The TaylorMade M1 Driver is by far one of the most technically advanced and adjustable drivers on the market today. The newest version of this amazing club was released in early 2017, and not only did it receive the highest rating of Gold in the 2017 Golf Digest Hot list, but it also became one of the most recognized clubs used on the tour. Both Jason Day and Dustin John rose to Number 1 and Number 2 in the world using the TaylorMade M1 Driver, while J.B. Holmes led the PGA Tour in driving distance using his M1. The TaylorMade M1 Driver is the embodiment of modern technology and design and is by far one of the most powerful and forgiving drivers on the market today. The TaylorMade M1 Driver is truly an amazing club that is perfect for the low to mid handicap golfer looking to improve their performance when on the tee box.
Key Features
The new TaylorMade M1 Driver now features 43% more carbon than its predecessor. This ultra-thin and ultra-light carbon composite allows for a lower center of gravity placement, which not only helps in improving launch conditions but also produces a very high moment of inertia.
The weight saved in new M1 Driver enabled TaylorMade to build a weight loaded sole and a revamped T-Track System. This new T-Track System is now longer, and its weights are two grams heavier than before. The T-Track System now has a total of 25 grams of adjustable weight available to optimize the flight of the ball. The front track incorporates a 15 gram weight that helps to produce a draw, neutral, or fade bias shot. While the back track has a 10 gram weight that is used to adjust the launch and spin conditions of the ball, either low or high.
The new TaylorMade M1 Driver still has a 460cc club head but looks slightly larger than its predecessor. This not only contributes to increasing the forgiveness of the club, but allowed TaylorMade to move forward the center of gravity. By having a more forward center of gravity the TaylorMade M1 Driver is designed to help maintain a higher ball speed and impact across the face.
Design and Technology
The M1 Driver is by far one of the best drivers made by TaylorMade to date. With a crown crafted out of six-layer carbon composite, and a sole built of 9-1-1 titanium, the TaylorMade M1 Driver is truly an amazing club.
The TaylorMade M1 Driver incorporates the revolutionary T-Track System. This system allows players to personalize their M1 to their own specification helping them create the optimal driver for their swing or condition. The redesigned T-Track system now consists of both a Front and Back Track with a total of 25 grams of adjustable weight. The Front Track weighs 15 grams and helps players optimize the shape of their shots. Players can now move the weight to produces either a draw, neutral or fade biased shot. The Back Track weights 10 grams and helps players change the launch or spin condition of the ball, either high or low. A player with more consistent ball strikes is like to see a greater change in ball flight and performance using the T-Track System.
The TaylorMade M1 Driver also comes with an Adjustable Loft Sleeve that is designed to help players optimize their launch to drive the ball either higher or lower. The TaylorMade M1 Driver provides players with twelve different choices of loft on the hosel. The standard loft can be adjusted two degrees either higher or lower, and can be changed in increments of 0.4, 0.6, and 1 degree.
TaylorMade M1 Driver Review
The TaylorMade 2017 M1 Driver is a highly adjustable and high-performing club that's favored by golfers who want power and forgiveness off the tee.
It comes with a redesigned T-Track System, premium stock shafts, and an ultra-lightweight aluminum loft sleeve with 12 settings, making it highly customizable to each golfer's preferences. The distance and accuracy it provides are truly impressive.
Whether I was looking to crush it down the fairway or finesse a shot around a tricky dogleg, the M1 delivered time and time again.
PROS
- When off center strikes occur, the ball will still have incredible distance
- Very forgiving club and the spin rates are one of the lowest of any driver on the market
- Tons of adjustability, players can choose both launch and shot settings
CONS
- A little economically exensive, the M1 may be out of the budget of some golfers
- Some players may be overwhelmed by all the options and complexity in the adjustability
- On mis-hits the low spin may not provide the distance some players need
Our Experience
We tested the TaylorMade M1 driver extensively and found it to be a solid performer, though not a significant upgrade over the previous R15 model for most golfers.
The M1 has a distinctive look with its white titanium front section and black carbon fiber crown. The carbon fiber saves weight which is repositioned to optimize launch and spin. The matte white finish is easy to keep clean and the black headcover is an improvement over the R15.In terms of performance, the M1 provided slightly more distance than the R15 for us, with a higher launch and lower spin. The dual adjustable weight tracks allow you to fine-tune launchthe and shot shape, but only the extreme settings make a meaningful difference. The middle positions have minimal impact. The M1 is a lower spinning driver overall compared to competitors.
Forgiveness is about average, with ball speed dropping off significantly on off-center hits. The sound at impact is loud and hollow, one of the louder drivers we've tested.
For most golfers, the M1 is not a substantial upgrade over the R15 in terms of performance. The adjustability allows you to optimize your launch conditions, but the differences between settings are small. At $500, the M1 is an expensive driver that doesn't represent a major leap forward in consistency or forgiveness. In summary, the TaylorMade M1 is a solid driver with good looks and customizable performance. But for the average golfer, the improvements over the R15 are modest and may not justify the high price tag. As always, getting properly fitted is crucial to maximizing your performance with any driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Golfer Is the Taylormade 2017 M1 Driver Ideal For?
The ideal golfer for the TaylorMade 2017 M1 driver is one who values club customization, with various shaft options and adjustable settings to match their swing speed and style. It’s perfect for golfers seeking power and performance.
How Does the Adjustable T-Track System on the M1 Driver Work?
Adjusting the M1’s T-track is like tuning a radio for perfect sound. The adjustable weights and customization options let me tweak my shot shape and trajectory for maximum performance. It’s like having a personal golf engineer!
How Does the M1 Driver Compare to Other Drivers in Terms of Distance off the Tee?
Compared to competitors, the M1 Driver offers excellent distance off the tee. Its adjustable technology allows precise customization for optimal performance. After analyzing its performance, I found it to be superior in terms of distance.
What Are the Specific Specifications of the Adjustable 460cc M1 Driver?
So, let’s talk about the adjustable 460cc M1 Driver specifications. It’s got this cool weight adjustment feature for customizing the feel, and a loft adjustment that’s super handy for fine-tuning my shots.
Pros and Cons of the Taylormade 2017 M1 Driver?
Pros of the TaylorMade 2017 M1 driver include its adjustable features for performance and distance. The cons are potential issues with packaging and durability. Overall, the club offers great adjustability and power off the tee.
Conclusion
The TaylorMade M1 Driver is by far one of the best drivers on the market today. With loads of adjustability, full customization, and a modern design the M1 Driver is truly an amazing club. Preferred by the pros it has helped both Jason Day and Dustin Johnson become Number 1 and Number 2 in the world. If you are looking for an great driver, that can take your drives to the next level, then the TaylorMade M1 Driver is the club for you.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
