Our Titleist TS2 v Ping G400 Max v TaylorMade M4 driver test took place at Rudding Park following launch monitor testing at Woburn.
We used Trackman to gather the data on the day and looked back on our previous reviews of each product.
Titleist TS2 v Ping G400 Max v TaylorMade M4: The methodology
The Ping G400 Max is my current gamer driver. The TaylorMade M4 is my second favourite driver on the market at the moment.
The Titleist TS2 is the new kid on the block promising faster ball speed and more distance.
I think they all appeal more to the ‘grip it and rip it’ players who want to hit the ball far and want maximum forgiveness.
So which is the king of the ‘grip it and rip it’ drivers?
Titleist TS2 v Ping G400 Max v TaylorMade M4: The technology
These three drivers share similarities as they are all weight-back, non-adjustable, forgiving models.
Each has a discretionary weight at the rear of the club.
Each also has a crown made from super-lightweight material in order to allow as much weight at possible to be positioned low and deep.
This promotes high launch, high MOI and forgiveness.
The Ping G400 Max also has turbulators on the crown to reduce drag and help it move faster through the air.
The TS2 and the M4 also have improved aerodynamics to help increase club head speed.
So that’s the lowdown on the test, but how did each driver perform? See the results and James’s verdict on the next page…
Titleist TS2 v Ping G400 Max v TaylorMade M4: The results
Firstly, the Ping G400 Max has been in my bag for a good six months so is very much in the driving seat (pun intended) here.
It’s going to take something special to remove it because I have probably driven the ball better this year than at any point previously.
So I’d be mad to make a switch.
But I’m constantly seduced by new products and feel it’s my duty to use them.
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When looking at the launch monitor numbers we can see that the TS2 has delivered on it’s promise of adding some extra ball speed and distance.
This is a very significant move from Titleist who had previously focused on getting golfers properly dialled in rather than going toe-to-toe with others on pure ball speed and distance.
So we can see a slight jump in speed and distance from the Ping to the TaylorMade then the TaylorMade to the Titleist.
Spin and launch rates are all pretty similar.
And from my experience of using these drivers I’d be hard pushed to say one was more forgiving than the other.
Hitting driver is often about confidence and I think a lot of driver confidence comes from having a good shaft.
I feel comfortable with the three shafts I have used here but the new Project X Smoke shaft in the Titleist TS2 seems to really suit me.
Titleist TS2 v Ping G400 Max v TaylorMade M4: NCG verdict
Looking at the launch monitor numbers alone, it’s a victory for the Titleist TS2.
But I’m yet to be convinced it can help me hit more fairways than the Ping G400 Max.
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I have used the TS2 for a couple of non-competition rounds and have liked what I’ve seen.
But I feel like the set-up of the TS2 is going to allow me to hit my best drives when I’m swinging it well.
I feel like the slightly lighter and softer shaft, along with the confidence-inspiring head, of the Ping G400 Max is going to work for me when I’m not 100 per cent.
The TaylorMade M4 is like a mistress who I’m always going to be tempted by and know I will enjoy.
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But I’m not going to pursue the relationship. I am going to keep her number in my phone.
More information can be found on the Titleist, Ping and TaylorMade websites
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