TaylorMade RBZ 3 Wood Review: Is It Still Worth Buying? - SirShanksAlot.com

Looking for a fairway wood that delivers both distance and forgiveness? The TaylorMade RBZ 3 wood might just be your perfect match. This club has earned a reputation for its impressive performance, helping golfers achieve greater distance off the tee and more confidence on longer shots. Join me as we explore the key features of the TaylorMade RBZ 3 wood, including its innovative Speed Pocket technology, and delve into what makes it such a popular choice among golfers. We’ll also discuss where to find the best deals on new and used RBZ 3 woods, so you can get the most bang for your buck.

TaylorMade RocketBallz (RBZ) Fairway Wood: An Honest Review

Thanks for stopping by and good morning all. We have another review for you today – this time we’ll be taking a closer look at the TaylorMade RbZ 3 fairway wood. This club could definitely add some distance to your game.

First Impressions of the RBZ Fairway Wood

The Rocketballz Fairway Woods continue to utilize TaylorMade’s white non-glare finish with a black clubface. The black clubface looks great at address and does a nice job of framing the ball. TaylorMade introduced a “Speed Pocket” on the RBZ fairway woods, which is a channel visible on the sole of the club behind the clubface. A weight port in the sole is positioned directly behind the speed pocket to improve ball speed. TaylorMade moved the center of gravity forward and below the center of axis to promote a high launch and low spinning shot. The RBZ fairway wood has a fairly standard look and thus rates 7 out of 10.

Key Takeaways

TaylorMade’s RBZ fairway wood delivers impressive distance and forgiveness. The Speed Pocket technology helps achieve greater ball speed and makes it easier to launch the ball high and straight, even on mishits.
Buying a used RBZ fairway wood is a smart way to save. Retailers like 2nd Swing Golf offer a wide selection of used clubs in excellent condition, allowing you to get the performance you want at a fraction of the original price.
The RBZ is a consistently praised club, even compared to newer models. Its popularity among golfers speaks to its effectiveness and playability. If you’re looking for a reliable fairway wood to improve your long game, the RBZ is a strong contender.

RBZ Fairway Wood: Selection and Availability

Finding the right golf club can feel overwhelming, but retailers like 2nd Swing Golf specialize in a wide selection of new and used clubs. They have an impressive inventory, with 189 TaylorMade RocketBallz fairway wood options available at the time of writing. 2nd Swing claims to have the largest global selection, increasing your chances of finding the perfect RBZ fairway wood for your swing. Whether you want a specific loft, shaft flex, or aesthetic, a large selection is beneficial.

RBZ Fairway Woods: New vs. Used Options

Let’s talk price. One of the perks of a site like 2nd Swing is the opportunity to buy a used club. The RBZ fairway woods, originally around $229.99 retail, are now in the $50.99 to $99.99 range for used options. These savings can go towards other golf equipment (like a new golf cart). Don’t underestimate used clubs. Many golfers praise the RBZ 3 wood, many still using it over newer models.

Understanding RBZ Fairway Wood Conditions and Pricing

Buying used means considering the club’s condition. Retailers like 2nd Swing Golf provide condition ratings (from Poor to Average and up), so you know what you’re buying. This helps you balance cost and performance. If you want more distance, the RBZ 3 wood is known for it. Some golfers report gaining 15 yards compared to their old fairway woods. That extra distance off the tee can significantly impact your game.

Does the RBZ Fairway Wood Perform?

I tested the RBZ 15 degree fairway wood with the stock Matrix Ozik stiff shaft. The club performed awesome, as did the other RBZ products. My ball flight was straight and consistent. The RBZ produces a mid to high launch and feels really easy to swing. In fact, the RBZ feels effortless and the ball explodes off the face. The RBZ performs well from a variety of lies. Even from tight lies, I was really impressed with how well the RBZ launches the ball in the air. I feel the RBZ outperformed my current Ping i15 3 wood in distance and accuracy. The RBZ 3 wood provides a nice boost in distance and is still easy to control. When it comes to distance, players should definitely pick up some extra carry distance with the RBZ and thus it earns a 10 out of 10 performance rating.

Deep Dive into the Speed Pocket Technology

TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket technology is a key feature of the RBZ fairway wood. It’s a slot cut into the sole of the club, right behind the face. Think of it as a little trampoline for your golf ball. This “Speed Pocket” increases face flexibility, especially on shots hit low on the face, which are notorious for losing distance. This leads to a higher Coefficient of Restitution (COR)—a measure of how efficiently the club transfers energy to the ball. A higher COR means more ball speed and more distance.

How Speed Pocket Technology Impacts Performance

So, how does this translate on the course? Reviewers have reported significant distance gains with the RBZ fairway woods, some claiming an extra 15 yards compared to previous models. That’s a huge advantage, especially for reaching those par 5s in two. The Speed Pocket isn’t just about distance. By increasing ball speed on mishits, it also improves forgiveness, making the club more consistent, even on imperfect shots.

RBZ Fairway Wood Head Design and Versions

TaylorMade offers the RBZ fairway wood in two main versions: standard and Tour. The standard version has a larger clubhead (197 cc) and is designed with a draw bias, helping to prevent a slice. The Tour version has a smaller clubhead (172 cc) and a more neutral ball flight, giving better players more control over shot shape. Choosing the right version depends on your skill level and swing.

Standard vs. Tour Versions: Which RBZ Fairway Wood is Right for You?

If you’re looking for maximum distance and forgiveness, the standard RBZ is probably the way to go. The larger head and draw bias can help you launch the ball higher and straighter, leading to more distance and fewer lost balls. If you’re a more experienced player with a consistent swing, the Tour version might be a better fit. The smaller head provides more workability, allowing you to shape shots and control trajectory more precisely.

Design Features: Alignment and Durability

Beyond the Speed Pocket and head size, the RBZ fairway woods have other notable design features. The contrasting white crown and black face make it easy to align the club at address, improving accuracy. The black PVD face is designed for durability, although it might show some wear over time. This is purely cosmetic and shouldn’t affect performance. Overall, the RBZ fairway wood combines distance, forgiveness, and playability.

How Does the RBZ Fairway Wood Feel?

The RBZ Fairway wood features a lightweight 50 gram Matrix Ozik stock shaft. The club weighs 315 grams and has a swing weight of D4. While the club is advertised as lightweight to generate more swing speed, I could still feel the club head throughout the swing. Impact feels great. The RBZ feels very forgiving even on off center hits and I rate the club at 9 out of 10.

Sound and Feel: The Sensory Experience of the RBZ Fairway Wood

Beyond performance, a club’s sound and feel significantly impact a golfer’s overall experience. The RBZ Fairway Wood delivers on both fronts, creating a satisfying sensory experience that complements its impressive distance and control. Many reviewers, including those at The Sand Trap, describe the sound at impact as “hot” and pleasing—a sharp, clean crack that confirms a solid strike. This crisp feedback contributes to the feeling of power and control, building confidence with every swing.

The feel of the RBZ during play is equally impressive. The club feels effortless to swing, yet maintains a satisfying presence throughout. Even on off-center hits, the RBZ offers a surprising level of forgiveness. Golf Tips Magazine captures this sensation, describing how the ball “explodes off the face.” This combination of forgiveness and explosive power makes the RBZ a joy to use, whether you’re striping it down the fairway or recovering from a less-than-perfect lie.

Is the RBZ Fairway Wood Worth the Price?

TaylorMade advertises up to an additional 17 yards longer with the RBZ fairway woods. If a player can pick up an additional 17 yards, that could be the difference of laying up on a par 5 and reaching a par 5 in two shots. The entire RBZ lineup is very solid, including the fairway woods. The price is slightly higher than the average fairway wood price point of $199.99. However, in my opinion the RBZ is worth the extra thirty dollars and retails at $229.99. The RBZ is one of the best fairway woods available, receiving a 10 out of 10 rating.

Community and Expert Opinions on the RBZ Fairway Wood

What Golfers Are Saying About the RBZ Fairway Wood

The TaylorMade RBZ 3 wood gets a lot of love online. Golfers on Reddit frequently praise its performance and forgiveness, even comparing it favorably to newer clubs. Many consider it their go-to club. Our own RBZ fairway wood review here at Sir Shanksalot echoes this sentiment, highlighting the comfortable feel and forgiveness provided by the lightweight 50-gram Matrix Ozik stock shaft.

Performance Comparisons: RBZ vs. Other Fairway Woods

RBZ vs. SIM Ti Rocket: A Head-to-Head Comparison

It’s worth noting that several golfers have found the RBZ 3 wood performs almost identically to the newer TaylorMade SIM Ti Rocket. A Reddit user shared this observation, suggesting the RBZ can compete with more recent models, making it a potentially budget-friendly choice for those seeking high performance.

Should You Upgrade to the TaylorMade RBZ Fairway Wood?

Who Should Consider the RBZ Fairway Wood?

If you want to add more distance off the tee, the RBZ fairway wood is worth a look. Our review mentions TaylorMade’s claim of up to 17 extra yards with this club. This added distance can make a real difference, potentially allowing you to reach a par 5 in two. It’s a good option for golfers who struggle with distance or simply want more confidence on those longer shots.

Who Might Want to Pass on the RBZ Fairway Wood?

While the RBZ is a great club, it’s not a necessity for every golfer. As an experienced golf writer, I often remind readers that older clubs can still deliver excellent performance. If you’re happy with your current fairway wood, upgrading might not be necessary. The RBZ has received many positive reviews, but the best choice depends on your individual game and preferences.

Trading in Your Old Clubs for an RBZ Fairway Wood

If you’re considering purchasing an RBZ fairway wood, trading in your old clubs can be a smart move. Sites like 2nd Swing Golf offer trade-in options, allowing you to get credit towards a new RocketBallz and save some money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TaylorMade RBZ Fairway Wood good for beginners? The standard RBZ, with its larger club head and draw bias, is particularly helpful for beginners. It helps prevent slicing and promotes higher, straighter shots, leading to better distance and fewer lost balls. The added forgiveness also helps compensate for mishits, which are common among newer golfers.

What is the “Speed Pocket” and how does it work? The Speed Pocket is a slot cut into the sole of the club, just behind the face. It increases the flexibility of the face, especially on shots hit low, which typically lose distance. This flex acts like a springboard, increasing ball speed and distance. It also makes the club more forgiving on off-center hits.

What’s the difference between the standard and Tour versions? The standard RBZ has a larger clubhead (197cc) and a draw bias, making it ideal for golfers who want more distance and help with slices. The Tour version has a smaller clubhead (172cc) and a neutral ball flight, offering more experienced players greater control over shot shaping.

Where can I buy a TaylorMade RBZ Fairway Wood? You can find both new and used RBZ Fairway Woods at various online and brick-and-mortar golf retailers. Sites like 2nd Swing Golf offer a wide selection of used clubs at competitive prices, allowing you to find one that fits your budget and playing style. Checking local golf shops or pro shops is also a good option.

Is the RBZ Fairway Wood still a good option despite being an older model? Absolutely! Many golfers still prefer the RBZ over newer models, praising its performance and forgiveness. Some even find its performance comparable to newer clubs like the TaylorMade SIM Ti Rocket. If you’re looking for a great value and solid performance, the RBZ is definitely worth considering.