For TaylorMade, 2018 sees a total upgrade on the M range with the new M3 and M4 golf clubs replacing the M1 and M2 from the previous two generations.
With this new range comes a host of new design features most notably TwistFace in the drivers.
The M3 is the brand’s latest adjustable driver designed for the better golfer. Along with the TwistFace technology in the face, the M3 also features an upgraded sliding weight system in the sole that produces impressively low spin numbers regardless of where the two weights are placed. Over and above this the club is also incredibly forgiving thanks to the majority of weight being so low and deep in the clubhead.
Most golfers would choose the M3 over the M4 for the ability to adjust the performance when necessary and the added workability that comes with the design. For the even better player, with a very fast swingspeed and seeking the ultimate in workability, the M3 is available in a more compact 440cc clubhead that produces even lower backspin to allow for improved shot shaping and overall distance.
TaylorMade M3 Driver
Our Assessment
Let’s face it, for a brand that has for many years has prided itself on producing top performing drivers TaylorMade has done it once more with the M3.
And it’s always exciting when TaylorMade launches a totally new driver like the M3 instead of it just being an upgrade on the previous version, as the 2017 M1 was to the 2016 model. The M3 continues the trend of the M1 in the looks department, with an obvious change in colour of the front section.
But underneath the hood you have an entirely different beast, much like when comparing a regular BMW 3-series vehicle to the souped-up M3. Yes, I went there. It’s all these new design features that make the M3 a solid improvement over its predecessor, hence why most of the top players in the world have immediately moved to the latest model.
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $499.00 |
Gender | Mens |
Handicap Range | Low to Mid |
Hand Availability | Right & Left |
Swing Weight | D4 |
Lofts | 8.5° (right handed only), 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° (right handed only) |
Length | 45.5" |
Shaft Type and Name | Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei Blue 60, Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei White 70, Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei Red 50 |
Manufacturer's Website |
Official Video
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TaylorMade M3 Driver Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
At address there are obvious differences between the M3 and the previous M1. The front titanium section of the crown is no longer a smooth white colour, but is now a matte silver and is thinner than the previous section.
This makes the club much more subtle in looks yet stealthier.
The carbon section also looks slightly different thanks to a ridge that drops the carbon crown slightly lower than before giving the whole crown a flatter look.
More lines have been added to the rear end of the crown and the M3 logo is closer to the hosel to be less distracting, although it doesn’t make much difference to be honest.
In terms of whether the different curvature in the face due to TwistFace technology is noticeable, it really isn’t so there is no distraction from that point of view.
Build Quality
Being a totally new model the M3 has taken the most successful features of its predecessor and added new design features that offer an improved overall performance.
The carbon fibre crown piece is lighter than before thanks to it only having five layers instead of six. The saved weight has been transferred to the sole of the club where a Y-Track sliding weight system has replaced the T-Track system from before.
This new system is completely connected and allows the two 11-gram sliding weights to worked closer together in altering the launch, spin and flight bias characteristics of the driver resulting in more precision when fine tuning the driver.
The speed slot in the sole has been replaced by the Hammerhead Slot. This improved version adds more rigidity to the lower part of the face to reduce spin in this area while the reinforced outer slots near the heel and toe allow these areas on the face to be thinner and more flexible increasing ballspeed at impact on these mishits.
The most notable design feature however, is the new TwistFace technology. TaylorMade has taken the regular driver face with its curve that is designed to create a gearing effect on mishits and enhanced the curve angle in certain areas even more.Essentially the loft has been increased in the high toe area and decreased in the low heel section where mishits most commonly occur.
By adjusting the curve angle in these areas the gear effect is further enhanced to reduce sidespin and deliver a consistently straighter and more accurate flight with less loss in distance.
Add to all of this the adjustable hosel sleeve with 12 different loft and lie angle settings that can adjust the loft by up to two degrees either side of the standard loft.
This sleeve also makes it easier to switch shafts, of which there are three different stock options.
There really is quite a lot involved in the M3 driver making it more essential for you to get this club properly custom fitted before purchasing.
Control & Performance
All of these new and improved design features spoken about above certainly do make a positive impact on the control of the club and as such it gives you more confidence to swing hard at the ball and experience more accuracy and distance.
Despite having so much carbon material on the clubhead the M3 still produces quite a sharp and high-pitched feel and sound at impact that isn’t much different to any of the previous models to be honest.
This sharper feel correlates with the high ballspeeds you experience at impact leading to the impressive distance of each drive.
Much like in the previous M1 driver there is such a variety of settings to choose from and this makes the club much more versatile and suitable to a wider range of golfers.
But once again it is important to have this club correctly custom fitted to get the best performance out of it for your individual needs.
Value for Money
Considering the 2017 M1 was the same price as what the M3 sells for I would have to say you are getting much more for your money with this new driver.
From both a looks and performance perspective the M3 is superior and despite being one of the more expensive drivers currently on the market there is plenty of features that make it worth your while if you are a serious golfer looking to maximise your driving ability.