Pros and Cons of the TaylorMade M2 Driver
The Taylor Made M2 is a driver that combines maximum distance with optimal forgiveness. In the past, a manufacturer would have to forgive one of these things when designing a driver. Not the M2. There are manufacturers that offer a multi-material clubhead such as the M2, but not at this price point. The M2, like the M1, has a taller head, which should give it a higher CG (Center of Gravity), but, the CG is actually lower due to the materials of construction and the weight distribution. In this TaylorMade M2 Driver review, we gave it a 4.8 out of 5.
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The M2 looks good, sounds good, and will perform beyond your expectations. It has no adjustment capabilities in the clubhead like its big brother, the M1, but in reality, it does just as well without them. If distance and forgiveness combined is important to you, do yourself a favor and try this club out.
Distance
TaylorMade knows what you want. You want extra distance. And boy do they know how to deliver. Most golf ball manufacturers are giving you the option of a low spin ball even when launched high in the air.
Low spin means a penetrating ball flight that will roll a long way once it hits the ground. Choose the right ball, combine it with M2’s lower CG and a low spin rate imparted on the golf ball, and what you get is out-of-this-world distance.
Factory testing by both mechanical and physical means has confirmed the distance claims from TaylorMade. This club will help you get that distance you have been searching for.
Forgiveness
This is where the TaylorMade M2 differs the most from the M1. Off center hits will not be affected, in the area of ball speed anywhere near as much as the M1. The ICT (Inverted Cone Technology), VFT (Variable Face Thickness) in addition to the Speed Pocket are three things that will help miss hits become less noticeable when it comes to the distance of your drives, as well as the way it feels to hit the club.
ICT is the term used to describe the area surrounding the sweet spot on the inside of the cavity. It’s used by many manufacturers. By forming it in this way, the sweet spot maintains its integrity on off-center hits.
VFT refers to a process used by manufacturers that varies the thickness of the titanium on the club face. What this does is it enables the sweet spot to be thinner and also makes the clubhead lighter, allowing the weight to be transferred elsewhere.
Materials of Construction
The M2 is made of the same materials as the M1. As it is a “Multi-Material Composite Crown”, it is light, thin, and strong. This is the key to what TaylorMade has accomplished with this club. It is, in TaylorMade’s own words, “precision formed”.
The carbon composite crown is actually 12 grams lighter than a similar titanium crown. TaylorMade continues to use the “Inverted Cone Technology” (ICT) surrounding the sweet spot on the inside of the cavity.
Adjustability
The TaylorMade M2 is adjustable only in its loft sleeve. This sleeve allows you to adjust your loft as much as 4 degrees (+/- 2 degrees). This is especially useful when trying to zero in on your optimal launch angle. Once you have purchased this club, take it to a Launch Monitor or Trackman and have a professional help you determine what loft is best suited for you.
Custom fitting options
Start with the grip, order the right size and type. (rubber, cord, half cord) There are countless options here.
Then the shaft length; the standard is 45.75 inches. From a club fitter’s standpoint, if your wrist to floor measurement is close to 32 inches, a standard length is appropriate for you.
Shafts
The M2 comes with a variety of up shafts at no charge. The most common, and the one you will see in stock is the High Launch Fujikura Pro 60. Shafts are difficult to recommend to players. It all comes down to trying them out. There are some shaft manufacturers that will have a demo day, perhaps in conjunction with a club manufacturer.
From my point of view, I would recommend that you buy the one that feels best and keep it until the love affair is over. There are 30+ up shafts available at no charge from TaylorMade.
The M2 comes with a standard swing weight of D3, which is generally good for most players but can be changed as required. Discuss this with a certified club fitter if you want more info on swing weights.
Specifications
Right-handed lofts available: 9.5, 10.5 and High Launch
Left-handed lofts available – 9.5 and 10.5 degrees
Keep in mind that custom fitting options should be done with a certified club fitter. If you are buying this club online, talk with a Taylor Made representative for help in sorting out which options might be best for you.
Acoustics
The acoustics on the M2 are every bit as good as the M1, and perhaps better. The reason I say this is that the cavity is completely enclosed, whereas the cavity on the M1, due to the numerous adjustment positions, is not. This fact may contribute to the precise sharp sound that a well-struck shot hit with the M2 will make.
Optics
The M2 is, from the top, identical to the M1. The M2 and its black and white combination, make it very appealing to look at. Players are commenting on the sharp contrast between the crown and the face.
Pros
In a perfect world, we would love to be able to get the best of both worlds when buying golf clubs. Our wish list would have us search out a club that… gives us extra yards off the tee… is more forgiving on our miss hits… is a great price… looks good… and feels good.
The M2 is all of these things. It’s longer off the tee… it’s forgiving… it is better priced than the M1… and it does look and feel good. Once you’ve gone through the custom fitting procedure, there will be no second-guessing your choice. No need for the adjustments required with the M1. Just grip it and rip it.
Cons
Some players may opt for the M1 for the exact opposite reason that others may opt for the M2. This M2 has no adjustability when it comes to face bias and trajectory. There are not as many loft options as the M1, especially for left-handed golfers.
Consumer ratings
High profile professionals currently using the M2 are; Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose. All three of these players switched after trying the M1. Surprised? What that tells me is that the M2 is every bit as performance oriented as the M1. Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis are both TaylorMade LPGA staff professionals, but it’s unclear whether they have switched full time to the M2.
Is This Club for You?
The M2 is easy to hit, good to look at and sounds solid. All that at a price substantially lower than the TaylorMade M1. What more can you ask for.? In addition, some Tour players are actually choosing it over the M1.
You know that their decision is not based on the monetary savings. There will be many players that will opt for the M1 and its high tech nature, and that is wonderful. But don’t kid yourself. This club may not be high tech, but it will find a place in many players’ bags, whether they be pros, low handicappers or even novice players. The bottom line when it comes to our TaylorMade M2 Driver review is that it will give you added distance and it will be more forgiving; The two most important factors for a great driver.
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