TaylorMade Qi35 LS Driver Review

The TaylorMade Qi35 LS Driver is the low-spin Qi35 head, built for faster swings that want less spin without giving up launch or forgiveness. In my testing it delivered: I hit towering, straight drives that rolled out well and found plenty of fairways. It isn’t just for low handicappers either.

I played it for four rounds and tested it in the IGR Office on our Carl’s Place simulator. My numbers came from a FlightScope Xi Tour launch monitor.

Low spin with a high launch

The Qi35 LS is a low-spin driver, but TaylorMade raised the launch compared to the Qi10 LS. My 9.0° head had no trouble hitting high shots with low spin, and I was surprised by how often the ball towered, drive after drive.

High launch with low spin has long been seen as the formula for a good drive. The spin isn’t the lowest I’ve seen from a driver, but it’s low. Moving weight forward would probably cut it further, but with this much launch and forgiveness I’m not going to chase another hundred rpm or so.

Adjustable weights

The Qi35 LS has three weight ports for tuning launch and spin. Out of the box there are two lighter weights up front and a heavy weight deep in the back, which helps raise the launch. The ports sit further apart than they do on the Qi10, so moving the weights changes the ball flight more.

I kept the heavy weight back for maximum forgiveness and launch. The look is classic TaylorMade, and you can change how it plays by moving the weights around to fit your needs.

Carbon face, carbon body

TaylorMade is all in on carbon here. The Carbon Twist Face stays very hot and forgiving without losing much ball speed on off-center hits. Almost the whole body is carbon too, with only the weight ports, the slot and the hosel sleeve made from other materials, which lets TaylorMade place weight exactly where the design needs it.

The crown is sleek and unique, and I think it’s one of the best-looking drivers TaylorMade has made. The carbon gives a pleasant, solid sound at impact. They used a lot of carbon, and it works well.

What the launch monitor showed

The numbers matched what I saw on the course. A launch near 13° with low spin carried the ball just over 277 yards, and it kept running about 24 yards after it landed. Shots also stayed in a tight window side to side.

That combination is why the high drives that went straight with good roll-out were so pleasing to watch on repeat.

Should you buy it?

Yes, if you swing fast and want lower spin without losing launch or forgiveness. The TaylorMade Qi35 LS Driver pairs adjustable weights with a carbon face and body in a great-looking head, and once it’s dialed in, it can be impressive off the tee. It still doesn’t suit everyone, so I’d get fit for it.

Some golfers will find the spin too low, and others will want more forgiveness than the LS gives. It isn’t only for low handicappers, though. It covers the launch and forgiveness many golfers need. If you want a more forgiving head, start with our most forgiving drivers guide, or see the wider field in our best golf drivers guide.

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