The TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver represents a shift in design philosophy for the brand. Rather than adding complexity through movable weight tracks or adjustable faces, TaylorMade focused on weight placement within the head. The result is a driver that combines high forgiveness with ball speed retention, a balance that has proven difficult to achieve.
The Qi35 family consists of five models designed to serve different player profiles. The Max version sits at the forgiving end of the spectrum with a 10K MOI rating. This review examines how the Qi35 Max performs on the course and whether the design changes deliver measurable improvements.
Design and Appearance
The crown features a black graphite composite that takes on a dark grey appearance depending on light conditions. This marks a clear departure from the glossy black finish on the Qi10 series. Five thin pinstripes run along the trailing edge, while a small “T” logo indicates the true center of the face.
The shape has moved away from the traditional pear profile that TaylorMade used for years. The Qi35 Max adopts a more rounded footprint at address, which TaylorMade calls a “high inertia” shape. This creates a more balanced appearance, with the alignment mark looking more centered compared to previous models.
The sole continues the composite theme with small green accents and striped graphics. Deep angular recesses catch the eye, though their specific function remains unclear. The face includes small blue rectangles that serve as reflective fitting markers for launch monitors like GC Quad and Trackman.
A light grey segment across the top edge provides a reference point for squaring the clubhead. The glossy black section extending from the face is more prominent than on the Qi10 Max, reinforcing that the Qi35 series represents a true evolution rather than minor tweaks.
TaylorMade Golf Qi35 Max Driver 9 Degree Diamana Extra Stiff Right Handed
- QUEST FOR LAUNCH Qi35 Max has a very low CG projection with 10K MOI creating efficient launch and spin over a larger area of the face.
- HIGH INERTIA SHAPE paired with Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, 4° loft sleeve and Infinity Carbon Crown provide the ultimate suite of technologies.
- NEW SYMMETRIC INERTIA GENERATOR includes a massive 34g tungsten weight creating the best launch conditions we have seen in a 10k TaylorMade driver.
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Go to Amazon- Black graphite composite crown with dark grey hue
- Rounded “high inertia” shape replaces traditional pear profile
- Small blue reflective markers on face for fitting purposes
- Deep angular recesses in sole design
- Light grey segment on top edge for alignment reference
The gunmetal finish stands out among the sea of black drivers on the market. The attention to detail extends to the sole weights and overall finish, creating a premium appearance. For players who previously avoided TaylorMade drivers due to the pear shape, the more balanced look at address may warrant a second look.
Sound and Feel Characteristics
The sound profile registers as powerful without being loud. On a volume scale, the Qi35 Max sits at a moderate level despite the extensive use of carbon materials in construction. The sound can be described as a solid crack or smack rather than the metallic ping some drivers produce.
The feel aligns closely with the sound. Impact feels solid and powerful without being harsh. This combination creates a satisfying sensation at contact that persists across the face. Feedback through the hands remains minimal, which is expected for a driver with 10K MOI designed to maximize forgiveness.
- Moderate volume level around 5 out of 10
- Powerful solid crack at impact
- Sound and feel align closely
- Minimal feedback on off-center strikes
- Not harsh despite carbon construction
The lack of feedback is deliberate. High MOI drivers prioritize forgiveness over shot reporting. Players who prefer to feel where contact occurred on the face may find this characteristic less appealing, but it serves the intended purpose for the target audience seeking maximum consistency.
Performance Data and Technology
Testing with a Trackman launch monitor revealed consistent performance across multiple strikes. The smash factor averaged 1.51, with the lowest reading at 1.49. This indicates the face delivers ball speed efficiently across a wide area, supporting TaylorMade’s claim of “more distance from more of the face.”
Two design elements enable this performance. First is the maximized moment of inertia. The Qi35 Max achieves true 10K MOI, the highest in the family. MOI quantifies resistance to twisting on off-center strikes, which preserves both ball speed and direction when contact moves away from center.
Second is the lowered center of gravity projection. This parameter represents where the clubface would balance on your finger, with a line drawn through the center of gravity. TaylorMade lowered this point on the face by 50% compared to the Qi10, resulting in approximately 200 rpm less spin on centered contact.
The face area above this point is where higher launch with lower spin occurs. This supports the advice to tee the ball high. The increased area optimized for this launch condition expands the sweet spot for players seeking maximum carry distance.
TaylorMade achieved the lower center of gravity by reducing crown weight through the chromium carbon material and increasing the trailing tungsten weight to 34 grams. The overall head weight decreased by 1 gram compared to the Qi10 Max despite the heavier sole weight. The head weighs 199 grams total.
- Average smash factor of 1.51 in testing
- True 10K MOI for maximum forgiveness
- Center of gravity projection lowered 50% versus Qi10
- 34-gram tungsten weight in trailing position
- Fourth generation carbon Twist Face technology
- Mid spin and mid-high launch characteristics
The Qi35 Max is designed to produce a slight draw flight bias. Testing with the stock Fujikura AirSpeeder shaft in regular flex showed a modest right bias, indicating that shaft selection plays a significant role in final ball flight. The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket and adjustable 4-degree hosel remain part of the design.
Testing Results and Conditions
Field testing produced carry distances of 173 yards with a swing speed of 78 mph. Total distance including rollout reached 226 yards. The launch angle measured 16 degrees with spin rates around 2,600 rpm. Peak height reached 90 feet.
The 53 yards of rollout reflects firm fairway conditions and low grass height during testing. These conditions vary significantly by location and season. Softer fairways or longer grass will reduce rollout substantially. The test conditions in the southeastern United States during winter provided firm ground that maximized roll.
Comparing the Qi35 Max to the standard Qi35 model using the same shaft revealed differences in launch and spin. The standard Qi35 produced slightly lower launch with less spin at the same 10.5-degree loft setting. Adjusting the standard Qi35 to 9 degrees of loft with the hosel set to add 1 degree dropped spin by 400 rpm and increased carry to 243 yards.
The Max version produced a higher flight that suits mid to slower swing speed players. The fixed 34-gram tungsten weight in the rear creates the deeper center of gravity that generates this launch profile. The draw bias proved minimal in testing, with ball flight showing neutral to slight fade patterns depending on swing characteristics.
- 173 yards carry at 78 mph swing speed
- 226 yards total distance with rollout
- 16-degree launch angle with 2,600 rpm spin
- Higher flight than standard Qi35 model
- Minimal draw bias observed in testing
On-course performance showed consistency across multiple rounds. Every strike felt powerful due to the preserved ball speed across the face. The forgiveness proved noticeable on mishits, with less distance loss than previous models. Dispersion remained tight even when contact moved toward the heel or toe.
Comparison With Other Qi35 Models
The Qi35 family includes five models total, with three main versions serving different player types. The standard Qi35 offers adjustable weights in the sole that swap front to back, providing spin control flexibility. The more rounded shape matches the Max but with less depth from front to back.
The Qi35 LS retains the traditional pear shape preferred by tour players. This creates a more compact head that positions the center of gravity closer to the face for lower spin. Three sole weights enable further forward center of gravity movement to vary spin in conjunction with loft adjustments. Testing showed lower launch and spin but tighter dispersion patterns required more consistent strikes.
The Qi35 Max Lite shares the same shape as the Max but reduces weight throughout the club. The head, grip, and shaft all weigh less, making the club easier to swing for players with slower swing speeds. This model targets the same forgiveness profile as the Max but optimizes for players who benefit from lighter overall weight.
- Standard Qi35 has adjustable front-to-back weights
- LS model features pear shape with three sole weights
- Max Lite reduces total club weight for slower swingers
- Max offers highest MOI and most forgiveness
- All models include adjustable 4-degree hosel
Choosing between the Max and Max Lite depends on swing speed and preference for club weight. Both deliver maximum forgiveness, but the Lite version may produce better results for players who struggle with standard weight drivers. The standard Qi35 suits players who want forgiveness with the ability to adjust spin characteristics through weight positioning.
Specifications and Pricing
The TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver comes standard with the Fujikura AirSpeeder shaft in multiple flex options. Loft choices range from 9 to 12 degrees. The adjustable hosel provides 4 degrees of loft adjustment in 0.5-degree increments, allowing fine-tuning of launch conditions.
The head volume measures 460cc, maximizing the allowable size under equipment rules. The face incorporates fourth-generation carbon Twist Face technology designed to maintain ball speed on off-center strikes. The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket in the sole increases face flexibility, particularly low on the face where many players make contact.
Retail price positions the Qi35 Max in the premium category alongside competitor flagship models. Custom shaft options are available through fitting centers, with upcharges varying by shaft model. Left-handed versions are available in select lofts.
- 460cc head volume
- 9 to 12-degree loft options
- Fujikura AirSpeeder stock shaft
- Adjustable hosel with 4 degrees range
- Left-handed models available
- Premium pricing tier
The combination of materials includes chromium carbon for the crown, with steel, aluminum, titanium, and tungsten throughout the head. This multi-material construction enables the strategic weight distribution that achieves both high MOI and low center of gravity projection. The clean sole design eliminates complex mechanisms in favor of fixed weight placement optimized for the target player.
Frequently Asked Questions
What swing speed works best with the Qi35 Max driver?
The Qi35 Max suits mid to slower swing speeds, typically below 95 mph. The higher launch and mid spin characteristics benefit players who need help getting the ball airborne. Faster swing speed players may find the standard Qi35 or LS model more suitable for controlling spin and trajectory.
How does MOI affect driver performance?
MOI measures resistance to twisting on off-center strikes. Higher MOI maintains more ball speed and accuracy when contact moves away from the center of the face. The 10K MOI rating means the Qi35 Max provides maximum forgiveness within current manufacturing capabilities, resulting in tighter dispersion patterns and less distance loss on mishits.
Should I choose the Max or Max Lite version?
The choice depends on swing speed and how easily you generate clubhead speed. If you swing below 80 mph or prefer lighter clubs, the Max Lite may produce better results. Both models offer the same forgiveness profile, but the lighter weight throughout the Max Lite makes it easier to swing for some players. Testing both versions during a fitting session provides the clearest answer.
What does center of gravity projection mean for ball flight?
Center of gravity projection determines where on the face optimal launch conditions occur. A lower projection point creates more face area above it where higher launch with lower spin happens naturally. The Qi35 Max lowered this point by 50% compared to the Qi10, expanding the area that produces the desired ball flight and making it easier to achieve proper launch conditions.
Can the adjustable hosel change ball flight significantly?
The 4-degree adjustable hosel allows meaningful changes to launch and spin. Reducing loft typically lowers spin by several hundred rpm and decreases launch angle. Increasing loft has the opposite effect. Combined with proper shaft selection during fitting, the hosel adjustment can optimize performance for your swing characteristics without changing heads.
Final Assessment
The TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver delivers on its forgiveness promise through strategic weight placement rather than complex adjustability. The 10K MOI and lowered center of gravity projection create consistent performance across the face. Testing confirmed that ball speed remained high even on mishits, with smash factors rarely dropping below 1.49.
The shift to a more rounded head shape addresses a visual preference that may have prevented some players from considering TaylorMade drivers previously. The gunmetal finish distinguishes it from the black driver crowd while maintaining a premium appearance. Sound and feel combine to create a satisfying sensation at impact without being loud or harsh.
The simplified design philosophy represents a departure from recent trends toward adjustment complexity. By fixing the weight placement in the optimal position for forgiveness, TaylorMade eliminated potential for poor configurations while reducing manufacturing complexity. This focus on doing one thing well serves the target audience more effectively than offering numerous adjustments that may go unused.
Performance data from multiple testing sessions showed the technology delivers measurable results. The higher launch and optimized spin characteristics suit players seeking maximum forgiveness and consistency from the tee. The choice between standard Max and Max Lite provides options for different swing speeds within the same forgiveness profile.
For players prioritizing consistency over workability, the Qi35 Max stands among the best options available. The combination of high MOI, optimized weight placement, and expanded sweet spot creates a driver that makes the game easier for its intended audience. Testing with multiple shaft options during a proper fitting will maximize the benefits this head design offers.