You Decide: TaylorMade 2017 Irons – M1 or M2
TaylorMade’s 2017 iron line include the new M1 iron and a redesigned M2 iron. The 2017 M1 iron features a smaller head design for better performance and control in a “players” type iron. The 2017 M2 iron is designed with the majority of golfers in mind, offering distance and forgiveness. A deeper look at each will help you decide which iron is best for you, M1 or M2 irons.
2017 M1 Irons
As briefly mentioned, the 2017 M1 will appeal to the better golfer. The 2017 M1 iron is designed for players looking for the performance and distance of a traditional game improvement iron in a compact head.
The 2017 M1 iron features the same technology as the 2017 M2 iron, including the ultra-forgiving face slot technology, in a more compact head. A few variations help it fall within the better “players” club category of the market. First, the multi-material head features a 15-gram tungsten toe weight which helps lower the center of gravity and improves forgiveness and launch. Another variation is the hosel design. The fluted hosel, which TaylorMade calls the “180 fluted hosel”, only features flutes on the back of the hosel. Therefore, it doesn’t interfere with the look at address.
Altogether, you get the power and performance of a distance iron, like the 2017 M2 iron, in a compact shape. The design provides more workability and distance control that better players demand out of their irons.
Stock Options
- Shaft:
- Steel – True Temper XP 95
- Flex – Regular, Stiff
- Graphite – Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage Silver Series
- Flex – Senior, Regular, Stiff
- Steel – True Temper XP 95
2017 M2 Irons
On the other side of the spectrum is the 2017 M2 iron. One of the biggest differences compared to the prior generation M2 irons is the addition of the Face Slot Technology. The face slots were not placed in the old iron due to CG issues. Face Slots add increased forgiveness, resulting in better distance and height, to the new M2 irons. For example, your off-center hits fly truer and further and can carry and reach the intended target more consistently.
Additionally, TaylorMade redesigns the fluted hosel. The new hosel pattern now has 8 flutes instead of 6 compared to last year’s M2 irons. The flutes are larger and deeper, removing more material. Removing the material saves weight to lower the center of gravity, increase the ease of launch, and improve forgiveness even more. Other improvements include carving out mass from the top line of the club.
The 2017 M2 irons continue the “geocustic” design elements seen in the 2017 M2 fairway wood and hybrid. The geometry of the head and badge on the irons dampens sound and produces softer, solid feel at impact.
Stock Options
- Shaft
- Steel – REAX 88 HL
- Flex – Regular, Stiff
- Graphite – REAX
- Flex – Ladies, Senior, Regular, Stiff
- Steel – REAX 88 HL
Summary: 2017 M1 or M2 Irons
If you prefer a compact head and thin top line but still want distance and forgiveness, the 2017 M1 iron is ideal. The 2017 M2 irons are for golfers looking for major feel, distance, and forgiveness.
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Chris Wadwick
Chris Wadwick has been a Class “A” member of the PGA of America since 2011. He is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Administration. He brings a deep understanding of the inner workings of the golf business, especially club fittings, product knowledge, and visual merchandising, working for Dick’s Sporting Goods for over 7 years and Occoneechee Golf Club for more than three years, prior to that. When he is not in the office, you can always find him at a nearby golf course, attending games at his alma mater, or spending time with his wife and four dogs.