New Speed Pocket design unites with low CG and light weight to promote high launch and low spin for maximum distance
TaylorMade, the No. 1 played driver brand on the PGA Tour, has announced the release of JetSpeed, a breakthrough line of metalwoods that includes the company’s first driver to feature Speed Pocket technology. In addition, JetSpeed fairway woods and Rescue clubs combine an enhanced Speed Pocket, an extremely low-forward center of gravity (CG) location and extremely light overall weight to promote faster swing speed, clubhead speed and ball speed for more distance.
“We expect ‘low and forward CG’ to represent the next great innovation in metalwood performance,” said Sean Toulon, Executive Vice President. “With our SLDR and JetSpeed products, we’re giving golfers of all types the opportunity to increase their launch angle and reduce their spin-rate, which ultimately leads to more distance.”
The First Driver with a Speed Pocket
The Speed Pocket was originally designed to increase the speed at which the clubface flexes and rebounds to promote faster ball speed. Why put a Speed Pocket in a driver, since the face is already as fast as the USGA will allow? TaylorMade engineers discovered that incorporating a Speed Pocket into the JetSpeed driver promotes less spin, as well as greater ball speeds on shots struck below the center of the clubface. Research suggests 72% of all golf shots are hit below the center of face, so the JetSpeed driver is designed to minimize the ill effects of shots struck below center.
“With most drivers, low impact generates too much spin, making the ball fly too high and land short,” said Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s Senior Director of Metalwood Creation. “JetSpeed’s Speed Pocket is engineered to dramatically reduce that added spin to promote more distance on that very common type of mis-hit.”
Visually, the extremely streamlined JetSpeed head features a matte black crown with a unique decal that promotes accurate face alignment at address. The matte finish also reduces glare and provides a stark contrast to the silver clubface, further making face alignment easier.
JetSpeed Fairway Woods and Rescues
JetSpeed fairway woods and Rescue clubs each incorporate a radically redesigned Speed Pocket that’s smaller and accounts for less weight, while remaining just as efficient at boosting the speed of the clubface.
The improved Speed Pocket is filled with a polymer that keeps debris out, improving turf interaction while absorbing unwanted vibration without slowing down the clubface.
The weight saved by the new Speed Pocket design is redistributed strategically within the clubhead to move the CG lower and more forward, a location that TaylorMade has proven promotes faster ball speeds and lower spin. JetSpeed fairways and Rescues reduce spin by 200-300 RPM compared to previous models to promote more distance.*
JetSpeed fairways and Rescues also feature a low-profile head design that makes it easier to make contact with the clubface below the ball’s equator, making it easier to launch the ball on a high, long-carrying flight and easier to get the ball in the air off the turf. The combination of low-profile head design and Speed Pocket work together to make JetSpeed fairway woods the longest and most playable fairways TaylorMade has ever created.**
TaylorMade Loft-Sleeve Technology
Available in the JetSpeed driver, TaylorMade’s Loft-Sleeve technology allows golfers to adjust the loft 1.5° up or down to dial in their optimal launch conditions. In the past, better players have been reluctant to play higher lofted metalwoods because of an increased spin rate. However, the new low-forward CG location dramatically reduces spin and results in greater distances with higher lofted clubs.
Shaft, Pricing & Availability
Equipped with the Matrix Velox T 49 shaft (46″), the JetSpeed driver is available in three lofts – 9.5°, 10.5° and HL (13°). Loft Sleeve Technology allows golfers to easily adjust their loft +/- 1.5° to find their optimal launch conditions. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $299 per club. An upgraded TP shaft, the Matrix Velox 60, is also available for a $100 upcharge.
The stock JetSpeed fairway wood shaft is the Matrix Velox T 69 shaft. At 69 grams, it’s a heavier shaft than TaylorMade has used in previous fairway wood models – which promotes better club control during the swing. Five fairway wood lofts are available: 3 wood (15°), 3HL (17°), 5 wood (19°), 5HL (21°) and 7 wood (23°). Each fairway wood retails for $229.
Matrix’s Velox T shaft powers the JetSpeed Rescue Clubs, with the weight determined by shaft flex: S/75 grams, R/65 grams, M/55 grams and L/45 grams. There are four lofts available: 3 (19°), 4 (22°), 5 (25°) and 6 (28°), each retailing for $199.
JetSpeed metalwoods will be available at retailers nationwide starting December 13.
* TaylorMade robot testing indicates that a JetSpeed 3-wood generates 200-300 RPM less spin compared to an RBZ Stage 2 3-wood, to promote more distance. Both clubs tested at 15° with S-flex shaft. **Longest fairway claim based on robot testing, neutral setting at approximately 156 mph ball speed.
