Our TaylorMade 2017 M2 vs. Ping G driver test took place on the range at Reunion Resort in Orlando.
Conditions on the day were warm at about 24Ëš and very windy.
We would normally use our Anonymous Big Hitter for a test of this nature, but seeing as we were in Florida we had to draft in his American cousin, Randy. Our resident pro James Whitaker was on hand to help us monitor the data on Trackman 4.
TaylorMade 2017 M2 vs. Ping G – The methodology
These are fairly similar drivers as they don’t have sliding weights on the sole.
They both have the majority of the weight placed low and back to add forgiveness.
We think these drivers will appeal to similar players.
The Ping G driver has been very successful on tour and among club golfers – our resident pro James Whitaker said it’s a driver that anyone from a high handicapper to a tour player can use.
The same can be said about the new M2.
When we tested the new M2 alongside the new M1, ABH got along better with the latter.
The Ping G is ABH’s gamer driver. So it looked like the new M2 might have had it’s work cut out.
Lofts on both clubs was 9.5Ëš.
We asked Randy to hit about five shots with each driver and then looked at the data – all very simple stuff really.
When testing drivers the key number we look at is ball speed.
TaylorMade 2017 M2 vs. Ping G – The technology
The Ping G has technology in the crown which is aimed at saving weight and redistributing it lower and deeper.
There’s also turbulator technology on the crown which is aimed at adding clubhead speed.
The M2 uses Carbon on the crown and sole to save weight.
TaylorMade say they have made the speed pocket behind the face a bit bigger to create more ball speed when stick right across the face.
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TaylorMade 2017 M2 vs. Ping G – The results
The Ping G was up first but we’d like to stress that Randy had a good warm up before the test started so he was nice and loose.
There was no real advantage by going first or second.
Randy managed to get ball speeds with the Ping G up to 169mph which is really impressive. We know that 170-172 has been the maximum with all new drivers on the marker for 2017.
With the M2 Randy was able to just nudge the ball speed over 170mph.
Spin rates on both clubs were excellent and in general both were producing really good shots.
The swing speed was a bit faster with the M2 but the actual smash factor was a bit better with the Ping G.
The shaft could be a factor in the faster swing speed – or it could have been that Randy felt able to swing it faster.
But the difference in distance despite a 2mph faster swing was marginal.
TaylorMade 2017 M2 vs. Ping G – The conclusion
The performance of each of these drivers was fantastic. It’s really hard to split them.
Yes, there was a little bit of extra ball speed and distance with the M2 but that was with a slightly faster swing.
From a personal point of view, the looks and sound of the M2 give it the edge.
The M2 has a lovely sound off the face and I think the Ping G sounds a little bit harsh.
However, if I was the owner of a Ping G driver I wouldn’t be looking to swap it for a newer model like the 2017 M2.
The performance of the Ping G is right up there compared to the new drivers on the market.
With that being the case, it will be very interesting to see if Ping’s new drivers (expected at some point later this year) can get ahead of the game.
For more information visit the Ping website or the TaylorMade website.
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