Taylormade M3
£479 www.taylormadegolf.com
◆ Lofts: 8.5° / 9.5° / 10.5°/ 12° ◆ Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensi Red / Blue / White
◆ Adjustable hosel: Yes
◆ Loft change: +/- 2°
TECH: Twist Face tech is said to tighten dispersion by up to 11 yards. Hammerhead slot in the sole reinforces the outer portion of the face, meaning it’s lighter and more flexible. Y-track can lower/increase spin, increase forgiveness and/or influence shot shape bias.
WE SAY: Next to an M3, original M1 looks positively agricultural! A carbon crown and two carbon-fibre sole sections mean the M3’s a serious feat of engineering. More so than any driver we’ve tested before the effect of repositioning the sole weights has a bigger impact on ball speed, back spin and carry distance. It means finding the right set-up is crucial. Our pro recorded his longest average carry (274 yards) and his longest single shot (282) with the M3, even though ball speed was a couple of mph slower than the fastest on test. His longest shot came 8mm from the toe and 12mm high on the face, without the sole weights being positioned for max forgiveness; proof how stable and efficient the M3’s slightly smaller footprint (compared to M4) really is.
TOP GEAR VERDICT
The M3’s ability to let decent players dial in launch, trajectory, back spin and forgiveness is unparalleled. At £110 more than an M4, you’ll really need to use the adjustability to warrant the cost though. It’s not just for brilliant golfers, TG Ed Chris Jones was a huge fan; even though he pebble dashed shots across the face.