When TaylorMade releases a new game improvement iron, the golfing world pays attention. The brand has long been a dominant force in this category, pushing the boundaries of distance and forgiveness. With the new Qi Max irons, TaylorMade claims to have refined the recipe, promising a blend of superior feel, straight distance, and optimized flight.
I’ve been putting the TaylorMade Qi Max irons through their paces to see if they deserve a spot alongside some of the best irons of 2026…
WATCH: Kick Point: The Golf Gear Show gives their full verdict on the new Qi4D range
The headline technology story here is the pursuit of 'Straight Distance.' TaylorMade has utilized a patented face technology designed to control face flexibility and reduce the "cut" spin that it says often plagues fast-face iron designs.
While TaylorMade explicitly labels this 'Straight Distance', in reality, this is very much a predominant draw bias. For much of the target demographic, who often battle a slice - this will be music to the ears.
To address the sound and feel, which can often be a weak spot in hollow-body or cavity-back distance irons, the Qi Max features a new internal stability bar and what TaylorMade calls Echo Damper material. These are strategically positioned to support the topline and face, reducing unwanted vibrations.
TaylorMade has also implemented its FLTD CG technology, which strategically places the center of gravity lowest in the long irons for enhanced launch, moving it higher as the set progresses to aid precision in the scoring clubs.
Visually, the Qi Max is an interesting proposition. TaylorMade describes it as having a "Refined Players Shape" with a thinner topline and reduced offset.
While I would agree that this is the best-looking game improvement iron TaylorMade has created for a few iterations from the playing position perspective, it remains very much on the fussy side from the ‘in the bag’ angle.
Between the visible speed slot, the complex topography in the cavity, and the fluted hosel, there is a lot going on.
Personally, I wish TaylorMade would start hiding some of these tech stories rather than shouting about them. I don’t mind reading about the technical features, but I don’t need to see them plastered all over the clubhead. In my opinion, a cleaner, classier visual would elevate the premium nature of the club, but the exposed tech remains a staple of TaylorMade’s game improvement design language.
I mentioned in my review of the previous generation, the Qi irons, that I didn't love the "clickiness" of the impact sound, and I am pleased to report that this has been very much rectified in the Qi Max. The combination of the internal stability bar and Echo Damper does a fantastic job of creating a solid, satisfying sensation at impact.
In terms of raw data (captured on the Foresight Sports GC3 launch monitor), these irons are exceptionally quick.
This is to be expected given the aggressive static lofts - the 7-iron comes in at a remarkably strong 28˚- however, distinct from some competitors who simply crank lofts to chase distance, I didn't struggle much for launch with the Qi Max. The low CG in the long irons works as advertised, getting the ball airborne with relative ease.
For players with slower swing speeds who might worry about keeping a 28-degree 7-iron in the air, it is worth noting that TaylorMade offers an HL (High Launch) version. This variation features lofts that are approximately 3˚ weaker throughout the set and utilizes an overall lighter construction to help generate speed and height.
Overall, while the fussy visual prevents it from being my absolute favorite iron in terms of aesthetics, the Qi Max is a significantly improved iron over last season’s offering.
The solid feel and strong distance output - backed by a helpful draw bias - make this a high-performing package. It should certainly be on the test list for anyone shopping in the game improvement market in 2026.
The TaylorMade Qi Max irons will be retailing for £999/$1099 for a 4-PW set in steel, with a slight upcharge for graphite shafts.
