The XD version of the popular TaylorMade R580 does exactly what it says on the tin. In our test the club was very easy to hit and the ball certainly stayed hit - great distance!
Unlike the normal R580, the flight of the ball seemed slightly lower, although it is still higher than average. The club is designed to do this, so it is not the ideal club for hitting drives into the wind.
The club sits well at address and looks great, so you don't feel like it is at all oversized. The ultralight shaft performs well and we liked the red flash at the top of the shaft to give it a sharp look.
Players with very high swing speeds may find they need a stiffer version of this standard stiff shaft as the club had a tendency to turn the ball over when swung really hard.
Overall though a great club, but if you are buying it for the long term, be aware that certain versions will be illegal for competitive use from 1 January 2008. Check the R&A website for more details.
Overall Rating - 4 stars: