Playing with clubs that have been fit for your swing is one of the easiest ways to shoot lower scores. Unfortunately, most golfers do not have access to proper fitting facilities, or cannot afford to have all of their clubs adjusted to their needs. The Taylormade R9 gives regular players the ability to adjust their club to their particular needs, just like the pros get with touring vans.

Head Technology

The Taylormade R9 combines two technologies: Flight Control Technology (FCT) and Moveable Weight Technology (MWT). MWT allows the player to distribute three weights around the perimeter of the club head to help influence ball flight. This has been around for a while in several of Taylormade's clubs, most notably the iconic R7.

New to 2009 is FCT. The R9 allows the player to adjust how open or closed the face is at address by simply rotating the shaft position. Taylormade advertises that the face loft is adjustable by the player, and technically it is, but it's not independent of the face angle. For example, when adjusting the face closed to reduce a push/slice, the face loft automatically increases and promotes a high draw. As the face angle opens, the effective loft decreases and the result is a low fade.

Shaft

The head has been matched with a new 65 gram Fujikura Motore shaft that feels excellent. The shaft loads very well during the transition at the top and releases a lot of energy at the bottom of the swing. The graphics have been designed to rotate with the shaft so alignment at address always looks the same. The standard R9 comes with 3 shaft options: regular, stiff, x-stiff. These options should be enough for most casual golfers, but if you're looking for a specific feel or shaft weight the TP version can be ordered with one of several custom shafts.

Experience

Having used the R9 I can say that the combination of FCT and MWT makes a dramatic difference on ball flight. My tendency off the tee is to push the ball, so I took out the included wrench and set the club to a more closed position (FCT). My next hit and all that followed went straight down my target line, but had a slight fade at the end. This is my preferred ball flight, but when I moved the heaviest weight to the heel of the club (MWT), all of my shots straighted out.

With the club fully adjusted for my swing and going straight down the middle I was able to easily hit controlled draws and fades. I passed this club on to another player and within a few adjustments they were also able to find a desirable ball flight. With 24 different possible set ups most players should be able to find a setting that works for them.

Distance wise this club is comparable to the top drivers today, but it all depends on the club's set up. For most players a low fade will produce a shorter overall shot, but with more control. The R9 is really designed to shape shots and keep players in play more often, you might sacrifice a small amount of distance, but you'll hit more fairways and give yourself more opportunities to score.

Looks/Sound

Some drivers today sound good no matter how poorly you strike them. The R9 gives a good amount of aural feedback for missed hit shots, but it rewards you with a crisp, solid sound when you flush it pure. Couple that with its classic look at address and you have a club that instills a lot of confidence.

Conclusion

For me, the R9 is a rare combination of looks, feel, and performance. I've hit a lot of different clubs in my life and this driver