50 Words or Less
The TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite driver is designed for maximum performance at slower swing speeds. Powerful feel and pleasing sound. A great addition to the TaylorMade family of drivers.
Introduction
TaylorMade expanded its driver offerings for 2025 by adding two additional models: the Qi35 Max Lite and Qi35 Max Lite Women’s. That brings the head count to five models represented by the “5” in the naming. The “3” represents TaylorMade’s three pillars of design: Form, Function, and Fit. Like all the drivers in the Qi35 family, the Max Lite is designed to maximize speed, but is particularly geared towards golfers with slower swing speeds. As someone who may fit that billing, I put the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite through the paces.
Looks
As I stated in my review of the Qi35 Max driver [read it HERE], the new look of the Qi35 driver crowns was a bit jarring when I first saw one in person. As for the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite driver, it’s barely distinguishable from the Max at first glance. If you look closer at the side by side photo below (Max Lite on the right), you’ll note that the Max Lite head is more symmetrically round, and the trailing edge pinstriping is a different color. From a slightly different angle, the face height of the Max Lite appears a bit taller.
Armed with a tape measure, I found both faces to be the same height. It appears to my eyes that it’s just the shaping of the face towards the top on the toe side that gives the allusion of the Max Lite being taller. The face on the Qi35 family of drivers is TaylorMade’s fourth generation carbon twist face design. Visually there’s merely cosmetic changes when I compare the face to the Qi10 design. But there’s a bit more to this story – the third pillar “fit.”
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 pleased to see TaylorMade kept the light grey segment across the top edge that provides a solid reference for squaring up the club head.
Back to the crown, TaylorMade refers to the shape as “high inertia.” The black graphite composite that encompasses the entire crown takes on a dark grey hue under some the light conditions. A small logo “T” denotes the true center of the face – something I had to remind myself of when setting up at address.
After several examinations, the sole of the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite driver looks to be a match of the Max except for colors. The Qi35 Max Lite’s Speed Pocket is grey, the rear framework white, and Inertia Generator (weight port) silver. Otherwise, the deep angular recesses and graphics appear identical – in a good way. I find the deliberately constructed look of the sole to be appealing.
Sound & Feel
I’ll detail the weight differences in the next section, but let me say now that the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite driver does feel noticeably lighter than the Max. The Max Lite still felt powerful at impact. Tactile feedback didn’t occur until I basically missed the face – wonderful stability.
Similarly, contact anywhere on the face produced a mid-volume ‘tink.’ Befitting the name, the sound was airier than the Max. It’s a satisfying sound that is distinctive, yet doesn’t draw attention.
Performance
The numbers in the chart above are very similar to what I posted with the Max driver, but there were some noteworthy differences. First, the obvious: with the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite I produced lower launch and lower spin. The differences are small, but as you would expect, that combination produced less carry and more roll-out. And based on reader comments on the Max driver, let me just confirm – these are actual average numbers straight from TrackMan using the stock Vanquish shaft and stock settings.
On several strikes I did achieve 2 mph faster swing speed with the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite driver over the top end of the Max. But I didn’t see the expected resultant distance gains. And overall, I had a wider dispersion than with the Max. For me the lighter weight made delivering the club head precisely more challenging.
In addition to its lighter shaft and grip, I measured the head of the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite driver as 12 grams lighter than the Max. Most of that difference is attributable to the Max Lite tungsten weight being 24 grams vs 34 grams with the Max. The overall design places the MOI of the Max Lite driver in the 9K range. Not as sexy as a 10K model, but still loads of forgiveness.
The weight port design that creates a deep and low CoG has been a hallmark of TaylorMade drivers for years, but for 2025 engineers focused on CoG projection. What’s CoG projection? Imagine balancing the clubhead via the face 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.
Conclusion
TaylorMade lists the Qi35 Max Lite driver as High-Launch and Mid-Spin, but my results were more on the lower side of those categories. And even though I struggled at times to make squared, centered contact, the Qi35 Max Lite was very forgiving. I have no doubt of the veracity of TaylorMade’s proclamation of “more distance from more of the face.”
Taking it all in, the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite driver may be best suited for golfers with swing speeds say under 75 mph, where club weight can be a major factor. And that can encompass a nice segment of the golf space – new golfers developing a swing, younger golfers, older golfers, and many women. No disrespect to any of those general classifications. I’ve played with golfers from all those genres that could blow it by me. As we always promote at PIG – play what’s appropriate.
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TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite Driver Price & Specs
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2 Comments
Another good review from Meeker. I think a lot of people are starting to realize that more flexible shafts often don’t work for slow swingers who have a fast backswing and transition. The same may be true in regards to the weight of the club. I suspect this driver could work for a golfer with a very deliberate backswing and a smooth transition.
This review is spot on – the Max Lite is an excellent choice for slow swingers. Doesn’t have the “clunk” sound like the Q10 and larger top view inspires more confidence. Try with a stiffer shaft vs a senior or A. I’m at about 80-88 swing speed and had no trouble getting launch and distance. Consistently blew past my regular foursome by 20-30 yards today for the first time out (hey- that translates to only 190 to 225 yards for me but that makes a huge difference!)
Anxious to see how it goes in subsequent rounds, but if control becomes an issue may return for regular version.