50 Words or Less
The TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver is designed for maximum forgiveness – and delivers strong performance across the face. Powerful, satisfying sound and feel. Fresh new look at address.
Introduction
Nothing excites golfers like new models, and for TaylorMade in 2025 it’s the Qi35 family. The “35” is more than just a higher number to distinguish from the previous Qi10 series. The “3” represents TaylorMade’s three pillars of design: Form, Function, and Fit. The “5” represents the five driver models intended to offer options for the full spectrum of golfers. In this review I’ll dive into the details of the TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver – the most forgiving model in the lineup.
Looks
I’ve been gaming the Qi10 driver since it was released, so the look of the crown on the new TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver created quite a ‘whoa’ moment when I first saw it. The black graphite composite that encompasses the entire crown can take on a dark grey hue depending on the light conditions. TaylorMade refers to the shape as “high inertia.” Five fine pinstripes offer some definition on the trailing edge while a small logo “T” denotes the true center of the face – despite its heel-centric look at address.
The sole continues the composite theme, while small pops of green and fine striped graphics offer some visual interest. Also catching my eyes were the deep angular recesses. Whether they aid in structural integrity or aerodynamics isn’t clear, but they surely serve a purpose – or several.
Changes to the face appear to be mostly cosmetic even though this is TaylorMade’s fourth generation carbon Twist Face. But there’s a bit more to this story. Those small blue rectangles on the face are actually reflective fitting markers – a big deal for fitters with a GC Quad or Trackman launch monitor. I was glad to see TaylorMade kept the light grey segment across the top edge that provides a solid reference for squaring up the club head.
Looking back at Dylan’s Qi10 Max driver review [see it HERE] I instantly noticed how prevalent the glossy black section that extends from the face on the TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver was. It’s not anything jarring in the looks department, but another reminder that the new Qi35 series is a true evolution.
Sound & Feel
My first field note was “powerful” which communicated both what both my hands felt and ears heard with the TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver. After a few more hits I underlined the pow in powerful. The sound and feel were incredibly aligned – and equally satisfying. Another note, “solid crack” required further annotation: “- but not hard” and “- maybe more of a smack.”
On the volume scale, I’d put the Qi35 Max at a non-boisterous 5 – something that surprised me given all the carbon materials in its construction. As for feedback, there was very little. But that wasn’t surprising for a high – 10K high – MOI driver.
Check out the core TaylorMade Qi35 driver HERE
Performance
The above numbers may not impress the casual reader, but for me they are strong. One field that always captures my attention while gathering data at Club Champion is Smash Factor, and the TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver averaged an impressive 1.51. I can’t think of another driver I’ve tested where a 1.49 was the low value. When TaylorMade says “more distance from more of the face” they aren’t joking.
Two key design elements come into play to allow TaylorMade to make the above statement. First is maximizing moment of inertia or MOI. And second is lowering the center of gravity (CoG) projection. Let’s take a closer look at both of those.
As you may have surmised from the name of the Qi35 Max driver, this is the highest MOI driver in the family. And as is all the talk recently, the Qi35 Max is a true 10K driver. As a refresher, MOI quantifies a clubhead’s resistance to change in rotational motion. Less twist with off-center strikes preserves ball speed and direction.
Get extreme forgiveness at a lower weight with the TM Qi35 Max Lite driver HERE
CoG projection isn’t a new parameter, but one that TaylorMade made a point of emphasis in their pursuit of improving launch conditions. To visualize CoG projection, imagine balancing the face of the club on your finger, and then drawing a line from that point through the CoG. By lowering that point on the face, TaylorMade can optimize launch and spin on more of the clubface.
For the QI35 Max driver, TaylorMade lowered the CoG projection 50% compared to the Qi10, resulting in around 200 rpm less spin on centered contract. I won’t go into a full dissertation of gear effect, just know that the increased face area above that point is where the ol’ saying “tee it high and let it fly” came from.
For lower spin, check out the TaylorMade Qi35 LS driver HERE
TaylorMade was able to lower the CoG by reducing the weight of the crown and increasing the trailing tungsten weight to 34 grams. Interestingly, the overall head weight of the Qi35 Max decreased by 1 gram from the Qi10 Max. The Qi35 Max is billed as Mid spin and Mid-High launch – a solid mix for a good range of golfers. I should note that the TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver is designed to produce a “slight draw flight bias,” although I observed a modest right bias with the stock Fujikura AirSpeeder shaft.
Conclusion
The forgiveness of the TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver was impressive. After seeing the launch monitor data, I realized why during my first driving range test session every hit felt and sounded powerful – because it was. While the look of the crown of the Qi35 Max driver is a big departure from the Qi10, the Inertia Generator weight port is a familiar TaylorMade trademark. If you’re looking for more consistency off the tee box, check out the new TaylorMade Qi35 Max driver.
Visit TaylorMade HERE
TaylorMade Qi35 Max Driver Price & Specs
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18 Comments
It would be nice to publish a price range for featured clubs and where they have the backroom tarps to try a couple of shots before purchase?
Price is listed in every review in the Price & Specs table at the bottom.
– Meeks
First, thanks for showing results from a slower swing speed point of view that we seniors have. I was wondering what shaft you used, the specs for the shaft and how did you get 50 yards of rollout? Will this driver replace your gamer?
Stock Fujikura AirSpeeder regular flex. Rollout is just pure power – HA! The MAX is looking good for replacement at the moment. Waiting to test the core model – stay tuned.
– Meeks
Thanks. Will be waiting for the other test.
Did you take the driver on the course? Did you get 53 yards of roll off a 16 degree launch?
Played many holes with it Alex. Difficult to determine yards of rollout, but it was ample on most tee shots.
– Meeks
Another great review from Meeks. As a slow swinging senior, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate reading reviews from Meeks. As a side note, I found last year’s Qi10 Max to have average efficiency in the same range as Matt did with the Qi35 Max. The only downside for me was lower than optimum spin for my swing speed. Anyhow, keep up the good work.
Much appreciated Clay.
– Meeks
78 mph swing speed and 173 yards carry? Is that a typo? I’m 63 and I can carry my 7 iron 173 yards.
The numbers are straight our of TrackMan Dave. That’s a strong 7 iron – hopefully you aren’t getting 25 yards of roll-out.
– Meeks
I’m senior golfer with similar clubhead speed and as others have noted the considerable roll out with club. I live in Myrtle Beach and seldom do I see that much roll out. You’ve got me seriously thinking about getting rid of my Callaway Smoke Max Driver. Do you give lessons or club fittings? BTW — I LOVE Plugged In Golf. The reviews are very relatable and thorough.
Thanks for the kind words Chuck. Fairways are firm and grass low right now further south. And no – no lessons or fittings – I rely on experts for those.
– Meeks
If you were averaging 1.51 smash factor, then you must have had results over 1.51, which would probably make that club nonconforming to USGA rules.
what is the overall head weight of Qi35 Max?
Lucky for you Drake I measured it while writing up the Max Lite driver review. The Max head is 199 grams.
– Meeks
Matt,
With a swing speed of 78mph did you try the senior flex shaft? Seems like regular flex would be too stiff for you. I am asking because at 72 my swing speed is in the mid 80’s and I feel like senior flex is where I should be. Keep up the great work!
thanks,
Fred
Thanks for reading Fred. I’ve tried about every shaft out there, and as my fitters say “you aren’t normal.” But I do try and select the appropriate stock offering. In this case the R was the best match.
– Meeks