Driver Test: TaylorMade M1 v M2

Golf Monthly Technical Editor Joel Tadman puts the TaylorMade M1 and M2 drivers up against eachother on the GC2 launch monitor to see where the differences in performance lie

Driver test: TaylorMade M1 v M2

The TaylorMade M1 driver is the company's most adjustable driver to date, featuring an adjustable loft sleeve and a T-Track system whereby two sliding weights alter launch, spin and shot shape.

The recently-launched M2 driver replaces the Aeroburner and is designed more for forgiveness thanks to a low and back CG. We put the two drivers head-to-head on the GC2 launch monitor to see where the differences lie.

We tested both drivers in the same loft and the same x-stiff Aldila Rogue shaft. Joel quotes the averages for both club in terms of distance, ball speed and spin but note that it is not the averages displayed on the screen shots of the data - the numbers show the data for the shot selected.

In summary, the M1 achieved marginally more ball speed and carry distance but this will most likely have been down to the quality of the strike rather than performance of the head.

Where the M1 model differs is the ability to alter the shot shape bias - something many golfers should take advantage of to reduce their bad-shot tendencies - it also offered marginally less spin. The M2 felt fractionally more stable at impact although dispersion numbers for the two models was similar - both were accurate on well-struck drives and didn't deviate too far off line on slight mishits.

It's hard to say which model was more controllable. The M1 gives you the opportunity to dial in a straighter, specific ball flight while the M2 has a higher MOI head, therefore offering less resistance to twisting on off-centre hits at impact.

The best way to decide is to try both models out on a reputable launch monitor like Foresight Sports' GC2. Then you can work out if the extra investment required for the M1 is a prudent move.