By Leonard Finkel
The 2017 M2 irons are the culmination of several years of developing meaningful technologies. Designed to help golfers achieve more distance, peak trajectory and forgiveness, this is a more consistent performing iron, swing after swing. As clubhead dimensions continue to get thinner across the face and topline, the challenge to design an iron with best in class sound and feel becomes more difficult. Engineers have utilized technologies first developed in RocketBladez irons (Speed Pocket), Face Slots introduced in the RSi irons and an ultra-low center of gravity in the original M2, combining them in one product to produce a remarkably long and forgiving iron while still maintaining playability.
The key to unlocking performance in the M2 irons is a combination of a low CG and maximum COR. Even while adding Face Slots (which slightly raise CG), engineers have been able to lower the CG and improve consistency with several significant changes to deliver 33% thinner overall topline, 7% shallower blade height and 20% deeper Speed Pocket with a 33% thinner front wall for greater flexibility.
Improving on the fluted hosel from last year’s M2, a thinner, wider, six-sided fluted hosel saves 5 grams (compared to 3 in the original M2 iron), allowing for the repositioning of 2 grams of discretionary weight lower in the clubhead. The hosel slot also allows for a 30% improvement in bending.
These irons incorporate a thin-wall Speed Pocket designed to increase face flexibility and protect ball speed on strikes below face-center while increasing launch angle and ball speed. A thinner front wall of the Speed Pocket in long and mid irons aims to increase face displacement at impact as compared to previous models.
Like the M2 metal woods, the newer M2 irons were designed employing TaylorMade’s new Geocoustic engineering techniques; acoustics tuned through geometry. A better feel through geometry, better sound through 3-D damping and an optimized rib structure creates ideal frequencies for a more pleasing sound & feel. This is accomplished incorporating lightweight ABS and carbon fiber to increase rigidity and improve sound absorption of the badge. The fins of the badge have been strategically positioned behind the Face Slots and integrated into the back bar to help dissipate energy and further dampen sound created by the clubhead’s 360° undercut and ultra-thin 1.5mm face.
Leonard Finkel is the author of The Secrets to the Game of Golf & Life and former editor in chief of Golf Journeys Magazine. His work has been featured in almost 200 publications including Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips and Player Magazine. He has written more than a dozen cover stories for Golf Today Magazine. He has written extensively about golf and travel and has added poker to his writing repertoire. Finkel also works as a marketing and public relations consultant. His specialty niche is writing advertorial copy. Prior to his career in golf, Finkel owned a chain of retail stores and a consulting and import company based in Asia. He attended the University of Utah.