Equipment
TaylorMade R1 V2 TP driver to hit the market
We’ve detailed the different TaylorMade R1 heads previously (as far back as March in this article and much earlier in the forums). Now, some four months later, TaylorMade is officially releasing the TaylorMade R1 V2 TP driver, a.k.a. the “tour-only R1,” to the general public.
The driver, which is available for pre-order now, has an expected in-stock date of July 17th and costs $599, $200 more than the retail version of the R1 cost when it was released in January.
So, what’s different about this version of the driver, which “tunes to any loft, any look, and any flight?”
As you might have guessed, it’s smaller. We originally noted that TaylorMade had produced a smaller-headed version of the R1 for tour use in March. As we said then, “the R1 Version 2 is 440 cubic centimeters, 20 CCs smaller than the retail version.”
A key benefit of the smaller head is its decreased weight, which allows the use of heavier tour spec shaft, which better players usually prefer. To this point, the stock shaft for the V2 is the 65 g Aldila RIP Phenom, rather than the 55 g model, which is standard in the original R1.
The 440 CC club head, of course, maintains the same proportions as the v1, as well as the same tunability. The configuration of the sole of the club, however, is slightly different and more compact, as evidenced by our early shots of the V2’s sole.
Is this R1 V2 TP is the “same” in every way to the ones being played by Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia? As to that, we’ll leave Pandora’s Box closed for the time being.
(For a full recap of the R1’s technology and features, see our Editor Review of the TaylorMade R1, here.)
Click here to read what members are saying about the R1 V2 in the forums.
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
RBC Heritage Tour Report: More minis, course-specific setups, Spider & GTS launches
Justin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
Best fairway woods of 2026: The most versatile fairway woods + the most forgiving fairway woods
What’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
Cadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
The 24 players who can win the Masters
Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB: 2026 Masters
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
J.J. Spaun’s winning WITB: 2026 Valero Texas Open
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
Alex Fitzpatrick WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus...
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
Driver: Ping G440 Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft:...
WITB Time Machine: Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB, 2021 Truist Championship
Rory McIlroy’s victory at the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship 2021 (now the Truist Championship) marked a significant return to form,...
Collin Morikawa WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D LS (8 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 60 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Tour (14 degrees) Shaft:...
-
Equipment2 weeks agoJustin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
-
Equipment1 week agoWhat’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
-
Equipment2 weeks agoCadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
-
Whats in the Bag3 days ago
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
-
Whats in the Bag1 week agoCameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
-
Whats in the Bag3 weeks agoNelly Korda WITB 2026 (April)
-
Equipment2 weeks agoJustin Rose on the switch to McLaren Golf, learnings from previous equipment moves
-
Tour Photo Galleries2 weeks agoPhotos from the 2026 Cadillac Championship
Benny46
Oct 8, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Can anyone tell me why I keep seeing 2 different serial number fonts on the V2 heads? I’ve had my hands on 4 different V2 heads and 3 outta the 4 were a light font while the other a more pronounced. Any answered would be interesting.
Ron
Jul 21, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Iagree
Greg
Jul 15, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Can someone please tell me how to “preorder” one of these secret clubs?
Rob
Jul 11, 2013 at 1:01 am
Why does a lighter head allow for the use of heavier shafts. I would of expected the reverse
Jim
Jul 10, 2013 at 6:04 pm
I don’t think you guys get it. A g25 head is a a G25 head, the pros play the same head as consumers that cost $350. They get fit for a shaft and loft that fits their swing.
I was not calling the V2 a clone, the one that has been selling in stores is a clone of what tour pros are playing, as in its a cheaper club. I recently heard not a single player on tour plays the retail head of the R1, obviously something is wrong there.
Boo
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:34 pm
Agreed! We have the right to play what we choose, or we can go to a manufacturer that will offer us what we want, not some watered down retail head different from tour heads!
John
Jul 13, 2013 at 7:54 am
This is my exact argument. Every other company but taylormade has retail versions of there drivers in play. The whole problem with taylormade is them acting like every pro on tour plays his “r1” that is completely different from the one they sell. Yes, nike has several drivers too, but players still play retail versions, not a single retail r1 is in play. But taylormade is sure as hell going to try and advertise that the pros play the r1. Doesn’t matter if the retail r1 is better for the average golfer, it’s still straight up BS marketing by taylormade.
Don
Jul 10, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Any chance that a V2 RBZ Stage 2 Tour Driver will become available? Do like the smaller heads that were available with some of the old TP Models.
John
Jul 10, 2013 at 1:44 pm
I don’t get it anymore…why do people want the exact same driver tour pros use? I keep hearing Dustin Johnson’s name and driver being thrown around…if anyone on the site were given his EXACT driver it would undoubtedly hurt their game…the only differences in their club fitting is that the loft, face angle and cog is permanent…go get fit and if you want it to be permanently fixed, pay to have the head hot-melted but expect to pay a premium…enough whining about not getting a superbly fit, premium club for a retail price, it’s not gonna happen. Everything available to tour players is available to us (with the exception of prototype shafts) if you know where to look and are willing to pay for it, tour players don’t have to pay because they’ve EARNED access to these services.
Sean
Jul 9, 2013 at 11:54 pm
I wonder how much of a difference it would make for the average golfer?
Brian
Jul 10, 2013 at 9:13 am
I think the biggest difference it will make for amatuers will be in their credit card statements
Boo
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:38 pm
The tour heads are not for the “average” golfer! That would be the retail head.
Devin
Jul 9, 2013 at 6:25 pm
No taylormade clubs in my bag, and not at all a taylormade fan either, but I will be giving this head a serious look. With the combination of the adjustability like the original r1, with a smaller, lower spinning profile, I look forward to giving this a shot to get in the bag.
cw
Jul 9, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Yup,the trolls probably couldnt hit the ball with the tour equipment :o)
bravesgolf
Jul 9, 2013 at 4:00 pm
If you don’t like TMAG, just don’t buy their stuff. I won’t buy this driver because it’s the tour version and I’m a club golfer but If people want to buy it, good for them. TMAG make good golf clubs as do all OEM’s out there. It’s all about personal preference and what works for your game. The last time I checked, it’s a free world and people can buy whatever they like. It’s getting old that people rag on TMAG all the time. If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
Honmagolfan
Jul 9, 2013 at 5:13 pm
Agreed!
Boo
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:36 pm
Seriously???
Curt
Jul 9, 2013 at 9:53 am
Good move TM!!!
Be sure to keep offering the exact heads used by the pro’s or we will go elsewhere, as we have of late. Also, please up your game on shaft options!!!! You know its all about being properly “fit”, so please give us as a huge selection so we can get the shaft that fits our swing.
Thanks for cutting the bullsh__ TM!!!!
Andy (2)
Jul 9, 2013 at 8:53 am
Amazing how when a golf ball manufacturer makes balls for different levels of players / club speeds then they are applauded. However TM make drivers for real people and they get slated by trolls for not selling pro clubs to amateur golfers.
When they do offer the pro clubs then the trolls are back saying they are too expensive / still not the version the Tour Pro’s are playing / testing.
Just a shame the Trolls can’t think of anything nice to say. I don’t even understand why they read a thread with TaylorMade in the title as they are already angry !
John
Jul 9, 2013 at 7:24 am
Or go with callaway or another company that already listened to there customer, don’t over charge and give them the heads they want with good shafts in the first place, not after everyone preaches how $h!tty of company taylormade.
Jim
Jul 9, 2013 at 2:51 am
Guess how much the G25 that Hunter, Bubba, etc. play… $350. This is lame, once again Taylormade. This comes months after all your loyal faithfuls that believe your marketing buy your clone clubs that only appear to look like what the pros play, real weak!
Andy
Jul 9, 2013 at 7:11 am
Jim… I’ve actually hit this V2 and it is not a clone / marketing ploy. They actually do make a different head that is lower spinning for tour level players. I think this news is absolutely spectacular. This is them basically bringing TP back into play. These clubs don’t cost any more for them to make besides getting a premium shaft, so why should we have to pay $1,000 on eBay to get a tour performance club. I think it’s a huge win for them to make this option available for $600. If I can get the shaft I want for that price, I’ll be standing in line.
P.S… show me where you can get exactly what Bubba and Hunter are playing (shaft & all) for $350.
Gfunk
Jul 9, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Show were it says that you can get any shaft the pros are using for $600. It appears that you get a relatively cheap aldila rip phenom shaft. Again, it’s TM being TM.