I usually pass on trying the newest Taylormade gear, not for any other reason than there is enough written about them everywhere on the web yet I was intrigued by the latest Gloire F as it's a Forged driver which is something we haven't seen from Taylormade since well I don't remember when.
The Gloire F this year is geared toward the better player where as previous models where more mid-high handicap designs and with this new F we actually see the majority of the TM staffers in Japan using the complete line up from Driver, FW, UT, and Irons. I've spent 5 rounds with this in the bag so follow the jump to read the review...
So the big question everyone will ask is how does it compare against the new R15 Driver? I can't say as I have no plans to hit the R15 but I am intrigued to as why Taylormade Japan decided to use Alpha Beta Titanium Forged materials and can only assume it's for performance or feel and that the reason it's not used in non Japan models is due to cost where this Gloire F retails just under $800 usd where as Taylormade's flagship R15 is under $500 and soon to be under $300 ;)
Let's get to the brief review now, my overall impressions are this is an excellent club and while it isn't a range topper in one particular area it is above average in all areas except workability.
In 5 rounds I never adjusted it once and is it comes square and I will also say it doesn't really feel soft like most forged faces, its got a semi soft pop off the face and if you didn't say it was forged I would not have noticed and just brushed it off as one of the better feeling TM drivers I've hit.
It's distance was better than average but not as long as many JDM drivers I have tried, It's ball flight was very straight with a pretty tight dispersion for this stock shaft so I was impressed by this big time. The spin seems on the low side yet it has a mid/high launch which I liked a lot and surprised to say it but I will be keeping this club as a backup and tinkering with JDM shaft options that have a more aggressive kick and higher launch like the TRPX Air or Crazy LY-03 Regenisis. That's one thing I'm noticing that low and forward CG of TM's drivers could be a good fit for the hyper aggressive long distance shafts TSG offers in it's proshop. Yes we do have adapters available by request.
It's a beautiful looking club, it doesn't have adjustable weight's and It's my favorite TM since the R510TP or classic 300R Tour. That's my brief and simple take on the new TM Gloire F, hope you enjoyed it if you have any questions feel free to email me at info@tourspecgolf.com
