Every year, the golf industry’s major club manufacturers all unveil their new line of drivers and woods. And, each year, with those releases come a flurry of marketing messages, telling stories of new-and-improved technology and guaranteed distance gains. TaylorMade has typically been a company at the forefront of new technology. And this year, the Carlsbad, California-based club maker unveiled its new M1 and M2 drivers.
TaylorMade has long been among the less conservative driver manufacturers. From the launch of the Burner line, the infamous Bubble shafts and its recent introductions of tech-first drivers like the JetSpeed and the R-line, TaylorMade has been known to add unique elements and designs to their products.
This year’s M1 and M2 drivers are no different. Both drivers were designed to offer a lightweight and forgiving driver for a variety of skill levels.
TaylorMade’s M1 Driver
The 2017 M1 driver from TaylorMade is aimed at golfers seeking distance, forgiveness and the ability to customize to personalized launch conditions.
At the heart of the M1’s customization capabilities is the T-Track that is new and more aerodynamic than last year’s model. This year’s T-Track includes 27 grams of moveable weight that offers golfers nearly 65 percent more front-to-back center-of-gravity movement than last year’s model. What does this all mean? The additional customization options offer golfers more adjustability and a better ball flight tied to their swing.
The new M1 also features 43 percent more carbon fiber than its predecessor. The additional carbon fiber helps lower the club’s center of gravity, which promotes even more distance.
TaylorMade’s M2 Driver
This year’s M2 comes with a redesigned sole. The all new “geocoustic sole shaping” utilizes advanced geometry to unlock additional performance. Noticeably, the M2’s sunken sole shape allows the clubface to be larger with additional forgiveness.
TaylorMade’s geocoustic technology doesn’t stop at visual design. The ribs on the sole also work to manage vibrations and produce spectacular feel. This feature is specifically beneficial — not to mention, preferred — for advanced players and professionals. In fact, TaylorMade’s staff team played a part in finalizing this unique piece of the M2’s design.
Golfers playing the M2 driver can also choose to play the M2 D-Type driver, which helps eliminate right-side misses and promotes added distance with a drawing ball flight. TaylorMade achieves those D-Type claims by offering more heel weight and a closed face at impact, along with increased offset and more upright position.
Also new in the 2017 offering is a smaller option for golfers seeking a driver with a smaller, more controllable head. Previously, the M drivers were available in a 460cc head only. New this year is a 440cc option. Many highly-skilled players seek a smaller head for the increased feel and ability to maneuver the ball.
Tour players who use TaylorMade drivers
The performance of TaylorMade’s M1 and M2 drivers, of course, is validated by the use of the line by TaylorMade’s tour players. Jason Day and Dustin Johnson, two of the PGA Tour’s best players, both play the M1 driver. Other notable players who carry the M1 driver include Gary Woodland, J.B. Holmes, and Ryan Palmer.
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 20: Jason Day of Australia hits his tee shot on the ninth hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill Club and Lodge on March 20, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose are just two of the company’s staff players playing the M2 driver. Additionally, notable PGA Tour stars Brooks Koepka, Robert Garrigus, Sean O’Hair, Brendan Steele and Keegan Bradley also play the M2 driver.
Which driver is for you?
So, now that you’ve learned a bit about the 2017 TaylorMade M1 and M2 driver line, how do you decide which one to get?
If you’re looking for superior adjustability and customization, M1 is by far the one for you. With the new and improved T-Track, personalizing your launch and loft conditions is a breeze. The M2 driver is perfect for golfers uninterested in a plethora of adjustability settings.
While both the M1 and M2 drivers differ in their customization capabilities, both offer high-quality technology with added distance and forgiveness. So, why not head over to your local golf shop and give both drivers a try? See which one best fits your swing take the leap!
Have an M1 or M2? Wish you did? Let us know down in the comment section below.
— Ben Larsen