TaylorMade Qi Max HL vs TaylorMade Qi Max
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | Qi Max HL loft | Qi Max loft | Qi Max HL lie | Qi Max lie | Qi Max HL length | Qi Max length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | — | 18.5 | — | 61.5 | — | 39.125 |
| 5 | 23.5 | 21 | 62 | 62 | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| 6 | 27 | 24 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 37.88 | 37.88 |
| 7 | 31 | 28 | 63 | 63 | 37.25 | 37.25 |
| 8 | 35.5 | 32.5 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 36.75 | 36.75 |
| 9 | 40 | 37 | 64 | 64 | 36.25 | 36.25 |
| PW | 44.5 | 42.5 | 64.5 | 64.5 | 35.75 | 35.75 |
| AW | 50 | 48 | 64.5 | 64.5 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | 55 | 54 | 64.5 | 64.5 | 35.25 | 35.25 |
| LW | — | 58 | — | 64.5 | — | 35 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- Qi Max HL
- Qi Max
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the Qi Max HL is 31° and the Qi Max is 28°, a 3° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the Qi Max should carry roughly 9 to 12 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the Qi Max HL. Across the 8 clubs both sets share, the Qi Max averages 2.4° stronger, with the largest gap at the 6-iron (27° vs 24°). The pitching wedges are 44.5° and 42.5°; the stronger one leaves a 7.5° jump to a 50° gap wedge, which matters when planning wedge gapping.
The sets are built differently: the Qi Max HL runs 5-iron to SW (8 clubs), the Qi Max 4-iron to LW (10 clubs).
The Qi Max HL is a super game improvement iron and the Qi Max a game improvement iron, so they sit one step apart on the forgiveness scale. The Qi Max HL is the more forgiving design, with a wider sole, more offset and more perimeter weighting for high handicaps, beginners and slower swing speeds. The Qi Max trades some of that for a more compact head, thinner topline and more control over flight and shape, which suits roughly 10 to 25 handicaps.
The Qi Max HL is listed as investment cast Cap Back design with a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket and the Qi Max as investment cast Cap Back design with a Speed Pocket and sound stabilization bar. With the build method this similar, differences in feel come down to head size, sole width, topline and offset rather than how the heads are made.
Both sets were introduced in 2026, so this is a choice between two models from the same lineup rather than an upgrade: TaylorMade designed them to sit side by side for different players.
Which should you choose?
The Qi Max is the stronger-lofted set — up to 3° stronger than the Qi Max HL on matching clubs. Expect longer carry per numbered iron but a flatter descent angle; gapping at the wedge end is where that shows up.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: TaylorMade Qi Max HL specs and TaylorMade Qi Max specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TaylorMade Qi Max HL stronger lofted than the Qi Max?
No. The Qi Max is the stronger-lofted set: its 7-iron is 28° against 31° for the TaylorMade Qi Max HL, 3° stronger and worth roughly 9 to 12 yards of extra carry.
What is the loft difference between the TaylorMade Qi Max HL and Qi Max?
At the 7-iron the difference is 3° (31° vs 28°). The largest gap on a shared club is 3° at the 6-iron, and all 8 shared clubs differ.
Which is better for higher handicap golfers, the TaylorMade Qi Max HL or the Qi Max?
The TaylorMade Qi Max HL. As a super game improvement iron it is the more forgiving design, suited to high handicaps, beginners and slower swing speeds. The Qi Max is a game improvement iron, better suited to roughly 10 to 25 handicaps.
Do the TaylorMade Qi Max HL and Qi Max have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 63° lie and 37.25 inches long.
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