Review: TaylorMade SLDR 430 TP Driver
#LoftUp is for real. I have always played a 9/9.5* driver (even in the SLDR 460) and have always hit the ball plenty high, but in the SLDR 430 I went with the 10.5* and I couldn’t be happier. I needed the extra face angle to maximize this drivers launch and spin rates. I think most golfers if not all golfers will need to #LoftUp on this club to get the most out of it. I left the Neutral setting and moved the SLDR weight two clicks to the toe which gave me the perfect feel and flight.
The TaylorMade SLDR 430 TP is their top of the line driver. The stock shaft is a real deal Fujikura Motore Speeder 7.3 shaft. It is a lower launching lower spinning shaft that has incredibly tight dispersion. I’ve been a big fan of this line of shafts. I also tested mine with the newest Fujikura Pro 73 Tour Spec shaft.
This is one of the first years I’d say I have a true “home course” – Troy Burne, WI. I’ve been playing the same tees most of the year, but on one late summer round I decided to go all the way back. With the SLDR 430 TP in the bag I ended up in the same spots that I normally do and even longer on a few holes. When I moved back to my normal box for the next couple rounds I found a couple places I’d never been before. My on-course distance was the longest driver I’d hit to date.
My Flightscope numbers below simply backed up the results I was seeing on the course. This driver is LONG! While the sweet spot is fairly small and it isn’t the most forgiving driver, it certainly is playable for decent driver of the golf ball.
While I’ve had the longest drives I’ve hit all season, this driver may not be for everyone. The TaylorMade SLDR 430 is obviously more compact and for some that just isn’t going to cut it. If you are already all over the face of your driver, the sweet spot of this driver won’t be big enough for you. If you are a low ball hitter, you are going to have to get the 12* head or even higher to get enough launch. Also if you don’t spin the ball much with your current set-up, this may spin too low. I highly recommend getting fit before you just grab one of these drivers off the rack. I knew after my time at the TMPL in Minnesota seeing my buddy get fit for one, it would be a good fit for me too.
I have a feeling this driver will be in my bag for awhile. I will be testing other drivers since there are a whole bunch of new ones coming out near the end of 2014, but I would bet that this one will sneak back into the “gamer” bag after those have gone through their paces. Sure it isn’t the most forgiving driver, but if I’m swinging well, there isn’t a driver I’ve hit that goes further. Remember #LoftUp for the longest drives with the TaylorMade SLDR 430 TP Driver.
For more information: www.taylormadegolf.com
Quick Hits:
+Longest driver I’ve hit
+#LoftUp works
+Compact shape offers ideal look
+Deep Face for good sound and feel
+Obviously the stock TP shaft is very good
-Too demanding for high handicap golfers
-How much to loft up?
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