TaylorMade RSi 1 vs TaylorMade RSi 2
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | RSi 1 loft | RSi 2 loft | RSi 1 lie | RSi 2 lie | RSi 1 length | RSi 2 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | — | 17 | — | 60 | — | 39.25 |
| 3 | 17 | 19 | 60.25 | 60.5 | 39.5 | 38.75 |
| 4 | 20 | 21 | 61 | 61 | 38.875 | 38.25 |
| 5 | 23 | 24 | 61.75 | 61.5 | 38.25 | 37.75 |
| 6 | 26.5 | 27 | 62.5 | 62 | 37.625 | 37.25 |
| 7 | 30.5 | 31 | 63 | 62.5 | 37 | 36.75 |
| 8 | 34.5 | 35 | 63.5 | 63 | 36.5 | 36.25 |
| 9 | 39 | 40 | 64 | 63.5 | 36 | 35.75 |
| PW | 44 | 45 | 64.5 | 64 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| AW | 50 | 50 | 64.5 | 64 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | 55 | 55 | 64.5 | 64 | 35.25 | 35.25 |
| LW | 60 | — | 64.5 | — | 35 | — |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- RSi 1
- RSi 2
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the RSi 1 is 30.5° and the RSi 2 is 31°, a 0.5° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the RSi 1 should carry about 2 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the RSi 2. Across the 10 clubs both sets share, the RSi 2 averages 0.8° weaker, with the largest gap at the 3-iron (17° vs 19°). The pitching wedges are 44° and 45°; the stronger one leaves a 6° jump to a 50° gap wedge, which matters when planning wedge gapping. Beyond loft, the RSi 2 7-iron sits 0.5° flatter (63° vs 62.5°), which nudges start direction slightly right for a right-hander; the RSi 1 7-iron is 0.25 inches longer (37" vs 36.75").
The sets are built differently: the RSi 1 runs 3-iron to LW (11 clubs), the RSi 2 2-iron to SW (11 clubs).
The RSi 1 is a game improvement iron and the RSi 2 a players distance iron, so they sit one step apart on the forgiveness scale. The RSi 1 is the more forgiving design, with a wider sole, more offset and more perimeter weighting for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. The RSi 2 trades some of that for a more compact head, thinner topline and more control over flight and shape, which suits roughly 5 to 15 handicaps who want extra distance from a compact head.
The RSi 1 is listed as investment cast and the RSi 2 as cast/forged hybrid. The RSi 2 adds tungsten weighting, which lowers the centre of gravity and raises stability on mis-hits, helping the long irons launch.
Both sets were introduced in 2014, 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 RSi 2 is the weaker-lofted set — up to 2° weaker than the RSi 1. That trades raw distance for a steeper landing angle and more predictable stopping power into greens.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: TaylorMade RSi 1 specs and TaylorMade RSi 2 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TaylorMade RSi 1 stronger lofted than the RSi 2?
Yes. The TaylorMade RSi 1 7-iron is 30.5° against 31° for the RSi 2, 0.5° stronger, which is worth about 2 yards of extra carry with the same swing.
What is the loft difference between the TaylorMade RSi 1 and RSi 2?
At the 7-iron the difference is 0.5° (30.5° vs 31°). The largest gap on a shared club is 2° at the 3-iron, and 8 of the 10 shared clubs differ.
Which is better for higher handicap golfers, the TaylorMade RSi 1 or the RSi 2?
The TaylorMade RSi 1. As a game improvement iron it is the more forgiving design, suited to roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. The RSi 2 is a players distance iron, better suited to roughly 5 to 15 handicaps who want extra distance from a compact head.
Do the TaylorMade RSi 1 and RSi 2 have the same lie and length?
Not exactly. At the 7-iron the TaylorMade RSi 1 is 63° lie and 37 inches, the RSi 2 62.5° and 36.75 inches. Both can be bent or built to your own fit.
Shop TaylorMade RSi 1
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