SLDR hybrid

Getting long distance shots up in the air and further than ever before has been made possible with the TaylorMade SLDR Hybrid. A combination of an improved Speed Pocket design and a further forward CG allows golfers to launch the ball higher and further.

After the success of the TaylorMade SLDR driver, the release of the SLDR fairway wood and hybrid was much anticipated by golf fans.

The SLDR hybrid, just like the SLDR driver, incorporates an improved Speed pocket which is meant to increase ball speeds.

It also allows for a further-forward centre of gravity which has led to the phenomenon known as ‘lofting up’ which can been seen on Tour with many professionals changing their loft by up to a degree.

It looks great with the charcoal-grey head and silver face providing a useful contrast and a splash of blue here and there is a nice touch. The head is 155cc which is slightly smaller than previous TaylorMade hybrids but this in no way diminished the confidence I felt lining the club up.

While you can change the loft of the club, there is no moveable weight which makes the name of the club slightly ridiculous but on the positive side I like to smooth, chic look of the underside of the club.

TaylorMade promised extra distance with their SLDR driver and the same can be said of the SLDR hybrid. It explodes off the face and I was getting at least an extra 10 yards.

It’s fantastically balanced and makes swinging the club seem effortless with the ball coming off the face with a penetrating flight.

It also offers a good amount of forgiveness and I found shots that were either mishit or not quite out the middle still travelled a good distance. The workability on offer is superb and I was able to fade, draw and manipulate my ball flight easily.  

It offers a solid feel and also gives great feedback. It’s in stark contrast, in terms of feel, to hybrids with a soft feel such as an Adams Idea 9031, and if you prefer a more solid feel then you’ll love the SLDR.

It allows you to feel like you’re really striking the ball and made me feel like I was in complete control.

Verdict

This hybrid follows on from TaylorMade’s successful SLDR driver and it’s just as brilliant. It offers extreme length, forgiveness and workability.