TESTED: TaylorMade M2 hybrids

Cost: $299 each.

Tested by: Steve Keipert, Golf Australia Deputy Editor (GA Handicap, 3.9)

MODEL & SHAFT PLAYED: TaylorMade M2 19° 3-hybrid, fitted with a stiff-flex graphite shaft.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: After a long stretch where I couldn’t find a hybrid I liked, four years ago I bought a 19° TaylorMade RocketBallz 3-hybrid that I loved instantly. However, lately that club has been ‘misbehaving’ so I am curious how the M2 3-hybrid will perform.

The black look is sleek and a true contrast to the white RocketBallz clubhead I’m used to. I like the M2’s face markings, although standing at address they appear a little nearer the heel than the centre. This might be an optical illusion from the address position, though. I alternate between regular- and stiff-flex shafts (in truth, I’m probably suited to something in between) but tend to favour regulars. This hybrid having a stiff-flex shaft doesn’t bother me.

HOW THEY PLAYED: I gave the TaylorMade M2 hybrid a decent practice session then used it a dozen or so times during two rounds. In short, I like the progress the company’s hybrids have made in the four years since I bought mine. The more I used it, the more the club felt like it sat a fraction shut at address – which as you might expect did translate to some strong right-to-left shots. That’s my preferred shape, so it was reassuring to see a ball flight I liked.

There were a couple of ugly shots, but one clean strike in particular flew higher, longer and with more penetration than perhaps any hybrid shot I’ve ever hit. Overall, I sensed real progress in the four years since I first ventured into the hybrid realm.

Perhaps the only criticism I could hand this club was the appearance of the clubface being shut at address, which was something I was able to look beyond.

THE SPECS

SUITABILITY: All golfers.

SHAFTS: TaylorMade’s Reax 75 (stiff), 65 (regular) 55 (senior) or 45 (ladies) is standard.

LOFTS: M2 Rescue is offered in four lofts: 19° (3), 22° (4), 25° (5) and 28° (6). All but the 19° option are also available in right-handed women’s models.

LEFT-HANDED MODELS?: Only in the 3- and 4- models.

TAYLORMADE SAYS: “Born from TaylorMade’s fairway wood DNA, the M2 Rescue is designed to deliver effortless launch and maximum distance from anywhere on the course. The redesigned open channel Speed Pocket creates a large sweet spot for maximised distance and forgiveness with low spin, while the low centre of gravity delivers a hot trajectory for longer, more consistent shots. Aesthetically, the low-profile shaping more closely mirrors the shaping of a fairway wood, leading to a more confidence-inspiring, easy-to-hit product.

“The M2 line utilises our new advanced multi-material construction to break yet another performance barrier, delivering once again the hot trajectory TaylorMade is known for while also providing game-changing forgiveness.

With the entire TaylorMade M2 line of product, we’re delivering golfers what they want and need: distance, trajectory and forgiveness.”

Contact TaylorMade on 1800 700 011 or visit www.taylormadegolf.com.au