Equipment
12 Important Changes to the 2017 TaylorMade M1 and M2 Drivers
TaylorMade’s 2017 M1 and M2 drivers share the same name as their highly rated predecessors, but they’re very different clubs both inside and out. Here’s a list of 12 important changes TaylorMade made to the 2017 M1 and M2 drivers, which will be in stores Jan. 27, 2017.
1) A Lighter Core
Each of TaylorMade’s 2017 drivers (M1 460, M1 440, M2 and M2 D-Type) use 9-1-1 titanium alloy cores. The lower-density material saves 3 grams of weight from the design, creating a lighter “skeleton” that paved the way for specialized changes to each new driver model.
Before the release of the 2016 M1 and M2 drivers, which were TaylorMade’s first to use carbon fiber crowns to move weight lower and deeper in the club head, the company made its driver crowns from 9-1-1 titanium alloy, so TaylorMade has experience using the material. TaylorMade previously used a higher-density 6-4 titanium alloy to create the skeletons of its original M1 and M2 drivers.
2) Bigger Club Heads
Both the 2017 M1 and M2 drivers use size to their advantage. Their toe sections are recessed, or pushed in, which allowed designers to expand the footprint of the drivers while still complying with the USGA’s maximum allowable club head size of 460 cubic centimeter. The new geometries improved the moment of inertia (MOI) of the club heads to 4420 grams-centimeters squared in the M1 460 and 5020 grams-centimeters squared in the M2.
- The M1’s footprint is 4 percent larger.
- The M2’s footprint is 2 percent larger, and the club face is 7 percent larger.
Essentially, TaylorMade’s 2017 M1 460 driver is as forgiving as the 2016 M2, and the 2017 M2 is the most forgiving driver model in company history, TaylorMade says.
3) More Carbon Fiber
The new M1 uses 43 percent more carbon fiber than its predecessor, expanding the use of the material to the toe section of the club. The carbon fiber crown itself is also 10 percent thinner, and is constructed from six layers of carbon fiber instead of the seven layers that were used to create the 2016 M1 and M2 drivers.
Because of the lighter toe section, TaylorMade was able to move its T-Track, the M1’s sliding weight system, closer to the toe area of the sole where the driver is longer from front to back, enabling the track to be lengthened by 12.7 millimeters. The 19-percent longer track allows golfers to move the sliding weight more rearward, a change that enhances forgiveness and can create a higher launch angle.
The heel-toe sliding weight track is also 7 percent longer than the one employed on the 2016 M1 460 driver, allowing for further draw/fade bias control.
4) FF2FF: A More Refined Crown
TaylorMade’s new carbon fiber crown has a thickness of 0.6 millimeters, lowering the center of gravity (CG) of the drivers, and is more precisely applied to each driver head. Instead of club heads and crowns being manufactured in bulk, each club head and crown is perfectly matched to each other ensure a perfect fit and reduce the amount of adhesive needed to secure the two parts.
The 2016 M1 and M2 drivers had crown thicknesses of 0.7 millimeters, and used several layers of paint to create the black-and-white alignment aid on the top of the driver head. The 2017 models use less paint. It sounds counterintuitive, but reducing the amount of paint makes the crowns less likely to chip. Think about what happens when paint is applied too thickly to a surface.
5) A Heavier Sliding Weight
TaylorMade’s 2017 M1 driver uses a 15-gram weight in its heel-toe weight track, and a 12-gram weight in its front-back weight track. The 12-gram front-back weight is 2.5 grams heavier than the weight used in the original M1 driver, giving golfers more control over launch conditions.
6) A New Loft Sleeve
Both the 2017 M1 and M2 drivers use a new aluminum loft sleeve, which is the same weight as the plastic loft sleeves the company used previously. The switch to aluminum makes the loft sleeves more durable for club fitters, while remaining backwards compatible with previous loft sleeves.
7) A Draw-Biased M2
Discussions TaylorMade had with its retail accounts revealed that a driver model with more draw bias could offer a subset of golfers better performance than the existing M1 and M2 models. For them, TaylorMade designed the M2 D-Type, which is different than the 2017 M2 driver in four ways:
- It has a 1-degree more upright lie angle.
- It has more weight located in the heel portion of the driver head.
- It has a more “forward” hosel, which adds offset to the driver.
- Its carbon fiber crown has a thicker white section that’s curved to make the club face appear square at address.
The combined changes help golfers return the driver to impact in a more closed position than the 2017 M1 460, M1 440 and M2 drivers. According to TaylorMade, the M2 D-Type will launch shots with about 250 rpm more spin and produce 12 yards more draw bias.
8) A Little More Draw Bias for Everyone
The M1 460, M1 440 and M2 drivers have slightly more draw bias than previous models. According to TaylorMade, the 2017 M1 460 and M1 440 offer about 1-2 yards more draw bias. The 2017 M2 offers a few more yards of draw bias than that.
9) A More Active Speed Pocket
The 2017 M2 driver has a more rearward CG that tends to cause drives to fly with excessive spin. To reduce it, TaylorMade made the M2’s Speed Pocket, a slot located on the front of the driver’s sole, three times more flexible than the original model. It also helps improve ball speed on off-center hits, a phenomenon known as “effective MOI.”
10) The M1 440
The M1 440 is designed for golfers who prefer a smaller, more workable driver than the M1 460. It’s said to hit drives with approximately the same launch angle and spin rate as the M1 460, but initial testing proved that it can reduce spin by several hundred rotations per minute.
The smaller size of the M1 440 allowed TaylorMade to increase the weight in the front-back weight track of the driver to 15 grams, making each of its T-Track weights 15 grams.
11) Geocoustic
Like the 2017 M1 460 and M1 440 drivers, the new M2 driver uses a “sunken sole curvature,” which allowed the driver head to be made larger. It also made the toe section of the driver stiffer, allowing engineers to use fewer “ribs” inside the driver head, saving weight from the design. Instead, TaylorMade added ribs to the outside of the driver head, where it could move CG lower and deeper in the club head and improve sound in the process.
12) New Stock Shafts
TaylorMade’s 2017 M1 460 and M1 440 drivers are available with three stock shafts:
- High-Launch: Fujikura XLR8 Pro 56 (A, R, S flexes)
- Mid-Launch: MRC Kuro Kage Silver Dual Core TiNi 60 (R, S, X flexes)
- Low-Launch: Project X HZRDUS Yellow 65 (6.0, 6.5 flexes)
The 2017 M2 and M2 D-Type are available with two different stock shafts:
- M2: Fujikura Pro XLR8 56 (A, R, S, X flexes)
- M2 D-Type: Matrix’ OZIK MFS X5 (A, R S flexes)
All four drivers are can be purchased with 30+ custom shaft options for no added cost. Learn more by visiting TaylorMade’s Custom Shop website.
Available Lofts
- M1 460 (8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degrees)
- M1 440 (8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 degrees),
- M2 and M2 D-Type (9.5, 10.5 and 12)
The M1 460 and M2 drivers are available in lofts of 9.5 and 10.5 degrees for left-handed golfers.
Related
- TaylorMade 2017 M1 Fairway Woods and Hybrids: What you need to know
- TaylorMade 2017 M2 Fairway Woods and Hybrids: What you need to know
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Equipment
A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic
Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.
Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.
We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.
Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).
See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here
Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge
Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.
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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.
See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here
Turning Back the clock
Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.
But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.
For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.
Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.
The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.
The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.
Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter
Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.
Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.
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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.
If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.
Brilliant.
See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here
Stricker’s unrecognizable putter
Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.
Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.
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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates
Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.
Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.
It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.
Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines
Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.
Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.
FitzMagic teams back up
Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.
See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here
And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.
We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!
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Whats in the Bag
Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)
- Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.
Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees @10.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 80 TX
Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Rescue (22 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 6.5 100
Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Tour Rack (50-10 MID, 54-10 MID, 58-10 MID, 60-06 LOW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100, S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron
Grips: Golf Pride MCC Plus4
Check out more in-hand photos of Alejandro Tosti’s WITB in the forums.
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Whats in the Bag
Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)
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Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper (13.5 degrees)
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19 degrees)
Irons: TaylorMade P790 (4-8, PW), TaylorMade P760 (9)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (52-09, 56-10, 60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Prototype
Check out more in-hand photos of Drew Brees’ clubs here.
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Jesse Harris
Oct 29, 2017 at 4:18 pm
I just finished at my fitters , my swing speed is 118-123 mph , hit all the clubs, stock are all set up for an average player, high swing speed are going to produce a slice every driver head was very close, the shaft is what will get you into that 1.5 smash factor and what I found was the m1 and a Fuji speeder x stiff tour , 320 carry with a 1.52 smash factor was the best for me , I loved the feel and sound bombs away
BP
Feb 20, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Will 2017 m1 adapter fit into 2016 m1 head?
BP
Feb 20, 2017 at 12:51 pm
Will the new 2017 m1 adapter fit in to a 2016 m1 head?
Zak Kozuchowski
Feb 20, 2017 at 2:18 pm
Yes.
Square
Dec 9, 2016 at 6:51 am
I liked TM products years ago and then fell out of love during the R11-R1 season. The SLDR was the worst of the worst. Decided to try the M1 for kicks following a layoff after hand surgery. My numbers were sick with the M1. Purchased it last spring and after about 10 sessions at the range, experimenting with different settings and weight setting, I finally dialed it in. Truthfully, it’s the best driver I’ve ever had for me. I’ve hit some really long drives with it, but I like the consistency I get from the M1. I have the m1 3 wood too and it’s a freak show. I’ll give this one a whirl and compare the numbers but I can’t really see how they could make it better.
KK
Dec 8, 2016 at 11:45 pm
M2 having a larger face and being most forgiving TM driver ever is very interesting. But that is likely bad for spin reduction.
Speedy
Dec 8, 2016 at 9:00 pm
I’m dormant toward new ‘n improved claims, not to mention prices. $149 seems fair.
Larry Fox
Dec 8, 2016 at 6:01 pm
I’m still hitting an r5!!!! Whats the big deal!
BS Caller
Dec 8, 2016 at 2:46 pm
Biggest change is that Tiger is on the other end… To me these look like a black and white wing tip shoe….
Et
Dec 8, 2016 at 2:25 am
We live in exciting times
John Krug
Dec 7, 2016 at 7:48 pm
Waiting for the M3.
Buford T Justice
Dec 7, 2016 at 2:05 pm
“The 12-gram front-back weight is 2.5 grams heavier than the 10-gram weight used in the original M1 driver”
Math is hard.
Boobsy McKiss
Dec 8, 2016 at 10:22 am
ROFL good catch.
Smizzly
Dec 7, 2016 at 11:35 am
Golfwrx is in on the scam now…….
Branson Reynolds
Dec 7, 2016 at 10:55 am
Doesn’t matter if they test like crap. GS Hot List is still gonna give them gold medals and 5 stars!
Branson Reynolds
Dec 7, 2016 at 10:53 am
I can’t believe adidas wants to get rid of TM so badly. It’s not like they over-saturate or anything.
TigerArmy
Dec 7, 2016 at 4:38 am
The Taylormade M1 and M2 reviews of Rick Shiels were a complete disaster compared to the 2015/16 models. Mark Crossfield didn’t get any clubs to review for dubious reasons. Taylormade has a lot to explain!
Leon
Dec 7, 2016 at 10:30 am
Hit the nail!! The 2017 M1 and M2 seem sound worse, feel worse, look worse, and perform worse. 12 important changes = a sucker club
Ben
Dec 7, 2016 at 10:41 am
Nothing to explain, Crossfield is unprofessional. About time IMO.
birdy
Dec 7, 2016 at 4:08 pm
how so?
Brian
Dec 7, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Don’t know if it’s the club heads or Rick’s swing changes. I went back and re-watched his M1 reviews and he was getting 5mph more speed (116 vs. 111) with the original M1 model.
I don’t care either way. I have the original M1, which is the best driver I’ve ever hit, and I won’t be changing any time soon.
Cris
Dec 7, 2016 at 2:10 am
Why more draw bias across the spectrum? That’s a poor decision. Leave the draw bias in one of your products only. Gees.
Tim
Dec 7, 2016 at 12:52 am
All kinds of bells and whistles on this new 2017 model…cool, oh but in 2018 it will still be obsolete…and guys that have a 15 handicap will still have a 15 handicap only be $400 lighter in the wallet….
Tony Rich
Dec 7, 2016 at 1:54 am
Agreed…..more draw bias when their clubs already duck hook? Tiger could’ve saved himself 6 strokes in the desert without the pull hook from his TM last week. These guys love to market their new driver…every 3 months.
Ummmm
Dec 7, 2016 at 7:50 am
Are people really still saying this crap?
They haven’t had a new driver in a year and any pro can have any bia they want hotmelted away or added. Tiger hasn’t hit a driver straight in 10 years it’s not the clubs fault.
Try educating yourself so you don’t look like a fool.
Tony Rich
Dec 7, 2016 at 7:47 pm
Ummmmm……go buy one then. You must be the guy who bought the M1 and M2 in 2016. M2, R15, RBZ, they all go the same distance and are just as crooked. Taylor Made should change their name to Waste Ur Pay.
Leon
Dec 7, 2016 at 10:32 am
Totally agreed. The M2 is just so easy to hook or pull the ball. But since 80% guys are fighting the slice, so you will rarely see anyone complain the hook.
Brian
Dec 7, 2016 at 5:04 pm
If you’re hitting duck hooks, you might want to take a lesson or two. Clubs don’t hit duck hooks, swings do.
Boobsy McKiss
Dec 7, 2016 at 12:37 am
Some good looking drivers. Am curious just how much more forgiving the newer M2 is compared with last year, all other things aside.
Jack
Dec 6, 2016 at 9:13 pm
No comments? Maybe cuz the webpage crashes when it’s trying to load. Does that on both my Chrome and Edge browsers. I had to stop the loading right after the text loads.
Frosty
Dec 6, 2016 at 9:45 pm
You should stop using a Windoze PC from 1998 with OS 4. Go make some money and buy yourself a real computer lmao
Rob
Dec 7, 2016 at 9:32 am
Simple fix…go upstairs tell your mom to reset the internet. Unplug…count to 10…plug back in. Then sit back and enjoy the comments!
Frank Gifford
Dec 7, 2016 at 12:51 pm
^^^ LOL ^^^
Ct
Dec 7, 2016 at 3:21 pm
Is the mom hot?