We tested the TaylorMadeQi35, Max, LS and Max Lite as part of our 2025 Best Golf Driver testing. The highest-performing of the group was the TaylorMade Qi35 and the Max Lite was the club that finished the furthest down the list. If you’re considering a new TaylorMade driver in 2025, here’s everything you need to know to decide if the TaylorMade Qi35 is worth the upgrade.
TaylorMade 2025 driver results
The TaylorMade Qi35 is the best-performing TaylorMade driver in the 2025 test. It had strong distance and accuracy performance but struggled to produce consistent results. It’s one of the least-forgiving drivers in the test which pushed it out of the top three.
The next best-performing option from TaylorMade was the Qi35 LS. The LS model is the low-spin version for lower handicappers and faster swing speeds. It again had great distance and solid accuracy but struggled with forgiveness.
We also observed the same forgiveness problem with the Max and some golfers also struggled with distance when hitting the Max. The Max Lite was the most forgiving of the group but had the worst distance performance.
| Driver Model | 2025 Test Ranking (out of 37) | Overall Score | Distance Score | Accuracy Score | Forgiveness Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QI35 | 13th | 9.1 | 9.2 | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| QI35 LS | 19th | 9.0 | 9.1 | 8.5 | 7.8 |
| QI35 Max | 24th | 8.7 | 8.6 | 8.3 | 7.9 |
| QI35 Max Lite | 31st | 8.4 | 7.1 | 8.8 | 8.3 |
Why the TaylorMade drivers would be worth upgrading to
Here are a few of the reasons that the TaylorMade Qi35 drivers could be a good upgrade option for your game.
Distance and accuracy combo in the Qi35 and Qi35 LS
The Qi35 and Qi35 LS models performed well in distance and finished in the middle of the pack for accuracy metrics. The Qi35 averaged 250.07 total yards off the tee. The LS was not far behind at 249.65. The ball speed was also strong for these two models.
Increased confidence at address
In addition to testing performance, we also have players rate each of these drivers for their feel, sound and overall appearance. Multiple testers noted that the Qi35 series was aesthetically pleasing and offered a confidence-inspiring look at the address.
Balanced and responsive feel in the Qi35 LS model
The Qi35 LS model was described as having a balanced feel at impact across the face. Players liked how the ball came off the face but the problem was being unable to control the drives. We saw that in the consistency with ball speed and dispersion that the Qi35 LS offered.
Why pass on upgrading to a TaylorMade Qi35 driver
It’s smart to get fitted for a driver before investing in anything. However, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Forgiveness is an issue in your game
The TaylorMade Qi35 and Qi35 LS may have been strong in ball speed and distance but forgiveness performance was a problem. If you want a forgiving driver that produces more consistent results, something like the PXG Black Ops Tour, Srixon ZXI Max or PING G440 LST would be a better fit.
They aren’t cheap
Like most new driver models on the market, the Qi35 series is not cheap. The LS model retails for $649 while the Qi35, Max and Max Lite are $599. As an alternative, the Qi10 from last year is currently on sale for $399. The Qi10 LS driver was the best driver for high swing speeds in 2024.
What this all means for your upgrading decision
Go for a fitting to know if any TaylorMade drivers are best for your game. Here’s a basic recap:
- Best overall TaylorMade driver: TaylorMade QI35 has a good balance of distance, accuracy and tester feedback regarding feel.
- A good option for low spin and distance: TaylorMade QI35 LS had high ball speeds and average accuracy from a lower-spinning model.
- Best TaylorMade Driver for forgiveness: TaylorMade QI35 Max Lite was the most forgiving of the TaylorMade Qi35 drivers.
Need more information? Here are the full results: Best Golf Driver 2025.
TaylorMade Promo Codes and Discounts
- Qi10 LS Driver – $230 Off: Get the TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver for $399.99 (was $629.99).
- Stealth 2 Plus Driver – $250 Off: Save $250 on the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Driver, now $349.99 (was $599.99).
- TaylorMade Tour Response on Sale!: Don’t want to pay for the TP5 or TP5x, consider the Tour Response instead, while it’s on sale.
- TP Putters – $100 Off: Get $100 off select TP Collection Putters.
- NBA Headcover Sale – Up to 45% Off: Enjoy up to 45% off NBA Headcovers for all 30 teams at TaylorMade.
OpMan
1 year ago
From my own testing, I went to the shop, grabbed the SAME 9 degree loft of Qi35 and the Cobra DS Adapt LS, put both the heavier weights in the front near the toe side (I like it over there for myself), set both the heads to their own “7 degrees” setting that they can do – and with their stock mid-60 lower launching Stiff shaft =
I found the 35 to be way too low spinning, almost half as low as the Cobra, so I needed to bump up the 35 to about 8.25, which is 2 clicks higher than the lowest setting to get the same spin numbers as I was getting with the Cobra.
I also know from my own older TM M5 that I still use currently on the LOWest setting which makes it at 7 degrees, so the 35 is definitely extra low spin which means I would be lofting up to the 8.25 myself if I were to use that head.
Now I don’t know what the effects would be if I were to put the weight at the back, but with my own Angle of Attack averaging about +8 degrees, I can’t have any weight back there, so there ya go