Drivers

Hands-On With TaylorMade M1 – Does it Live Up To The Hype?

BY Tony Covey
Sep 9th 2015
Read all comments

Support our Mission. We independently test each product we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Last night we brought you the official launch presentation for TaylorMade’s new M1 metalwoods and PSi irons. Today we’re going to dig a little deeper. The MGS Team has a fitting scheduled this morning, which will give us our first opportunity to test the product.

Good or bad, we’ll absolutely be sharing our initial impressions.

Following our range session we’ll be sitting down with members of TaylorMade’s R&D Team.

If there’s something you would like to know about M1, PSi, or anything else TaylorMade, let us know and we’ll do our best to get you the answers.

Live Coverage

For You

News

Apr 15, 2024

We’re Witnessing Greatness With Scheffler’s Dominance

Golf Accessories

Apr 15, 2024

Temu Finds: Saplize Putting Suite

Partner Content

Apr 15, 2024

Five Hidden Gem UK and Ireland Golf Tours

Tony Covey

Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.

Tony Covey

Vokey WedgeWorks Low Bounce K Grind Wedge

Apr 16, 2024 | 6 Comments

TaylorMade Heads Back to the Future with New BRNR Mini Driver Copper

Apr 5, 2024 | 6 Comments

How to Keep High Scores Off Your Card

Mar 26, 2024 | 2 Comments

How Amateur Golfers Fare on the 17th at TPC Sawgrass

Mar 14, 2024 | 5 Comments

Tony Covey

Driver Titleist TSi3	3-Wood Titleist TSi2 13.5°
5-Wood Titleist TSi2 18°	7-Wood Titleist TSi2 21°
Irons (5-9) PXG 0311 GEN5 T	Wedges Vokey SM9 (46° F, 50° F, 54° D, 60° T)
Putter PXG Blackbird	Ball Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash

Tony Covey

comments

Join The Discussion

Mel143

9 years ago

Relating to an earlier comment, if a golf review website really wants to break out, it’ll put all of these clubs on an Iron Byron and a monitor, continuously post and compile the results in an easily consumable format, and cut the marketing hype out of the conversation.

Of course feel, sound, look and brand preference have a place in the discussion. But that subjective discussion should start with hard numbers off from objective machines.

Of course the breakthrough website that does this will initially lose some ad revenue from the club manufacturers. But imagine the upside when that website becomes THE go-to resource for the all golfers. Golfers and non-manufacturer sponsors worldwide will make that website owner very wealthy.

tony

8 years ago

Couldn’t agree more. No one accepts such subjectivity in car reviews etc. Reading reviews of the m1 it seems that adjusting the cg track doesn’t make as much difference as claimed and basically it seems these tracks are a fitting aid that are unlikely to be changed much once fitted, barring major swing changes. I would certainly subscribe to reviews as you suggest

Jtparker

8 years ago

I own the G30, g30ls, and the m1. I believe the G30LS is consistently the longest but the M1 may have a little more potential when caught flush at least with my swing speed. Not are low spin drivers so I set the loft high and have lighter shafts.

jaye

9 years ago

I cant wait for everyone to test it it just stays in the air for an eternity the feel is amazing it sits so square at address just looks like it wants to be hit hard and long.

dave

9 years ago

“Stays in the air for an eternity”? Such marketing hype-BS or I guess you lose ever ball you hit with this driver. That would be a bummer.

I bet the hang time is the same +/- no more than 0.5 seconds. If it were any more hang time, the ball would be flying above the optimum trajectory for maximum distance. You can’t argue with physics.

mackdaddy

9 years ago

Maybe some lead weight on an R15 at back in the heel area about where the G30 weight is to raise MOI at about 1/2 the cost? What do you think?

jaye

9 years ago

wouldnt that incress the overall weight of the club slowing your swing down

Andrew

9 years ago

I can’t imagine 3 grams or so slowing your swing down.

jaye

9 years ago

Jason day is claiming an increase in club head speed of 3 miles per hour. That’s from a weight saving 5 grams from the R15. Every little bit of weight counts

mackdaddy

9 years ago

I have a great shaft in my RBZ Stage 2… What sleeve will it take?

Tapio

9 years ago

Just wondering if you could measure CG location places and compare those to other drivers. Thx

Tom Kaufmann

9 years ago

Would really soon like to see a head to head comparison of the new Calloway, Taylormade, Cobra vs G30.

Not sure how you can compensate for shafts, would be interesting to use one premium shaft for all vs each’s stock shaft …..

I like the Iron Byron idea … As there are already so many variables.

J

9 years ago

Someone commented above about Adams and I think TM came out with some of their best stuff soon after the Adams acquisition. The hybrids, some of the iron tech… The Aeroburner looks to be an Adams design as well. I game a 9 degree XTD with a Black Tie and this is by far the lowest spinning, most forgiving driver I have ever hit, fade biased, not the best sound, and not the prettiest, but the numbers quite frankly make the SLDR and R15 look bad though the R15 430 was definitely gameable for me and a big step up from the SLDR. I personally Don’t need all of the sliding customization but truthfully I am a bit smitten with the new Callaway 816 design, I would also be more interested in being able to adjust swing weight via the weight ports but the companies putting out new drivers seem to make it really difficult to get a hold of weights. Another reason I personally try to stay away from TM is that there tour issue stuff bears almost no resemblance to their commercial offerings in feel or performance. Most companies will offer their tour players specific things pulled from general manufacturing that meet certain demands, then maybe tweak or bend, grind or hotmelt to feel and need… TM flat out manufactures some of their tour stuff separately, sometimes with different materials even (irons, wedges). If you have ever had the chance to hit TM tour stuff it really is not even close to off the rack stuff. Ping, Titleist, Cally, Cobra… Not nearly as big a difference.

Matt Wiseley

9 years ago

Can you guys please chart this on the CG chart along with the new King Cobras?
Thank you

Andy UK

9 years ago

Pretty sure they’ll update the CG chart in good time. Until they do though check out MyGolfSpy Instagram feed above and it looks like the M1 is in King Cobra territory???

Wally

9 years ago

With all of the drivers that we have out there testing them really could be very easy. Since “human testers” will have some variance in their swing and probably couldn’t make consistent swings repeatedly for hours on end, why not employ an Iron Byron to do the work. You can dial in the exact club head speed, where to hit it on the face for forgiveness testing, and virtually duplicate any swing. While this is not perfect in the sense that feel wouldn’t be incorporated, it would give the golfers ammunition when going to physically test a driver. The only reason I don’t see this being done is, well I think that we all know the answer!

Rymail00

9 years ago

Hello,

I was hoping you could compare the launch and spin of the M1 vs. SLDR 430?

Thanks!
rymail00

Bob

9 years ago

Come on golf spy let’s see that review on the m1 already a couple video reviews out there

es

9 years ago

seems like there are a lot of shareholders in Adidas as people seem to be upset about release cycles… Who cares…? Everyone releases new things all the time, cell phones, cars, tv’s, new releases every year!!
The people who are upset about the release cycles are upset because of fear of missing out, fear of their toy being old. Much like your kids with iphones. As much as we say we don’t want to keep up most of us kind of do…
You you had the wealth to buy with out blinking would you? I could buy the new phone every year but I don’t because I need to blink and the money could be used elsewhere.
Don’t be upset at TM, if you could, you probably would.

ryebread

9 years ago

It’s popular to bang on TM now. It will be popular to bang on Callaway for the same reasons very soon.

I’m not one to pile on. The M1 to me looks like the best of TM’s sliding weight drivers. The badly need a good release, and it’s good for the golf consumer to have as many good brands viable. That’s what creates competition that does drive whatever innovation is there, and is what drives the prices down. That’s the free market at work.

The question I have that I possibly have overlooked the answer on is whether the weight that moves forwards and backwards is significantly heavier than the weight that moves laterally. If not, then it’s still a significantly forward CG design because at most the “center” of those sliding weights can really be is at the center of the driver (and that’s with the forward and backward weight put all the way back). Translation, it’s going to seemingly be another low MOI release if that forward/back weight isn’t heavier.

Bill

9 years ago

I believe the fwd weight is 15g and the back weight is 10g

Ryebread

9 years ago

Thanks Bill. Another low/forward design it seems. The weight used to make the channel is probably the only thing making a forward “back weight” position more forgiving than the SLDR.

W. B. Neal

9 years ago

Just saw the T/M R15 driver on sale for $299.00. Six months ago it was $499.00. ENOUGH. Why does it seem that technology has a new breakthrough every six months with Taylormade and Callaway?

golfercraig

9 years ago

Is it only golf equipment that causes you to have your period when something new is released, or do you go whining on every corner of the internet when something new comes out and prices drop on the old one?

Chal

9 years ago

I seriously don’t get it either. Who cares that Taylormade is introducing something new. If you haven’t figured out that golf companies are going to release new equipment by now then I don’t know what to tell you. If you are happy with what you bought and it works well for you then who cares what you paid or what someone will pay now. Calllaway and Cobra have done the exact same thing and it isn’t a big deal.

Jerry

9 years ago

Bingo. Who cares. What we all should beat the drum on is moving towards a more quantitative analysis than all this subjective crap. Any one of us could tell what club we play and why its the best whatever but who cares? If GolfSpy could run a truly objective test with an Iron Byron and a FlightScope or whatever and just show what goes farther and straighter that would be nice. No two golfers swing the same, let alone swing like the Byron but at least if we could A/B clubs to some standardized measurement we are slaves to continued conjecture.

Littlest Violin

9 years ago

Part of the reason people are rubbed so raw by the constant launches of the two aforementioned is because it’s BS that you can have 6 new drivers in 2 years come out by a company and you’re telling me that everyone is better than the last? Don’t think so. Just get tired of the BS claims every launch…everything is always “revolutionary”.
To each his own…everyone has their loyalties, some just make more sense than others. #1 on Tour = most money spent. Need to pay lots of money for visibility to appease the Board and shareholders.

Sharkhark

9 years ago

Who cares? I don’t.

MattF

9 years ago

Another TM driver just in time for winter…YAWN.

jaye

9 years ago

wait until you hit it you wont be yawning then its awsome just came back from a retailers day super impressed

udai

9 years ago

TM should look at titleist and ping .. Give few but better offerings with much much better shafts. And leave Adams alone.. Such a poor job with such a nice company.. Shame.

Bob

9 years ago

Then don’t buy taylormade, buy titleist or ping. Taylormade number 1 driver on tour should tell you something

Dave

9 years ago

#1 driver on tour tells you Taylor Made has the #1 budget for tour player endorsements. Does anyone really believe these guys play the best equipment? They go with the best endorsement deal…

Dustin

9 years ago

Jason Day and Dustin Johnson… 2 completely different body types and swings yet they are at or near the top in driving distance. Actions speak louder than words… and endorsement deals. These guys can hit whatever they want yet have been been in the Taylor Made stable for years. The M1 will be a smash for TM if people give it a chance. The sound and feel is incredible, the look is modern and the performance is definitely there. Best driver they have released in years.

Dave

9 years ago

What do you mean “the sound and feel is incredible”? When Taylor Made came out with the SLDR they probably said it had great sound and great feel… I am tired of all the non-quantified superlatives that the golf companies pump out with each product. I want to know – how much longer is this driver than the last – 1 yard or 20 yards? How much does distance fall off when you move 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch from the center of the face. What is the MOI compared to previous models, etc? Data – give us data! Just because Dustin Johnson plays a club does not mean anything. I would love it if all the manufacturers put there money into a pot and it was used to create a larger winners pool for the players and then the players could play whatever equipment they wanted. Then you’d see what equipment is below par. Not sure if Taylor Made would be the #1 driver on the tour anymore… as it is now, they spent their way to the #1 position, but that was their marketing plan…

Dustin

9 years ago

I was at the launch event… it is the real deal.

Ryan

9 years ago

M1 has 28 stock shaft offerings. That seems pretty good to me.

Nardu

9 years ago

I’m a Cobra fan and wondered how they get such a positive response from readers (along with PING and Titleist) but Taylormade don’t.
The impression I get from TM and their frequent releases is that they don’t believe in their own technology and suggests that the R15 9or whatever is current) is inferior, but here’s our next attempt at a good driver.
The last time that I was impressed by TM and their confidence in a product was the Rocketballz line… but then they went and undercut their own product with RBZ Stage 2

Jtparker

8 years ago

Taylormade drivers usually benefit those who strike more down on the ball. It is different from other brands which are more similar. For that reason you either like taylormade or you don’t. I thought the SLDR was a terrible club.

Tony

9 years ago

So they admit low and forward means poor MOI? Kind of contradicts the previous 2yrs of TM marketing

So next year they’ll be back to COG as far back as possible?

Tom

9 years ago

After reading thru all the comments, some are a slight bit interested, but most seem to reflect my issue with TM. Bought a new Slider last summer paid full retail, my first venture to TM. Decided to trade it in this spring only to find out price dropped 150$. My wife is playing Titleist 913 D2 very little price drop. Bottom line got rid of Slider for Titleist 915 D2, never again to return to TM. Just a thought Callsway seems to be duplicating TM mdarketing strategy – take note –

Sharkhark

9 years ago

When exactly did drivers become disposable? You complain about the drop in value in such a short time? Why are you trading in so fast? Take lessons. Keep your driver. Why do you need to buy a driver when new? Buy a Tm driver 6 months after release & you pay a portion of a titleist. Problem solved. Sheesh!

dcorun

9 years ago

Still using my RBZ Stage 2 bonded driver. No need for adjustments. Recently had the good fortune to test the Accra Fx150 shaft thanks to MyGolfSpy and Accra and the RBZ will stay in the bag for quite awhile. It is 10-12 yds longer with this shaft than the stock one and the RBZ is the best driver TM has made IMHO over the past 3-5 yrs. I’ve hit it on a launch monitor at the PGA Superstore and it still holds it’s own against all the new ones. Don’t forget the other company That has new equipment every 6 months. “Don’t Leave Any Yard Behind”. :)

Simon Peter Smart

9 years ago

Doesn’t carbon and titanium seam crack a lot like in the callaway and cleveland 460 comp? Could end up replacing alot of clubs

John

9 years ago

Old technology.. Calloway fusion anyone?

Tom Tryhane

9 years ago

It seems the biggest improvement is the paint job and new name (the M series). Slide this and slide that, same old, same old. Here’s what the public wants; Slot technology (top and bottom from Adams, creating the largest sweet spot on a driver), 2 loft offerings with adjustable hosel (2up and 2 down, and a couple draw bias’s), 4 shafts (M, R, S, X), and NO new offering for one year. There is nothing worst than standing on the tee taking the wrapper off your new TaylorMade driver and the guy next to you asks if you have seen there new offering. Makes you feel like you wasted your money, and nobody like to feel that way. Titleist separates their clubs by at least a year (the last two digits are the year offering) and although their sales are not close to TM, they do get a lot of respect.

Vito S

9 years ago

You are correct. Everyone who hasn’t learned the lesson about Taylormade is either stupid or isn’t paying attention. For every new driver wait 6 months and it’ll be discounted at LEAST $100. Sliders are going for $149.95 brand new, less used on ebay.

Dave

9 years ago

I have heard Taylor Made has warehouses of of new-old drivers. Mark King did not leave Taylor Made in good shape and now his job is to sell the mess he created. He needed to downsize 3-4 years ago, slow down the product intros and focus on the bottom line. Callaway made the same mistake 20 years ago.

Max

9 years ago

1. I like that the one piece of marketing that is getting me is that they tuned the sound.
2. Please, please, please offer stock in different lengths other than 45.5″. I will never buy a brand new off the rack driver over 45″ long. You can spin it like this: “Our tech is so good we are actually able to cut the length down and retain the same distance, all while giving you more control.”

Randy

9 years ago

Been playing a Ping Anser 9.5 for 2 1/2 years. Great driver, when I swing it correctly. I put a spined Aldila NV65 regular flex shaft in,in place of the stock Ping TFC shaft. I have yet to find anything I can hit any better. Its mostly about the shaft,getting the right one for your swing. The Pros have so many options available to them that we don’t have and at no cost to them& that’s why we pay so much for equipment, in our quest to be like them.(not a chance) Find a club maker that is willing to try as many shafts as possible once you find a head you feel comfortable with.$400.00 and $500.00 drivers are ridiculous, I mean really is it going to make that much difference at our levels? (short game,short game,short game)

paul

9 years ago

I have my anser with the ahina. Picked it up as a demo club. The only thing as long I tried has been the g30 LS. Took the G30 on course to demo and it was 30 yards shorter, but closer to fairway center for sure.

Dave S

9 years ago

King guy for all-time- I used a bore-thru orig. King Cobra 9* with a Harrison Green shaft X from 1988 to 1995 and it still is the best driver I ever gamed. Can hardly wait for the intro to hit!!!!

Jim Lee

9 years ago

Why M1? What if the reached M3? That would infringed on Wilson brand.

mcavoy

9 years ago

Don’t worry. They will tire of the “M” designation after the M2.

Gabe

9 years ago

Or, TM will retire the M lineup in 4 weeks,

Bob

9 years ago

M1 was the name of the first metal wood taylormade made and it only came in 12 degrees

Jerry

9 years ago

Has any testing been done that shows any performance benefit to slots and/or “goo-filled” slots? Specifically if against some standard test club, ie “increase of distance/dispersion/spin” etc? Seems to me if I wanted to dampen any rebound or trampoline affect you would stick a cushion behind the face, no? Kind of like padding in a football helmut. Just curious if TM or anyone has figured some opposite principle that works in reverse intuitiveness.

Vito S

9 years ago

I’m so tired of these guys. All these drivers are variation on a theme. They are in a box by the USGA maximums and all the technology to get there was there 5 years ago. It MGS last test there was what, 5 yards difference between the top 5 or 6 at most for the 100MPH swingers and 2 yards for the 90 and below. Hardly worth the test.

And what becomes of this? Now “you got to get fit” because it’s the only way we can make money craze. Bottom line fitting the club to a flawed swing is a band aid at best. Fix your swing and you can almost use any club off the rack.

Hula_Rock

9 years ago

“Fix your swing and you can almost use any club off the rack.”

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER !!!!

paolo italy

9 years ago

wise words lol

David W

9 years ago

Most people will never have a great swing, many aren’t even capable (ever watched Furyk or Gainey swing?) of having a great swing. That doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t get fitted. What most people need to do is have someone tweek their swing so that they get the most out of it and then practice that until it becomes a habit. At that point they should most definitely get fitted. Now, let’s discuss fitting. Going to a retail store and going through a fitting is ok for someone who doesn’t really practice and isn’t trying to get better. Having the correct length, lie, and grip size will make a difference. However, those who truly want to improve and play to their ability should be fitted with shafts also (Mizuno’s shaft fitting is excellent and it’s good for any brand of clubs). Having a shaft that flexes at the correct time and also at the optimal part of the shaft and then releases at the correct time will absolutely make a difference in your golf game.

David W

9 years ago

If you think a pro like McIlroy who has a fantastic golf swing uses clubs off the rack you are nuts. Everything about his clubs has been fitted to him.

Chal

9 years ago

So I am a scratch Handicap. I have played golf for over 30 years. Played Professionally. Get a lot of comments about my swing. I most definitely can not use any club off the rack. That statement could not be further from the truth.

Loz

9 years ago

I’ve also been playing for 30 years and was surprised at your comment. So what did you do when there were no custom fit options, just one model of steel shaft (typically Dynamic Gold in better clubs) in only R or S? Many tour pros in the 80’s, even long hitters, only used S.

I probably played my best golf, 3 hcp in UK, with off the shelf gear, especially the driver. Best I ever owned, in terms of accuracy, was a Callaway War Bird from the mid 90’s. Shame it broke.

I do agree that it makes a difference but all the greats of the last 50-75 years and beyond, did pretty well with essentially the same equipment. Or were they just so much better than the modern generation? It amazes me how many amateurs, especially on sites like this, blame equipment over swing faults.

Chal

9 years ago

I was being fitted for lie at 16. You are talking about adjusting a golf swing to fit a certain club. It can be done but ultimately it won’t work well forever. Can I swing a senior shaft, sure but why. Can you make a 4 degree upright club work if you are 1 flat. Sure but again, why. Buying off the shelf may work and a good player may make those clubs work for a while but ultimately you are changing your swing to fit.

Abomb

9 years ago

I can’t…. I just can’t anymore…

Dennis

9 years ago

I would like to see a test vs some earlier TM Models to see how much they actually improve each year.

mackdaddy

9 years ago

I totally agree!!!

jaye

9 years ago

I hit my Sldr Around the 285-295 m around 320 yards range just tested the M1 was hitting it around 320 around 350 yards on trackman. So if there the gains im getting how could i not game one

Rogers

8 years ago

65 yard DIFFERENCE? ??????? If I top one and hit one solid that’s the only way I’ll get 65 yards come on Mannnnnnnnn it’s comments like this that just make look so silly. I mean I’m pretty sure if you’re driving it 320 to 350 you would be on tour or even the long drive comp can we PLEASE STOP embellishing this stuff PLEASE.

Wally

9 years ago

Really not bashing the drivers looks or even their release. Taylormade is a company that relies on products that keeps them viable and has corporate profits as their goal. I think that all companies at the consumer level do that if anything else, to keep the brand name in the public eye. That said, I’m about a 13 hdcp., my short game and putting is what keeps my hdcp where its at. I don’t think that I have the knowledge let alone the time to figure out all of the adjustments on the new driver. By the time I figure what’s working, another new “gizmo” will be out wanting my money with a promise to give me more distance and close to the hole. Getting closer to the hole and not relying on my mid/long irons so much is my weakness. I currently play a Titleist 913 D2 and hit it fairly well. To those who are good enough to figure out the placement of weights for optimum trajectory maybe this club is for you. For me however, it might do me more harm than good especially if I don’t slide the weights correct and my results are no better or maybe worse than my current driver. In the end, technology sells, but then you look at Cobra King with a clear view of their new driver technology….a hole in the head !! Go figure!

Sharkhark

9 years ago

I like the m1 taylormade driver the adjustments look very intriguing. Appears that right setup is for sure there in the tracks.

Chris Myers

9 years ago

They come out with 1 every month

Frank Knox

9 years ago

What a piece of CRAP !!!

Mark Thompson

9 years ago

Very insightful comment. Amazing analysis of the club, you could be a professional tester!
Not!!!

Chad Mardesen

9 years ago

Slight weight changes, a different slider mechanism and a flashy name. I don’t know if this line will sell as well as the last line, much less save TM, who is in deep financial trouble.

Aaron Thompson

9 years ago

Strange to me that taylormade is reseasing this big deal driver right before winter…another release in the spring as per taylormade’s usual, or just try and build the hype on this one?

David W

9 years ago

Oh they will definitely release one in the Spring, you can count on that.

Bob

9 years ago

It’s not cold and snowy everywhere in the winter and it’s almost summer in the Southern Hemisphere

Frank

9 years ago

Golf season starts in fall in AZ. :)

Frank

9 years ago

Do you say the same thing about cars? “Dang, Ford released a 2016 metallic blue F150 that’s slightly different than 2015 model. What’s next white one? sheesh!”

Guy Crawford

9 years ago

I’ll still take the 2015 My Golf Spy Mostwanted 2015 Driver the Cobra Fly Z!

Owen

9 years ago

I agree

Serge

9 years ago

Fly-Z or G30. See you Owen !:-)

Owen

9 years ago

I am a Ping fan….only irons that I have ever used .went to buy a G30 driver….tried all the major brands….then tried the fly-z. ….as much as I like Ping I could not get over how amazing the fly-z driver was.. I am now a Ping iron fan and a Cobra fly-z wood fan

Raj LP

9 years ago

I have seen members of this forum and multiple other forums asking to see tests of clubs across a lineage of clubs SLDR -> R -> M1 to see what is truly worth picking up. Or if its better to just save money and pick up an older club.

Somehow, no golf club reviewing sites provide this. Is there some fear that doing so would piss the OEMs off if tests show that their newer money makers aren’t worth the upgrade?

Dave

9 years ago

The USGA rules of golf limit the distance a ball can fly and limit the COR and CT of a driver. Perhaps the companies have gotten to the distance limits and there is really nothing substantive to talk about any more???

Phillip Kushman

9 years ago

The champ has arrived

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.