The original RocketBallz driver from TaylorMade Golf debuted early in 2012. Now, early in 2013, the company is ready with the next generation: The RocketBallz (RBZ) Stage 2 driver. Stage 2 is a seriously-solid discount golf equipment that we fully-expect to perform well for many golfers of different abilities. There is talk among some PGA Tour players that the RocketBallz Stage 2 driver is the most surprising club among the introductions.

Like the original rocketballz driver, the RBZ Stage 2 driver has a large address footprint, but the new version's clubface is deeper and larger than the original. Yet, TaylorMade says, the clubhead design overall is more aerodynamic, helping increase clubhead speed. Making the clubface larger was a tremendous challenge and succeeding was critical to promoting performance that’s superior to the first generation RBZ driver.

Clubhead speed also gets a boost relative to the original RBZ Driver from a longer, lighter (50 grams) Fujikura RocketFuel shaft, plus a light grip. Despite that large-footprint clubhead, the shaft and grip help keep the overal weight of the TaylorMade RocketBallz Stage 2 driver below 300 grams. The crown decal adds linear references for the golfer's eye that, TaylorMade says, provide visual cues that help with alignment.

The center of gravity has been moved lower and forward, and the entire clubhead is more aerodynamic this year. The centre of gravity has been kept low, but has been moved closer towards the face for lower spin and enhanced distance. Maybe more important than the added distance is the revamped shape of the TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Fairway Wood, which have a shallower profile that allowed much more versatility in our testing. Other design characteristics of the clubhead and overall club promote a moderate draw bias.

TaylorMade has elected to restrict it to 1.5° degrees in either direction, and so multiple lofts (heads) will be available. They incorporate "Loft-Sleeve Technology" in the TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Driver to give golfers the ability to adjust loft angle, lie angle and face angle. The lower-spinning Tour model fairway woods and hybrids also come with a hosel that adjusts loft as much to 1.5 degrees up or down in 0.5 degree increments, which will make fitting easier and help golfer’s tune their clubs to different course conditions.