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.
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…
