TaylorMade SLDR is launched
By: Owen Davies | Mon 29 Jul 2013
The release of a new TaylorMade prototype driver has caused a stir on both sides of the atlantic in recent weeks and 
TaylorMade Golf today announced the official arrival of SLDR. The new driver features an innovative sliding weight system engineered to launch the golf ball high, fast and long. How long? Tests show that SLDR is the longest driver in company history.*
TaylorMade say that the key to the leap in distance is a lower and more forward centre of gravity (CG). Moving the centre of gravity in this way promotes a hotter launch, low spin and faster ball speed. Similar to the impact the "Speed Pocket" had on the performance of the RocketBallz fairway and Rescue clubs, TaylorMade engineers believe SLDR's low and forward CG placement will redefine driver distance.
"Without a doubt, this is the longest driver we have ever created," said TaylorMade's Chief Technical Officer Benoit Vincent. "Our expertise at positioning the CG low and forward sets us apart from our competitors, and is vital to making SLDR the spectacular distance machine that it is."
In addition to the low-forward CG benefits, SLDR also incorporates a complete reinvention of TaylorMade's movable weight technology (MWT), making it more effective and easier to use. SLDR features a blue, 20-gram weight that slides on a track located on the front of the sole.
Movable weight shifts the clubhead's CG horizontally toward either the heel, to promote a draw, or toward the toe, to promote a fade. SLDR delivers six millimetres of movement. That is 50% more than the current R1 driver. TaylorMade 
say that this promotes a shot-dispersion range of up to 30 yards. The SLDR weight slides on a 21-point track system located on the sole of the club. To position the weight in any one of them simply loosen the screw, slide the weight to the point selected, then tighten the screw. Golfers can adjust for a "draw" or "fade" by sliding the weight across the slider track into the appropriate position in as little as 10 seconds.
say that this promotes a shot-dispersion range of up to 30 yards. The SLDR weight slides on a 21-point track system located on the sole of the club. To position the weight in any one of them simply loosen the screw, slide the weight to the point selected, then tighten the screw. Golfers can adjust for a "draw" or "fade" by sliding the weight across the slider track into the appropriate position in as little as 10 seconds. Nearly 10 years ago, TaylorMade brought to market its first movable weight driver, the r7 quad –which featured four small weight cartridges that could be used to change the head's CG location and influence ball flight. Since that release, TaylorMade has spent nearly 10 years searching for a way to improve and simplify MWT. The company believes SLDR's new sliding system is a significant leap forward in its quest to engineer a driver that offers outstanding performance with simple and intuitive technology.
SLDR also incorporates TaylorMade's Loft-sleeve Technology, which allows the golfer to easily adjust the loft. Golfers can choose from 12 positions within a range of plus-or-minus 1.5 degrees of loft change. The more loft added, the more the face closes and vice-versa.
There has been a ceratin amount of buzz following the arrival of a small quantity SLDR's to the PGA and European Tours. In its first three weeks on Tour, TaylorMade reported that their tour representatives were met with overwhelming player demand to see and hit SLDR. The Tour staff even received texts and phone calls from players who followed other Tour pros reaction about SLDR on Twitter, demanding they get one to test at the Open Championship.
Via Twitter, player feedback included:
• Justin Rose (@JustinRose99): "It's Solid. Great acoustics and Hot Flight"
• Darren Clarke (DarrenClarke60): "It goes like a dream"
• Joel Sjoholm (@SwedishTORO): "Amazed by this new driver #musthave"
• Ken Duke(@DukePGA): "I love this driver"
See the Tour pros reactions in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ytTZT2ukp0&feature=youtu.be
In week one, nine SLDR's were put into play at the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic, while four players played the driver at the Scottish Open. Given the scarce availability of SLDR's, a total of 13 in play worldwide in its first week was unexpected. The following week, 14 players put SLDR in the bag at the Open Championship. TaylorMade expects SLDR to become the No. 1 played driver as early as the WGC Bridgestone Invitational.
TaylorMade SLDR Pricing, Options and Availability
Available in three lofts – 9.5°, 10.5° and 12°, SLDR is equipped with a Fujikura Speeder 57 graphite shaft and TaylorMade high-traction grip. The Tour Preferred version, SLDR TP, combines the same clubhead with the Tour-caliber Fujikura Speeder Tour Spec 6.3 graphite shaft. A variety of custom shafts are also available. Availability for SLDR and SLDR TP begins 16th August 2013 suggested retail price of £349, 449€, 3.999SEK, 3.495NOK, 3.499DKK and 569CHF and an RRP of £399, 529€, 4.999SEK, 4.395NOK, 4.399DKK and 679CHF for the SLDR TP.
TaylorMade introduce the SLDR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCk2jJNyOGg
For more information, please visit www.taylormadegolf.com
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