TaylorMade Qi10 vs Qi10 MAX vs Qi10 LS: Which One Should You Actually Buy?
Three drivers, one name, and almost none of it explained on the box.
TaylorMade's Qi10 line replaced the Stealth 2 family in 2024, and it's become one of the most searched driver names in Australian golf. The problem is that "Qi10" isn't a single driver — it's three, and the marketing rarely tells you which one is which. Buy the wrong version and you'll either lose forgiveness you needed, or give up workability you didn't have to.
Here's the breakdown, in plain terms.
Qi10 at a Glance
| Model | Forgiveness | Launch | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qi10 | High | Mid-high | Most golfers — the default choice |
| Qi10 MAX | Highest (max MOI) | High | High handicappers, inconsistent strikers |
| Qi10 LS | Lowest | Low, penetrating | Low handicappers, faster swing speeds |
If you only remember one thing from this article: more letters after "Qi10" generally means more forgiveness, not more distance. MAX trades workability for stability. LS trades stability for control. The standard Qi10 sits in the middle and is the right call for most golfers who aren't sure.
Why This Split Exists
TaylorMade — like PING, Callaway and Titleist — now builds every flagship driver as a small family rather than one head, because swing speed and consistency vary so much between a 9-handicapper and a 22-handicapper. Rather than compromise one head to suit everyone, the weight, face flex and CG (centre of gravity) are tuned differently across the range:
- Qi10 MAX pushes weight to the perimeter of the head, raising MOI — the resistance to twisting on a mis-hit. A strike near the heel or toe loses far less ball speed than it would on a more compact head.
- Qi10 LS does the opposite — a smaller, more forward-CG head for lower spin and a flatter flight, aimed at players who already strike the ball consistently and want to control trajectory into the wind.
- Qi10 blends the two philosophies, which is exactly why it's the volume seller in the range.
Shaft Flex: Don't Skip This Part
The head only tells half the story. A Qi10 MAX head on a shaft that's too stiff for your swing speed will feel — and perform — nothing like it should.
Regular: suits swing speeds under ~95 mph with the driver. The majority of club golfers sit here.
Stiff: 95–110 mph. Most single-figure handicappers land in this range.
X-Stiff: 110 mph+. Rare outside tour-spec players.
💡 Buying used tip: the shaft attached to a used driver was chosen by the previous owner, not by you. Always check listed flex against your own swing speed before assuming the head performance you've read about will translate directly.
Buying Used: What to Check
- Face wear — light cosmetic marks are normal and don't affect performance.
- Adjustable hosel setting — confirm it's at factory setting unless the listing states otherwise; a shifted setting changes loft and face angle.
- Shaft condition — check near the tip and grip end for any cracking.
Every driver we list is inspected and graded before it goes up for sale under our published grading system — so you know exactly what condition to expect before you buy.
Shop Used TaylorMade Qi10 Drivers — Australia-Wide Shipping
Professionally graded, dispatched from Adelaide. $30 flat rate shipping. Free over $600.
Browse Qi10 Inventory → All Drivers →
Can't Find What You're After?
Qi10 stock — especially specific lofts and left-hand options — moves quickly. If you're chasing a particular loft or shaft combination, use our Club Sourcing Request page and we'll look for it on the next buying trip.
The Bottom Line
Start with the standard Qi10 unless you have a specific reason not to. Move to the MAX if mis-hits are your biggest issue off the tee. Only step down to the LS once your swing speed and consistency genuinely call for less forgiveness in exchange for more control.
Honest prices, quality gear. Simple.