The TaylorMade RBZ name carries a certain weight in the golf world, bringing back memories of that white headed rocket launcher of a fairway wood for me at least! So, when I got the chance to try out the TaylorMade RBZ Package Set, I was keen to see if it could live up to that reputation, and how it performed as a full, out-of-the-box solution for those starting out or simply looking for a reliable, no-fuss setup. Could this be one of the best package sets in the game? Let’s find out…
Unboxing the RBZ set, the clubs have a very clean, modern aesthetic. In the woods, the bright white finish of yesteryear isn’t featured (which is a bit of a shame), but has been replaced by an inoffensive gloss black. The full set includes: Driver, 3 Wood, 4 Hybrid, 6-PW irons, putter, and a cart bag.
It's genuinely a very comprehensive package, providing everything a golfer needs to get out on the course immediately (other than balls, tees, and gloves!). The cart bag is functional, with ample storage and a decent design, though perhaps not the most premium I've seen. Don’t get me wrong, it is far from bad, and feels fairly well made and durable, it is just a touch basic in terms of the aesthetic to my eye, so it wouldn’t be rivaling the best cart bags for me. The fact that it’s a cart bag will satisfy many, but obviously, if carrying is your preference, then this is not the setup for you.
In terms of the individual clubs, the driver is, for me, the star of the show. It's designed to be hugely forgiving and easy to launch, which is exactly what you want from a driver in a set like this. The large sweet spot certainly helps with off-center hits, and I found it produced some decent ball speed. What I particularly appreciate is that TaylorMade has included an adjustable hosel on the driver, which is synonymous with the best drivers in the game. This is a fantastic feature, especially in a package set, as it allows golfers to fine-tune the loft and face angle to better suit their swing and preferences, and importantly, allows this driver to grow along with your ability if you are just starting out. This level of customization is often absent in package sets and shows significant attention to detail.
The 3-wood and hybrid continue the theme of forgiveness and ease of use. The 3-wood has been designed to be playable off the tee and the fairway, and I found it to be very easy to launch, even from tighter lies or slightly nestled lies in the rough. The hybrid will be a welcome addition for newcomers to the game, providing a good alternative to those tricky-to-hit longer irons, and offering a high soft ball flight like so many of the best hybrids.
The irons - as with the rest of the set - are designed with a primary focus on forgiveness, which is crucial for the type of players that will be shopping in this market. The large cavity-back design helps to increase the sweet spot and provide a good launch, even on slightly mishit shots. The feel is solid, bordering on a little clunky, obviously not as soft as some of the best irons in the game, but that's to be expected in this category. The main thing is they are easy to use and they certainly fulfil that brief.
The putter is a nice touch from Taylormade. They have brought in a version of the popular Spider range, widely regarded as some of the best putters in the game, so it is packed with MOI and stability. The Spider Splitback putter looks great and has symmetrical wings that make alignment very easy while providing tons of the aforementioned stability. The Pure Roll insert gives a nice feel while also promoting end-over-end roll. For a beginner or someone looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use putter, it does the job well.
The TaylorMade RBZ Package set is definitely in the upper echelons of this category, offering a comprehensive and forgiving set of clubs that are well-suited for beginners and mid-handicap golfers. The inclusion of an adjustable hosel on the driver is a standout feature that adds significant value and allows for a degree of customization rarely seen in package sets. The irons, fairway wood, and hybrid provide a good balance of distance, forgiveness, and control, while the putter is a reliable performer on the greens. The cart bag - while not a ‘looker’ - is functional and provides ample storage. For those looking for a complete, ready-to-play set from a reputable brand, the TaylorMade RBZ Package Set is a good place to start.
