TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Driver. If I’m being honest about my own excitement level about the Spring 2013 products from TaylorMade, the RBZ Stage 2 Driver is the one spot where I’m not feeling it. I’m very much meh. I’m not saying it’s not better than last year’s (I don’t really know). TaylorMade has fixed that problem with the RBZ Stage 2, which are hotter and more playable than last year’s models. Stage 2 (non-Tour): $219.99 Stage 2 Tour: $249.99 (Stage 2 Tour TP has the same head with Matrix RUL shaft for $349.99) Performance. The average club-head speed for a PGA Tour player with a 3 wood is around 105 mph.
At a glance
- TG Rating4.5 out of 5
- Owner Rating5 out of 5
- ProsMoving the CG slightly towards the heel will please many amateurs. The combination of adjustability and added distance over the previous model justifies an upgrade.
- ConsThe R1 offers more adjustability and forgiveness. The crown design won’t be to everyone’s taste.
- RRP£249.00
What we say...
2013 Drivers Test
While the driver may not contain the speed pocket featured in the RBZ Stage 2 fairway, that didn’t stop the ball feeling like it came off the face like a rocket. James hit his longest drive of the day with this club, Joel hit his second longest and Kit and Graeme’s distances were well above average on the day. Straight hitting was also synonymous with this club as Joel’s dispersion was down to just five yards, as was James’, while Graeme’s was just nine yards.
The unique crown design wasn’t to everyone’s taste, but the stand-out performance of this club ensured our testers soon dismissed any negatives about the looks. The RBZ Stage 2 was the preferred choice of our test team over the R1.
The new TaylorMade RocketBallz Stage II driver features an element of adjustability, enhanced aerodynamics and great performance for less than £250.
It may not grab the headlines that the more expensive R1 does, but this is still a seriously-solid golf club that we fully-expect to perform well for many golfers of different abilities.
The RBZ Stage II features a larger face than the RBZ predecessor, as well as incorporating the Loft-Sleeve Technology that allows golfers to adjust the loft, lie angle and face angle of the clubhead.
The centre of gravity has been kept low, but has been moved closer towards the face for lower spin and enhanced distance – in fact, TaylorMade claim the driver can generate up to nine yards more off the tee in the hands of better players compared to the original RBZ.
It may not grab the headlines that the more expensive R1 does, but this is still a seriously-solid golf club that we fully-expect to perform well for many golfers of different abilities.
The RBZ Stage II features a larger face than the RBZ predecessor, as well as incorporating the Loft-Sleeve Technology that allows golfers to adjust the loft, lie angle and face angle of the clubhead.
The centre of gravity has been kept low, but has been moved closer towards the face for lower spin and enhanced distance – in fact, TaylorMade claim the driver can generate up to nine yards more off the tee in the hands of better players compared to the original RBZ.
Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5° or 13°.
Product Information
Left Handed available | Yes |
Custom-Fit available | Yes |
Adjustability | Yes |
Grip Type | FCT Lite Grip |
Head Size | 460cc |
Lofts | 9.5°, 10.5°, 13.5° |
Shafts | Fuji Rocketfuel |
Related Equipment Reviews
In 2013 they tweaked the design a bit and added a Tour version, and it looks like they have another winner.
Welcome to the Rocketballz Stage 2
Loft Technology
The Rocketballz Stage 2 (RBZ2) has a number of features that make it very popular with golfers. But the one that makes it really stand apart is something called Loft Technology.
Loft Technology enables golfers to change the loft angle of the club. You use an included torque wrench to remove the head of the RocketBallz driver and re-attach it in any one of three settings to change the face angle and effective loft of the club.
Taylormade Rbz Stage 2 Driver Loft Settings
How to Adjust the Loft Angle
It’s rather simple to do. You simply loosen the loft screw in the club heel using the wrench, then turn the sleeve (which is marked with your loft degree choices) to line up to the arrow on the back of the hosel. Then tighten the screw using the included wrench and you’re ready to go.
At TaylorMadeGolf.com, your can read reviews on the club by those who have purchased it, like this one: “I got the 10.5 model and immediately adjusted it up high to make it 12 degrees. Adjustment was simple and quick.”
A few degrees may not seem like a big difference, but it can be when you’re talking about hitting a golf ball. And for the millions of us who have trouble with a driver, having a few different options available within one driver can be a helpful option off the tee.
You can buy the RBZ2 in one of seven standard and five upright loft options to add ±1.5° to each of the available standard lofts: 9.5 (which can be adjusted up to 11° or down to 8°); 10.5° (which can be adjusted up to 12° or down to 9°); and HL 13° (which can be adjusted up to 14.5° or down to 11.5).
In a discussion with golfequipment.com, Tom Olsavsky, TaylorMade’s senior director of product creation, said “We’re finding a big difference with Stage 2. We’re getting higher launch, less spin, and more speed. That translates to more distance.”
The Stage 2 launches the ball about 1° higher and produces about 300-400 rpm less spin. Olsavsky further states that the improved center of gravity (CG) positioning helps make the RocketBallz Stage 2 anywhere from 7 to 10 yards longer than the original.
Other Features of the RBZ2
![Taylormade Rbz Stage 2 Driver Settings Taylormade Rbz Stage 2 Driver Settings](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/pQcAAOSw6rxffJ2I/s-l400.jpg)
TaylorMade claims 80% of golfers are playing the wrong loft, hence the need for a club like the RBZ2. Swing consistency is a problem for many amateur golfers, especially with a driver. The RBZ2 has other features besides the loft technology that aim to help achieve that consistency. These include:
Taylormade Rbz Stage 2 Driver Adjustment Tool
- Expansive 4,100 square-millimeter clubface gives the golfer substantially more face area
- Inverted Cone Technology milled into the inner side of the larger clubface expands the portion of the face that delivers high ball speed
- Improved aerodynamics reduces drag over the head to promote faster clubhead speed
- Thick-Thin crown provides lower and more-forward CG location, promoting faster ball speed, high launch, and low spin
Another new feature: the crown features a unique yellow-and-gray decal designed to make it easier to frame the ball opposite the center of the clubface, and easier to detect exactly how the clubhead is aimed to give you confidence that the face is aligned exactly the way you want it before you start your takeaway.
Taylormade Rbz Stage 2 Irons
When golfers first see the head, they’re admittedly skeptical. But the majority of reviews say that once they hit the club, it’s not a problem at all.
The RBZ Stage 2 driver will also be available in a Tour model. Apart from a different stock shaft (Matrix 6Q3 or 7Q3 TP), the primary difference is the placement of weight. The standard model is designed with a slight draw bias, while the Tour model has a neutrally placed center of gravity.
But like any new club, you shouldn’t make your purchase decision based solely on reviews. You need to go out, hit it, and see how it feels.