M1 driver review

Video review: TaylorMade M1 driver

The new TaylorMade M1 driver provided us with a sweet sound, devastating distance and a terrific tinkering T-Track.

Testing the flashy M1 driver out at TaylorMade's launch event in the United States, the club separates itself from others with its eye-catching new "T-Track" system on the sole, which features a "Front Track" as seen on the R15 and a new "Back Track".

The Front Track utilises a 15 gram sliding weight to provide multiple draw, fade and neutral settings, while the Back Track welcomes a 10 gram sliding weight to adjust high, middle and low launch and spin settings. 

Sliding from heel to toe, the Front Track allows players to adjust their draw or fade by up 25 yards, while the Back Track permits up to 300 RPM of backspin and 0.8 degree in launch angle adjustment.

First Look: TaylorMade M1 family

Following our fitting with one of the TaylorMade reps on the range, our best results were obtained with the Front Track weight slightly favouring a draw and the Back Track weight favoured towards the middle.

During our testing session, we improved our average total distance by seven yards to 280 yards, our spin rate had come down by 100 RPM to 2150 RPM and our ball speed was up two miles per hour to 146mph. 

The biggest difference, however, is the acoustics of this club. This is arguably the sweetest sounding driver you will ever experience with its hot and crisp sound - far removed from the "tinny" noise of older models.

Much of this is down to the club's multi-material construction that features a carbon composite crown and strong titanium face.

The carbon composite crown also decreases the club’s weight, allowing designers to move the CG lower, optimising the launch angle and energy transfer for more distance.

In terms of appearance, the M1 will likely divide opinion with its white and black design, although the white certainly fixates your eyes to the left half of the crown.

The black face against the white of the crown also distinguishes the clubhead nicely at setup, and the carbon fibre lattice pattern at the back of the crown looks particularly classy.

For the tinkerers among you, a 12-position loft sleeve provides up to four degrees of loft adjustment, while the brand also offers 25 premium custom shaft options at no extra charge. The stock mid-flight Kuru Kage TiNi 60 is particularly easy to control and felt very balanced throughout the swing. 

Verdict

Sweet sounding, devastating distance and a terrific tinkering T-Track. 

The new TaylorMade M1 driver might set you back a fortune when it hits the shelves on 8 October 2015, but there is little else that can live up to it in today's market given the adjustability on offer. 

This is a power-packed performer that provides all players with precision from the peg. 

Available: 8 October
Clubhead size: 460cc and 430cc
Price: £429
Loft options: M1 460 – 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12. M1 430 – 8.5, 9.5, 10.5
Stock shafts: mid/high-flighted Fujikura Pro 60, mid-flight Kuro Kage Silver TiNi 60, and a lower-flighted Aldila Rogue 70 110 MSI.