Our TaylorMade M1 vs. Callaway GBB Epic 3-wood comparions took place on the range at Reunion Resort in Florida, where conditions on the day were warm and windy.
The M1 and GBB Epic drivers have arguably been the headline drivers for the 2017 season with both having plenty of early success on tour, but we wanted to find out how the fairway woods stacked up when put head to head.
TaylorMade M1 vs. Callaway GBB Epic – The methodology
With our Anonymous Big Hitter not allowed to leave the UK, this was a job for his American cousin Randy who had been helping us with testing while over in Orlando for the PGA Show.
Each model had a 15-degree head with a 70-gram stock stiff shaft. Randy hit a number of shots with each club and the results were monitored on Trackman 4 under the watchful eye of our resident pro James Whitaker.
TaylorMade M1 vs. Callaway GBB Epic – The technology
The Callaway GBB Epic features a super-light carbon crown – 78 percent lighter than steel – which allows more weight to be moved to aid stability and easy launch.
Weight-savings have also been made with the M1’s carbon structure which has allowed TaylorMade to improve adjustability with a larger sliding weight and a larger rail on the sole.
TaylorMade M1 vs. Callaway GBB Epic – The results
This was quite a difficult one as different players want different things from their 3-wood.
Some may want to hit it nice and flat off the tee for maximum distance and roll-out while others want to flight it a bit more to attack greens on par 5s or long par 4s.
The ball speed numbers were very similar between these two clubs but the M1 had a bit more spin and to our eye seemed to be producing the better golf shots for Randy.
Carry was also very similar but the overall distance on the Epic was further due to the lower spin rate.
Advertisement
TaylorMade M1 vs. Callaway GBB Epic – NCG verdict
It really depends what you are looking for.
The adjustability of the M1 gives it the edge as it would be possible to dial in a particular shot shape by moving the weight on the sole.
As a distance option off the tee the Epic would certainly do a job for Randy but we do worry about the really low spinning one that goes left.
The looks sound and feel of both clubs is fantastic with the M1 making a softer, sweeter sound and the Epic just feeling really hot off the face and sounding like it has been properly whacked.
As ever, the best way for any player to get the best out of either club is by getting them properly fitted by a pro or expert fitter.
More details can be found on the Callaway and TaylorMade websites.
Driver comparison: Callaway GBB Epic vs. Callaway XR16
Driver comparison: TaylorMade 2017 M2 vs. Ping G
