After getting satisfactory distance with my R360XD (but constantly fighting hooks), I wanted to see if the 500 series would work better for me. I'm left handed with a swing speed of 90-95. I bought a vary clean demo at Mammoth Golf for $165. I haven't seen any distance change between the R360XD and the R540XD, but I'm not hooking with the 540 as much as I was with the 360 (with which I had to weaken my grip and open the clubface if I wanted to hit dead straight or try to fade). I taped both heads and it seemed I was hitting pretty close to the middle of the clubheads, so maybe that explains no distance change. However, I can hit a little more off of the sweet spot and get close to my regular distance (210y plus roll) more often, so that helps keep it on the fairway. I hit high to begin with (and I tee it high), and this club hits even higher with a lot of backspin. So - A little more forgiveness, no distance change, hits higher.

Customer Service

Haven't had the pleasure.

Similar Products Used:

Callaway Steelhead,Steelhead III and Warbird, Titleist 975D,Tommy Armour 845 Stripe, Trinity Stiletto, TM 300 and R360 XD.

I had the TM 320 in my bag for 4 years and thought it was the best club ever. I had it w/ x-stiff shaft and was hitting it well and long, and it was also easy to work the ball left and right. However, I wasn't consistant on the fairways as I would like because I swing at ball at 120+ mph. I picked up the TM R540XD and instead of x-stiff shaft this time I went w/ a custom fitted stiff shaft. This club is amazingly long and very forgiving. I toned down my swing to 110 mph w/ a compact swing and hit the ball consistantly in the fairway, and amazingly hitting much longer than when I hit my old drivers at 120+ mph. However, it hasn't been easy for me to hit high fade w/ this club yet. Guess I need more time to develop more feel for this club. But so far I am very pleased and wished I had made the change earlier.

Customer Service

Haven't used it.

Similar Products Used:

TM 320, TM 360, Titleist 975D, ...

After only two half rounds with this club I have already grown attacted to it. For the last six months I have been using a Wilson Deep Red 305cc 9* w/stiff flex. It is a good club that I am learning to work the ball with, but the placement and distance were inconsistant. Not with this club. The distance is good (as far as the longest drives with the Wilson) with a nice easy swing and the path is VERY straight. Fades and draws are very light. I have hit only two "slices", but that was from me trying to get cute with a fast swing and opening the club face. In these cases the shots still had good distance into the right rough instead of spinning off into the woods. Good value, I paid $169 including shipping from eBay

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Wison Deep Red

I bought this driver about 2 months ago with the 9.5 Loft and Fujikura Speeder TM55 Flex S Shaft. I tried it on the course 3 times already. My first try was not so good. I still fade/slice the ball a lot. For my Second time, I only missed 2 fairways (from 18holes). The misses were not that bad. I hit 280yrds with it in one hole-- the longest drive of my career. And last saturday, i tried it again. Bam! i smashed it on my t-shot of 550yards par 5. On the second shot, my caddy gives me Wood3 and said go for it! only 240 yards left!! HOLYCOW! i hit my first 310yards DRIVE!!! This driver can deliver long and straight drive. Try it for yourself. If you have good swing, 300+ yards will be regular thing to happen as my swing is still not very good and i tend to hit the ball low.

Customer Service

never tried

Similar Products Used:

Taylormade Burner

Addendum to my July , 2004 review. Loved this club , but the face has started to collapse AGAIN , after one month !! This is the third Taylor Made driver that has gone bad (TM200 , TMR510 , and TM540XD). My swing speed is only 100 mph !! I have written to TM's web site about this third incident , hoping for an explanation at least , but no reply. What a disappointment. I think TM is having a major problem with the 500 Series (face collapsing) but will not fess up.

Customer Service

They were good to replace the TM200 with another TM200 , and TMR510 with the TM540XD , but now what ?

Similar Products Used:

Too numerous to mention.

what a combo, drives are very solid and very long with this head/shaft.

After my disappointing demo with the R7 (read my review) I decided to give the 540XD a try. (Regular flex, 10.5 degree, stock shaft) Wow!!! Using a direct comparison by hitting balls alternately with my R540. Ball flew straight to a slight draw even on off center hits. I was also able to manufacture draws and fades at will. This is something I could not do easily with the R540 Distance, passed the 225 yard marker on the range with the ball still in the air, estimated an average distance of 250 yards. A good 10 to 15 yards longer in the air than my 540 and ball flight was significantly better. The feel off the face is also sweet and soft as butter. After 25 balls each with both clubs I finagled a decent trade in for my 540 and this beauty is now in my bag. Can't wait for the weekend.

Customer Service

Never had to use TM customer service and I have 5 of their clubs in my bag.

Similar Products Used:

TM 540, Big Bertha, Goldwin AVDP

This driver is great. It is my first true adult driver. I had never owned a "big boy" club, but I crush this club. It is easy to hit in the sweet spot. If you are experienced and are satisfied with your current ball trajectory, get a lower loft than your current driver. I don't know if its the big sole plate or what, but my Aldila NV is a low trajectory shaft and I hit way to high. I could definitely use a lower loft. It still hits LOOOONG! I'm 5ft 8in, 175 lbs, and I kill it 255 with good balls.(meaning not range balls) Get this driver! Go to eBay for some great deals. I got mine new before the r7 came out for $340(the shaft itself is worth $125).

Customer Service

Not needed.

Similar Products Used:

None.

Face on my TMR510 with Grafalloy Blue shaft collapsed , so local pro sent it back to TM. Taylor Made sent me a TMR540xd with Grafalloy Blue (s) shaft. I could not be happier. I was averaging approx. 240-250 yds. with the TMR510 (SS=100 mph.) , but have played two rounds with the TMR540xd and was averaging 270-280 yds. One drive was 307 yds. This club has amazing feel , and is like butter at impact. I felt as though I could work the ball very well , although after only two rounds , it is hard to tell , yet. I know we all can get all wrapped up in the hype of distance , etc., but I am being truthful on my initial impressions. I was so excited about the added distance , that I forgot about my iron play & putting. Time to get back to reality !!

Customer Service

Most excellent , to say the least. Thanks Taylor Made. You have convinced this duffer that sticking with the big names is the way to go re: service.

Similar Products Used:

Ping , Orlimar , Srixon , Callaway (BB , GBB , GBBII) , Taylor Made (Burner , Firesole , 300 , 320 , 360 , R510 , R540xd) , etc. No Titleist.

This is my first golf review after reading literally hundreds...from balls to shafts to heads etc, etc. I just feel compelled to let other golf lovers know that this driver has me out there where I have never been before. I'm starting to average around 270 or so. I still shank 'em for sure, but not more than a half fairway over :) Here's the kicker: I try out clubs for no reason just in case I find something better. I have a hard time being loyal! Well, try as I might I cannot find a better driver out there. That tells me all I need to know. Happy hitting!

Customer Service

not used... knock on wood

Similar Products Used:

I have demo'd damn near everything.