Our TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver review comes from the brand’s product launch in West Palm Beach, Florida.
#taylormadeevent pic.twitter.com/tArcNeJ5W3
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) December 6, 2016
This review is very much on a ‘first hit’ basis with more in-depth testing and comparison videos to come.
After watching a number of product presentations I had the opportunity to hit all of the 2017 TaylorMade products on the range at Ibis Golf and Country Club
TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver review – First impressions
Heading into the launch, this was the new product I was most intrigued about.
The 2016 M2 driver had been such a successful product among club golfers and tour players, I was a bit surprised TaylorMade didn’t stick with the 2016 model for a bit longer.
Finally… New @TaylorMadeTour M woods. 15 out of 18 Nike players made the switch to @TaylorMadeTour #TaylorMadeEvent pic.twitter.com/nmn8omD10R
— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) December 6, 2016
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods had just put the 2016 M2 into play so I can’t think of a better advert for the older product than that.
But TaylorMade insist they have made a number of improvements in the 2017 M2 and have also introduced a draw-biassed M2 D-Type driver.
Now this does make sense as there will be thousands of golfers who want to get the ball speed benefits of the M2 but really need that draw-bias to stay off the right side (for right-handed players) of the course.
The crown on the 2017 M2 looks very similar to the original model but there are some noticeable differences on the sole…
TaylorMade 2017 M2 driver review – 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 review – The results/NCG verdict
I love the looks of the 2017 M2 driver and it did fill me with plenty of confidence.
In terms of the performance, I did struggle to keep the spin rates down which cost me a fair bit of distance.
These are very much to do with my own technique issues but with the 2017 M1 driver my spin was much lower and I was getting more carry and overall distance.
With the M1 my spin averaged just over 2,000 rpm and my ball speed was over 140mph and my distance was up to 250 yards.
My average spin with the M2 was 0ver 3,000 rpm.
My performance was better with the M2 D-type driver as I found it much easier to get the ball onto the left side of the fairway.
Out of the two, I’d go for the D-Type driver as it doesn’t really look like your typical draw-biassed driver. In fact you can barely notice any difference at all with the regular M2.
So from my own hitting experience, I’d struggle to make a case for someone to switch from the 2016 M2 driver to the 2017 M2 driver.
I’d expect TaylorMade staff players such as Justin Rose and John Rahm to switch into the new product but it’ll be more interesting to see what Woods and McIlroy do.
I think the D-Type driver is a great shout from TaylorMade and am sure it will be very popular among club golfers.
Details
Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5° & 12°
Stock shafts: Regular model – Fujikura Pro XLR8 56, D-Type – Matrix’ OZIK MFS X5 (Plus 30 additional premium custom shaft options at no upcharge)
SRP: £369
In store: January 27, 2017
For more information visit the TaylorMade website HERE