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  • ClubTest 2006: Better Player Irons
  • ClubTest 2006: Game-Improvement Irons
  • ClubTest 2006: Hybrids

    • ClubTest 2006: Drivers

    Our 40 ClubTesters put the latest drivers through their paces, looking for distance and accuracy. See which of these eight new models they liked most.

    By ROB SAUERHAFT
    Managing Editor (Equipment), GOLF MAGAZINE
    Published: May 01, 2006

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    TaylorMade r7 425
    $500, graphite; taylormadegolf.com

    TaylorMade r7 425
    Greg Lord
    WE TESTED 9.5°, 10.5° with Fujikura RE-AX graphite shaft

    THE COMPANY LINE "It has 28 grams of moveable weight [four more than original r7]. 'Launch Control' ports are spaced more widely apart to promote a wider change in trajectory and more forgiveness."

    OUR TESTERS SAID
    Pros
  • "It's got a little bling with the yellow trim and what a sensation. Badda-bing!"—Chad Johnson (handicap 8)
  • "Improved impact feel over the original. And feel won't suffer when you shift screws around."—Lee Neisler (2)
  • "The larger head was easy to square, felt stable through impact and wouldn't twist."—Kevin DiNapoli (19)
  • "The r7 425 is an improvement in forgiveness from the first generation r7."—Roger Liau (17)
  • "Swing flaws are eliminated by proper weight adjustment."—Jim Hurley (9)
  • "Ball flight can be lowered to lessen the effect of wind or heightened for optimum distance."—Jim Perzan (9)
  • "Mis-hits were great, which is scary. This works hard so you don't have to."—C.J. Bush (19)
  • "Even with a little maneuverability, the r7 never lets the wild cat out of the bag."—Doug Lair (10)

    • Cons
  • "Its minor, but all drives sound the same. I want my misses to sound worse than my center hits."—Rich Sullivan (12)