The TaylorMade M5 and M6 fairway woods have been released at the same time as their new drivers.
And while the new big sticks will take most of the early attention we shouldn’t forget that fairway woods are where TaylorMade have really dominated over the past few years.
From memory it started with the RocketBallz models which seemed to fly further and faster than anything on the market.
Then more recently we’ve had the M2 and M4 which comfortably came out on top in our fairway wood tests.
So what’s new with the TaylorMade M5 and M6 fairways and are they going to uphold the trend?
TaylorMade M5 and M6 fairways: First impressions
It’s hard not to get stuck straight into the technology because we’ve got Twist Face added to fairways for the first time.
What is Twist Face? It’s something TaylorMade added in their M3 and M4 drivers last year and aims to reduce the impact of gear effect.
So shots hit out of the heel and toe should fly a bit straighter and further.
The M5 is a super-adjustable model with a movable weight in the sole and an adjustable hosel.
The M6 is simpler version which is a bit larger and more confidence inspiring.
There’s also a D-type version of the M6 which has a bit more loft with a 16˚ 3-wood.
Those after maximum distance and lower spin can go for the Rocket 3-wood in the M5 and M6 which has 14˚.
TaylorMade M5 and M6 fairways: The technology
Let’s clarify why TaylorMade have added twist face to fairways for the first time.
It’s the same theory as the drivers where the face is slightly more open at the toe to avoid that ‘hooky’ miss.
And there’s a bit less loft on the heel for that ‘slicey’ left-to-righter.
They’ve had to tweak it a bit with the fairway woods compared to the drivers but the principle is the same.
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TaylorMade say the exact geometry is slightly different to account for the unique mass properties and impact location patterns in fairway woods compared to drivers.
The M5 fairway features a multi-material head construction with a titanium body, 5-layer carbon composite crown and a movable steel weight.
This is no ordinary movable weight at it’s a whopping 65 grams – more than 30% of the total head weight.
Using titanium and carbon allowed for more discretionary weight which results in a lower CG location and increased adjustability.
There’s + or – 2˚ of adjustability in the loft sleeve.
The M6 has a a re-engineered Speed Pocket to provide even more ball speed on low face impacts.
A new TPU insert has also been added to sit flush with the sole and stop it clogging up with dirt.
The face height of the M6 fairways are visibly taller than M5, creating a more confidence-inspiring look at address with more available impact area on the clubface.
They inspire more confidence whether hitting off a tee or off the deck.
The larger carbon composite crown increases discretionary mass which s concentrated low in the head, lowering CG for a higher launch and more forgiveness.
That’s the lowdown on the technology but which model is going to suit your game? Find out on the next page…
TaylorMade M5 and M6 fairways: The results
It was no surprise at all to see these fairway woods performing so well.
There’s that same explosive ball speed off the face with all three models – especially with the M6.
The M5 is a tad more intimidating at address and doesn’t seem to have the same forgiveness levels at the M6.
But the slightly more compact look, to me, is actually more appealing to hit off the deck than the deeper-faced M6 models.
As a back up to driver off the tee though, I think the M6 is going to take some beating in 2019.
So what’s our verdict on the M5 and M6 fairway woods – and should either of them be going in YOUR bag (if you can afford them, that is)? Find out on the next page…
TaylorMade M5 and M6 fairways: NCG verdict
As with the M5 and M6 drivers, the M5 offering is an all-round more premium package. There’s even different grips and shaft options.
I do expect more tour players to be gravitating towards the M5 models in 2019.
It seems like there had been a fairly even split between M3 and M4 last year with the likes of Paul Casey, Jon Rahm and Dustin Johnson favouring the M4.
I feel like we need to touch on the price but this is not an area I like to dwell on too much as no one is forcing you to buy anything, but £369 for the M5 fairway is quite a big ask.
Prices are going up across the board for a number of reasons. Brands are being forced to innovate and invest in new materials and processes to try and improve on the previous year’s products.
But products which are a couple of years old are far from obsolete so there’s no need to always splash out on the latest model.
If you want the best fairway woods on the market, TaylorMade should be your first port of call.
If you want the best, very latest fairway woods on the market then be prepared for a hit on the wallet.
TaylorMade M5 and M6 fairways details
SRPs:
M5 – £369
M6/D-type – £269
Stock shafts:
M5 – Mitsubishi CK Tensei Orange
M6/D-type – Fujikura’s Atmos Orange
More information can be found on the TaylorMade website.
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