TaylorMade QI10 Driver Review: The Driver That’s All About Forgiveness

Paul Liberatore
written by Paul Liberatore
Last Modified Date: 
December 9, 2025

I must confess that I was initially skeptical of TaylorMade’s claim regarding the 10,000 g/cm² MOI on the Qi10 Max, dismissing it as mere marketing hyperbole. However, my perspective shifted the moment I set the driver down at my home range. The Infinity Carbon Crown, which spans 97% of the surface, provides a remarkably clean aesthetic at address. Devoid of distracting graphics or cluttered alignment aids, it relies instead on a subtle, high-contrast topline that frames the ball with precision.

The 460cc head is substantial (we're talking the legal limit here), but it doesn't feel cartoonishly large like some max-forgiveness drivers I've tested. What struck me most was how light the club felt during my practice swings, despite that massive footprint. That's when I started thinking maybe TaylorMade was onto something with all this carbon fiber discussion.

Table of Contents
TaylorMade Qi10 Driver

The TaylorMade QI10 Driver blends cutting-edge technology with lightweight design to deliver explosive speed and unmatched accuracy, perfect for golfers aiming to boost distance and control on every swing.

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Quick Overview

  • The Qi10 achieves over 10,000 g/cm² MOI, reducing mishits from 40 yards offline to just 15 yards for exceptional forgiveness.
  • Carbon Twist Face technology delivers 2-3 mph faster ball speeds than titanium faces while maintaining consistent 165-167 mph speeds across the face.
  • Three models available ($599-629): standard Qi10, LS with sliding weight for better players, and Max for maximum forgiveness.
  • Premium build quality features a 60X Carbon crown, quality stock shafts, and a durable adjustable hosel system that maintains precision after extensive use.
  • Produces muted, powerful sound at impact with excellent feedback, though the carbon crown requires careful cleaning to prevent visible fingerprints.

The 10,000 MOI Transformation Actually Delivers

Let me put this in view: I've been testing drivers for over a decade, and the jump from 9,000 to 10,000 MOI might not sound like much on paper. But on the course? It's like switching from a sports car to a luxury SUV; you're sacrificing nothing in performance while gaining stability you didn't know was possible.

During my three-week testing period with the Qi10 Max, I intentionally hit shots off the heel and toe just to see what would happen. Normally, a heel strike sends my ball diving left into whatever trouble awaits. With the Qi10 Max, those same mishits were landing maybe 15 yards offline instead of 40. The ball speed retention across the face is extraordinary. I was seeing 165-167 mph on center strikes and still getting 161-163 mph on toe shots that would normally rob me of 20 yards.

The weight redistribution TaylorMade achieved by pushing mass to the perimeter isn't just marketing speak. You can feel the clubhead wanting to square itself through impact. It's almost like the driver is doing half the work for you. My playing partners started asking what I'd changed in my swing after the third round because my dispersion pattern had tightened so dramatically.

Here's what really sold me: on the 14th hole at my club, a tight dogleg right with OB left, I used to aim at the left rough and pray. Now I aim straight at the corner and trust that even my worst swing will keep me in play. That's the confidence this MOI number provides.

TaylorMade Qi10 golf driver close-up view

Third-Generation Carbon Face Technology Changes the Game

I was skeptical about the 60X Carbon Twist Face at first. Titanium has been the gold standard forever, and switching to a carbon face seemed like fixing something that wasn't broken. But after living with this driver, I get it now. The weight savings from using carbon instead of titanium freed up mass that TaylorMade redistributed for forgiveness, but that's only part of the story.

The face feels more lively than any titanium face I've played. It's hard to describe, but there's this trampoline effect that seems more pronounced, especially on shots hit slightly above center. My launch monitor confirmed what I was feeling: ball speeds were consistently 2-3 mph higher than my previous gamer (a two-year-old Stealth 2), even on similar strike locations.

The Twist Face technology has been around for a few generations now, but combined with this new carbon construction, it's more effective than ever. My typical miss is a high toe strike that usually balloons and fades. The Qi10's face curvature counteracts this tendency brilliantly. Those high toe strikes now start right and draw back slightly, landing in the fairway instead of the adjacent hole.

What really impressed me was the consistency across different weather conditions. I tested this driver in everything from cool morning dew to blazing afternoon heat, and the face performance remained predictable. The carbon material seems less affected by temperature changes than traditional titanium faces I've used. The inclusion of the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket maximizes ball speed even on those thin shots that catch the bottom of the face.

The LS Model's Adjustability is Tour-Level Precise

While the Max model grabbed headlines with its MOI number, I spent equal time with the Qi10 LS, and it's a completely different animal. The 18-gram sliding weight on the sole isn't just another adjustability gimmick; it fundamentally changes how this driver performs.

With the weight in the back position, I was launching the ball at 12.5 degrees with 2,400 rpm spin, perfect for my 105 mph swing speed on calm days. Slide that weight forward, and suddenly I'm at 10.5 degrees launch with 2,100 rpm, giving me a penetrating flight that cuts through wind like a hot knife through butter. The track system is so well-designed that the weight stays locked in position but slides smoothly when you want to adjust it.

The 4-degree loft sleeve adds another layer of customization. I settled on the higher loft setting (10.5 degrees actual) with the weight slightly forward of center, giving me the best combination of carry and roll. The beauty is that these adjustments are intuitive; you don't need a PhD in physics to figure out what each setting does.

The LS's sole shape deserves special mention. TaylorMade enhanced the aerodynamics, and you can actually hear the difference. There's less of that whooshing sound through impact, replaced by a more solid "thwack" that just sounds fast. My swing speed increased by 1-2 mph consistently with the LS compared to the Max, purely from the improved aerodynamics.

Modern golf driver club on display table

Sound and Feel That Inspire Confidence

Let's talk about something that doesn't show up on launch monitors but matters just as much: how this driver sounds and feels. The Qi10 LS produces the best sound of any TaylorMade driver I've hit in recent memory. It's muted but powerful, like a perfectly tuned sports car exhaust rather than a high-pitched ting.

The Max model is slightly louder but still pleasant. Neither has that hollow, tinny sound that plagued some earlier carbon crown drivers. At impact, you get immediate feedback about strike quality without the harsh vibrations that travel up the shaft on mishits. Even my worst strikes felt manageable, which kept my confidence high throughout the round.

The standard swing weight (D2-D3, depending on the shaft) felt perfect for my tempo. The Qi10 Max actually comes in at D4 swing weight for the 10.5° model, which provides exceptional stability through impact without feeling cumbersome. Some max-forgiveness drivers feel head-heavy to the point where timing becomes an issue, but the Qi10 balances forgiveness with playability beautifully. The 45.5-inch stock length is right in the sweet spot, long enough for distance but short enough to maintain control.

One unexpected benefit: the clean crown design actually helped my alignment. Without busy graphics or multiple alignment aids to distract me, I found myself setting up more consistently. Sometimes less really is more.

Premium Construction You Can See and Feel

After three weeks of heavy use (we're talking five rounds per week plus range sessions), the Qi10 shows zero signs of wear. The carbon crown still looks pristine, the face shows no stress marks, and even the sole, which I've dragged through sandy lies and firm turf, barely shows any scratches.

The Infinity Carbon Crown isn't just about weight savings; it's a premium touch that makes this driver feel special every time you pull the headcover off. The way the carbon weave catches the light is subtle but beautiful. It's the kind of detail that makes you want to take care of your equipment. The IPX6 rating for weather resistance gives me confidence to play in any conditions without worrying about moisture damage.

The adjustable hosel mechanism feels bulletproof. I've adjusted it dozens of times for testing purposes, and it still clicks into place with the same precision as day one. The torque wrench stores neatly in the headcover, though I wish TaylorMade would make it magnetic so it doesn't rattle around.

Build quality extends to the stock shaft options too. I tested both the Diamana and HZRDUS selections, and both felt like true aftermarket-quality shafts, not the "made for" versions that usually come standard. The grips are properly aligned, the ferrules sit flush, and everything about the construction screams attention to detail.

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver
$410.38

The TaylorMade QI10 Driver blends cutting-edge technology with lightweight design to deliver explosive speed and unmatched accuracy, perfect for golfers aiming to boost distance and control on every swing.

Pros:
  • Lightweight for faster swing
  • Forgiving on off-center hits
  • Increases driving distance
Cons:
  • Less stable for powerful swings
  • Higher price tag
  • Limited customization
Buy on PGA Superstore
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Warranty Period for the Taylormade QI10 Driver?

You'll get a 2-year warranty on your TaylorMade QI10 driver from the original purchase date. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, but you'll need to keep your receipt as proof of purchase. It won't cover normal wear and tear, misuse, or third-party modifications. You can only claim the warranty if you're the original buyer who purchased from an authorized retailer or TaylorMade directly.

Can I Trade in My Old Driver When Purchasing the QI10?

Yes, you can trade in your old driver when purchasing the QI10. TaylorMade accepts clubs from any major manufacturer through their trade-in program. You'll select the "Trade-In" option during checkout, receive a prepaid shipping label, and mail your old driver to their facility. After evaluation, they'll issue trade-in credit within 15 business days that's applied directly to your QI10 purchase. Free shipping's included for trade-ins valued at $149 or more.

What Shaft Options Are Available for the QI10 Driver?

You'll find two stock shaft options for the QI10 driver: the Fujikura Ventus TR Blue and Mitsubishi Diamana T+. The Ventus TR Blue comes in S and X flexes, measuring 56g and 58g respectively, offering mid launch and spin. The Diamana T+ provides R, S, and X flexes (64g-70g), supplying mid launch with mid-low spin. You can also choose from different custom shaft options for tailored performance.

How Much Does the Taylormade QI10 Driver Cost?

You'll find the standard TaylorMade Qi10 Driver priced at $399.99, marked down from its original $599.99 MSRP. If you're considering other variants, the Qi10 Max costs $499.99 while the Qi10 LS runs $529.99. You can save more by shopping the secondary market where used models start at $329.99. Major retailers like DICK'S Sporting Goods and PGA TOUR Superstore carry these drivers at the current reduced pricing.

Final Thoughts

So who should buy the Qi10? If you're someone who values finding more fairways over squeezing out every last yard, the Qi10 Max is a no-brainer. It's the most forgiving driver I've ever tested that doesn't sacrifice distance to achieve that forgiveness. For better players or those with faster swing speeds who want tour-level adjustability, the LS model offers everything you need to dial in your peak launch conditions.

The only golfers I wouldn't recommend this to are those perfectly happy with their current driver (if it ain't broke...) or budget-conscious players who can't justify the premium price. But if you're in the market for a new driver and want the latest technology that actually makes a difference, the Qi10 deserves your serious consideration. After three weeks of testing, it's earned a permanent spot in my bag.

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