Are Taylormade R11 Irons Still Good? Are They Forgiving for High Handicappers

Are Taylormade R11 Irons Still Good? Are They Forgiving for High Handicappers

11 years have passed since TaylorMade released the popular R11 irons to market. This article travels back in time to look at the highly popular TaylorMade R11 irons. The aim is to determine whether these irons are still good for high handicappers, considering the current crop of clubs on the market.

My introduction to the R series came in 2006 when I added R540 XD irons to my bag. I played them for over a decade and loved everything about them. They launched the ball high, went long, and offered extreme forgiveness, which was all I needed. All good things must end, and the RSi irons brought the curtains down on the range in 2015.

Are the Taylormade R11’s Still Good?

Despite being 11 years old, R11 irons are equipped with sufficient game improvement technology for high handicappers. An ultra-thin clubface generates explosive ball speed off the face, while Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) expands the sweet spot.

In addition, the long irons possess a wider sole built to bolster your moment of inertia (MOI) and forgiveness. Plus, the wider sole lowers the center of gravity (CG).

The main downside of the TaylorMade R11 irons is their availability. They are tough to track down but keep reading, and we will point you towards pre-owned options.

Are the Taylormade R11’s Forgiving for High Handicappers

Yes, the design of the cavity back TaylorMade R11’s appeals to high handicap golfers. The engineers equipped them with various game improvement technology to accelerate ball speed, provide forgiveness, and deliver accuracy.

An ultra-thin clubface is applied to help high handicappers maximize ball speed, leading to increased distance. In addition, Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) expands the sweet spot to ensure consistency on all shots. The technology helps you maintain ball speed and minimize side spin on off-center strikes.

Furthermore, a wider sole construction in the long irons enhances your MOI and improves turf interaction. A higher MOI results in less twisting during your swing, prompting a square clubface through impact for a straighter shot.

Taylormade R11’s vs the Taylormade Rbz’s

The TaylorMade RocketBallz (RBZ) irons succeeded the R11’s in 2013. All the principles were similar to the R11’s, but the RBZ’s included new and improved technology to increase forgiveness.

TaylorMade’s engineers applied a 2-piece metal-wood construction in long irons to lower the CG, increase clubface flexibility and enhance the coefficient of restitution (C.O.R). This combination helps high handicappers launch high, long iron shots, even on imperfect strikes.

Moreover, a Toe Bar was roped in to increase your MOI. This means that the clubface combats movement to remain square at contact. The last difference between these irons is evident in the feel and sound. RBZ irons contain a modernized vibration and sound control system.

Although the RBZ irons are packed with more technology than the R11’s, they are both forgiving, long, and accurate.

Taylormade R11 First Impressions

The TaylorMade R11’s present themselves as pure game improvement irons. They feature an undercut cavity back with wider soles and an oversized profile. Thanks to these irons’ oversize design, they are equipped with an enlarged sweet spot that offers maximum forgiveness.

Taylormade R11’s Irons Selling Points

• Ultra thin face thickness
• Expanded sweet spot
• Increased MOI
• Optimal forgiveness
• High launching
• Advanced groove design boosts spin
• Precision weighting for a center clubface CG

Taylormade R11 Key Technology

Precision Weighting Port

TaylorMade’s engineers inserted a Precision Weighting Port. This positions the CG in the center of the clubface for a uniformed swing weight. Plus, the equal weight distribution amplifies MOI to help you keep the clubface square at impact.

As a result, you produce straighter shots for improved accuracy.

Ultra Thin Face

These irons contain ultra-thin club faces specially built to deliver rapid ball speed. Combining accelerated clubhead speed with increased ball velocity, leads to optimal distance.

Inverted Cone Technology

Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) stepped in to expand the sweet spot on the clubface. Naturally, this means they deliver added forgiveness, even on heel and toe mishits.

The wider sweet spot helps you maintain ball speed on off-center strikes and restricts sidespin. Therefore, you generate consistent distance and accuracy for an optimal iron game.

Wide Sole Long Irons

These game improvement golf clubs contain wider soles in the long irons to lower CG, increase MOI and enhance forgiveness.

Repositioning the CG low in the clubface helps you produce a high launching shot to increase carry distance. In addition, your high-flying golf ball leads to a soft landing to give you more control on approach.

Furthermore, the added MOI prevents the clubface from twisting during your swing. That leads to a square clubface through the impact, prompting a straighter shot. As a result, you enjoy superior accuracy.

Advanced Groove Design

Contrary to the increased distance qualities of the long irons, the wedges, and short irons produce maximum spin. They are equipped with an advanced groove design that works to impart increased levels of spin on shots around the green. Therefore, it increases your control around the dancefloor.

Taylormade R11 Lofts and Lies

R11	Loft	Lie
3 Iron	19°	60.5°
4 Iron	21°	61°
5 Iron	24°	61.5°
6 Iron	28°	62°
7 Iron	32°	62.5°
8 Iron	36°	63°
9 Iron	40°	63.5°
Pitching Wedge	45°	64°
Gap Wedge	50°	64.5°
Sand Wedge	55°	64.5°

Who Should Buy the Taylormade R11 Irons

After analyzing the features and benefits of the TaylorMade R11’S irons, it is fair to say that they suit high handicappers. These irons produce optimal forgiveness, promote increased distance and deliver superior accuracy.

The longer irons featured wider soles to lower the CG and boost MOI. As a result, you produce straighter, higher, and longer golf shots. Lastly, Inverted Cone Technology expands the sweet spot to maintain ball speed and restrict side spin on off-center strikes.

Distance: 91/100

Forgiveness: 92/100

Workability: 82/100

Overall Performance: 89/100

Value: 90/100

Overall Score: 89/100

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