The Loop

TaylorMade raises loft options on SLDR

December 02, 2013

Citing the combination of its new low forward center of gravity technology and the trend among its tour players to increase the lofts on their drivers, TaylorMade announced today that it would expand the loft offerings on its SLDR driver to include a 14-degree model.

TaylorMade traditionally has not offered drivers with lofts greater than 12 degrees. With the adjustable loft sleeve, the new 14-degree SLDR would reach a maximum loft of 15.5 degrees and minimum loft of 12.5 degrees. The 14-degree loft will be added to a SLDR line that already includes 8-, 9.5-, 10.5- and 12-degree models.  TaylorMade staff player Dustin Johnson, who has a swing speed of 113 miles per hour, won last month's WGC-HSBC Champions using a SLDR set to 10.5 degrees.

In a company press release, Benoit Vincent, TaylorMade's chief technical officer, said the forward CG idea changes some preconceived ideas about better players using lower-lofted drivers.

"We are confident that we have cracked yet another code to more distance," he said. "And it's through loft."

The company says it expects the 14-degree models will be available "in the coming months."