The TaylorMade R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) came out in 2002 [1]. Its headline idea was TaylorMade's early-2000s titanium family, split into three head shapes. That was 24 years ago, so the questions now are different: is it still worth buying used, and how far behind is it compared with the TaylorMade Qi4D?
The R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) in 2002: what it was
The R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) was built around TaylorMade's early-2000s titanium family, split into three head shapes. It sat on the forgiving side of the lineup, for players who wanted help on off-centre strikes. We could not confirm its exact head volume from a manufacturer source, so it is not listed.
Then vs now: R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) vs TaylorMade Qi4D
| Spec | TaylorMade R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) | TaylorMade Qi4D |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2002 [1] | 2026 [2] |
| Head size | Not confirmed | — |
| Adjustable hosel | No (glued) | Yes |
| Weighting | — | 4 weights (2×9g, 2×4g) |
| Lofts | See listing (fixed per head) | — |
| Launch price (new) | — | $649.99 ($699.99 Launch Monitor Enabled) |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
We list only specs we could tie to a source. A dash means we could not confirm the figure. We do not have our own launch-monitor numbers for either club.
What TaylorMade changed after the R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580)
The models below are the TaylorMade drivers we cover that came after the R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580). Each one is a step you skip by buying the old club.
| Year | Model | Main change | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | TaylorMade M2 | A forgiving carbon-crown head with a fixed rear weight | Check Price |
| 2018 | TaylorMade M4 | Twist Face, a face with corrective curvature in the high-toe and low-heel areas | Check Price |
| 2019 | TaylorMade M5 | Speed Injection (each face tuned to the speed limit) plus Twist Face and a weight track | Check Price |
| 2019 | TaylorMade M6 | Speed Injection and Twist Face in a forgiving head | Check Price |
| 2020 | TaylorMade SIM Max | An aerodynamic sole shape and a rear Inertia Generator weight | Check Price |
| 2021 | TaylorMade 300 Mini Driver | A mini driver that revived the 300 Series name | Check Price |
| 2022 | TaylorMade Stealth | A 60-layer carbon face instead of titanium | Check Price |
| 2026 | TaylorMade Qi4D | Current model | Check Price |
Showing the 8 most recent steps.
Is the R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) worth buying in 2026? Skip it (unless you collect)
It is 24 years old, the loft is fixed, and the head is smaller than today's 460cc standard. Any adjustable driver from the last ten years will be more forgiving and easier to fit.
Who should still buy one?
- Buy it if you want a forgiving club on a small budget and can try it before you pay.
- Skip it if you can stretch to a recent used model (the last three or four years) — the forgiveness gap is bigger than the price gap.
- Skip it if you need a different loft than the one stamped on the head; it can't be changed.
Buying a used R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580): checklist
- Loft: read the loft stamped on the sole. Because the hosel is glued, that number is final.
- Face: look for cracks, dents or a caved-in look at the centre. A cracked face can't be repaired.
- Crown: sky marks and paint chips are cosmetic; dents are not.
- Shaft and grip: check the flex label. A worn grip costs little to replace; a shaft that is too stiff costs you carry.
- Price check: we could not verify current used prices, so compare recent sold listings before you buy (eBay sold listings).
FAQ
When did the TaylorMade R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) come out?
2002 (year not fully confirmed).
Is the TaylorMade R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) still a good driver?
Skip it (unless you collect). It is 24 years old, the loft is fixed, and the head is smaller than today's 460cc standard. Any adjustable driver from the last ten years will be more forgiving and easier to fit.
Is the R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580) adjustable?
No. The hosel is glued, so loft and lie are fixed.
What replaced the R500 series (R510 / R540 / R580)?
TaylorMade's current equivalent is the TaylorMade Qi4D (2026). Launch price: $649.99 ($699.99 Launch Monitor Enabled).