TaylorMade SpeedBlade vs TaylorMade SpeedBlade HL
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | SpeedBlade loft | SpeedBlade HL loft | SpeedBlade lie | SpeedBlade HL lie | SpeedBlade length | SpeedBlade HL length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 17 | — | 60.25 | — | 39.5 | — |
| 4 | 20 | 21 | 61 | 61 | 38.875 | 38.875 |
| 5 | 23 | 24 | 61.75 | 61.75 | 38.25 | 38.25 |
| 6 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 37.625 | 37.625 |
| 7 | 30.5 | 31.5 | 63 | 63 | 37 | 37 |
| 8 | 34.5 | 35.5 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 64 | 64 | 36 | 36 |
| PW | 45 | 46 | 64.5 | 64.5 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| AW | 50 | 51 | 64.5 | 64.5 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | 55 | — | 64.5 | — | 35.25 | — |
| LW | 60 | — | 64.5 | — | 35 | — |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- SpeedBlade
- SpeedBlade HL
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the SpeedBlade is 30.5° and the SpeedBlade HL is 31.5°, a 1° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the SpeedBlade should carry roughly 3 to 4 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the SpeedBlade HL. Across the 8 clubs both sets share, the SpeedBlade HL averages 1° weaker, with the largest gap at the 4-iron (20° vs 21°). The pitching wedges are 45° and 46°; the stronger one leaves a 5° jump to a 50° gap wedge, which matters when planning wedge gapping.
The sets are built differently: the SpeedBlade runs 3-iron to LW (11 clubs), the SpeedBlade HL 4-iron to AW (8 clubs).
Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Perimeter-weighted cavity backs with wider soles, more offset and stronger lofts, aimed at mid handicaps. Because they target the same golfer, the decision comes down to the specific loft, feel and shaping differences rather than who the sets are made for.
The SpeedBlade is listed as cast with a through-slot Speed Pocket in the 3 to 7 irons and the SpeedBlade HL as cast with a through-slot Speed Pocket, higher-lofted HL build. 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.
The SpeedBlade HL came out 1 year after the SpeedBlade, but it is a different line rather than a direct replacement, so the two were designed for different golfers as well as different seasons.
Which should you choose?
The SpeedBlade HL is the weaker-lofted set — up to 1° weaker than the SpeedBlade. 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 SpeedBlade specs and TaylorMade SpeedBlade HL specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TaylorMade SpeedBlade stronger lofted than the SpeedBlade HL?
Yes. The TaylorMade SpeedBlade 7-iron is 30.5° against 31.5° for the SpeedBlade HL, 1° stronger, which is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of extra carry with the same swing.
What is the loft difference between the TaylorMade SpeedBlade and SpeedBlade HL?
At the 7-iron the difference is 1° (30.5° vs 31.5°). The largest gap on a shared club is 1° at the 4-iron, and all 8 shared clubs differ.
Are the TaylorMade SpeedBlade and SpeedBlade HL aimed at the same golfer?
Yes. Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Choose on feel, looks and gapping, ideally after hitting both.
Do the TaylorMade SpeedBlade and SpeedBlade HL have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 63° lie and 37 inches long.
Shop both models
Compare prices for new and used sets on eBay:
We may earn a commission from purchases made through links on this page at no extra cost to you.