TaylorMade – Ultra Golfing

An Honest TaylorMade M4 Driver Review [2022 Edition]

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:21:31 +0000

The first time I tested the M4 driver was in 2018, shortly after its release.

As TaylorMade has launched several drivers since, I thought it would be fun to hit the range again and see how it compares to a newer model. Therefore, I have written a TaylorMade M4 driver review here to determine if it is still a force to be reckoned with.

After introducing you to the features and performance of this driver, I will assess how it compares to the manufacturer’s latest releases. In addition, the analysis will help you decide if the TaylorMade M4 driver is suited to your swing.

For readers looking for a quick summary, here are the highlights/lowlights:

Product Overview

TaylorMade M4 Driver

Highlights:

TaylorMade M4 produces a solid, explosive sound to warn your partners that a bomb is flying down the fairway.
Forgiveness is one of the crucial features of the TaylorMade M4 driver.
By adding an adjustable hosel, TaylorMade allows you to tinker with the loft, angle, and your clubface lie.

Lowlights:

would like them to offer more stock shafts that cater to every swing speed and tempo.

Buy on Amazon

Quick Overview of The TaylorMade M4 Driver

Features

Twist Face Technology

The first stand-out feature of the M4 driver is its new twist face technology. Well, it was fresh back in 2018. The revolutionary new face curvature for that time produced a corrective face angle to combat off-center strikes.

Therefore, striking the ball in the high toe increases the loft of the face. Conversely, if the clubface catches the ball off the low heel, it reduces the apex of your shot. This is done to produce a consistent spin on all drives.

Furthermore, helping you get your ball airborne, the twist face technology resists side spin on heel and toe mishits. As a result, you produce straighter shots for an improved fairway in regulation record.

Excess side spin off the club face causes hooks and slices, which is the fastest way to ruin your hole before it begins.

Speed Pocket

When we miss the center of the driver’s face, we reduce the coefficient of restitution (COR), which slows down our ball speed. The loss of velocity leads to a weaker launch and a loss of distance.

Fortunately, TaylorMade’s engineers employed Speed Pocket technology to boost speed on all shots. Therefore, you enjoy consistent ball flight and distance on all connections.

Speed pocket technology is effective when you catch the ball low off the face. It springs into action and accelerates your ball speed to produce optimal yardage. Without this technology, your driver delivers inadequate spin and velocity for adequate yardage.

Hammerhead Slot

A hammerhead slot is inserted into the driver’s sole to support the outer portions of the slot. That reduces the mass, encouraging a more flexible face through impact. This benefits you on off-center hits, where you need all the ball speed necessary to produce sufficient distance off the tee.

In addition, the increased flexibility of the TaylorMade M4 driver expands the sweet spot for maximum forgiveness. As a result, the wider sweet spot delivers ample ball speed across the face for consistent distance off the tee.

Geocoustic Technology

Geocoustic tech employs sole shaping techniques to deliver superior sound and feel at impact. Therefore, you enjoy the rewarding acoustics of your clubface, striking the ball on every tee shot.

Furthermore, TaylorMade added a recessed sole contour construction to the head, freeing up weight in the clubhead. That enabled the engineers to craft a larger flexible clubface with an enhanced sweet spot. As a result, it delivers maximum forgiveness.

Adjustable Hosel

The M4 driver features an adjustable hosel, enabling golfers to alter their loft by 2 degrees of additional or less loft. Plus, adjustments impact the angle of the clubface.

For example, strengthening the loft by 2 degrees can open your clubface up to 4 degrees. That sets your driver up to deliver a fade bias. Conversely, lowering the loft by 2 degrees closes the club face by 4 degrees. This positions the driver for a draw bias.

In addition, altering the loft impacts the level of backspin RPM you produce at impact. Weakening the loft by 2 degrees can boost your backspin by 400 RPM. That setup prompts a high launch, ideal for slower swingers.

On the contrary, strengthening the loft helps you deliver a low spin off the driver’s face for maximum distance.

To alter the loft, you need a wrench to help you loosen the screws on the sole. Rotate anti-clockwise to slacken the screws, and remove them. Then, slip the head of the shaft. Turn the hosel to achieve your desired loft.

You can follow the video below by Golfbidder for a visual representation of the procedure:

Lofts

TaylorMade crafts the M4 driver in three key loft settings. The lowest lofted design is 9.5-degrees, followed by a 10.5-degree construction. Finally, golfers with a slow driver swing speed should appreciate the 12-degree driver.

Shafts

The only stock shaft available on the M4 is the Fujikura Atmos Red 5. Fujikura constructed this shaft in stiff, regular, and senior flex. Therefore, they are designed for golfers who produce fast, average, and slow club head speed.

Performance

Price

As an older model driver, the M4 is now at a convenient price point for mid and high-handicappers. It has come down by $200 to $300 in price, making it far more attractive to the average golfer than new premium drivers from TaylorMade.

Feel and Sound

Geocoustic technology delivers a solid deafening sound at impact. Exactly the noise you expect to hear from your driver when you crush it out of the sweet spot. In addition, it offers a relatively soft feel as it drowns out vibrations on off-center strikes.

Spin

On average, I generate 2100 RPM of backspin with my driver. When I tested the M4, I averaged 100 mph less than that, clocking in at 2000 RPM. I am satisfied with this level, and it is what I expect to receive from my big stick.

Forgiveness

The M4 delivers exceptional all-around forgiveness, from accelerating ball speed on off-center strikes to minimizing side spin. This support helps you achieve optimal distance and accuracy.

Distance

TaylorMade built the M4 to accelerate ball speed and reduce spin on your drives. My average driving distance is 270-yards, and the M4 produced 274-yards in testing. Therefore, it creates slightly more distance than my regular driver.

What I Like About The TaylorMade M4

Sound

Off the clubface, the TaylorMade M4 produces a solid, explosive sound to warn your partners that a bomb is flying down the fairway. Geocoustic technology helped the engineers execute advanced sole shaping techniques. This means that the clubhead is crafted for optimal sound and feel at impact.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the crucial features of the TaylorMade M4 driver. The presence of a flexible clubface, enlarged sweet spot, and hammerhead slot ensures a forgiving driver.

Its flexible face springs into the ball at impact and accelerates velocity. This prompts a high launching, long flying ball, resulting in exceptional distance. Even when you strike the ball low off the face.

Furthermore, its face curvature construction beats off unwanted spin prompted by off-center strikes. This reduces the risk of you hooking or slicing your drive into trouble.

Low Spin

Low spin off the tee enables you to produce piercing ball flight and prompt optimal forward roll upon landing. When I create excess spin, I balloon my drives and lose distance. The ball shoots into the air and descends rapidly before coming to an abrupt halt.

The beauty of the M4 is that it contains an adjustable hosel. Therefore, you can continuously strengthen the loft of your driver to reduce backspin RPM.

Adjustable Hosel

By adding an adjustable hosel, TaylorMade allows you to tinker with the loft, angle, and your clubface lie. If you are generating excess backspin RPM you can strengthen your driver’s loft to reduce spin. Conversely, you can weaken the loft to encourage additional backspin RPM.

Moreover, the hosel alters the angle of the face. You can set your club up to induce a draw or a fade. Strengthen your loft on the adjustable hosel, and keep your clubface open and ready to prompt a fade shape.

Contrarily, weakening the loft closes the club face by up to 4 degrees, encouraging the club to promote a draw.

This feature is suited to mid and high handicappers still identifying the perfect composition for their swings.

What I Dislike About The TaylorMade M4

Shaft Options

There is little not to like about the TaylorMade M4 driver. It is forgiving, feels superb, and delivers optimal distance on all strikes. However, they are skint on stock shaft options. There is only one brand of stock shaft available.

I would like them to offer more stock shafts that cater to every swing speed and tempo.

Overall Rating and Thoughts

The TaylorMade M4 is an exceptional driver. Although it is a few years older than newer models from the equipment giant, it remains relevant. Like new TaylorMade drivers, the M4 is highly forgiving, reduces spin, and generates rapid ball speed.

Overall, it gives the average golfer everything we need off the tee; and it is at a fraction of its release price. If you are after a highly forgiving, long, and adjustable driver, you should consider the TaylorMade M4 driver.

Overall Rating: 95/100

Related Reading: Since they are a highly reputable manufacturer, TaylorMade’s golf clubs are not found in the bargain bin. However, if the price is everything to you, there are more affordable options. Find your ideal big stick among our 10 best drivers under $200.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

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TaylorMade Stealth Iron Review

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 00:23:57 +0000

TaylorMade Stealth took top spot for the best game-improvement iron in 2022. But why?

There was so much hype surrounding the release of the Stealth line that we couldn’t wait to test them as part of the 2022 MyGolfSpy Most Wanted Game Improvement Iron Test. With TaylorMade having quite a handle on the distance and ball speed game the last few years, we weren’t concerned about yardage and carry on these clubs. What surprised us was the accuracy.

Take a look at why the TaylorMade Stealth irons were named the best game-improvement iron in 2022 and whether you should be giving them a try.

TaylorMade Stealth Iron Details

The TaylorMade Stealth irons are really not as revolutionary as the new release of the TaylorMade Stealth woods. This iron does not feature carbon in the face or anything crazy like that. It’s simply an upgrade from the SIM 2 Max. However, a few things were worth upgrading from the SIM 2 Max. The Stealth iron features a cap-back design with toe-wrap construction. The result is slightly better feel at impact and much more forgiveness. The weight repositioning gives the club a very low center of gravity, higher launch and tons of accuracy—in fact, the best accuracy of all the irons in this category.

TaylorMade isn’t about fixing something that isn’t broken. The Speed Pocket technology made it through another round of R&D and it shows up in the Stealth irons as well. You will find an ECHO Damping System to help take away harsh vibration on missed shots. The Stealth claims to have a forged-like feel compared to other game-improvement style irons.

TaylorMade Stealth irons are designed for mid to high handicappers seeking higher ball flight, explosive ball speeds and plenty of forgiveness.

Pros

New cap-back design for increased forgiveness
Low center of gravity
Speed Pocket technology for increased face flexibility
ECHO Damping System

Cons

Thicker top line
Not all that workable
Still not the longest or the most forgiving of the group

How We Test

The TaylorMade Stealth iron was evaluated as part of the 2022 Most Wanted Game-Improvement Iron Test. A total of 11 products were tested over 180 hours. Ten of these products were new releases and the 11th was the 2021 winner of the MyGolfSpy Most Wanted Game-Improvement Iron Test. A total of 10,560 shots were taken by a wide range of golfers under the same conditions. All shots were recorded using the Foresight GC Quad, known for high levels of accuracy. In addition, all players hit a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball to cut back on outliers and variables. When analyzing game-improvement irons, we looked at distance, accuracy, forgiveness and overall performance.

TaylorMade Stealth Iron Review

Our testing indicated the TaylorMade Stealth is the best game-improvement iron on the market. It performed well throughout our testing but there are some weaknesses to this club. While you will have a hard time finding a better solution regarding accuracy, you may want to look at the test results for distance and forgiveness and pick something that better suits your game.

Distance

TaylorMade continually creates products with excellent ball speed. However, when the Stealth was tested against other game-improvement irons, it scored 88.29/100, good only for fourth place for distance. The overall ball speeds coming off the face were high, the carry distance was far and the launch was high but the total shot was still shorter than the category leaders.

Accuracy

This is the most accurate iron in the category with a total score of 96.78/100. Impressive.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness was the worst result for the TaylorMade Stealth. With a seventh-place finish (83.63/100), this club is in the middle of the pack. Typically we see forgiveness and accuracy a little closer aligned than they were in the Stealth irons. Testers found that dispersion rates were really low but the best performance comes when hitting it near the center of the clubface.

Overall

The total score for the TaylorMade Stealth irons was 97.54/100. The second-place finisher was the Proto Concept C07 with a score of 91.06. Testers were impressed with what the TaylorMade Stealth iron, even if it’s not the longest or the most forgiving.

Tester Feedback

Here is some of the most helpful feedback from our testers about the TaylorMade Stealth irons:

The top-down look was not preferred, Most said it was too bulky and the overall club head felt thick and bulky as well.
Feel and sound were generally considered positive, especially when struck in the center of the face.
For golfers who like a softer feel, it’s worth noting that the TaylorMade Stealth irons are a bit harder at impact.
Low spin can help with accuracy but it won’t help when trying to get a shot to stop on the green.

Bottom Line

The TaylorMade Stealth iron is our Most Wanted Game-Improvement Iron of 2022. If you want accuracy, solid distance and average forgiveness, the TaylorMade Stealth is a good option.

FAQ

What handicap is the TaylorMade Stealth iron for?

The TaylorMade Stealth iron is for any golfer in the 14-30+ handicap range looking for accuracy, solid distance and moderate forgiveness.

Are Stealth irons cavity-backs?

The Stealth iron is a modern/redesigned cavity-back with a cap-back design. This design looks like a mix between a cavity-back and a forged iron. TaylorMade says it is a significant step forward from the traditional cavity-back design.

Is the TaylorMade Stealth iron good for beginners?

Beginners can benefit from the technology in the TaylorMade Stealth. The clubs have a low center of gravity, high launch and enough forgiveness to work for someone new to the game.

*We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

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TaylorMade adds hybrids and utilities to Stealth range

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 05:08:06 +0000

TaylorMade Golf has expanded the range of clubs offered in its new Stealth family, with the launch of Stealth utility irons and Stealth hybrids.

Available at retail in the UK and Europe from July 15, the Stealth UDI and DHY are both designed to fill in the gaps between a player’s most lofted fairway wood and their longest iron.

The Stealth UDI and DHY utilise many technologies found in the company’s previous hybrids and utility irons along with new technological features. The forged 4140 steel L-Face with inverted cone technology, combined with a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, provide ample distance, forgiveness and workability. Sound and feel are tuned with the use of a new SpeedFoam Air that is 69% less dense, enabling more discretionary mass to be used for optimising the centre of gravity without sacrificing on damping.

STEALTH UDI

The ultimate blend of control and versatility, Stealth UDI is a powerful option from the tee or the turf. Delivering a low launch with mid-to-low spin in a forgiving head design, it’s built for forgiving long iron shots and stingers alike.

Stealth UDI offers a traditional address view with Tour-inspired shaping, a narrower sole width – compared to DHY – and less offset than its predecessors. It’s built to meet the eye of better ball strikers but offers an enhanced level of forgiveness compared to standard long irons.

The weight placement is right behind impact, thus the centre of gravity has been positioned for a lower ball flight, while creating the spin required to shape shots. The CG is comparable to that of P·790 irons, but Stealth UDI has a wider sole for better playability.

The UDI is offered in 18°, 20° (RH/LH) and 23° lofts, with an Aldila ASCENT Black shaft (100X, 90S) and Super Stroke S-Tech (50g) grips. RRP: £219

STEALTH DHY

Designed for power and forgiveness, Stealth DHY delivers a mid-to-low ball flight with distance properties that rival traditional hybrids in an iron-like profile.

It has an inviting address profile, longer blade length and wide sole, creating a generous hitting area that inspires confidence. A rounded heel toe radius enhances playability and turf interaction. The weight is positioned in the sole of the club, creating a lower CG and making it more playable and easier to launch than a traditional iron. That lower CG creates a higher launch than Stealth UDI, giving players the option to choose the launch that best suits their game.

DHY is available in 17°, 19°, 22° and 25° lofts in RH and 19° and 22° in LH, and are fitted with Aldila ASCENT Black shafts (75S, 65R, 55A) and Super Stroke S-Tech (50g) grips. RRP: £219

For details of nearest TaylorMade stockists and custom fitting specialists, visit www.taylormadegolf.eu

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Where Are Taylormade Golf Balls Made? (+ More Facts)

admin — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 11:30:27 +0000

TaylorMade golf balls have risen in popularity over the years because of their excellent performance on the course. The company also has a savvy marketing strategy and has formed partnership deals with some of the best professional golfers in the world.

But do you know where TaylorMade golf balls are made? Most new golfers are surprised to learn that some of their favorite golf balls are made in the USA and internationally.

You’ll learn intricate details about TaylorMade in this post. We’ll cover where TaylorMade golf balls are made, provide an average price range for their balls, and discuss the sponsorship deals TaylorMade has with PGA Tour golfers.

Where Are TaylorMade Golf Balls Made?

While the company headquarters is now in Carlsbad, California, TaylorMade golf balls are made in Liberty, South Carolina. Their two best-sellers are the TP5 and TP5x.

Who Owns TaylorMade?

TaylorMade was founded by Gary Adams in 1979 and rose to prominence by creating a 12-degree metal driver. A private group out of career named Centroid Investment Partners bought TaylorMade for $1.7 billion in 2021.

Pro Players Who Use Titleist Golf Balls

The list of pro golfers who play with Titleist balls include:

Dustin Johnson
Collin Morikawa
Sergio Garcia
Rory McIlroy
Tommy Fleetwood
Harry Higgs
Henrik Norlander
Matthew Wolff

Price Range

TaylorMade golf balls average between $1 to $4 per ball.

Our Favorite TaylorMade Golf Balls

If you’re looking for some of our favorite TaylorMade balls, here are our top 3:

Top Pick

TaylorMade Noodle Long & Soft

Durable and soft iothane cover. Impact propulsion core for longer carry. Great feel and increased spin around the greens. Patented dimple design for straighter flight.

Buy on Amazon

Top Pick

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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TaylorMade unveils next gen Hi Toe wedge range

admin — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 15:32:04 +0000

The versatile Hi Toe 3 promises spin and control from all lies

TaylorMade has unveiled the next generation of its Hi-Toe wedge series with the launch of the all-new Hi-Toe 3.

With a focus on versatility and added performance on shots closest to the green, TaylorMade’s engineers have designed a club capable of producing the entire catalogue of short-game shots. From low-launching, high-spinning checkers to full-on open-faced flops, Hi-Toe 3 has been meticulously crafted to help golfers unlock creativity and save strokes around the green.

The Hi-Toe 3 design produces a higher centre of gravity that is engineered for a lower launch and more spin, delivering even better control and spin properties on full swings.

A four-way cambered sole allows for the forgiveness associated with high bounce while maintaining a low leading edge, making it playable from tight lies and visually appealing to better players. Trailing edge relief adds to the versatility by allowing golfers to open the face to manipulate loft, trajectory, and spin on short shots. The large ZTP RAW Grooves feature radii further engineered for optimal spin in various conditions.

New elements that enhance Hi-Toe 3’s versatility include expanding full-length scoring lines to all lofts above 54° which higher help generate spin around the green when the face is rotated open on shorter shots, while the face features raised micro-ribs – first used in TaylorMade’s Milled Grind 3 wedge – which are positioned between the full grooves to add texture to the face and increase spin and performance on partial shots around the green.

An aged copper finish adds a premium aesthetic and will blend seamlessly with the RAW face as it rusts over time.

Bill Price, TaylorMade’s director of product creation for wedges and putters, said: “Our tour players all offered great input individually [to the design of the High Toe 3], but collectively everyone wanted something versatile. They wanted a single wedge that could perform around the greens from deep rough, thick fescue, bunkers with different sands, in wet conditions and from tight lies. That’s a lot to fit into a single design, but with Hi-Toe 3 we’ve done it.”

PRICE, SPECIFICATIONS & AVAILABILITY

Hi-Toe 3 wedges, which are available to order now, have an RRP of £139. They come with a KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 shaft (115g) and Lamkin’s Crossline 360 Round 52g grip.

Bounce and Loft options: Standard bounce (50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58° and 60°), low bounce (58° and 60°), and high bounce (58° and 60°).

Added elements of personalisation are available through MyHi-Toe 3, which includes four different finishes – brushed copper, chrome, black and raw – before selecting text, logos and paint fills to create a unique design. RRP £189.

For more details, visit www.taylormadegolf.co.uk/taylormade-wedges/

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TaylorMade launches Kalea Premier range of clubs for women

admin — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 18:40:49 +0000

TaylorMade has launched a new range of women’s clubs specifically engineered for lightweight speed, easy launch and maximum forgiveness.

Kalea Premier Driver
With a weight-saving carbon crown and carbon sole plus a 22g steel rear back weight, Kalea Premier is engineered for advanced forgiveness by combining a low and back centre of gravity with an ultra-lightweight head construction that promotes faster swing speeds. Repositioning the Inertia Generator towards the heel encourages optimal launch and spin to fuel distance at moderate and slower swing speeds.
Offered with 12.5° loft (RH & LH) with a stock 44.25-inch Kalea Premier 40 shaft and Lamkin Sonar 38g 0.580 Round grip.
RRP £379

Kalea Premier Fairways
Kalea Premier fairways offers easy-to-launch designs with added versatility and a 37 percent larger face than its predecessor. Designed to optimise forgiveness, each loft is the same size and features V Steel technology with refined weight distribution for forgiveness, versatility and silky turf interaction. Loft options are 3-wood (17°), 5-wood (20.5°) and 7-wood (23°, RH only). They are fitted with a Kalea Premier 40 shaft and Lamkin Sonar 38g 0.580 Round grips.

RRP £219

Kalea Premier Rescue
A versatile V Steel sole design helps the Kalea Premier Rescue produce high launching shots from any lie. The head features a unique design with a larger face than prior generation Kalea but with very low centre of gravity to promote forgiveness while maintaining a high, easy launch. The lightweight construction also promotes faster swing speeds and gives golfers the confidence to stare down any shot.
Offered in 23°, 27°, 31° and 35° lofts (RH only) with stock Kalea Premier 40 shaft and Lamkin Sonar 38g 0.580 Round grips.
RRP £179

Kalea Premier Irons & Wedges
Kalea Premier irons are powered by Cap Back Design, which provides stability within the topline and upper perimeter of the face, working in conjunction with the Speed Pocket to optimise face flexibility, ball speed and distance. The Cap Back Design also helps minimise unwanted vibrations in the head to deliver a soft and solid feel. Head shaping has been designed to create super game improvement iron levels of forgiveness in a sleeker and more elegant overall profile.
Offered 6-PW, AW and SW, with the same shafts and grips as above. RRP £122 per club.

Kalea Premier Spider Mini Putter

This modern mallet brings the renowned Spider stability and forgiveness to head shape that is 15% more compact compared to Spider Tour. Pure Roll technology encourages optimal forward roll, as well as better sound and feel, while a long single sightline delivers a simple but powerful alignment tool. The putter also features a specially designed 70g graphite shaft, which reduces overall club weight without impacting MOI and stability. It features an L-neck hosel, 33-inch graphite shaft and a SuperStroke GTR 1.0 grip.
RRP £229Kalea Premier Cart Bag
The Kalea Premier lightweight cart bag features seven pockets, a 14-way top and structured base.

CUSTOM ORDERS
Alongside the Stealth Women’s range, Kalea Premier will be available via custom orders, allowing the golfer to choose the exact set up which suits them, including a variety of shaft and grip options available, and the option to adjust lofts and lie angles.

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