TaylorMade SLDR driver launched

The TaylorMade SLDR driver has been officially launched after appearing on the European and PGA Tours in prototype form. The driver features a sliding weight system that is designed to launch the golf ball high and long as well as simplifying the adjustability on offer.

TaylorMade engineers say that the key to the leap in distance is a lower and more forward centre of gravity (CG) that promotes a hotter launch, low spin and faster ball speed.

"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."

The Taylormade SLDR driver features a blue, 20-gram weight that slides on a track located on the front of the sole. This weight shifts the clubhead's CG horizontally toward either the heel, to promote a draw, or toward the toe, to promote a fade. TaylorMade engineers say that this promotes up to 30 yards in left to right flight change. The SLDR weight slides on a 21-point track system located on the sole of the club.

The SLDR driver also incorporates TaylorMade's Loft-sleeve Technology, which allows the golfer to adjust the loft of the club. 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.

The new driver will be available in three lofts - 9.5°, 10.5° and 12°, and will be fitted with a Fujikura Speeder 57 graphite shaft as standard. The Tour Preferred version, SLDR TP, combines the same head with the Fujikura Speeder Tour Spec 6.3 graphite shaft. A variety of custom shafts are also available. The driver will be available from 16th August 2013 at a suggested retail price of £349 and an RRP of £399 for the SLDR TP.

First look video: See a behind the scenes look at the new TaylorMade SLDR driver

Gallery: See images of the new TaylorMade SLDR driver