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TaylorMade M4 Rescue Review

October 2018
TaylorMade M4 Rescue Review

Rescue clubs, more commonly known as hybrids, have undoubtedly been the most significant addition to golf in the past two decades.

By combining the forgiveness of a wood with the control of an iron the long game has become so much easier for all golfers, especially higher handicappers with slower swingspeeds.

TaylorMade has been producing great rescue clubs since the category came about and the latest M4 Rescue is arguably one of the brand’s best game improvement clubs produced in quite some time.

If you struggle with a slice or fade and battle to hit long irons effectively this is a must try club for you.

Taylormade M4 Rescue

Our Assessment 

Excellent. The M4 Rescue offers an incredibly high combination of forgiveness and user friendliness for golfers with higher handicaps and slower swingspeeds. The clubhead is designed to produce a high launch with optimal spin that promotes a forgiving and distance-enhancing draw.

The stock shaft is also lightweight yet firm enough to promote a faster clubhead speed without sacrificing control. This is a truly impressive long iron replacement if you prefer the look of a hybrid at address, and especially off any lie.

Pros

  • The speed pocket in the sole extends across the majority of the clubface to improve forgiveness and strike on extreme mishits.
  • The oversize clubhead ensures a low and deep CG to produce a high launch from impact with the perfect amount of spin.
  • The slight draw bias reduces slices and shots that fade improving accuracy.
  • The Geocoustic design attribute in the sole ensures a solid sound and feel at impact.
  • The two-tone crown design offers a better alignment system at address.

Cons

  • The oversize clubhead is quite chunky and can look a bit too big behind the ball for some golfers.
  • The stock shaft enhances distance by being slightly softer, but it will need to be switched out for golfers with higher swingspeeds.

Key Facts

Features

Details

Launch RRP

$220.00

Gender

Mens & Women's

Handicap Range

Mid to High

Hand Availability

Right & Left Hand

Swing Weight

Men’s – D3, Women’s – C8

Lofts

Men’s – 19°, 22°, 25° (right handed only), 28° (right handed only); Women’s – 22° (right handed only), 25° (right handed only), 28° (right handed only)

Length

Men’s – 39.25-41.75”, Women’s – 38.25-39.25”

Shaft Type and Name

Men’s – Fujikura Atmos Red, Women’s – TaylorMade Tuned 45

Manufacturer's Website

Official Video

Taylormade M4 Rescue Detailed Review

Design & Appearance

The M4 Rescue is big and there’s no beating around the bush when it comes to this. When placed next to the M3 Rescue it is apparent just how oversized and chunky the M4 clubhead is.

While this can be distracting to some, it serves its purpose well in ensuring the club is as forgiving as possible.

The two-tone crown with the grey and black finish helps with alignment at address and the grey section is thinner than the white front section on the M2 Rescue, which the M4 replaces.

The grey also merges better with the black section to make it less distracting.

Build Quality

The M4 Rescue is built with one thing in mind and that is ease of use.

All of the materials and design attributes lean towards making this club as forgiving as possible for golfers with slower swingspeeds and those who battle with a slice or fade.

Features such as the larger Speed Pocket slot in the sole and the fluted hosel help to increase clubhead speed through the downswing to make sure you achieve good distance, while the low and deep CG, light stock shaft and the strategic placement of the internal weights ensure a consistently better flight off of any lie.

Control & Performance

With such an emphasis on forgiveness the TaylorMade M4 Rescue produces a high launch and increased spin to achieve such an easy to hit club.

It is no doubt easier to strike better than a traditional long iron and even the newer long irons found in game improvement sets, and the slight draw bias helps to ensure you can aim at your target with more confidence that you will hit a consistent shot.

When compared to the M3 Rescue designed for the better golfer the M4 Rescue definitely produces a higher launch with more spin and this helps to make it more forgiving, but not necessarily as long for golfers with faster swingpeeds.

Value for Money

To be brutally honest spending over $200 for a club that ultimately replaces an iron from a full set is a bit steep, but when you look at the advantages of the M4 Rescue over a traditional long iron the cost seems less significant and your return on investment is well worth it.

About the author  Jason Mylroie

Been hooked on golf since I was 12 and lived on a golf estate while at school. Began to work in Golf Industry during university and spent a year on the Sunshine Tour as a media operator. Subsequently became deputy editor of Compleat Golfer in South Africa for 5 years, specializing in equipment and travel reviews. After that I became a consultant to a major golf chain, testing and reviewing all equipment. Also a Callaway custom fitter and play off a 2 handicap when actually getting the chance to play!

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