TaylorMade M3 irons are the latest better player’s distance iron, much like the new P-790 irons from the same brand.
And while the new M3 and M4 drivers have stolen most of the limelight with the introduction of TwistFace technology, the new M3 and M4 irons feature new technology too that makes them much more forgiving.
This technology is called RIBCOR.
For the sake of clarity this review only covers the new M3 irons, which replace the popular M1 irons from 2017 and feature improvements on many of the design elements found in the previous generation.
TaylorMade M3 Irons
Our Assessment
Let me be brutally honest here. I don’t really understand where the M3 irons fit into the latest range of TaylorMade irons considering the brand also launched the P-790 irons at the same time.
Both fulfill a similar role and that is to offer better players more distance and forgiveness without sacrificing the workability. But while the P-790 irons offer all of this in a forged package the M3 irons lack that element of workability and feel.
All this being said, the M3 irons do offer more control in distance and trajectory than the M4 irons making them more attractive to better players. They are also much more affordable than the P-790 irons, but are quite expensive for a set of cast, distance clubs.
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $1000.00 |
Gender | Mens |
Handicap Range | Low to Mid |
Hand Availability | Right & Left |
Swing Weight | Steel – D2-D4.5, Graphite – C9-D3 |
Lofts | 18°-55° |
Length | 38.75-35.25” |
Shaft Type and Name | Steel – True Temper XP100, Graphite – Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei Blue |
Manufacturer's Website |
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TaylorMade M3 Irons Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
At address the M3 irons sits perfectly in between the look of the M4 game improvement irons and the P790 player’s distance blades. It is slightly more compact than the M4 irons with a similar topline and less offset to help with adding workability.
The sole is slightly thinner than the M4 irons too, but still features the speed pocket to improve the feel and performance on shots hit low on the face.
Build Quality
TaylorMade M3 irons are built using the same quality materials found in the M4 game improvement irons, but also include tungsten in their design to further enhance the performance for the better player.
They also feature the RIBCOR technology and the fluted hosel, however, these two elements have been slightly adjusted to offer a slightly different look and feel, which is a bit softer and more desired by players who prefer the feel of a forged iron but need the distance from the other materials that offer this.
Control & Performance
As mentioned before it’s the RIBCOR technology that is the big talking point of the M3 and M4 irons. In the M3 irons this structure is slightly larger and more visible and this is to spread the weight more evenly across the top of the hitting area.
This allows for more forgiveness and workability at the same time. It also, like in the M4 irons, really helps to reduce unwanted vibrations on mishits.
To add even more mass to the sole area of the clubhead TaylorMade uses tungsten in the M3 irons.
It is heavier than stainless steel and is strategically placed in each clubhead to make sure the CG is in the right position to launch the ball higher with less spin on long irons and offer more spin and a penetrating launch on the lower, scoring irons.
The hosel features the fluted technology to reduce weight in this area, but in the M3 irons this fluted system is only used on half of the hosel and is not visible at address to reduce distraction.
Again, much like the M4 irons, the M3 clubs have lower than traditional lofts to increase distance.
The overall design of the clubhead allows for these lower lofts and still provides a high launch with great spin when needed for that added distance and some workability in the scoring irons.
Value for Money
I’m on the fence here to be honest.
The M3 irons are a bit more affordable than the P-790 irons as said before, however, you can get a similar performing set of irons from many other brands for less or the same price and they are forged.
But from a performance perspective these irons do offer great distance and control for those lower handicappers who battle with slower swingspeeds.