Equipment: TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver v TaylorMade 2016 M2 driver
Our TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver v TaylorMade 2016 M2 driver test took place at the Golf Shack at Moor Allerton in Leeds.
We had already reviewed the 2017 M2 driver on a ‘first hit’ basis at the launch event in Florida but wanted to do a more in-depth comparison.
It was definitely a job for our anonymous big hitter.
Big hitter testing with the new @TaylorMadeTour drivers today… pic.twitter.com/96iodhVBmq
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) December 15, 2016
TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver v TaylorMade 2016 M2 driver – The methodology
We took a 9.5˚ head of both the 2017 M2 driver and 2017 driver and used the same Project X Hzrdus 65 Yellow shaft in each.
Our anonymous big hitter hit a range of shots with both drivers and the data was captured using Trackman.
The test took place under the watchful eye of our resident pro James Whitaker.
On the day, conditions were freezing cold and very foggy.
TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver v TaylorMade 2016 M2 driver – The technology
There’s a sunken area in the toe which allowed TaylorMade to make the 2017 have a larger footprint and inspire more confidence at address.
They have also been able to improve the vibrations inside the head to create a better sound and feel off the face.
A new speed pocket behind the face is more three times more flexible than the in the 2016 M2.
The new lower density 9-1-1 Titanium body and six-layer carbon composite crown allowed for 25g of discretionary mass to be relocated low and back in the sole of the club.
This makes the club forgiving, stable and high-launching.
TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver v TaylorMade 2016 M2 driver – The results
From my own initial testing of the 2017 M2 driver, I found that the spin rates were a bit high which cost me some distance.
This seemed to be the case for our anonymous big hitter as well.
As soon as he switched from the 2016 model to the 2017 model we saw an increase in spin.
But overall there wasn’t a huge amount between the two drivers.
Both myself and James Whitaker noticed a much sweeter sound with the 2017 M2 but we didn’t really see any significant performance gains.
TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver v TaylorMade 2016 M2 driver – NCG Verdict
The 2016 M2 has been a hugely successful driver. With the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods using it – that is a pretty decent stamp of approval.
So when it came to replacing it, TaylorMade had a really tough job. Expectations were very high.
There are some tangible improvements. The look, sound and feel are all better.
At address it inspires more confidence and I like what they have done with the shaping of the white area on the crown.
I just don’t think there is enough improvement in performance to warrant club golfers switching from the 2016 model to the 2017 model.
For anyone looking to get into M2 for the first time, there’s also a new draw-biassed Type-D M2 so a bit more to chose from.
Give the new M2 a hit and see for yourself how it performs.
Details
Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5° & 12°
SRP: £369
In store: January 27, 2017
For more information visit the TaylorMade website HERE
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James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
