$65 · Taylor Made R1 Driver - Reg 55 gram shaft

The R1 has been designed with 12 loft options and seven face angle settings, as well as the brand’s famous movable weight technology – but despite the high level of adjustability, it’s an intuitive bit of kit that is straight forward to use. “Offering a wide range of loft settings is imperative, because our research indicates that 80% of golfers are playing the wrong loft, which costs them distance,” said Dr Benoit Vincent, chief technical officer. “The R1 offers 12 positions to help golfers find the loft that delivers the launch conditions that deliver maximum distance.” There are seven standard loft positions, and five upright ones, while golfers can also change the face angle to sit in one of the following positions – neutral square, open, medium-open, maximum-open, closed, medium-closed and maximum-closed. In addition to the easier-to-use adjustability, the driver features an innovative crown design following consultation with Dr Steve Hitzeman, a professor of sports optometry. The combination of white, black, grey and orange on the crown helps the golfer with alignment, while the sizeable head inspires confidence at address.