Don't let the name fool you (it's short for "RocketBallz," an R&D prototype nickname that stuck) -- the TaylorMade RBZ Max irons are not just for men, but also come in a women's version. It's a premium set; each club is made from an ultra-strong steel and designed to add distance (hence the name) while maintaining height and feeling soft, so they retail for $137.50 each, or $1,100 for a set of eight. But since they're equipped with stronger lofts than most other irons (while, impressively, maintaining the height you're used to seeing from the corresponding clubs in other models -- you're just going to have to club down with the RBZs), we recommend you look into starting the set with the 6- or 7-iron and progress to hybrids and fairway woods above that. That way, you'll only have to buy five or six of these (they're available separately, just ask your pro or retailer to order them for you that way), making it easier on the pocketbook.What's the secret sauce behind this rocket launcher? (Really, couldn't they just have named it that?) A pull-face construction (similar to what you see in metalwoods) allows TaylorMade to make the RBZ Max's unsupported face very thin and responsive from top to bottom and front to back. Tungsten weights in the sole (mainly in the heel and toe) help lower the center of gravity to get the ball airborne easily, as well as mitigate the penalties on off-center hits. It's actually a hollow clubhead with a very wide sole, yet it looks sleek and compact. The harsh-vibration problem, common in pull-face designs, was solved by placing a viscoelastic material called Hybrar inside the head, behind the upper part of the face.
The company says the RBZ Max set is designed for higher handicappers, but we've found that it works well for women of most abilities, down to the single-digit players (really slow swingers are better off with irons that have even wider soles and higher lofts). As with all club purchases, we strongly recommend you go through a thorough demo and fitting process before buying anything, no matter your ability. To find out the steps to take and the questions to ask your retailer, check out our step-by-step guide to buying new clubs.
--Stina Sternberg
