TaylorMade Golf Introduces the More Compact SLDR 430 Driver

New Smaller Size, Same Huge Performance

(CARLSBAD, CALIF.) – TaylorMade Golf Company today announced the release of the SLDR 430 – a more compact version of the SLDR 460, currently the No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour. Packaged in a stunning 430cc club head with a modern-classic shape and rich charcoal-gray crown, the company expects better players to flock to the 430 version, which features a smaller tour-inspired head to promote improved workability.

“We put low forward CG in a smaller head to make a driver that tour pros love,” said Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s Senior Director of Product Creation for Metalwoods. “SLDR 430 makes it easier to shape shots without sacrificing distance.”

The 430 model features the same distance-producing technology found in its big brother: low and forward center of gravity placement that promotes a hotter launch, lower spin and faster ball speed.

In addition to the low-forward CG benefits, SLDR 430 also incorporates the same innovative sliding weight mechanism TaylorMade introduced with the SLDR 460. A blue 20-gram weight slides on a track located on the front of the sole. Movable weight shifts the clubhead’s CG horizontally toward either the heel, to promote a draw, or toward the toe, to promote a fade.

SLDR delivers six millimeters of movement – that’s 50% more than R1 – promoting a shot-dispersion range of up to 30 yards. The SLDR weight slides on a 21-point track system and never comes loose from the clubhead. To position the weight in any one of them simply loosen the screw, slide the weight to the point selected, then tighten the screw. Golfers can adjust for a “draw” or “fade” by sliding the weight across the slider track into the appropriate position in as little as 10 seconds.

Nearly 10 years ago, TaylorMade brought to market its first movable weight driver, the r7 quad –which featured four small weight cartridges that could be used to change the head’s CG location and influence ball flight. Since that release, TaylorMade’s R&D team has been searching for a way to improve and simplify MWT. The company believes SLDR’s new sliding system is a significant leap forward in its quest to engineer a driver that offers outstanding performance with simple and intuitive technology.

SLDR also incorporates TaylorMade’s Loft-sleeve Technology, which allows the golfer to easily adjust the loft. Golfers can choose from 12 positions within a range of plus-or-minus 1.5 degrees of loft change. The more loft added, the more the face closes and vice-versa.

Pricing, Options and Availability
Available in three lofts – 9.5°, 10.5° and 12°, SLDR 430 is equipped with a Fujikura Speeder 67 graphite shaft and TaylorMade high-traction grip. The Tour Preferred version, SLDR 430 TP, combines the same clubhead with the tour-caliber Fujikura Speeder Tour Spec 7.3 graphite shaft. A variety of custom shafts are also available. Availability for SLDR 430 and SLDR 430 TP begins December 20 at a suggested retail price of $399. For more information, visit taylormadegolf.com.