MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: TaylorMade RocketBallz 3-wood and 5-wood, both clubs fitted with a regular-flex shaft.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: These look good. I’m not used to the white clubhead – that’s a different thing for me, but I’d call it different rather than the colour being off-putting in any way. So my initial reaction is that these clubs look really good to me.

VERDICT: Right from the first swing they felt great. On our third hole, with my first swing of the 3-wood, I knocked a shot right into the heart of the green from long range and instantly noticed the difference from my regular 3-wood. These feel slightly heavier but I actually felt that helped me swing the clubs down and through more easily.

I didn’t slice these clubs as much as I normally do with my fairway woods. That could have been just my swing on the day but I suspect it has a lot more to do with the clubs than my technique.

The combination of the extra distance and general accuracy was pretty compelling for a player of my handicap. With a bit more time and practice I’d probably become more used to these clubs and get more out of the benefits they offer.

MODEL AND SHAFT PLAYED: TaylorMade RocketBallz 3-wood and 5-wood, both clubs fitted with a regular-flex shaft.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: These clubs are definitely modern and attractive to look at – I’m not put off by the white clubheads at all, I actually like the colour of them. They sit very squarely and naturally behind the ball at address, which I always find important with fairway wood shots where you aren’t using a tee.

VERDICT: The solidness of impact is definitely the first thing you notice. They feel solid and hit the ball solidly and definitely go further than the fairway woods currently in my bag. I did notice that I found some trouble controlling my slice with the RocketBallz clubs, though. The ball goes further but my natural slice seemed to be exacerbated.

These woods were noticeably fairer on mis-hit shots. On one occasion I caught the 5-wood right on the toe but I was pleasantly surprised by the forgiveness the club showed on that particular mis-strike and the quality of the result given the off-centre impact.

One minor (and aesthetics-only) criticism I can see is that the white clubheads seem to pick up grass and dirt stains very easily and they aren’t always simple to remove.

FACTS & FIGURES

SUITABILITY: The Tour following of the RocketBallz range is impressive, but these clubs have universal appeal. TaylorMade says these fairway woods will generate more distance for all levels of golfer.

SHAFTS: Matrix X-Con 5 shafts are standard in RocketBallz drivers and fairway woods. Flex options include X, S, R, M and L, although some are custom only.

LOFTS: The 3-wood is 15° and the 5-wood 19°. Also available in the line is an alternate, high-loft 3-wood (17°), a 7-wood (21°) and 9-wood (24°).

LEFT-HANDED MODELS?: Yes, in the 3, 5 and 7-woods.

HOW MUCH?: $269 per club.

TAYLORMADE SAYS: “The advanced Speed Pocket in the sole of the RocketBallz fairway woods is the ultimate launching pad. Engineered to dramatically increase ball speed and distance, Tour players and better golfers have gained 17 yards in distance.

“The ‘Thick-Thin’ crown design creates a lower centre of gravity to promote a higher launch for more distance, plus the low and forward centre of gravity aids a high launch and low spin.

“The matte-white finish and larger head are easy to align and launch – an undeniably lethal combination, while the white crown and black face make alignment easy and eliminate glare on top.”

Contact TaylorMade on 1800 700 011 or visit www.taylormadegolf.com.au