TaylorMade’s Qi35 Driver Lineup—Distance and Forgiveness (Again), But With Industry-Exclusive Features

While I’m not casting immediate doubts on TaylorMade’s Qi35 lineup, it’s worth noting that we’re getting an overused marketing pitch to describe the 2025 release: More distance from more of the face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Qi35 lineup consists of four different driver models: the Qi35, Qi35 LS (Low Spin), Qi35 MAX, and Qi35 MAX Lite. Each model features TaylorMade’s signature Carbon Twist Face, Speed Pocket, and Infinity Carbon Crown. But what makes this lineup special is the name change from Qi10 to Qi35.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The “35” corresponds to three pillars—Form, Function, and Fit.

Form clearly corresponds to the Qi35’s new design. Putting the Qi10 and Qi35 next to each other makes clear that TaylorMade’s design team wanted to release something that looked very different and, in my opinion, very aggressive. The exposed carbon and “murdered out” appearance makes the Qi35 look like a stealth bomber when put alongside the competition.

Function concerns the functionality of each new models. As has become the industry norm, OEMs offer different models that are tailored for different performance objectives. The Qi35 LS prioritizes spin reduction, the Qi35 MAX prioritizes forgiveness, the Qi35 MAX LITE offers a lighter-weight package for golfers whose speed can use a boost, and the Qi35 looks to strike the middle road.

Historically, prioritizing a certain design characteristic has required a trade-off. Low-spin performance, for example, traditionally requires sacrificing forgiveness. The Qi35, however, looks to resolve that trade-off and, instead, let you have the best of all worlds.

To wit, TaylorMade’s engineers were able to reposition the center of gravity on each of the models—largely thanks to the Carbon Twist Face and the Infinity Carbon Crown—to promote launch and forgiveness without causing an undesirable increase in spin. What this means is more distance.

Fit is, arguably, the Qi35’s biggest flagship feature. As you may notice, none of the Qi35 models feature a sliding track weight. Instead, the Qi35 (Standard) and LS variants both feature weight ports. By ditching the sliding weight track, TaylorMade was able to put the ports in more extreme positions—enabling them to have a more meaningful impact when being adjusted.

This somewhat minor change is paired with a more significant change. TaylorMade’s new approach to fitting. TaylorMade has developed a fifth special model of the Qi35 that will not be sold to the public. These “SelectFit” models will replicate the Qi35 models but, instead, feature reflective markers embedded in the Carbon Twist Face. These markers will empower fitters; it will provide access to even more data and, ultimately, allow for a more precise driver fitting experience.

Returning to TaylorMade’s marketing tagline for the Qi35 (“More distance from more of the face.”), it seems that this may actually be possible, not because of crazy (illegal) jumps in ball speed but, instead, because of an aggregation of minor changes that promote a more favorable ball flight, combined with more precise club fitting that will enable fitters to extract every bit of performance that the Qi35 offers.

The TaylorMade Qi35 drivers are available for preorder starting today, January 7 and will be in retail stores and pro shops starting January 30th. The Qi35, MAX, MAX Lite, and MAX Lite Women’s drivers will retail at $599.99, while Qi35 LS and the Qi35 Designers Series will retail at $649.99.

Cover Image via Golf Magazine