Category defining forgiveness headlines our review of the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Hybrid

With the launch of the Qi35 Max hybrid, TaylorMade completes its 2025 family tree. But is this model the final piece of an exciting new puzzle or an afterthought to the other clubs in its generation?

Whenever TaylorMade introduces new woods to the market we all take notice. A company built upon innovative metal woods (and now carbon woods), they’ve made some of the best hybrid golf clubs over several decades. We expect a lot from their products, and that hasn’t changed with the release of the TaylorMade Qi35 Max hybrid.

As a model bearing the ‘Max’ moniker in the Qi35 range, the new hybrid is designed around maximizing forgiveness and making the game easier for you.

Now that sounds like the description for a lot of hybrids, but the Qi35 Max hybrid does have some new tricks up its sleeve. But first things first, do you even want to look down at this new 2025 hybrid?

Looks/Feel – 4/5

From a size perspective, the on-paper difference between the Qi35 core hybrid and this one is only 3cc (106cc vs 109cc, respectively) but it’s far more distinct in reality.

The TaylorMade Qi35 Max Hybrid head has a shallower face to allow for a bigger overall footprint, meant to inspire confidence in the golfer looking at this product. I’m honestly not sure if the bigger head necessarily does that for me, it just feels like it may be easy to get a heavy strike for anyone with a shallow swing (if you aren’t taking divots with mid-irons or longer, that’s you).

That being said, I think the shallower face certainly makes up for my dislike of the bigger shape. A shallower head means shallower CG (center of gravity) so the lowered profile definitely makes me think that any kind of reasonable strike will send the ball up to the moon for trajectory.

To match the new look design is a new-look finish. It’s called chromium carbon, a new material developed for the Qi35 series, but it’s not the usual plain black wrap you normally come across.

This carbon fiber comes in a unique silver-grey color, one that highlights the interwoven structure on the crown of the club. It’s completed in a satin overcoat so that there’s no shine while you’re concentrating on the ball; a small detail, but a welcome one.

Technology – 4/5

I think the first thing worth flagging is the loft options available in the TaylorMade Qi35 Max hybrid. While there isn’t a #2 hybrid option, like the Qi35 core hybrid, TaylorMade knows that this product isn’t for golfers looking to lower the launch (hence why the heads are also one degree weaker than the core) so they’ve dropped that option while adding a #6 and #7 choice.

Talking about loft, we do have to deduct marks for not including the adjustable sleeve on this rescue wood. The point of not having it is that the Max is already built to suit one kind of golfer’s needs – someone who needs help getting the ball in the air – so there isn’t as much need to add loft-changing capabilities.

I get the point, and removing the structure needed likely saves some weight that can go into the toe for a little more forgiveness, but considering it’s available in the rest of the Qi35 family, I would’ve liked to have seen it continue with this hybrid.

You do still get the TSS weighting system so the Max can be rebalanced and adjusted for shaft changes as and when needed, which is still a big plus for attending a fitting on the Qi35, as fitting is one of the key tenants that TaylorMade is talking about for 2025.

The TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite

Another way that TaylorMade is making sure they don’t leave any golfers behind is with the Qi35 Max Lite Hybrid. Offered alongside the Qi35 Max Lite Driver and the Qi35 Max Lite Fairway, it’s meant as a complete pre-built option to compare with the standard Max.

The Max Lite also has a fixed hosel and comes with a lightweight shaft, grip, and TSS weight to help maximize club head speed for golfers on the lower end of the spectrum.

Performance – 4/5

I decided I’d try the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Hybrid in a different way than I usually would. I know it isn’t made for me or my particular swing speed, so I’ve tested this club by hitting it at a lower speed.

If I do swing at full speed, it goes incredibly high. Too high, in fact. There’s not much point in gaming this club at 100mph so if you’re like me then I’d go back to the core hybrid model or a high-lofted fairway wood instead.

Hitting the ball at lower speeds, though, it’s completely different. If I were a slower-speed golfer who struggled to launch the ball as high, I think this club would be perfect, as it demonstrated.

Shots from heel and toe stay online really well and you’ll struggle to miss high or low because of how squished down that face is and how close you’ll end up to the middle because of it.

The added loft and change to CG does make it quick to get airborne, but it’s still fast off the face so I didn’t feel like I was underperforming for distance.

Ultimately, the more height you can get into a green, the faster the ball will stop and the more controlled your approach game will be, so the focus on adding loft and height instead of just making everything stronger was appreciated, and I think there are genuine benefits to the target market player.

Overall – 4/5

My overall feelings about the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Hybrid are mixed. I do think it’s a good club for the golfer who needs help above everything else at lower speeds, but, for the majority of golfers, this club is going to be overlooked in favor of the Qi35 standard hybrid.

When we consider that the rest of the TaylorMade Qi35 family has placed so much emphasis on versatility and options for fitting, the Max does feel slightly out of place in comparison.

It’s not nearly as adaptable for different situations but, then again, if you’re still considering this model after reading this review, you’ll probably agree that there’s only one situation you want it suited to: hitting longer shots into greens straighter, higher, and from further away. For that need, it’s perfectly suited.

About the author

Lewis Daff

Lewis joined the Today’s Golfer digital team in 2024, having spent more than a decade in both big-box golf retail and independent stores working as a club fitter and builder.

Experienced with every level of golfer, from beginner to professional, he has achieved Master Fitter and Builder status with most major manufacturers, including Mizuno, Taylormade, and Callaway, helping him to cement both a wide and deep knowledge base, ideal for helping guide golfers towards the correct equipment for them. Lewis specializes in Clubs, Shafts, Training Aids, Launch Monitors and Grips.

In Lewis’ bag is Titleist GT3 Driver (9º) with Fujikura Ventus Black, TaylorMade SIM Max Fairway Woods (15º and 18º), Wilson Staff D9 Forged 3-iron, Srixon ZX7 MKii Irons (4-PW), Titleist SM9 Wedges (52º, 60º), Toulon San Diego Putter, and the Titleist ProV1X Left Dash.

Talk to Lewis about why steel shafts are now dead and graphite is the only way forward, or any other equipment you’d like to debate, via his email, Instagram, or Bluesky.

RRP: £269.00 / $299.99

Lofts: 3-20° / 4-23° / 5-27º (RH/LH), 6-31º / 7-35º (RH Only)

Head Size: 109cc / 109cc / 109cc / 109cc / 109cc

Lie: 59º / 59.5º / 60º / 60.5º / 61º

Standard Shaft Length: 40.75" / 40.25" / 39.75" / 39.25" / 38.75"

Stock Shaft Options: Fujikura Air Speeder 50g

Stock Grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip Black/Silver