2016 Driver Shootout: Callaway Fusion vs 2016 Taylormade M2 - About Even or Is One Superior?

[sfong33]

I know about the big Fusion Driver thread but haven’t come across any direct comparisons between these 2 drivers. Anyone have any experience with these? Both are supposed to be forgiving and can keep up with 2019-2020 offerings. The M2 apparently has the edge in distance but this is just my conclusion based on others opinions, haven’t seen actual launch monitor numbers. I know getting properly fit is key but want to limit this comparison to the stock shafts. Also the 2017 M2 is slightly different, just want a comparison of the 2016 M2 vs the Fusion.

[manima1]

Doubt you find many comparisons - they were kind've meant for (2) different players, so not many out there that would have bagged both.

 

Fusion being the ultra forgiving, high launching option for slower swing speeds. M2 being more of a low-spin bomber depending on how you get it set-up.

 

I can tell you nothing is longer than the M2 can be when you get it fit/set-up properly. Heard good things about the fusion and it's forgiveness, but doubt it's in the same league as the M2 from a distance standpoint.

[Valtiel]

Don't sleep on the Callaway Fusion just because of how it was marketed. There is nothing about it that is inherently a "high launch for slow swing speeds" driver. It is VERY low CG while also being extremely forgiving which will allow a wider range of players to achieve solid launch conditions with the right setup. It basically lives in the same world as the Titleist TS2. You also have the option of mimicking what they did with the "heavy" version by dropping the heavier weight in the rear and playing the club a little shorter (or at the same length if you like the weight). This will bump up the forgiveness even more.

The 2016 M2 will have the potential to be lower spin and a little hotter at the expense of some forgiveness, which is always the trade off.

[sfong33]

Manima1 & Valtiel, thanks for your input. Sounds like I am definitely more of a candidate for the Fusion, need the extra forgiveness and definitely not a long driver of the ball. Guess I got sucked up by Rick Shields and others who rated the M2 very highly.

[enfuego]

As someone who got back into golf in 2017 I can maybe say I saw a few threads popup since then that mention the fusion. Apparently there was a big thread on here, never checked it or didnt see it. On the other hand there are hundreds if not thousands of references to the m2 and how good it is. I found it forgiving although never hit a fusion.

If that's not the type of proof youre looking for then maybe just go count how many m2s vs fusions are still in play at your local course.

[manima1]

Totally agree with everything you've said here! Fusion definitely should launch higher, but I should've been more specific that it was only marketed that way and could actually fit a wide range of golfers.

 

I do think though M2 really shines at higher swing speeds in comparison to the Fusion, which might work for a wider range of golfers.

[MtlJeff]

The 2016 M2 is in the alltime driver Pantheon. It may not fit everyone but those that it did loved it. If i recall the majority of their tour staff used the M2 and that was fairly unexpected.

I would bet if you asked members for a list of top 10 drivers between 2010 and 2020 it would make the majority of lists.

[sfong33]

Yep, that’s why I am looking for one. From what I have read I’m sure the M2 would work for me. Currently using a Ping G30 SFT, do not slice so looking for a more neutral faced head. The Fusion stock shaft offerings seem to be switched out more frequently vs the M2 but I could be wrong. I have always just played stock shafts in the past, I am sure I am leaving yards out there w/o a proper fitting. Should be my next order of business when golf shops reopen.

[sfong33]

[pearsonified]

The Fusion is the goat.

Please keep sleeping on it (for whatever reason you like, such as popularity) so I can keep snatching up great heads for < $100.

[DixieD]

I had both due to the buzz on here, can say for me the fusion won convincingly, I was that disappointed with the M2 I bought another one because I thought it must have been a dud. Nope.

[sfong33]

Thanks for your input. What was it about the M2 that was a dud?

[DixieD]

I have seen it work well for others so obviously a good driver but not for me, hated the harsh feel, would hit one in 10 long but the rest just left me wondering where I had hit it on the face with lots of high right spinners, I just could not get comfortable with it and I really wanted to like it. Loved the M3 though and used it for a season.

Fusion on the other hand is fantastic, great feel, super consistent and plenty long. Inspires confidence as it wants to help you not wreck your round if your slightly off!

[sfong33]

Your experience with both seems to back up what a few others have also stated, Fusion is more forgiving with M2 longer if hit on the screws. Thanks for your follow up reply.

[Optimus-Par]

I echo those that have said forgiveness wins in the Fusion and distance wins in the M2. I had the M2 with a Fuji Pro Tour Spec and it by far was the longest driver I have ever hit (when hit on the screws). I am currently playing the Fusion with an Evenflow Black shaft because I'd rather have a full PW from the fairway or short grass then a 100 yard punch out from under a tree.