TaylorMade Golf has unveiled a new version of its V Steel fairway wood. Like the original, the new V Steel features steel, Pull-Face construction, in which the clubface and clubhead are produced separately. That allows TaylorMade engineers to create an exceptionally thin, flexible, yet strong clubface that delivers high COR to promote higher ball speed and long distance. Likewise, the new V Steel borrows the original model’s sleek, tour-proven head shape.
However, the new V Steel differs from the original in four key ways.
- Number one, the clubface on the new V Steel is shallower, which produces more spin at impact, promoting a higher launch angle and higher ball flight, which helps to generate greater carry and distance.
- Number two, the new V Steel’s V-shaped sole has been refined. The new sole promotes increased clubhead stability at address, which makes aiming easier; and further reduces turf-resistance at impact to promote added distance and to help forgive the negative affects of “fat” shots. Additionally, the refined sole of the new V Steel is extremely versatile, offering exceptional playability from a wide variety of lies.
- Number three, the new V Steel features a small metallic swing-weight plug permanently installed in the rear of the clubhead when the club is assembled at the TaylorMade factory. The benefits of the swing-weight plug are two-fold. First, the swing-weight plug allows TaylorMade engineers to pull the centre of gravity (CG) lower and deeper in the clubhead, making the new V Steel easier to launch the ball on a high, long-carrying trajectory with less effort. Second, by using plugs of differing weights TaylorMade engineers can easily and accurately set the new V Steel’s swing weight.
- Number four, the new V Steel clubhead is grey, while the original is black.
The new V Steel is equipped with TaylorMade’s TGT grip and TaylorMade’s M.A.S.2 graphite fairway wood shaft, a lightweight, mid-torque offering that promotes an optimal combination of distance and control. Available models include 3-wood (15 degree), 5-wood (18 degree), 7-wood (20 degree), and 9 wood (22 degree).
“TaylorMade’s new V Steel retains the beautiful, traditional shape of the original, which tour pros love,” says Tom Olsavsky, director of product creation, “yet its lower, deeper CG position and improved sole design make it far easier to hit. That, we believe, will make this an extremely popular club with players of all skill levels.”
The new V Steel has a recommended retail price of £129 (graphite) / £119 (steel) and will be available from mid to late September.
TaylorMade-adidas Golf www.tmag.com