-Con 6 and a few more shafts to try as soon as the hosel adapters get here.
Chris:
That is 11 grams heavier (8/16/4) than what it comes standard. Is it much heavier now with that weight set-up?
I too am a Lefty, and have an R9 with a Fubuki Stiff, and it seems that it’s getting weaker (more draws and hooks). I have ordered two 2 gram weights to weigh it down.
I just got back from the range with my r9 driver. I recently changed the weights to have the 16 gram in the heel. I normally hit a prety straight drive, and did notice a slight draw with this configuration. However, I miss the feel of the weight being centered. Is it possible to buy additional weights in different grams to perhaps allow say the 16 gram in the heel, and another slightly less gram in the center to achieve both results? Just curious.
Hi Joe,
You can buy them directly from TaylorMade http://shop.taylormadegolf.com/categories/accessories/sub_categories/weights/products
Good Luck!
Rob
just purchased this driver. like it so far. it goes a little lower trajectory than my ft9. I think this is costing me some distance, but the control is much improved. To get a little higher ball flight does the fct need to be more L? if that is so, won’t my shots be more draw biased? Finally, will changing the weights (obtaining new ones in different sizes) allow me to better adjust the rear of the club? because when the weight is in the heal I really hit a big draw/hook. Thank you again for the information, and if you know of a site that would cover the results of changes a little better I would love to know because I can’t find one.
Nice review! Sorry if I overlooked this in your article, but what flex shaft did you test?
I am a Lefty. Therefore are the FCT and MWT adjustments the opposite of what is indicated in Taylor Made instructions?
Thanks
jp
Another Lefty wanting to know whether TaylorMade actually reversed the L and R markings or took the cheap way out and didn’t say anything in their enclosed booklet or website.
Do we have to assume everything in the graph is a mirror image and the L actually means R and R actually means L.
Hopefully someone can confirm this one way or the other.
Here’s the reply from TaylorMade Golf:
Thanks for the email. In the settings, keep in mind that no matter what side of the ball you are standing on, R will make the ball go right (closed for left hand) and L will make the ball go left (open for left hand). If you look at it this way it is much easier to understand left handed.
AS far as spin and ball speed go how do the R9, R9 MAX, Superdeep and Superfast Burner compare?
Also which has the best assistance for someone that misses right with pretty much every driver?
Hey guys! I thought I would throw in my experience with the R9. Right now I am around a 15 handicapper with a terrible short game, need to seriously work on that. I have been out of the game for around a good ten years and just got back on the horse last year. I have two drivers in my bag, the Ping G15 and the TM R9 and thought I would compare the two.
Anyways, I picked up the R9 10.5 with the F Motore R shaft a few months back. I have played around with it and still cannot hit it as far as my G15 10.5 Draw with the Ping R shaft. My drives for both clubs off of the tee were both in that 250 yard range give or take say 10 to 20 yards in distance.
I found that both clubs are very easy to control but did not find the TM 75 yard rule true at least for myself. I really like the R9, it is a good looking club but found my miss hits could really get away from me, unlike the G15 which tended to lessen the effects of hitting off center. The G15 still tended to head more towards the target, where the R9 would be in another fairway or rough. And I purposely hit both toe and heel shots with both clubs to see how they would handle ball flight. The R9 was not that happy with these shots as the ball tended to really get away, where the G15 was still in play, not off in the rough or another fairway.
Another difference was in control, I found the R9 was easy to draw and or fade, but, hitting a draw at times could easily turn into a hook. I had the R9 set up as neutral and upright. The fades were a bit easier to control and tended to work as intended, rarely turning into a full push. The G15 on the other hand was a bit more consistent, especially in the fade department. I honestly found it easier to work the ball over the R9, which I found odd seeing as I have a draw head on the G15.
How about actual distance from the tee to where the ball first lands on the fairway? The R9 always came up around ten to fifteen yards short when compared to the G15. No matter how hard I tried I could not get the R9 to match the G15 in distance off of the tee to its initial drop on the fairway.
Now, as far as ball flight goes, the G15 has a higher trajectory where as the R9 is lower with a more direct flight. Now here is where I would, and did, expect the R9 to shine, the actual roll after hitting the fairway. I did not get what I expected in the least, in fact just the opposite. The R9 would hit the fairway and get very little roll? The ball must have allot of backspin on her off of the face of the R9 which really surprised me. I honestly expected this out of the G15 with its more balloonish ball flight, but no, it hit and rolled and rolled and rolled. I was honestly surprised with this result. Now this could be a good thing depending on your course I guess, but I will take the roll.
All in all I really like the R9 and still need to experiment with it. Right now I would say that the R9 is more of a players club for a low handicapper, where as the G15 would be great for the occasional golfer who really needs the forgiveness off of the tee or for those guys that like to let her rip, guys like Bubba Watson come to mind. I think it is honestly a very cool club and will keep it. Will it replace the G15? Not for now…
I too am a lefty wit a slice will will the R 9 cure my slice
I am about a 7 handicap golfer with a swing speed of 110-120mph. My drive typically goes straight with a fade every once in a while. I was about to purchase the TM R9 driver with the aldila reax 60 shaft, then read about the soft tip. Will the soft tip cause a fade/slice with my swing speed? Would the Fujikura Motore 65 be a better option for me?
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