For mid to high handicap players, the most common miss is a slice to the right. This is normally a common trait throughout the bag from driver right down to mid irons but especially with their long irons, but it’s for a different reason. With the release of the new Qi and Qi HL irons, TaylorMade set out to help golfers improve this miss, especially with their long irons, while also providing more distance and enhanced feel.
TaylorMade said the typical construction of a game-improvement long iron can significantly contribute to the right miss. As the blade length grows longer, the toe side of the hitting area bends back more at impact than the heel side, even on shots hit in the centre of the face, creating a fade bias. As blade lengths grow shorter in the scoring clubs – such as the 7-iron, 8-iron and 9-iron – the effect decreases, which is why many golfers don’t see the impact in fittings because the 7-iron is commonly used in iron fittings.
At the heart of the Qi Iron is individual head optimisation, organic face designs and FLTD CG, all working in unison to help golfers minimise the right miss. “Qi Irons represent a fusion of performance and design, delivering a combination of distance and accuracy with a solid feel unexpected of game improvement irons. We rely on a team of technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of giving golfers straight distance that outperforms the competition.” Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Irons
With Qi Irons, TaylorMade debuts its new Integrated System Design – a suite of technologies aimed at optimising each individual iron head. The advantage of our system lies in the ability to facilitate communication among key technologies throughout the engineering process. This is crucial because the face design, Speed Pocket functionality and mass distribution are intricately interconnected, collectively influencing ball speeds, launch angles and spin rates.
Driven by organic face geometries, Cap Back Design and Speed Pocket technology, this comprehensive approach tunes the performance of each head to ensure ideal gapping, exemplary ball speeds and consistent launch angles throughout the entire set.
The 4- and 5-irons feature a lower profile backbar design for a low centre of gravity that encourages easy launch and towering ball flights. On the other end, shorter irons showcase a backbar design with exaggerated heel-toe weighting for higher inertia, delivering enhanced forgiveness with the ability to control ball flight with scoring clubs. FLTD CG also plays a critical role in optimising performance throughout the set.
In the simplest terms, the advantage of FLTD CG is easier launch with long irons and better control with short irons. Considering that long irons are generally more challenging to get airborne, we strategically position CG lower to invite easy launch conditions. The CG progressively rises into the short irons, which aids in control, launch, spin, trajectory and accuracy. This intuitive design approach is new to our game improvement offerings.
Now in its second generation, Cap Back Design with Toe Wrap Construction blends the advantages of a hollow-body iron with those of a traditional cavity back, replacing the steel back with a more efficient composite badge. The result is a synergistic construction with optimal mass properties, clean lines and a satisfying sound and feel, akin to a player’s distance iron such as P·770 or P·790.
Superior Sound & Feel
To enhance sound and feel, the 2024 Qi Irons feature re-engineered HYBRAR Echo Dampers in the 4- through 9-irons. Individually designed for each iron, these dampers incorporate strategically placed ribbed structures that sit behind the face. Each iron face aligns with the damper, effectively reducing unwanted vibrations. Furthermore, the Echo Damper collaborates with Cap Back Design and a 360 undercut with thick-thin topline geometry to maximise COR and forgiveness while maintaining a desirable sound and feel.
“These irons epitomise TaylorMade’s continual evolution in game improvement designs. We maintain the elevated forgiveness and ease-of-use, but package it with a clean look that any golfer would proudly display in their bag. In essence, we are delivering both distance and forgiveness within a more consistent and accurate package. All while achieving a larger sweet spot and a feel akin to forged irons.” Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Irons
Qi HL irons are crafted for players seeking higher launch and faster club head speeds. Loft configurations are approximately 2° higher compared to the standard Qi model, contributing to Qi HL’s ability to achieve increased launch angles. Another defining feature is the weight reduction, with like-to-like builds of Qi HL measuring up to 26g lighter than a standard Qi iron, a design element intended to enhance club head speed and overall performance for a specific audience. Stock shaft options include the KBS Max LITE (steel) and Fujikura Speeder NX 50g (graphite), available in flex options S, R and A.
Specifications, Pricing & Availability
Available for preorder now and at retail beginning February 2, 2024, the Qi irons have an RRP per iron of €183 for steel and €200 for graphite, will be offered in 4-PW, AW, SW, LW and come equipped with KBS Max MT 85 steel shafts (S, R) or Fujikura’s Ventus Blue graphite shafts (7S, 6R & 5A). Qi HL will be offered in 5-PW, AW, SW and come equipped with KBS Max Lite (S, R) shafts. For women, the Qi and Qi HL irons will come equipped with the Fujikura Speeder NX TCS 40 shafts.
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