TaylorMade Qi4D Driver Review - Upgrade or Quiet Reset?

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Why the TaylorMade Qi4D Driver Exists at All

A Fix, an Upgrade — or a Quiet Reset?

The TaylorMade Qi4D driver arrives with an uncomfortable question hanging over it: is this a genuine step forward in technology, or a rapid response to the mixed reception of the Qi35? When TaylorMade’s tour staff quickly moved the Qi4D straight into play after largely ignoring its predecessor, it inevitably raises eyebrows.

So what’s really going on here? Has TaylorMade meaningfully improved performance, or have they simply corrected issues that shouldn’t have existed in the first place? In this review, Mark tests the Qi4D against the Qi35, breaks down the design changes, and explains what type of golfer the Qi4D actually helps — and who may see little reason to upgrade.

What Mark Says…

“The Qi4D feels like TaylorMade wanting to have it both ways. They’ve fixed issues from the Qi35, improved forgiveness and sound, and brought tour players back onside — but the performance gains aren’t revolutionary. It’s a very good driver, no doubt. The real question is whether it’s better for you, or just better marketed this time around.”

Inside the Review: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. What Changed from the Qi35?

Adjusted roll radius to improve spin consistency
Normalized curvature for better high- and low-face performance
Refined carbon face construction with improved energy transfer
More aerodynamic shaping to address speed complaints
Reintroduced adjustable front-to-back weighting

The Qi4D clearly addresses feedback from the Qi35. Inconsistent spin on mishits was a common complaint, and TaylorMade have worked to reduce distance drop-off when strike location moves away from centre.

2. Head Options and Visual Design

Qi4D Core: Neutral, square setup with four adjustable weight ports
Qi4D Max: Larger footprint, rear weighting, built for forgiveness
Qi4D LS: Smaller profile, lower spin, forward-back weighting
Refined shape compared to the boxier Qi35
All heads sit square and look premium behind the ball

Visually, the Qi4D range is hard to fault. All three heads look modern, clean, and confidence-inspiring. The Max clearly offers the most reassurance at address, while the LS presents a more compact, aggressive look.

3. Sound and Feel: A Noticeable Improvement

Move away from the traditional “thud” sound
Cleaner, more responsive carbon-titanium acoustics
Improved feedback across the face

Sound is one of the most obvious upgrades. The Qi4D produces a more satisfying, lively impact noise without feeling hollow. It’s one of the best-sounding TaylorMade drivers in recent years — and sound plays a huge role in perceived feel.

4. Launch and Spin Performance

Qi4D Max averaged the highest spin (~2,669 rpm)
Qi4D LS produced the lowest spin (~2,150 rpm)
Qi4D Core sat in the optimal window (~2,329 rpm)
Spin separation between models is clear and functional

The Max behaves exactly as expected: higher spin, more stability, slightly less distance. The LS is volatile — capable of big carries when struck well, but more punishing on mishits. The standard Qi4D sits comfortably in the middle and will suit the widest range of golfers.

5. Distance: Peaks vs Averages

Max produced the shortest average carry (269 yards)
LS delivered the longest peak carries but with high variability
Standard Qi4D averaged 277 yards carry — the most playable result
No dramatic speed gains over competitors

The Qi4D doesn’t redefine distance. It’s fast, but not meaningfully faster than the best drivers already on the market. What it does offer is a better balance between speed and control than the Qi35.

6. The “Cake and Eat It” Problem

Qi35 initially struggled with higher-speed players
Qi4D now sees tour adoption and media push
Marketing narrative shifts once tour validation returns
Performance hasn’t leapt — perception has changed

This is where golfers need to be honest. The Qi4D fixes issues that affected better players, and now that tour staff are using it, confidence in the product has returned. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best driver for everyone.

7. Price and Positioning

Premium pricing, consistent with TaylorMade’s market position
Competes directly with other flagship drivers
Strong value only if properly fit
Testing is essential before upgrading

At this price point, blind buying makes little sense. The Qi4D is a premium driver, and it needs to be fit correctly to justify the cost.

Verdict: Is the Qi4D Worth Buying?

The TaylorMade Qi4D is a very good driver — more consistent, better sounding, and more refined than the Qi35. It offers clear performance separation across the Core, Max, and LS models and will suit a wide range of golfers when properly fit.

It’s best suited to golfers who:

Want a modern, adjustable driver with premium feel
Value forgiveness and sound improvements
Were underwhelmed by the Qi35
Are willing to test and compare before buying

If you already own a well-fit, modern driver, the Qi4D may not change your world. But if you’re coming from an older model — or found the Qi35 inconsistent — the Qi4D is a far more convincing option.

As always, don’t buy the story. Test the club, check the numbers, and decide whether it actually improves your driving — not someone else’s.