Building on the success of the M1, TaylorMade introduces the M2 line of woods and hybrids that feature all the benefits of the M1, apart from adjustability. Keeping with the same looks and lower price point, the M2 line targets the player looking for distance and forgiveness with a more competitive price tag.
Technology and Design
TaylorMade continues the trend of releasing a non-adjustable or consumer-friendly version of their top line woods and drivers. Each generation of R models; R7, R9, R11, R1 and R15, had a corresponding non-adjustable or semi-adjustable model at a lower price point. These models had many of the same features in terms of face technology and launch characteristics, etc., but without the loft, lie and movable weight adjustments. The Burner, Rocketballz, and Aeroburner all had similar features and were geared more towards the cost-conscious golfer. Even the SLDR and JetSpeed, which had some adjustability, were available at lower prices than their top-of-the-line models. As you can see, we have reviewed our fair share of TaylorMade drivers and woods.
This is part of TaylorMade’s strategy of providing different tiers of products for golf consumers. TaylorMade likes to innovate and release new models with each performance improvement. This can overwhelm some consumers, but TaylorMade fans appreciate their drive to make better equipment.
The TaylorMade M1 Driver Review outlined the improvements made from the R series to the M series. The M2 has the carbon fiber crown from the M1, which allows the head weight to be shifted lower for higher launch and the newly designed Speed Pocket. What the M2 does not have is the loft/lie shaft adjustment and sliding weight adjustment.
The M2 Carbon Fiber Weave gives the crown a sharp look.
From the TaylorMade M2 website:
MAXIMIZED DISTANCE AND FORGIVENESS
Many golfers see their current fairway wood as their most-trusted club in the bag. With the multi-material construction of M2 – and the addition of a NEW Speed Pocket – we have created our hottest trajectory ever in this category. It’s time to find a new favorite with this product. Players seeking exceptional distance and playability from their fairway wood will find the M2 fairway to go farther and straighter than what they have in their bag today.
M2 – I AM DISTANCE AND FORGIVENESS
M2 is built with a multi-material construction – the same as M1 – that features an ultra-light, ultra-thin and high-strength Carbon Composite Crown; unlocking exceptional distance and forgiveness for more golfers.TaylorMade M2 Website
As will many sports, that use technology to improve equipment, there is a trickle-down effect. Features from the last innovation become common on the next version of the lower cost items. In mountain biking, disk brakes once were a feature only on top-of-the-line bikes. Now they are common to all but the lowest level models. The same applies to golf innovation. The features below, which were introduced on the M1, are now part of the system for lower cost models. TaylorMade will keep the features going forward until further improvements make them obsolete.
Key Technologies:
- Carbon Composite Crown – shifts weight low for optimal launch and spin conditions
- NEW Speed Pocket – the Open Channel Speed Pocket promotes a larger sweet spot and reduced spin for more distance. More often.
- Best-In-Class Sound – Combination of fluted hosel and internal acoustics engineering manages vibrations and pitches to product a solid, hot, and crisp sound that offers tremendous feedback at impact
- Available stock with TaylorMade REAX shaft 65g (X-Stiff, Stiff), 55g (Regular, Senior) & 45g (Ladies)
- Available Lofts: 3 (15º) , 3-HL (16.5º), 5 (18º), 5HL (21º), & 7HL (24º)
TaylorMade M2 Website
The contrast of the dark gray face to the white crown allows easy alignment of the face.
Specifications
Fairway Number Loft LH Lie Volume Length SW ---------- ------ ---- --- --- ------ ------ -- M2 Fairway 3 15 Yes 60 156cc 43.25 D3 M2 Fairway 3HL 16.5 Yes 60 156cc 43.25 D3 M2 Fairway 5 18 Yes 60.5 142cc 42.25 D3 M2 Fairway 5HL 21 No 60.5 143cc 42.25 D3 M2 Fairway 7HL 24 No 61 133cc 41.25 D3 M2 Women's 3HL 16.5 No 60 156cc 42.25 C9 M2 Women's 5HL 21 No 60.5 143cc 42.25 C9 M2 Women's 7HL 24 No 61 133cc 42.25 C9
Shafts
TaylorMade REAX 65 – X S R
TaylorMade REAX 55 – M
TaylorMade REAX 45 – L
TaylorMade REAX 65 Regular Shaft.
Grips
TM Arrow – 46.5g .620 Ribbed
TM Winn Women’s Performance – 37g BLK/WHT
Standard TaylorMade Grip.
There are also junior versions of the driver and fairways.
Test Specifications
For this test, I received the standard 3W with TaylorMade REAX 65 shaft in regular. The grip was also standard, so it felt a bit small for me. I use at least three additional wraps with my grips depending on the size, as I have long fingers.
Esthetics
TaylorMade kept the same sleek look for the M2 as they had with the M1. The contrast of the white front section with the carbon weave rear give the crown a high tech presentation. Aiming the face is easy due to the dark gray face and white top. The bottom of the club also has a race car look. Apart from the Speed Pocket, I’m not sure if the other grooves and indentations do anything other than for looks.
The Speed Pocket is wider than the Aeroburner with a bit more curve in relation to the face. TaylorMade indicates this is an improvement and provides a larger sweet spot. The M1 fairway had sliding weights, so the channel the Speed Pocket made is wider and deeper.
As with the M1, I’m not a fan of the headcover look and feel. It doesn’t go onto the head easily and looks cheap compared to their previous models that had a sock that protected the shaft.
The grip is a standard TaylorMade grip, but this one came with a rib that runs down the length underneath. I like that feature because it gives your hands a good reference point when gripping the club.
Performance
Like all mid-handicap players, I’m not terrific off the deck with a three wood. Off the tee, I can launch a good three wood, but hesitate to use one off a fairway lie unless it is pristine. The M2 does a good job off turf. The Speed Pocket interacts with grass better than you would expect by looking at it. I think it has to do with being recessed from the leading edge that acts like bounce on an iron.
I did not try it out of the rough because frankly, that is not a shot that I can do. I tend to hit low burners or even a heavy dribbler if I try. More skilled players may be able to make that shot.
High Tech look of the M2 sole.
I got the regular shaft to see if was similar to my lighter stiff shafts. I did notice a bit more whippy feeling on the downswing. I think in retrospect I should have gone with a stiff shaft. My driver swing speed is on the border for regular and stiff and I usually err on the stiff side.
Good hits off the face launch well, but are missing the feeling of acceleration I got with the M1 driver. It is probably due to the smaller head. The sound is less muted than the M1, but still slightly more dull as compared to an all metal head.
TaylorMade kept the same headcover look as the M1.
Conclusion
Overall, the M2 is a good fairway for a relatively low cost compared to the M1. I really like the M1 adjustability though. I guess that is the engineer in me. Some folks prefer non-adjustable models, which is fine too. The M2 has the same great looks as the M1. You can see the M2 on tour in both PGA and LPGA events. Pros don’t put it in their bag unless it works for them.
If you are a TaylorMade fan and are in need of a new fairway, the M2 is a good option. The M2 retails for $249, which is $50 less than the M1. $249 is a bit higher price than other non-adjustable fairways that are out now. The Aeroburner was $229. Most fairways in the $250 range have some kind of adjustment.
I recommend going to your local store or a Demo Day and try the M2 out. Bring your current fairway as a comparison. That is really the best way to see how the M2 will perform.
I have the M2 3W. When I execute a good swing, it’s terrific. Very powerful and I use it off the tee frequently.
My only issue is that in the few months I have had it, it has taken a considerable beating already. There is discoloration (from black to silver) on the bottom/edge of the clubface. The top of the club is hard to clean as well and has retained some nastiness from when I went to a range with old mats.
The M2 line is incredible and I have been using the set for almost a month now. It has improved my game a bit and they look great if you are the type who considers aesthetics important.