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.
TaylorMade M1 Driver
TaylorMade M1 Driver fuses adjustability, power, and control for personalized, tour-level performance.
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.
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.
TaylorMade M1 Driver
TaylorMade M1 Driver fuses adjustability, power, and control for personalized, tour-level performance.
Is the TaylorMade M1 Driver Worth It?
Absolutely, while the TaylorMade M1 Driver is a great product, there are a few pros and cons that you need to be aware of:
Pros:
Adjustability: The T-Track System and adjustable loft sleeve allow for extensive customization to optimize shot shape, launch, and spin.
Material Innovation: Multi-material construction with carbon and titanium improves weight distribution, stability, and forgiveness.
Performance: Offers excellent distance and control, making it a versatile option for golfers of varying skill levels.
Cons:
Complexity: Adjustability features may require a learning curve for less experienced players.
Sound at Impact: Some users find the sound loud and hollow compared to other drivers.
Marginal Improvements: Performance gains over its predecessor (R15) are modest, making upgrades less compelling for some.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the TaylorMade M1 driver unique compared to other drivers?
The TaylorMade M1 driver is known for its advanced adjustability, featuring a T-Track system that allows golfers to customize loft, weight distribution, and ball flight. It also incorporates a lightweight carbon fiber crown, which lowers the center of gravity for more efficient power transfer and improved performance.
How does the T-Track system work on the M1 driver?
The T-Track system includes two adjustable weights: a front track for controlling draw, fade, or neutral shot shapes, and a back track for modifying launch angle and spin rate. This system provides golfers with a high degree of customization to suit their swing and course conditions.
Is the M1 driver suitable for all skill levels?
The M1 driver is designed for golfers seeking performance optimization through adjustability. While it offers benefits for mid-handicappers and professionals, beginners may find it less forgiving compared to other models like the TaylorMade M2.
What are the differences between the M1 460 and M1 430 models?
The M1 460 features a larger clubhead for more forgiveness and stability, while the M1 430 has a smaller head designed for players who prefer a more compact look and greater workability.
How does the M1 compare to the TaylorMade M2?
The M1 offers more adjustability through its T-Track system, making it ideal for golfers who want to fine-tune their performance. The M2, on the other hand, focuses on forgiveness and ease of use, making it better suited for players who prioritize consistency over customization.
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.
