Were you a fan of the M2 rescue which hit the shelves at the start of 2016?
Avid readers will know that we shared our two pennies’ worth on these clubs a while ago, and were largely impressed, although not beside ourselves with joy either.
We were thus going to take some winning over this time around. Particularly given the striking resemblance between the 2017 version and its predecessor, which didn’t augur well for an enthralling, novel experience.
However, aesthetics is far from the be-all and end-all, so with clear minds and willing hearts, we put our noses to the grindstone to test out the TaylorMade M2 Rescue 2017 hybrids. Two more pennies’ worth of chit-chat lies below…
We reviewed the Taylormade M2 Rescue 2017 as part of our Best Golf Hybrids, see full review here.
If you already own the Taylormade M2 Rescue 2017 please leave your review in the customer review box at the end of this article.
Taylormade M2 2017 Rescue
Our Assessment
Having been a bit underwhelmed by the first edition of the M2 rescue, we felt that 2017’s model made significant, if incremental, improvements which add up to a well-rounded, forgiving hybrid.
Most notable at address is the lower profile of the clubhead, while the enhanced Speed Pocket makes an appreciable difference to ball speeds and distance. The other point to note is that the sound is a bit more solid, and there is a step up in terms of feel and playability too. And for a reasonable price of 200 bucks, it’s likely that these rescue clubs will attract a lot of attention; albeit more likely from mid-handicappers.
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details | |
|---|---|---|
Launch RRP |
| |
Gender | Mens | |
Handicap Range | Low to High | |
Hand Availability | Right & Left Hand | |
Lie | 61° – 62.5° | |
Swing Weight | D3 | |
Lofts | 20° – 45° (3 – PW) | |
Shaft Type and Name | M2 REAX | |
Grip | Taylormade Dual Feel | |
Manufacturer's Website |
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Taylormade M2 2017 Rescue Detailed Review
Build Quality
Like the “old” M2 rescue, the head is all steel, although this time the volume is slightly less (4-6cc). The reason for that is a re-jog of the Geocoustic design, whereby part of the head is sunk deeper into the sole around the toe area.
The result is that the ribs are now on the exterior of the clubhead, which TaylorMade have done in order to enhance the sound at impact.
The M2 2017 rescue also features the fabled Speed Pocket, which is not only longer and slenderer, but also has greater flexibility, with the idea being to generate more ball speed at impact.
If this is one element of the focus on forgiveness, then the other is surely the lower-profile of the face, which sits deeper relative to the ball on the ground, and thus gives off the impression that they are easier to hit.
In a game dominated by the mind, that can be no bad thing!
Another notable tweak has come in the hosel, which now has a shorter flute encompassing 6 indentations, rather than 8.
The science behind that? Effectively if keeps the club stable and squarer when you make contact with the ball, and focuses more energy directly onto it too.
Control & Performance
First and foremost, the biggest plus was the upgrade in terms of sound. The previous M2 was desperately hollow and unsatisfying at impact, and didn’t do justice to shot quality.
This is something TaylorMade have worked on here, and the results bear fruit. It’s still a little bit on the dull side, but credit where it’s due: huge strides have been made.
The work on the Speed Pocket has also paid dividends, as ball speeds were up – especially when we struck it a bit thin with the 19° & 22° rescues.
These clubs are frontrunners in respect of forgiveness, and we found there to be some extra yards available too.
They’ve ramped things up somewhat in terms of feel and workability too, although our take is that top amateurs will still find themselves to be a bit limited so the M1 Rescue would be a better choice for them.
The stock REAX shaft is definitely not suitable for those who generate a lot of clicks in their swing speed, although TaylorMade’s vast pantheon of fitting options should take care of that.
Design & Appearance
In terms of looks, there is some water between the 2017 M2 and the original M2 rescue. The most obvious is the white stepped crown, which is more synonymous with the M driver and woods.
Although in these other club categories, the step differentiates between carbon and steel, whereas in the all-steel M2 2017 rescue, it serves merely as an aesthetically-pleasing colour contrast – or an alignment aid at a push.
The groove lines also span the length of the face, and adopt an intense shade of white which suits the eye.
In terms of the sole, there isn’t a lot in it in terms of change, although the slot is thinner, and the recession around the toe area really stands out. In the bag, it actually looks very good.
On balance, the head is an agreeable shape, which finds that center ground one seeks between fairway wood and iron, and the more slim-line, low-profile look is hard to criticize.
Value for Money
If you’re already in possession of the previous M2 rescue club(s), then we’d say there isn’t enough in the way of game-changing innovation to justify the money involved with upgrading.
However, from the perspective of the rest of you, the M2 2017 makes a strong argument for mid-range golfers who are looking for that added bit of forgiveness.
And to be fair, $200 is a competitive price in today’s market. The fact that we were less enthused by the M2 hybrids than the driver is more a product of the fact that the big dog sets the bar extraordinarily high.
As a simple cost/benefit analysis, and weighing up all the virtues of this rescue, we think it represents decent value.