TaylorMade Golf’s “M Family” has been a success over the past few years. They’ve been “makers of the #1 Driver in Golf and the winningest drivers on the PGA TOUR in 2017” with its M1 & M2 drivers and this year, they have introduced new technology into the new M3 and M4 metalwoods, highlighted by the company’s Twist Face technology.
“From the creation of the first metalwood in 1979, TaylorMade has established a legacy of breaking from tradition to reach new thresholds of performance. In 2018, we have once again uncovered a new frontier of driving potential with Twist Face Technology — a radical departure from traditional driver-face design, engineered to correct for inherent human swing tendencies in real-time, giving golfers a tangible competitive advantage.” – Brian Bazzel, Vice President, Product Creation
Re-imagining traditional driver face design, TaylorMade’s Twist Face technology is truly the first of its kind. Twist Face, featured in both the new M3 & M4 drivers, is TaylorMade’s solution to counteract golfers’ most common misses, more specifically, those resulting from the high toe and low heel impacts. To counteract the high-toe miss (a hook), the driver face has been ‘twisted’ open (loft increased & face opened) on the high-toe to help straighten ball flight. Similarly, to counteract the low-heel miss (a slice) the driver face has been twisted closed to de-loft and close the face in the low heel area. Ultimately, TaylorMade’s Twist Face technology delivers a corrective face angle when hit off-center for longer, straighter shots.
M3 Driver
In addition to Twist Face technology, the M3 driver features a new matte silver front section and a raised, aerodynamic five-layer carbon composite crown. With both the 2018 M3 and M4 metalwoods, TaylorMade engineers were able to design thinner and lighter composite panels (the M3 & M4 drivers both feature a 5-layer carbon composite crown) than ever before.
Exclusive to the M3 in both the 460cc & 440cc models is a new intuitive Y-Track adjustability system that allows for CG adjustment of the head to obtain desired, optimal ball flight parameters. The heel to toe track and front to back track on the M3 are connected, allowing all 22 grams (two 11g weights) of moveable mass to be utilized for both the benefit of heel to toe control as well as front to back CG adjustment. The Y-track gives the golfer more precise CG adjustability than ever before with more than 1,000 unique CG configurations — more than double the number of positions in the 2017 M1. Add in TaylorMade’s 12 position, 4-degree ultra-lightweight aluminum Loft Sleeve (back sleeve compatible) and the result is an unparalleled level of personalization.
Hammerhead Slot
The new Hammerhead slot, housed in the sole of the M3 driver, was engineered to work in combination with Twist Face and Inverted Cone technologies to deliver maximum ballspeed across a larger area of the face and thus, resulting in a larger sweet spot. The Hammerhead slot’s design is defined by three design elements; the central Speed Pocket™, the face geometry and the stiffening ribs. By dividing the Speed Pocket into zones, TaylorMade was able to increase its overall length from 82mm to 100mm — a 22% increase.
Additionally, it allowed for the creation of a larger flexible center zone, designed to increase ball speed on low face impacts and drop unwanted backspin. By using the new ribs, engineers were able to decrease the thickness and weight of the face allowing for a more flexible face designed to deliver higher ballspeeds across a larger area of the face.
M3 440
The M3 will also be available in a 440cc model, which utilizes a slightly smaller head, deeper face and 22g of moveable weight, working in unison with all of the same technologies as its larger 460cc counterpart. Both the 460 and 440cc models come equipped with MCA’s popular Tensei CK Red (high launch), Blue (mid launch) or White (low launch) shafts in R, S & X flexes along with a Lamkin UTx cord grip. TaylorMade is once again offering more than two dozen additional premium custom shaft options at no upcharge.
Available for pre-order on February 1 and at retail on February 16 at $499 USD, the M3 460 driver will be offered in 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° & 12° loft options, while LH models will be offered in 9.5° and 10.5° lofts. The M3 440 driver (RH only) will be offered in 9° & 10° loft options.
M3 Fairway, Rescue
The new M3 fairway takes a premium, adjustable fairway to the next level; constructed with a 450 stainless steel body, strong Ni-Co C300 face and new, thinner 5-layer carbon composite crown (same as the M3 & M4 drivers). An improved track system that houses more moveable weight (29 grams compared to 25 in the ’17 M1 fairway) allows for the adjustment for preferred shot shape; from fade to draw, more than ever before.
Similar to the M3 driver, the M3 fairway also utilizes an ultra-thin, ultra-light crown and sole panel. The combination of the composite panels saves up to 8g over a similarly shaped metal fairway. The discretionary weight is placed low and forward into the M3’s clubhead to create driver-like launch conditions (high launch & low spin). The sliding weight track (SWT) on the M3 fairway, first introduced in a TaylorMade fairway with last year’s M1, incorporates a new, smaller Loft Sleeve screw, which allowed for the moveable weight track to move 3.5mm forward, which resulted in the CG moving almost a full millimeter forward too, an 8% change over the ’17 M1.
Photo via GolfTec
The M3 Fairway will be available on February 16, 2018 at $299 USD and offered in 15° (3), 17° (3HL) and 19° (5) loft options while LH models will be offered in 15° (3) and 19° (5) options, equipped with an MCA Tensei Blue shaft in A, R & S flexes (65g) and X flex (75g). All models come equipped with a Lamkin UTx cord grip.
The new M3 Rescue incorporates a moderate sized, Tour-proven and preferred shape first introduced by the ’17 M1 Rescue but with more moveable weight — 30g compared to 27— and a successful sole design that will appeal to players of all ability levels. The crown showcases a whole new look with a premium two tone, matte silver front section and gloss black back body framing the ball beautifully. The sole is engineered with a performance-driven adjustable sliding weight system, allowing golfers the opportunity to not only experience the neutral/fade biases of its predecessor but having more moveable weight for an unparalleled level of personalization in a TaylorMade Rescue.
In addition to the new 30g sliding weight and advanced sole design, the head comes equipped with a 3-degree ultra-lightweight aluminum Loft Sleeve. Premium components again are offered as stock options, with a MCA Tensei Blue hybrid 80g shaft in R, S & X flexes as well as a 70g A flex along with a new Lamkin UTx cord grip.
Available on February 16, 2018 at $249 USD, the M3 Rescue will be offered in 17° (2), 19° (3), 21° (4) and 24° (5) options while LH models will be offered in 19° (3) and 21° (4) options.
M4 Driver
Complementing the M3 driver and its unrivaled personalization is the M4 driver, which differentiates its design by putting an emphasis on unparalleled forgiveness with straight distance. The M4 driver not only utilizes TaylorMade’s most groundbreaking ‘18 technologies (Twist Face & Hammerhead), it also incorporates Geocoustic™ engineering –combining geometry and acoustical engineering to unlock more forgiveness and best-in-class sound.
Geocoustic Technology
Geocoustic technology combines geometry and acoustical engineering to deliver more forgiveness and best-in-class sound. Driver heads with low back centers of gravity typically have low frequencies because they tend to have fairly flat soles. Geocoustic sole shapes allow for a low CG and larger head size, but with a more curved sole which has inherently higher frequencies, leading to better sound and feel. The Geocoustic sole design of the M4 driver freed up discretionary volume that allowed engineers to increase the overall face size and also improved sound and feel.
Availability & Pricing
Available on February 16, 2018 at $429 USD, the M4 driver will be offered in a new 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° & 12° loft options, while LH models are available in 9.5° and 10.5°, each coming equipped with a Fujikura Atmos Red shaft in 6X, 5S, 5R, 5A along with a TM/Lamkin Dual Feel grip. For women, the M4 driver is available in 10.5° & 12° lofts, equipped with a TM-Tuned 45 (L) shaft.
M4 D-Type
In addition to the standard M4 model, TaylorMade is also offering a higher-launching, more draw-biased model, the M4 D-Type (also 460cc). The M4 D-Type (D signifying draw) combines multiple draw-biased design technologies to help players who consistently fight fade-to-slice trajectories find more fairways. In addition to the multi-material construction, Twist Face technology and Hammerhead Speed Pocket, the D-Type is more heel-weighted (41g), has slight offset and uses advanced visual cues to promote a square face at address and a more draw-biased face at impact.
Availability & Pricing
Available on February 16, 2018 at $429 USD, the M4 D-Type driver will be offered in 9.5°, 10.5° & 12° loft options, while LH models will be offered in 9.5° and 10.5° lofts and equipped with Matrix’ Platinum White Tie shaft 55 S,R and 45 A,L, which complements the driver’s draw-biased performance. For women, the M4 D-Type driver is available in 10.5° & 12° lofts, equipped with a Matrix White Tie MSF5 45 g (L) shaft.
M4 Fairway
In the M4 fairway, TaylorMade’s ultimate distance fairway has been made even more forgiving, taking everything learned from the use of multi-material composition, Speed Pocket, Geocoustic Technology and ICT integration to deliver a remarkably high-performing complement to the M4 driver that delivers maximum distance and forgiveness by way of a larger sweet spot and more optimal launch conditions. A new split-weight mass pad separates the weight at the outward extremities of the head to preserve ballspeed on shots hit off-center.
The M4 fairway utilizes a thinner and stronger Ni-Co C300 face along with TaylorMade’s proprietary Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) to increase the higher-COR area of the clubface, thus minimizing ballspeed losses on off-center impacts delivering more distance more often.
In addition to the M4 fairway, TaylorMade is also introducing the M4 Tour fairway, which features a smaller head size (156cc versus 175cc) with a slightly deeper face, designed for better players who prefer a more compact look, lower launch and more workability.
Availability & Pricing
Available on February 16, 2018 at $249 USD, the M4 Fairway will be offered in 15° (3), 16.5° (3HL) & 18° (5), 21° (5HL) and 24° (7HL) loft options, while LH models will be offered in 15° (3), 16.5° (3HL) & 18°(5) lofts, equipped with Fujikura’s Atmos Red 75g 6S, 6R, 5A shaft and a Lamkin Dual Feel grip. The M4 Tour fairway will be available in 15°(3) & new 18° (5) lofts (RH only) and comes equipped with MCA’s Tensei Blue (65g S and 75g X) flexes and Lamkin UTx grip. For women, the M4 fairway is available in 3HL, 5HL & 7HL lofts, equipped with a TM-Tuned 45 (L) shaft and a Winn Dual Feel grip.
M4 Rescue
Completing the M4 metalwood lineup in 2018 is the M4 Rescue. Power and control are the essential ingredients golfers need when playing a hybrid. M4 offers the best of all worlds with key performance technologies working in sync to produce exceptional ball speed and a larger sweet spot for enhanced overall playability.
The low-profile body of the M4 Rescue has a tiered two-tone crown with the same matte silver front and gloss black rear section that showcases the distinctive, widely recognized aesthetics TaylorMade’s M series of product has become known for.
The M4 Rescue features a cut-through Speed Pocket to increase launch and maximize ballspeed on shots hit below center face. Similar to the M4 fairway, a new split-weight mass pad separates the weight at the outward extremities of the head to increase the club’s forgiveness by preserving ballspeed on shots hit off-center. In addition to the added forgiveness, a Geocoustic sole design and a short, fluted hosel work in tandem to optimize sound and feel at impact. The M4 Rescue is designed to help average golfers replace a long iron with higher, longer and more draw-biased performance.
Availability & Pricing
Available on February 16 at $219 USD, the M4 Rescue will be offered in 19° (3), 22° (4), 25° (5) and 28° (6) lofts while LH models will be offered in 19° (3), 22° (4) and 25° (5) lofts and equipped with Fujikura’s Atmos Red shaft 7S, 6R, 5A and a Lamkin Dual Feel grip. For women, the M4 Rescue is available in 22° (4), 25° (5) & 28° (6) lofts, equipped with a TM-Tuned IR 45 (L) shaft and a Winn Dual Feel grip.
Source: Taylormade Golf
