Almost all of the hype around TaylorMade’s latest range of equipment is about the Twist Face technology in the new M3 and M4 drivers. And while this has left the new M3 fairway wood in the shade slightly, the improvement in the design of this wood over its predecessor has made it a very popular choice for tour players and better amateur golfers.
Just like the new drivers, the name and colour scheme of the M3 fairway wood is reminiscent of a certain performance arm of an automobile brand and this has been noticed by many a golfer. And while those cars are revered for their sporty performance the M3 fairway wood offers plenty of performance on the tee and when attacking long targets with more accuracy too.
TaylorMade M3 Fairway Wood
Our Assessment
The new M3 fairway wood is a seriously impressive golf club for the better golfer. In a club category where accuracy and consistency trumps distance the M3 offers this in heaps and is no slouch in length either.
Sure, the M3 fairway wood doesn’t feature Twist Face technology likes the drivers, but neither does the new M4 fairway wood, and neither of them really require this technology thanks to the rest of the design features that makes them so forgiving and consistent at the same time.
While a lot of the technology and materials used in the M3 fairway wood have been carried through from the previous M1 model, the adjustments to the design and look of the club have produced an overall improvement in performance making it an easy to work fairway wood while being even more forgiving than before.
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $300.00 |
Gender | Mens |
Handicap Range | Low to Mid |
Hand Availability | Right & Left Hand |
Swing Weight | Mens D4 |
Lofts | 15°, 17° (Right Hand only); 19° |
Length | Men’s – 42.25-43.25” |
Shaft Type and Name | Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei Blue 65, Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei Blue 75 |
Manufacturer's Website |
Official Video
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TaylorMade M3 Fairway Wood Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
This is one of the biggest differences from the M1 fairway wood. The crown is now a silver and carbon finish versus the previous white and carbon and I can honestly say I prefer this new crown.
It frames the ball better and is less distracting at address.
The M3 clubhead is slightly more rounded than the M1 and this would normally reduce the workability of the club. However, with the majority of the weight positioned closer to the face this helps to produce a high level of workability while the added mass in the rounded back section improves the MOI and therefore makes the club more forgiving on mishits.
Build Quality
The M3 fairway wood uses the same high strength 450 stainless steel body and Ni-Co alloy face insert as the M1 fairway wood. Why change something that clearly works well.
However, the carbon section of the crown is even lighter than before and is only five layers of carbon as opposed to the seven layers previously. This saved weight has pushed the CG of the club even lower to increase the launch.
Carbon material has also now been used in the sole to allow more weight to be placed in the sliding weight system in the sole. This adjustable weight section is also a few millimetres closer to the face.
The result is a lower CG that is closer to the hitting area and this reduces spin making the correct setting of the adjustable weight that much more crucial.
Control & Performance
As mentioned before the M3 launches the ball higher with less backspin and this allows for more shot shaping for the better player, something which such golfers like to have in their arsenal when it comes to par fours and fives that have a dogleg.
Adjusting the weight in the sole does alter the sidespin and shape of the shot quite considerably and can even assist in straightening out your ballflight if you tend to put too much shape on the shot consistently.
And also as mentioned before the M3 is by no means short when it comes to distance. The higher launch and lower spin ensures a long carry for golfers who can generate good clubhead speed, while those who have a slightly slower swingspeed will benefit from the good roll produced by the lower backspin.
Value for Money
Although this club may seem quite expensive at $300, it offers enough adjustment and is fitted with a premium stock shaft that makes it worth every penny.
Sure, the loft options are minimal, but being able to adjust each clubhead’s loft by up to 4 degrees makes this a multi-functional wood.