Our TaylorMade M4 irons review took place at the brand’s launch event in Carlsbad with some further testing at the range at Leeds Golf Centre.
Data was gathered using a SkyTrak launch monitor.
TaylorMade M4 irons – First impressions
The TaylorMade M4 irons replace the M2 irons and are larger than the new M3 irons.
Visually, they are very similar to the M2 irons with a fairly chunky top line, plenty of offset and a fair bit of visual technology.
These irons will be right up there with the M CGB irons for distance and forgiveness but the M4 are a slightly more progressive set with a touch more workability in the shorter irons.
[skylab_video id=”134697″]TaylorMade M4 irons YT[/skylab_video]
TaylorMade M4 irons – The technology
As with the new M3 irons the TaylorMade M4 irons feature something called ‘Ribcor’ which work like stability bars to help the impact area flex more for extra speed.
The face thickness has been reduced which also allows for a bit more flex.
TaylorMade say the Ribcor structure also helps to dampen the vibrations for a better sound and feel.
There are face slots for improved speed on off-centre hits and a fluted hosel to allow more weight to be placed lower in the club.
Heel and toe weighting makes the TaylorMade M4 irons more stable than the M2 irons by 24 percent.
“With our new Ribcor technology, the M4 iron unlocks a new level of consistency and accuracy in a product designed to be the longest in our irons lineup,” said Tomo Bystedt, senior director of product creation.
“Combined with our thinnest face (1.5mm), our ultra-thin leading edge, and our thin-walled Speed Pocket, M4 achieve the fastest ball speeds we’ve ever produced in an iron.”
TaylorMade M4 irons – The results
One thing that stuck us straight away was how much better the sound and feel was on the M4 compared to the M2.
We found the M2 irons to be really hollow-sounding and quite loud whereas the TaylorMade M4 irons much more of a solid sound and feel at impact.
This was pleasing to see as the new technology is doing exactly what it is supposed to.
From a numbers point of view, we were impressed with the performance – particularly as they had not been custom-fitted.
I tested the TaylorMade M4 irons using a KBS Max 85 shaft which is certainly not the shaft I would be fitted into.
The ball speed and distance numbers with the 6-iron sample we had were pretty solid and I expect with the right shaft the numbers would be excellent.
The spin was a bit too low which would result in a bit too much roll out on the course.
TaylorMade M4 irons – NCG verdict
The TaylorMade M4 irons are really going to suit players who want maximum distance with their irons.
But they are a bit more refined than the M2 so are a better overall package in our opinion.
The TaylorMade M4 irons launch the ball really high which is why a custom-fitting is essential to get a shaft which controls the flight and spin.
For me personally, I’m looking to launch my irons a bit lower so the shaft really is the key to that.
But the looks sound and feel of the TaylorMade M4 irons are definitely to my liking and I’d have no problem putting them into play out on the course (with the right shaft obviously).
TaylorMade M4 irons details
SRP: £749/£849 (steel/graphite)
Available: 4-LW
On sale: February 16
More information is available on the TaylorMade website.
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