As the Lead Equipment Tester here at TellMeMoreGolf, this iron review will focus on two sets of irons that I was recently able to examine allowing me to bring you a side-by-side comparison of the SpeedBlade and SpeedBlade HL from TaylorMade Golf.

We think that TaylorMade has made it easier to hit quality iron shots for all handicappers with their new technology. 

Speedblade Benefits

The SpeedBlade series was introduced by TaylorMade to provide golfers with enhanced distance, forgiveness, and playability. Here are some key benefits:

• Increased Distance: The TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons are engineered to help golfers achieve greater distance on their shots. The Speed Pocket technology incorporated into the clubhead promotes higher ball speeds, especially on shots struck low on the face. This feature enables players to hit the ball farther with less effort.
• Forgiveness: One of the primary advantages of the SpeedBlade irons is their forgiving nature. The cavity-back design and perimeter weighting enhance the club’s stability through the shot. This forgiveness provides more consistent strikes from the tee, fairway, or rough.
• Higher Launch: The low center of gravity (CG) in the SpeedBlade irons helps golfers launch the ball higher into the air. The optimized CG positioning facilitates a more penetrating ball flight and enables players to hold greens more effectively, giving them better control over approach shots.
• Playability: The SpeedBlade irons offer excellent playability, making them suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the design of these irons helps you get the ball airborne easily and consistently.
  

Speedblade Cons

While the TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons have their strengths, discussing potential drawbacks is crucial.

Here are four cons:

• Reduced Workability: The SpeedBlade irons are designed with forgiveness in mind, which can be a pro for some golfers. However, the SpeedBlade irons may not be the best fit for those seeking enhanced shot-shaping capabilities and greater workability. The club’s perimeter weighting and cavity-back design prioritize forgiveness over shot manipulation.
• Feel: Some golfers have reported that the SpeedBlade irons lack the desired feel and feedback that more traditional forged irons provide. The distance and forgiveness they offer might come at the expense of the softer feel that some players prefer.
• Appearance: While aesthetics are subjective, some golfers have expressed reservations about the appearance of the SpeedBlade irons as well as the larger topline. The larger clubhead size and cavity-back design may not appeal to golfers who prefer a more compact look at address.

Speedblade HL Irons Pros

The Speedblade HL Irons offer golfers:

• Incredible distance and forgiveness: This makes them an excellent choice for players of all skill levels.
• Center of gravity: The low CG in these irons allows for high ball flight and increased accuracy, while the Speed Pocket technology enhances face flex, resulting in higher ball speed and consistent performance.
• Sleek design and advanced features: The Speedblade HL Irons offer confidence when looking down at address, and this can be a game-changer on the golf course.

Speedblade HL Irons Cons

While the Speedblade HL Irons offer impressive distance and forgiveness, some golfers may find:

• Lack of Feel and Control: The larger and more forgiving head comes with the tradeoff of less feel and can sometimes lead to distance control issues.
• The bulky clubhead design: This clubhead might not appeal to players seeking a sleeker aesthetic.
• High launch angle: The trajectory generated by these irons can be a disadvantage for golfers who prefer a lower ball flight.

Lofts Comparison

Here’s a list comparing the actual loft angles of the Taylormade Speedblade irons and the Speedblade HL irons:

Taylormade Speedblade Irons:

1. 4 Iron: 21.5°
2. 5 Iron: 24.5°
3. 6 Iron: 27.5°
4. 7 Iron: 31.5°
5. 8 Iron: 35.5°
6. 9 Iron: 40.5°
7. Pitching Wedge (PW): 45°
8. Approach Wedge (AW): 50°

Taylormade Speedblade HL Irons:

1. 4 Iron: 22°
2. 5 Iron: 25°
3. 6 Iron: 28°
4. 7 Iron: 32°
5. 8 Iron: 36°
6. 9 Iron: 41°
7. Pitching Wedge (PW): 46°
8. Approach Wedge (AW): 51°

Please note that these loft angles may vary slightly depending on the specific model and customization options.

Which Has Better Distance?

In general, the Taylormade Speedblade irons are designed to provide slightly better distance compared to the SpeedBlade HL irons. This is primarily due to the stronger loft angles in the SpeedBlade irons, which result in slightly longer shots.

The lower lofts in the SpeedBlade irons can help generate higher ball speeds and longer carry distances. However, it’s important to note that individual swing characteristics and player skill can also significantly impact the distance achieved with any iron set.

Which Has Better Forgiveness?

The Taylormade SpeedBlade HL irons are typically known for offering better forgiveness compared to the SpeedBlade irons. The SpeedBlade HL irons have a design that prioritizes forgiveness and playability for golfers who may benefit from added assistance on off-center hits. The higher lofts and larger clubhead sizes in the SpeedBlade HL irons help to provide a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness on mis-hits, allowing for greater consistency and accuracy. However, it’s important to note that forgiveness can also vary based on individual swing characteristics and player preferences.

Handicap Range Compared

Taylormade SpeedBlade Irons: The Speedblade irons are generally suitable for a wide range of handicaps, but they are particularly well-suited for golfers with mid to low handicaps.

These irons offer a combination of distance, control, and workability, making them ideal for players who have developed a consistent and proficient ball-striking ability. They provide good feedback and allow skilled players to shape their shots as needed.

Taylormade SpeedBlade HL Irons: The SpeedBlade HL irons are designed with forgiveness and ease of use in mind, making them suitable for higher handicaps and players who are still developing their skills. These irons offer increased forgiveness on off-center hits, helping golfers achieve better results even with off-center strikes. The higher launch angles and added forgiveness make them beneficial for players who struggle with getting the ball in the air consistently or who want extra help on their approach shots.

Price Compared

The TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons are priced at $62.49 per club or approximately $500.00 for a full brand new set of 8 irons.

The TaylorMade SpeedBlade HL going to cost approximately the same, but are more challenging to find in a new full set.

Feel Compared

When it comes to feel, the Taylormade SpeedBlade irons generally offer a responsive feel off of the clubface compared to the SpeedBlade HL irons. The Speedblade irons are designed with a thinner face and a lower center of gravity, which can result in more pronounced feedback and an enhanced feel at impact.

On the other hand, the SpeedBlade HL irons prioritize forgiveness over feel, and their design features a larger clubhead and a deeper cavity back, which can lead to a slightly muted or dampened feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two sets will depend on personal preference and whether a golfer prioritizes feel or forgiveness in their iron play.

Shaft Compared

Here are some of the shaft options that were available for the Taylormade SpeedBlade and SpeedBlade HL irons:

Taylormade SpeedBlade Irons Shaft Options:

1. Steel Shaft Options:
   • True Temper SpeedStep 85
   • True Temper Dynalite 90
   • KBS Tour by FST
2. Graphite Shaft Options:
   • Matrix RocketFuel 65
   • Matrix Velox T 65
   • Matrix Program F15
   • Matrix Ozik Program 55

Taylormade SpeedBlade HL Irons Shaft Options:

1. Steel Shaft Options:
   • True Temper SpeedStep 85
   • True Temper Dynalite 90
   • KBS Tour by FST
2. Graphite Shaft Options:
   • Matrix RocketFuel 65
   • Matrix Velox T 65
   • Matrix Program F15
   • Matrix Ozik Program 55

Spin Compared

It is important to note that spin can be influenced by various factors including swing, ball type, and course conditions. Here is a general comparison:

Taylormade SpeedBlade Irons: The Speedblade irons tend to generate moderate to high spin rates. The combination of lower lofts and design features, such as a lower center of gravity, can help create good spin control and stopping power on approach shots. This can be beneficial for players who prefer to have more control over the ball’s trajectory and landing.

Taylormade SpeedBlade HL Irons: The SpeedBlade HL irons generally produce slightly lower spin rates compared to the SpeedBlade irons.

The higher lofts and larger clubhead sizes of the SpeedBlade HL irons can contribute to a higher launch angle and a more forgiving ball flight. While this may result in slightly less spin, it can also help reduce the likelihood of excessive spin and provide a more forgiving and consistent ball flight.

Conclusion

TaylorMade Golf has made a name for itself by designing and building quality clubs for PGA Tour pros down through high handicappers. This commitment to serving many groups of golfers has made them a leading club company not unlike Titleist and Callaway. As you look for your next set of irons, be sure to take a look at TellMeMoreGolf’s equipment reviews from our team of experts.