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The Taylormade RBZ Black Driver has been around for a few years now, and although there are more expensive models on the market, there is still a deep fascination for this highly-reviewed golf club.
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Club pros still use this driver because of the numerous benefits, including adjustable loft and high-quality 460cc titanium club head, which delivers tremendous power and control to compete with the best.
There seems to be an increase in demand for the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver, with more golfers keen to reach out and ask whether this club is still relevant in 2023.
What advantages it has over rival products from competitors like Ping, Wilson Golf, Cobra and Cleveland?
In this thorough review, we will address questions golfers have and include a full breakdown of the club including technical specs, features, design, performance, and what type of golfer should consider the club as the #1 driver in their golf bag.
With feedback from over 100 golfers and our own TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver review delving deep into all characteristics of the club.
We will hopefully put an end to all the debate surrounding the product and give the best possible information that you can use in your decision-making process.
Let’s kick off by analyzing some important features of the club.
Features & Performance
When deciding on a new driver, it’s vital to take an in-depth look at the features that set it apart from rivals.
After all, the driver is probably one of the most important clubs in the golf bag because when you hit a good drive, it gives your confidence a real boost for the rest of the round.
Why is this driver better than that product x and how would this feature help my own golf game?
Let’s break down the features and performance of the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver by splitting this section into three parts: clubhead, shaft, and grip.
Clubhead
The club head on the RBZ is made from high-quality titanium and not the cheap Ti-alloy that you often see on other cheap golf drivers.
For an under $200 club, we are impressed with the build quality of the 460cc-sized head, which we found to be responsive when striking the golf ball from the tee.
The head is also adjustable (a tool included with the club), so there is no fear of taking it out on the driving range and being disappointed with the launch angle.
Some golfers also prefer to have custom weight settings on the club head, and although the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver does not have this feature, we found the weight transference and overall swing speed to be just about right.
In short, this club will suit 95% of golfers who want a well-balanced but powerful clubhead they can trust on the golf course.
Clubhead Performance: The titanium core also spreads out weight transference to the edge of the club head, which boosts speed and delivers a near-perfect trajectory on launch.
This even spread raises the club’s forgiveness, which gives the golfer greater confidence when teeing off.
This head is well-balanced and sits beautifully on the Matrix White tie 55 shaft.
Finally, an attractive head cover is included to keep the RBZ well-protected from the other clubs in the bag. It covers both the titanium head and the top part of the shaft.
Replacements can also be purchased online if you want to keep a spare.
Shaft
There seems to be some confusion on what shaft the Taylormade RBZ Black Driver club has fitted.
We can confirm that the graphite Matrix White Tie 55 Flex shaft is the current 2023 model used and is available in either stiff, senior or regular flex options.
Graphite shafts are used in the modern premium driver as opposed to steel because they are both lightweight and offer improved power through the air.
Some golfers complain that graphite shafts are less durable and need replacing more often, but this 55 flex shaft has good feedback and should last several years.
Good for seniors or golfers who suffer persistent injuries can be beneficial in helping to reduce stress on the wrist and hand areas.
Flex: When picking a flex for your shaft, you should consider your consistent golf speed swing.
Every time you swing the club through the air, the shaft flexes to some degree, and you should always take time to think about which flex rating you should pick for your RBZ Black Driver.
Generally speaking, the quicker you hit the ball, the stiffer the flex you should select.
Older players should pick the “senior” flex if their swing is below 95MPH. Good golfers can opt for the stiff flex, which produces the least flex tolerance whilst beginners, and high handicappers will be fine with the standard regular flex.
The Men’s Black RBZ is available in both right and left-handed options.
Shaft Performance: The Matrix White Tie 55 on the RBZ is an excellent mid-level graphite shaft and stands up to rival clubs in this range.
With multiple flex options and the way it seamlessly integrates with both clubhead and grip, there is no reason why you would not be happy with this shaft.
Grip
Perhaps one of the most underrated features of the golf club is the grip.
The grip on the Taylormade RBZ Black Driver is made from high-quality textured rubber that looks great in black and gold.
Rubber grips are rated the best on drivers but are not as durable as corded grips, so make sure you regularly replace your rubber grip after around 50 rounds of golf or every 12 months.
The grip size on the RBZ is the standard 0.620 but it always pays to go and see a golf fitting specialist who can advise on the proper size and thickness of a driver grip that you should be using.
Grip performance: Hands feel very secure and tight when holding the club. There is no slip at all on the golf swing, and the standard-size grip will suit most golfers.
Tech Specs
Looking for a side-by-side comparison with other golf clubs in the same class? Read what other golfers had to say about this club or check out our Taylormade RBZ Black Driver technical specifications below:
- Official Name: TaylorMade Men’s RBZ Black Driver.
- LH/RH: Available in right hand / left hand.
- Clubhead: 460CC Titanium club head with adjustable loft sleeve.
- Club Length: 45.5 inches.
- Shaft: Ozik Matrix White Tie 55 (graphite).
- Shaft Flex: Senior, regular and stiff.
- Grip: Black 0.620 Grip.
Who Would Benefit from Using this Club
The are several different group types that this club would help improve their game.
Golfers who can hit the ball fast will benefit from the large 460cc club face because the Ultralite Titanium core utilizes TaylorMade Speed Pocket Design which is how the club head is shaped to give better spin control and extra distance on long drives.
Older players will appreciate the light, graphite shaft.
If you are a senior golfer, opt for the senior flex, which is the highest-rated flex – this enables the club to “whip” through the air quicker and to be more forgiving with mis-hit shots still getting good yardage on the fairway.
For pros and low-handicapped golfers, you probably already have a premium driver.
Still, with the Taylormade RBZ Black Driver, you can adjust the loft on the club head, which is advantageous when playing on different golf courses such as links, parkland, or desert.
FAQs
Question: How does the loft adjustment work on the TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver?
Answer: There is a “click” dial just below the clubhead that indicates the loft angle.
It starts at 10.5 degrees and moves in increments of 1.5 degrees. We suggest you take the club to the driving range and test which loft setting is best for your golf swing. The multiple loft settings are a big plus on this driver, and it gets excellent feedback from players.
Question: How do I tell my flex rating on my club?
Answer: If you look at the top of the shaft, there is some small initial inside the “octagon” shape. For this club, there are three different flex ratings, and choose the flex you want on the order.
The letter R = regular flex (most golfers choose this) / S = stiff flex (NOT senior flex), and finally, if you order the senior-rated flex, you should see an “M” (mature) on your shaft.
Question: I’m the average height of 5″10″ – is the club the right length for me?
Answer: Modern clubs are designed to fit a large band of heights. You can use the standard club for your height.
Golfers who are 6ft plus have no issues using the standard shaft length for the TaylorMade RBZ.
Question: How old is this model, and how does it compete against its competitors?
Answer: The model currently on sale is the 2018-2019 version and is still extremely popular and one of the best-selling drivers in the US today.
For a club that matches the Taylor Made RBZ Black Driver on performance, durability, loft selection, and forgiveness, you would have to pay around $400. This club is around half that price.
Recommended Accessory
If you are considering upgrading or replacing your driver with a better model, then why not treat yourself to matching accessories?
We have a matching product that might interest you; a golf bag with stand that has received rave independent reviews from real golfers.
TaylorMade Golf Select Cart Bag
For under $180, you can add your new driver to a lightweight TaylorMade bag with a stand.
Still, more importantly, this bag is extremely tough to wear and has able storage for extra wet weather clothing, spare balls, and personal items.
The stand has various slats that adjust the height of the bag, and the feet are non-slip, so you can easily prop the bag up inside the clubhouse or on the kitchen floor whilst cleaning and maintaining the clubs.
The shoulder straps are highly comfortable and are designed to allow plenty of air to flow through them, which is an important feature, especially if you are setting off for a full round of golf in hot or windy conditions.
RBZ Black Driver Conclusion – Any Good?
This brings to a close our TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver Review.
If you take everything into consideration, including build quality, performance on the fairway, price, and design aesthetics, then overall, this is a superb golf club that can be used by newbie and seasoned experienced golfers alike.
It’s a solid all-around performer that can compete with the best graphite drivers today.
Although it’s not the newest, it can hold its own against rivals from Ping, Nike, Cleveland Golf, and Cobra.
We liked the custom loft controls (with free torque wrench) and outstanding titanium 460CC clubhead (no cheap rubbish here!).
The club has an ultra-thin covering for maximum lift off the tee, decent spin control and reasonable forgiveness that will appeal to those who sometimes don’t hit a straight ball as often as we would like!
When you add to this a high-quality shaft, grip, and clubhead backed up by knowing you are buying from one the leading golf brands in the US, it all adds to a Premium Golf Driver for a price that’s simply too hard to ignore.
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