TaylorMade RBZ Driver Review: Distance, Feel & Value - SirShanksAlot.com

I vividly remember the first time I cracked the TaylorMade RBZ driver. It was loud—like really loud. I’m talking cover-your-ears loud. But the sound wasn’t the only thing that made an impression. That little white clubhead sent the ball soaring, and suddenly, those par 5s didn’t seem so daunting anymore. If you’re curious about the TaylorMade RBZ driver, this review dives into everything from its unique sound to its impressive distance and forgiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this Taylormade RBZ driver review will give you the insights you need to decide if this club deserves a spot in your bag. Plus, I’ll share some tips on where to find the best deals, because who doesn’t love a bargain? Let’s tee off!

Looks

TaylorMade continues the trendy white finish in the Rocketballz line, the newest addition to the TaylorMade family. The RBZ replaces the Burner Superfast 2.0 driver. And in my books, is an upgrade in appearance, I never liked looking down at the Burner 2.0. It had an odd shape, looked huge, and I always felt like I would hook off the golf course. The RBZ is much more compact, sleeker, traditional shape design that appeals to my eye more. TaylorMade designed the RBZ to make it 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 – which basically means, there is an RBZ option for you. The contrast between the black face and white finish, with a slim bit of lime looks fantastic. I tested out a stiff 9.5 driver with the Matrix X-Con5 shaft.

Key Takeaways

The TaylorMade RBZ Driver offers a compelling combination of distance and forgiveness at a competitive price. Its ability to minimize the impact of off-center hits makes it a great choice for golfers looking to improve consistency. Pre-owned RBZ drivers offer an even more budget-friendly option.
The RBZ’s loud sound is a small trade-off for its impressive performance. Focus on the solid feel and the noticeable gains in distance and accuracy, thanks to its aerodynamic design and advanced technologies.
Optimize performance by finding the right RBZ configuration for your swing. Explore the various loft and shaft options and consider a professional fitting. If the RBZ doesn’t quite meet your needs, explore alternative drivers like the TaylorMade SIM2 Max or Callaway Rogue ST Max.

Does the TaylorMade RBZ Driver Perform?

Okay, well the RBZ 3-wood line is legally able to claim a 17 yard increase, so I will admit I was skeptical about the driver – who needs a driver when you can hit a 3-wood the same distance right? I was not disappointed as the RBZ Driver basically performed as advertised. The biggest surprise was on the first swing. Seniors beware, this club is LOUD. Yet, the sound should hardly deter players from auch a solid driver. I found my best drives held a mid to high trajectory. My carry distance is easily as far as my current driver, if not farther. My misses generally produced a higher ball flight, yet still went fairly straight. The flight control technology allows players alter ball flight, and I was able to see this in action as I tested out varying lofts, lie angles and face angles. The RBZ is consistently accurate and players of all ability levels will appreciate how easy and consistent it produces straight shots. The RBZ driver is another club I would feel confident putting in my bag.

Distance and Ball Speed

The TaylorMade RBZ driver truly delivers on its promise of distance. I was impressed by the noticeable difference in how much farther my drives were traveling compared to my current driver. This added yardage comes from the club’s lightweight design and aerodynamic head, which I’ll discuss more later on. If you’re looking for a driver that can add some serious distance to your game, the RBZ is worth checking out.

Forgiveness and Off-Center Hits (Center of Gravity)

We all miss the sweet spot sometimes. That’s just the reality of golf. But the RBZ driver’s forgiveness helps minimize the damage on those off-center hits. The low and forward center of gravity is key here, helping maintain ball speed and accuracy even when you don’t hit the center of the face. My mishits were straighter and longer than I expected, which is a great feeling on the course. The large 4,100-millimeter clubface also contributes to this forgiveness by increasing the sweet spot’s size.

Aerodynamic Design

The RBZ driver’s aerodynamic design is a major factor in its performance. The clubhead shape minimizes drag and increases clubhead speed, resulting in more distance. This efficient design, combined with the large clubface, helps generate impressive ball speed, especially on solid hits. The difference is noticeable, and it’s a big part of what makes this driver so long.

Technologies: Inverted Cone and Speed Pocket

TaylorMade packed the RBZ driver with technology to boost its performance. The Inverted Cone Technology expands the sweet spot, ensuring consistent ball speed across the face. The Speed Pocket Technology, located behind the face, improves ball speed and launch, adding even more distance. These technologies combine to create a driver that’s both long and forgiving, a great option for golfers of any skill level.

How Does the RBZ Driver Feel?

Well, we all know how big of a factor sound is in the feel of a club – and without a doubt I can say the RBZ makes some noise, but it’s almost too loud. With that said, I love how the ball jumps off the face, and how solid off-center hits feel. This driver had a fantastic gear effect that helped keep poor hits from going sideways, and generally kept them pretty close to the fairway. The weighting feels great and the clubface feels easy to square through impact.

Sound at Impact

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the sound. The first crack of the RBZ driver is…loud. Surprisingly loud. I actually covered my ears on my first swing! It’s something you definitely notice. While some golfers might find it off-putting, remember that sound doesn’t always correlate with performance. As I mentioned in my TaylorMade RBZ Driver review, this club delivers impressive distance and accuracy, so don’t let the distinctive sound scare you away. It’s a small trade-off for the performance gains.

Overall Feel and Refinement

Despite the unusual sound at impact, the overall feel of the RBZ driver is remarkably solid. The ball practically leaps off the clubface, and even off-center hits feel surprisingly good. This is where the RBZ’s impressive forgiveness comes into play. Even my less-than-perfect swings resulted in decent distance and accuracy, thanks to a fantastic gear effect. Instead of veering wildly off course, my mishits stayed relatively straight and landed reasonably close to the fairway. The weighting of the club feels balanced and comfortable, making it easy to square the clubface at impact. This combination of forgiveness and control is a real confidence booster, especially for those of us who aren’t always hitting the sweet spot. For more of my thoughts on the RBZ driver, check out my full review on SirShanksAlot.com.

Is the TaylorMade RBZ Driver Worth the Price?

I have to hand it to TaylorMade, as this new line not only is packed with technology, but it also comes at a price point that won’t break the bank. The RBZ’s Flight Control Technology allows players to adjust the performance angles of the RBZ driver to one of eight settings. These settings allow a range of launch conditions that promote up to 60 yards of side-to-side trajectory adjustment. Although this may be a overwhelming for the average player, there is no doubt that there is an adjustment that can fit just about any swing out there. The MSRP price tag of $299 will be very attractive to golfers. You really can’t beat this price – and the RBZ should definitely be on your radar if your in the market for a new big stick.

Value and Affordability (Especially Used)

One of the most appealing aspects of the TaylorMade RBZ driver is its affordability, especially on the used market. You can often snag one for a fraction of the price of newer models, making it a fantastic option for golfers who want solid performance without breaking the bank. This makes it particularly appealing for beginners or those looking to upgrade from a much older club. Sites like eBay and Global Golf are great resources for finding pre-owned deals.

Target Audience: Mid to High Handicap Golfers

The RBZ driver is designed with forgiveness and distance in mind, making it ideal for mid-to-high handicap golfers. The club’s design promotes higher launch angles and increased distance, helping players gain extra yards off the tee. If you struggle with consistency, the RBZ’s forgiving nature can help you keep the ball in play more often. It’s not just about bombing it; it’s about bombing it straight.

TaylorMade RBZ Driver Specs

Let’s get down to brass tacks and look at the specifications of the TaylorMade RBZ Driver. Understanding the specs can help you determine if this club is the right fit for your game.

Head Size

The RBZ driver features a 460cc head size, the maximum allowed under the Rules of Golf. This larger head provides a bigger sweet spot, contributing to its forgiveness on off-center hits. This is a huge plus for those of us who don’t always find the center of the clubface.

Loft Options

The RBZ driver comes in several loft options, including 9.5°, 10.5°, and HL (High Launch). This variety allows golfers to choose the loft that best suits their swing speed and launch angle. A custom fitting is always recommended to ensure you select the optimal loft for your swing. You can usually find these options at most golf retailers or online.

Shaft Options (Including Stock Shaft Information)

The stock shaft for the RBZ driver is the Matrix Ozik X-Con 5. This shaft is designed to promote a higher launch and lower spin, which can lead to increased distance. However, just like with the loft, it’s always a good idea to get a custom fitting to determine the ideal shaft flex and weight for your particular swing. This will help you maximize your performance with the RBZ.

TaylorMade RBZ Driver: A Detailed Review

Release Date and Historical Context

The TaylorMade RBZ driver was revolutionary when it first came out. It was praised for its innovative technology and the impressive distance it provided. While newer drivers have since hit the market, the RBZ remains a relevant and affordable option, especially for those upgrading from an older model. It’s a testament to its solid design.

Comparison to Other Drivers (e.g., SIM Driver)

While many golfers have moved on to newer models like the TaylorMade SIM, the RBZ still performs admirably. Some golfers report similar distance performance between the two, with the SIM offering a bit more forgiveness. The best driver for you will ultimately depend on your individual swing and preferences. It’s always a good idea to demo different clubs if possible.

Pros and Cons

Every golf club has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the RBZ driver:

Pros

Excellent distance
Forgiving on off-center hits
Affordable price, especially used
High launch trajectory

Cons

Can be loud at impact
Accuracy can be an issue for some golfers

Alternatives to the RBZ Driver

If the RBZ driver isn’t the perfect fit, other options are worth considering. For more forgiveness, the TaylorMade SIM2 Max is a popular choice. If you’re on a budget, check out other affordable drivers like the Callaway Rogue ST Max. Ultimately, the best driver for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TaylorMade RBZ Driver good for beginners? Absolutely! The RBZ is very forgiving, which is a huge help for newer golfers. Its large sweet spot and high launch trajectory make it easier to get the ball airborne and achieve decent distance, even if your swing isn’t perfect yet. Plus, the price point, especially for used clubs, makes it a budget-friendly option for those just starting.

How does the RBZ compare to newer drivers like the SIM2? While newer drivers might offer slight improvements in forgiveness and adjustability, the RBZ still holds its own in terms of distance. Many golfers find they get comparable yardage with both. The SIM2 might be a better fit for lower handicap players seeking more control and fine-tuning, while the RBZ remains a solid and more affordable choice for a wider range of players.

What are the key features that make the RBZ stand out? The RBZ driver shines in its combination of distance, forgiveness, and affordability. The aerodynamic head design and Speed Pocket technology contribute to impressive ball speed and distance. The Inverted Cone technology expands the sweet spot, making it more forgiving on off-center hits. And let’s not forget the price – you get a lot of bang for your buck, especially if you buy used.

What shafts are available for the RBZ driver? The stock shaft is the Matrix Ozik X-Con 5, designed for a high launch and low spin. However, like any club, a custom fitting is recommended to determine the best shaft flex and weight for your swing. This will help you maximize your performance and ensure the club is optimized for you.

What’s the deal with the loud sound? Yes, the RBZ driver is known for its distinctive, loud sound at impact. It’s something you’ll definitely notice, and it can take some getting used to. However, don’t let the sound deter you. It doesn’t negatively impact performance, and many golfers find they quickly adapt to it. Focus on the solid feel and added distance, and the sound becomes less of a factor.