Head-to-Head Test: TaylorMade M1 and M2 Drivers By Rick Shiels

http://www.golfwrx.com/364228/head-to-head-test-taylormade-m1-and-m2-drivers/

What do you all think of this comparison?

I had a much less scientific approach but had similar findings that the M2 was pretty much better/same. And if I had to suggest a goto for someone off the shelf between these two without a fitting M2 all day.

Now if you take someone fitted with optimized M1 vs the M2 in same shaft. That would be an interesting test.

I agree with Rick, I hit both at the Trials, I chose the M1 due to the ability to adjust the clubhead to correct my issues, the M2 however was just as long and felt almost the same, the only issue I had was the dispersion, it was a bit erratic (my swing has a lot to do with this), once I warmed up I was hitting both just about the same...for $100 cheaper the M2 is a really good option, plus I cannot stress proper fitting is a must!!!!

I was suprised Rick didn't further include an M1 with the weights dialed in. To show how much or how little of a difference it makes

He should have hit M1 with the weight all the way forward, then all the way back. However, the truth of the matter is most players aren't consistent enough to even notice the 1 degree of launch and 300 rpm of spin difference the track setting will make.

I agree with Rick, I hit both at the Trials, I chose the M1 due to the ability to adjust the clubhead to correct my issues, the M2 however was just as long and felt almost the same, the only issue I had was the dispersion, it was a bit erratic (my swing has a lot to do with this), once I warmed up I was hitting both just about the same...for $100 cheaper the M2 is a really good option, plus I cannot stress proper fitting is a must!!!!

The M2 head appears to be a bit lighter than the M1 so the swing weight of the M2 during the gear trials might have been a bit too light for you. That could easily contribute to the dispersion issues.

He has tests with the weight moved and numbers on some other videos.

Enjoy his stuff.

I think this is a good finding for TMaG: the drivers are the same (so an M2 owner is not getting a second class club) but the M1 owner is paying for, and getting, the ability to fine tune (which as noted above will matter for only a small percentage of golfers).

Mark Crossfield (the other guy) came to the same conclusion.

M2 for me. $100 cheaper! ;)

As for distance:

M1 length = 45.5"

M2 length = 45.75"

I wonder if Mr. Shiels will become active on the boards. I would love to see him test his GC2 against the Flightscope (which seems to just be sitting there in every video). Since it is Camera vs Doppler, I assume there would be no interference.

I think this is a good finding for TMaG: the drivers are the same (so an M2 owner is not getting a second class club) but the M1 owner is paying for, and getting, the ability to fine tune (which as noted above will matter for only a small percentage of golfers).

They are not the same. M2 has a more rearward CG even when M1 is set all the way back. Also M2 higher MOI

All you really have to do is look at the things - they look the same so i would venture to assume they perform similarly. The difference is at the bottom - there is less weight at the bottom of the club on M2 because there are no sliding weight. It make sense that any performance differences are because of that subtle change. Some will swing better with a little more weight - some prefer less.

the biggest difference however is the price.

I think this is a good finding for TMaG: the drivers are the same (so an M2 owner is not getting a second class club) but the M1 owner is paying for, and getting, the ability to fine tune (which as noted above will matter for only a small percentage of golfers).

 

They are not the same. M2 has a more rearward CG even when M1 is set all the way back. Also M2 higher MOI

Are you sure about this? (M2 having a more rearward CG) You are aware that the M2 rear weight is a mere .05 grams? Is there not a pic floating around of a M2 cut in half? You have to wonder how the M1 has 25 grams of moveable weight and the M2 has none, yet they are only 5 grams difference between the two? Where did they put 21 more grams? If the spin is about the same as the M1 (set in the N position on the front/back weight) does this mean that the M2 has a majority of its weight positioned in the same area as the M1 when set at N?

The comparison for the masses is quite good. There was no mention of playing length (or I missed that) and SW. As mentioned, the M2 head is about 5 grams lighter than the M1. Other than he seemed to draw the M2 more and the increased LA of the M1 over the M2 sorta baffled me, as I launch the M2 higher without a doubt.

I agree with Rick, I hit both at the Trials, I chose the M1 due to the ability to adjust the clubhead to correct my issues, the M2 however was just as long and felt almost the same, the only issue I had was the dispersion, it was a bit erratic (my swing has a lot to do with this), once I warmed up I was hitting both just about the same...for $100 cheaper the M2 is a really good option, plus I cannot stress proper fitting is a must!!!!

The few times that the M2 was mentioned, there was plenty of love but in the end no love. (even with one person hitting it 12 yards further with better numbers all around)

Why is that? Because of the ability to make adjustments? Did the GT testers bring home their top pick?

I am a firm believer that the M2 would have been very high up in the final ratings if the head weight was the same as the M1. Apples to Apples

http://www.golfwrx.c...and-m2-drivers/

 

What do you all think of this comparison?

There are two basic driver testing approaches

a) max out the club (adjust loft, weights, shafts,....) to get the max distance

b) keep everything the same between clubs

Both have pluses and minuses. Rick did a B style test here. I am not surprised at getting the same results. The question is can he optimize the m1 a bit more for his swing or not.

The few times that the M2 was mentioned, there was plenty of love but in the end no love. (even with one person hitting it 12 yards further with better numbers all around)

 

Why is that? Because of the ability to make adjustments? Did the GT testers bring home their top pick?

Yes, my perception was that it largely was due to the ability to fine tune the M1 to get more optimal numbers.

And no, we did not get to bring home our winning drivers. Although many of the testers went on and made their own purchases based on the results after they got home.

I am a firm believer that the M2 would have been very high up in the final ratings if the head weight was the same as the M1. Apples to Apples

Interesting question. When I tried them, the weight might have resulted in the M2 being dropped due to more inconsistent results - but even just looking at the better strikes with the M2, the spin/launch combo was still a bit better for me with the M1. Hard to say for sure though as more weight can potentially change the numbers in different ways.

*for most intents and purposes, the same

No. I have posted a CG vs MOI chart in some other threads. I can post it here later when I'm on a computer. They are different. Not gigantically different, but a little

As for distance:

M1 length = 45.5"

M2 length = 45.75"

Shoot having a back and for the apples to apples thread..... BUT.... I am assuming since the Rouge 70 is a stock offering in the M1, I would assume he got 2 M1 rouge 70 shafts and stuck them in the M2 and M1..... would not make sense to have a 45.75 custom M2 shaft in the rouge 70?