This 2024 fairway wood exceeded our robot-testing expectations

The robotic testing portion of GOLF’s 2024 ClubTest has come to a close, which means it’s time to take inventory of the numbers and highlight particular models that exceeded our expectations. The Fully Equipped crew recently highlighted their favorites on the podcast.

But what about the Golf Laboratories swing robot? Without any personal biases to navigate, we looked at the raw data to determine if any models jumped out. It didn’t take us long to circle one that earned high marks in several different areas: TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max.

Look at the TaylorMade fairway wood lineup and you’ll find three different models — standard, Tour and Max. Of the three, Qi10 Max offers a ton of intrigue. At 200cc and 5mm longer (front-to-back) than the previous Stealth 2 HD, Max is quite easily the most forgiving and easy-to-launch fairway wood TaylorMade has ever produced.

Max’s performance and forgiveness characteristics make it a strong option for additional testing, especially if you need launch assistance and lack a consistent mishit location. The Max fairway topped the list in heel-toe consistency (7.6 yards) and produced the third-highest launch angle (16 degrees) from this year’s crop during robotic testing. It also generated one of the highest recorded ball speeds.

Looking specifically at heel-toe consistency, only Cobra Darkspeed LS recorded a single-digit “forgiveness” number (averaging the carry distance drop-off on toe and heel strikes). Taking an ever closer peek at the numbers, Max was average on toe mishit (14 yards) but exceptional on strikes towards the heel. With an 0.8-yard carry delta on heel misses, it’s fair to expect similar carry numbers to a geometric center strike at 95 mph.

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Custom Fairway Wood

$349.99

Introducing the Qi10 Max fairway. Experience TaylorMade speed with Qi10 forgiveness…off the tee and off the deck. EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE The Qi10 Max Fairway boasts an ultra-high MOI construction. Internal mass pads are positioned for maximum forgiveness with weight moved to the extreme low back, making this fairway TaylorMade’s easiest to hit in the line.   NEW INFINITY CARBON CROWN An Infinity Crown provides a clean, uninterrupted view at address while also optimizing performance.

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The longer head profile might not be for everyone, but if you’re a golfer seeking out a confidence-inspiring profile, the Max should check that box as well.

The robot data on Qi10 Max confirms it does a lot of things very well and should fit a large majority of player types. But as we preach every time our robotic insights are pushed out, make sure you take the clubs for a test drive with a certified club-fitter before spending hard-earned cash on a new fairway wood.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.

Jonathan Wall

Golf.com Editor

Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.

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