50 Words or Less
The TaylorMade RSi2 irons deliver improved mishits to the better players. Decent look and feel. Strong lofts, low ball flight, long.
Introduction
We recently reviewed TaylorMade’s RSi1 iron and found it lacking in the subjective areas and, more importantly, not worth the hype when it comes to performance. The RSi2 is a slightly different story: the sound and feel are more dialed-in, and the performance does live up to some of the hype.
Looks
The TaylorMade RSi2 is the middle child of the new RSi line: it’s not the giant shovel for the high handicapper, but it’s not the beautiful TP iron either. For what it is, the RSi2 has solid aesthetics. The top lines and soles are medium-sized, and the offset is moderate. In comparing the RSi1 and RSi2, you’ll notice that the face slots are significantly smaller on the RSi2. This makes them even less noticeable at address.
In the bag, the RSi2 is one of my favorite looking TaylorMade irons in a while. There are no flashy, trendy colors, and the overall look is toned down without being boring.
Sound & Feel
Another major difference between the RSi1 and RSi2 is the sound. The RSi1 has a drastic difference between the slotted and non-slotted irons. With the RSi2, the difference is minimal. In each iron, the feel is firm and there is a modest amount of feedback.
The RSi2 has a slightly weightier stock shaft, a 105 gram variation of the KBS Tour. This gives the club a more balanced feel than the RSi1, which is very head-heavy and grip-light.
Performance
Just as with the RSi1, we tested the TaylorMade RSi2 against similar irons (forgiving players club) in both stock configurations and using the same shaft. We found that the RSi2 is one of the best in its category when it comes to producing playable mishits, and it’s also very long.
For a club with a player’s look, the RSi2 does a very good job of getting every shot in the air and moving it towards the target. As we’ve found with the TaylorMade SpeedBlades, the sole slot is really effective at making thin shots behave like pure strikes. While I don’t know if it’s the result of the face slots or not, shots on the toe and heel retain most of their ball speed as well.
More noticeable than the forgiveness is the fact that the RSi2 is long. The combination of the sole slot and strong lofts produces lower launching, low spinning shots that went as much as one club longer than other similar irons. Do keep in mind that this distance comes at a cost: it will be harder to hold greens, especially with the long irons.
Conclusion
Better players aren’t accustomed to getting as much distance or forgiveness in their irons compared to high handicappers, but the TaylorMade RSi2 irons are a step towards leveling the playing field. If you want more playable mishits and longer shots from irons that don’t look like shovels, the RSi2’s are worth checking out.
Buy the TaylorMade RSi2 irons HERE
Watch the Video
Matt Saternus
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Matt, great review on the RSI 2. I had one question. How would you compare these to the new Nike Vapor Pro Combo in terms of feel and performance ?
Thanks. I have a strong preference for the Vapor Pro Combos in terms of feel. When it comes to performance, I think they’re comparable. The RSi2 may be a bit longer, but not a huge difference. I like the stock shaft in the Vapors much better, so if I were buying stock, that would be the deciding factor. If you’re getting fitted for the shaft, it will be pretty close on performance.
Best,
Matt
What set of irons would you recommend for a once a week type player with 10 handicap looking for a little more forgiveness and consistency ?
Chili,
If you want forgiveness and consistency, I wouldn’t rank anything above the PING G30.
Best,
Matt
Matt, I’m a high handicap player looking for something nicer than my Adams Idea Tech V3. The RSi 1’s look similar in size to what I’m playing however, I really like the look of these RSi 2’s. Any insight on performance issues high handicap players would have with these?
Capi,
What do you mean by “nicer than my Adams”? Is there something specific that your Adams clubs don’t do that you want your new clubs to do? That would help me make a better recommendation.
Generally speaking, the RSi2’s are not “high handicapper” clubs. They are forgiving relative to their size and look, but are geared towards that middle ground of 10-20 handicap, similar to the PING i25.
Best,
Matt
I25 vs ie200 vs rsi2 as far as holding greens with say pw-7 iron? I play i15’s currently and I fly 7 iron 185-90 in calm conditions and I hit it high. 12 handicap
Drew,
You get both my stock answers here: I haven’t tested them head to head and it’s a matter of fit. That said, I would *guess* that the RSi2 would be the worst in terms of holding greens because TMAG tends to have stronger lofts.
Best,
Matt
Matt, my wife is about a 22-25 handicapper. Would she be better off with the Taylormade Women’s Speedblades, Rsi, or Aeroburners?
Ed,
Any of those could work for that handicap range (RSi1 being more forgiving than the RSi2). I would recommend she gets fit or at the very least tries them all and buys the one that performs the best.
-Matt
Matt, me again. I’m an 18. Have been playing some older Taylormades & like them. I want to move up to new irons & like the look of the RSi1 & 2. Which would be a better fit for me?
Ed,
Same answer: you need to get fit. Fitting is for every player, every ability level, every age. It’s the single easiest way to play better golf.
Best,
Matt
What’s the difference between the club which says “forged” and the one that isn’t? Is there a different model name between the two, or is one the “RSI2” and the other “RSI2 Forged”?
Bob,
The one that says “Forged” is the RSi TP, which we reviewed a couple weeks ago.
Best,
Matt
it’s funny, this is the only place that hasn’t praised the rsi 1. Not saying that your assessment is wrong, just saying everyone else is singing its praises.
I am a 7 handicap, good off the tee, good putter and want to hit better iron shots. Should I use game improvement clubs, if so which do you suggest out of all brands?
Mark,
Game improvement clubs, compared to “players” clubs,” will generate more ball speed on mishits, probably launch thin shots higher, and probably keep toe and heel shots marginally straighter. If those are things that would be helpful to you, then yes, you should play them.
I’ve been very happy with my PING i25 irons and am equally impressed with the new i series iron. That said, the best answer is to get a fitting and find what produces good results for you.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Question, I’m about a 20 handicap and have been playing some used taylormade burner irons for about 2 years now. Long story short this is my first year being a member at a course and will be really working on my game.
I would love to make a transition over to the Nike combos or the RSI- 2’s in the next month or two. My main reason for switching to the new combo irons is I feel like it will really force me to improve my iron game.
Do you agree with that or I’m I rushing it and should wait til I’m a little better?
Your opinion?
-Colin
Colin,
You’re opening up one of the biggest Pandora’s Boxes in all of equipment there. Ask 10 guys you’ll get 10 opinions.
Here’s the short version of mine: the idea that good players can’t play GI or SGI irons is bullshit. There are guys all over the professional tours playing forgiving clubs. That said, there are reasons to play “players” clubs, too – looks, feel, trajectory control. Ultimately, you should play what makes you happy. If you’re going to enjoy the game more with clubs befitting a better player, get them now. If your Burners are making you happy, keep playing them. There’s no right or wrong.
Best,
Matt
Nice review Matt. I’m an 8 handicap playing nike vr pro cavity irons for 4 years now. My biggest miss is an overdraw usually with my long irons. Usually I can hit it with a nice 4-5 yard draw into my target. I am hoping to really improve this year and am also looking at new irons. Do you think the Rsi2’s would be right for me? Would like something I can grow into should I get down into the 4-5 handicap range.
Thanks!
Alex,
My advice would be to find a fitter who can help you find the irons that work for you. That said, if you tend to draw it too much, I’d suggest an iron with less offset than the RSi2. I’d look at something like the Ben Hogan Ft. Worth 15 or the PING S55.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for the review. I used to play i15’s and used your excellent review on the W/S fg Tour M3 irons to get a set and have been playing a lot for the past 4 months-till the snow came in OH this week :(
I love the Wilson irons, but in your opinion would the RSi2’s be more forgiving than the M3’s?
Will,
They’re both in the same ballpark. Neither is much more forgiving than the other.
Best,
Matt
Like the look of RSI2 thinking about getting some with graphite shafts.I’m 60 yr old and got some wrist pain and play to a 4 handicap .What is your thoughts on graphite?
Paul,
High quality, well-fit graphite is great. Low quality graphite is the worst. If you’re going to go graphite, I would recommend getting a high quality fitting and investing in good shafts (Fujikura and Mitsubishi Rayon both make excellent graphite iron shafts).
Best,
Matt
Information on the RSi2 was very helpful
Hey Matt,
I just ordered the RSi2’s from rockbottomgolf.com. What are your thoughts on ordering from them? Are they legit? Also im 32 years old and am a 15 handicap. Are graphite shafts an option for me? Ive always thought they were for seniors. What are the advantages of graphite? Thanks for your help Matt!
Chip,
I don’t have any firsthand experience with rockbottom, so I can’t say anything about them. Graphite allows for a wider range of weights and bend profiles then steel. Whether or not a particular shaft will work for you is something you can only find out through testing with a fitter.
Best,
Matt
I’m a lefty, 11 handicap currently playing with Mizuno MP57 and Ping S59 before that. I’m going for a quick visit to Chicago next month from Manila and would like to be able to get newer irons when I get there but can’t seem to decide if I should go back to Ping — I25, S55 or be a first timer with TM — RSi2. Your thoughts please. Thanks.
Juanchit,
Easy answer: if you’re going to be in Chicago, visit Club Champion and get fit for the best performing irons for you.
Best,
Matt
Thanks! I used to live there in the 90’s I was a tennis pro in the north side and worked part time at Chicago Tennis and Golf Co. Is that still around? Will definitely visit Club Champion!
Juanchit,
I’m not sure, I’m not familiar with that name.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt, for the RSI2 irons, on the club face, at which level is the sweet-spot? Is it low, mid or high? Reason I’m asking is bcos I’m told that for mid or high sweet spots, every shot has to be on a descending trajectory which requires a low handicap or higher skilled player. My Index is 14.
Edward,
It’s been a while since I did this test, but I don’t recall the sweet spot being particularly high or low.
Regarding the information you’ve been told about sweet spot height and hitting shots on a “descending trajectory” (negative angle of attack?), I would flush that out of your head. With the exception of shots picked thin, every shot it hit with a negative angle of attack, and being “more negative” is not necessarily the sign of a good player.
Best,
Matt
Matt, excellent presentation on the Rsi2 Taylor Made irons. Had just purchased a set before I found your video. Video confirmed all that I thought about them. Be careful when ordering them as prices are all over the board . Now, I need a Plugged In hat. 75 years young and shoot in the mid seventies. 64 years golfing experience.
Looking to replace my aging rocketblads, how do the RSI2 matchup would they be a good replacement or look in to something newer
Robert,
Why are you looking to replace the RocketBladez? Without knowing the answer to that, hard to know what to suggest looking at.
Best,
Matt