I think it is safe to assume that by now most golfers are familiar with how the movable weight technology works but here it is in a nutshell. The R7 TP Fairway has two weight ports, one in the heel and one in the toe. By changing the weight in these ports a player can alter their ball flight. More weight in the toe will produce a fade bias while more weight in the heel will produce a draw bias. In order to make the most of this technology TaylorMade has constructed this head out of titanium. The lighter weight of titanium means the weight cartridges will have a greater effect on ball flight. Despite being titanium the R7 is the same size and shape as the TaylorMade V-Steel woods and uses a similar V-design sole. This is a proven design that reduces turf drag and gives the club a great look at address. As with all of the TP lineup the fairway woods have an upgraded shaft. The Fujikura Vista Pro 80 in graphite or the True Temper Dynamic Gold in steel. Both shafts are heavier and have high kick-points designed for the stronger player.
After hitting this club our testers unanimously agreed that it was a great fairway wood. The familiar looking head sets up great and the feel is unbelievable. This is truly a confidence inspiring club and the weight cartridges allow golfers to set it up just how they want it. The club allows for workability and the mid face height and midsize design will appeal to most good players. Despite all the positive feedback there are several things to be wary about before buying this club. First, you get four weight cartridges with the club but no wrench. TaylorMade has determined that most people buying this club will likely buy two or three fairway woods or rescues and will not like having to pay for multiple wrenches. This means a wrench must be ordered for $50. Second, while the shafts offered are both very good shafts there are no custom options available. This hurts TaylorMade when they are offering a “players” club with no custom options. The R7 TP Fairway would have rated 10 if not for these drawbacks.
Overall Rating – 80%
Target Handicap – 15 and under
Ball Flight – Mid
Offset – None
Lofts Available – 13, 15, 17.5
Shafts – Fujikura Vista Pro 80 graphite, True Temper Dynamic Gold steel both in R, S, X