TaylorMade Qi4D Max Vs Srixon ZXi MAX Driver Comparison And Review

TL:DR Overview

The TaylorMade Qi4D Max and Srixon ZXi MAX are both maximum forgiveness drivers but they take very different approaches to getting there.

The Qi4D Max is all about adjustability with its Trajectory Adjustment System and three different stock shaft options based on how you release the club.

The Srixon ZXi MAX doesn’t look like a typical max forgiveness driver and that’s a massive advantage for golfers who want performance without the bulky game improvement appearance.

In testing the TaylorMade produced faster ball speeds and lower spin which translated to more total distance.

The Srixon launched higher with more spin which will suit golfers with slower swing speeds who need help getting the ball airborne.

Both drivers are seriously forgiving but they suit different golfers.

Performance Stats

	TaylorMade Qi4D Max	Srixon ZXi MAX
Ball Speed	159.4 mph	156.6 mph
Launch Angle	10.6°	11.2°
Spin	2305 rpm	2786 rpm
Carry Distance	263.6 yards	253.9 yards
Total Distance	291.5 yards	275.9 yards

TaylorMade Qi4D Max Overview

The Qi4D Max is TaylorMades first modern non titanium driver which sounds mental but its actually a clever bit of engineering.

Theyve used a forged 7075 aircraft grade aluminum collar instead which gives them precise adjustability without sacrificing ball speed.

The 60x carbon face has an improved roll radius designed for more consistent spin even when you don’t catch it perfectly on the vertical axis.

What really sets this driver apart is the Trajectory Adjustment System with two swappable weights, a 13g and a 4g that you can move around to tune spin and launch. Heavy weight in the back maximizes stability while moving it forward lowers spin and increases ball speed.

The real clever bit is how TaylorMade have approached the stock shaft options. They’ve built three different Mitsubishi REAX profiles (MR, HR, LR) based on your clubface closure rate during the downswing. Basically they analyzed millions of swings and realized that matching shaft release to how fast you square the face is smarter than just guessing.

Its still a big 460cc head so you’re getting plenty of forgiveness but TaylorMade have deliberately dialed back the MOI from those crazy 10,000 numbers to create a broader fitting window.

The darker color scheme looks clean and elegant and while its still a Max footprint it doesn’t look quite as bulky as some previous models.

Sound and feel is where things get a bit tricky. The face feels somewhat flat and less lively than recent TaylorMade drivers. Its not unpleasant but its definitely more muted with a dull thud rather than that explosive crack. That’s likely the trade off for the non titanium construction and all the adjustability.

Srixon ZXi MAX Overview

The Srixon ZXi MAX is the highest MOI driver Srixon have ever made but you’d never know it by looking at it.

This thing has a traditional clean head shape that looks way more like a players club than a max forgiveness monster and that’s a huge win for golfers who want performance without the game improvement look.

The gloss black sole with subtle geometric designs gives it a premium feel and honestly its one of the best looking max forgiveness drivers out there.

Srixon have baked in a slight draw bias which is noticable but not extreme, so if you fight a slice this could really help. Skilled players can still work a fade if they need to.

The new hosel brings 3 degrees of loft and lie adjustability plus 6 degrees of face angle tweaking which gives you plenty of options during a fitting.

Unlike the standard ZXi which has multiple weight ports, the ZXi MAX keeps things simple with just one weight port for swing weight adjustment only. That limits the adjustability compared to its sibling but it also gives you the cleanest sole design with no visible weight ports cluttering things up.

Launch and spin are higher than both the standard ZXi and the ZXi LS which makes this perfect for players with lower to mid swing speeds who need help getting the ball airborne and keeping it there.

Stock shaft is the lighter higher launching Project X Denali Red which complements the heads characteristics nicely.

At impact you get a mid volume crack thats pleasant and satisfying. Its slightly more hollow sounding than the standard ZXi and some testers found it a bit less punchy, but its still a quality sound that doesn’t feel cheap.

The feel is fast and fun, you really get that sense of speed through the hitting zone though some noted it felt slightly less solid than the standard ZXi.

Key Design Features Compared

The TaylorMade uses a 60 layer carbon twist face which is lighter than traditional titanium and allows for more efficient energy transfer and a larger sweet spot.

The Srixon uses Srixons i FLEX face technology with Ti72S titanium alloy which is stronger and more durable with variable thickness that’s thinner in the center and thicker in the heel and toe.

TaylorMades Trajectory Adjustment System with two moveable weights gives you way more tuning options for spin and ball flight compared to the Srixons single weight port.

The Srixon has a Star Frame crown with a complex latticework structure underneath that maintains integrity while freeing up mass to be repositioned low and deep for higher launch and MOI.

Visually the TaylorMade has a large round footprint with a dark crown and bronze hue while the Srixon has that sophisticated player look with a matte black finish and textured crown.

The Srixon offers laser face milling for stabilized spin rates which provides more consistent performance even in wet conditions.

Performance Comparison

The TaylorMade Qi4D Max produced significantly faster ball speeds in testing at 159.4 mph compared to the Srixons 156.6 mph.

That translated to nearly 10 yards more carry distance and over 15 yards more total distance for the TaylorMade.

The Qi4D Max also spun nearly 500 rpm less which created a more penetrating ball flight that maximized roll out. Launch angle was slightly lower at 10.6 degrees compared to the Srixons 11.2 degrees.

The Srixon launched higher and spun more which is exactly what its designed to do for players who need help getting the ball airborne and keeping it there.

Both drivers were seriously forgiving on mishits with tight dispersion patterns. The Srixon excelled at preserving ball speed on toe and heel strikes while the TaylorMade stayed incredibly stable thanks to the adjustable weight system.

The draw bias in the Srixon was helpfull without being overbearing while the TaylorMade played more neutral but could be tuned to add draw or fade bias with the weight positioning.

 

Overall TaylorMade Qi4D Max Vs Srixon ZXi MAX

The TaylorMade Qi4D Max wins on pure performance numbers with faster ball speeds, lower spin and more total distance.

It offers significantly more adjustability with the Trajectory Adjustment System and the smart stock shaft fitting approach based on closure rate is genuinely innovative.

The Srixon ZXi MAX wins on looks and simplicity with a traditional shape that doesn’t scream game improvement despite having massive forgiveness.

It launches higher and spins more which suits a different type of golfer who needs help getting optimal trajectory.

If you want maximum distance with extensive tuning options and you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of feel, the TaylorMade Qi4D Max is the clear choice.

If you want a forgiving driver that looks the part with higher launch characteristics and you don’t need loads of adjustability, the Srixon ZXi MAX is brilliant.

Both drivers are excellent at what they do, it really comes down to your swing speed, launch needs and how much you value adjustability versus aesthetics.