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Ben Maroco
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TaylorMade M4 Iron Review
TaylorMade M4 Iron Review
This is a TaylorMade M4 iron review, a club that won the gold medal in the Digest Hot List of 2018. The TaylorMade M4 is the sister club to the TaylorMade M3 and features RibCOR technology, a thinner face, and a larger head for increased forgiveness and speed for higher handicaps.
That said, how does the TaylorMade M4 iron set perform in comparison to the TaylorMade M2 and M3 models? Here, we review TaylorMade M4 specs to establish how it differs from other closer variants.
TaylorMade M4 Specs
TaylorMade M4 features are almost similar to those of TaylorMade M3, and they include:
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RibCOR Technology: represented by the two bars positioned outside its Face Slots, the technology enhances ball speed, and stiffens the head’s perimeter, allowing the rebounding of the face for efficient energy transfer upon impact.
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Face Slots: expansive grooves within the clubface on the sides of the hitting area are designed to enhance ball speeds and increased flexibility on the sweet spot.
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Speed Pocket: the slot situated at the bottom of the face is designed to increase ball speed, forgiveness, and flexibility on shots hit low on the clubface, a common mis-hit zone.
The TaylorMade M4 features a 15mm face thickness, 360 degrees undercut, and fluted hosel. It supports discretionary weight savings that often shifts to the clubhead’s bottom, increasing forgiveness and launch.
TaylorMade M4 Stock Info
The primary difference between the TaylorMade M3 and M4 is that the TaylorMade M4 iron set possesses a stronger loft and stronger profile for more forgiveness and distance.
KBS Max 85 is the stock steel shaft while Fujikura ATMOS Red is the stock graphite shaft. TaylorMade Dual Feel is the stock grip.
TaylorMade M4 Performance
i. TaylorMade M4 Distance
TaylorMade M4 is relatively longer than TaylorMade M2 and M3, and depending on the model, the added distance can vary between five and fifteen yards.
It is comparatively longer than TaylorMade M2 because of the incorporation of BibCOR, and longer than TaylorMade M3 because of stronger lofts, thinner face, and lower spin. However, the distance trades off with a relatively low launch angle and resultantly in lower stopping power into the greens.
Even distance is a great addition, it is only beneficial in longer holes when the second shot is a long iron into the green. Otherwise, the most important aspect is the angle of descent.
ii. TaylorMade M4 Forgiveness
Similarly, the TaylorMade M4 iron set comes with a comparatively lower spin rate and it is highly forgiving. Almost all hits go straight and long mimicking a sweet spot strike except for the worst misses at the extreme toe and heel of the club. TaylorMade M4 iron sets have some of the best toe/heel performance.
As TaylorMade M3, TaylorMade M4 iron sets deliver impressive results and shots hit thin still produce outstanding carry and launch angle (in the range of within 1.6° of optimal). It can be the difference for golfers that happen to miss in this area.
iii. TaylorMade M4 Playability
TaylorMade M4 iron sets’ lofts are stronger than TaylorMade M3 but the same as that of TaylorMade M2. It should not be surprising that the TaylorMade M4 trajectory is the same as TaylorMade M2 although the former has a weaker tendency towards a draw bias.
The considerable offset was meant to assist higher handicaps. Unlike TaylorMade M3, the TaylorMade M4 iron set’s workability is feebler but not as worse as game improvement irons.
TaylorMade M4 is a powerhouse and easy to hit in almost all situations. As such, longer irons can supplant your hybrids when hit well enough.
TaylorMade M4 Look
TaylorMade M4 look resembles the classic game-improvement iron- thick sole, big head, and top line. The top line is not that thick unlike M3, but the biggest difference is in the offset. Some golfers may like the considerable offset.
The TaylorMade M4 logo is positioned around the carbon fiber crown. Though spotless it struggles to stand out in the open. There should have been more contrast to make the logo visible. It is ideal for golfers that fancy chunkier iron look. It does not seem too much nor is its thickness outrageous.
TaylorMade M4 Sound & Feel
Unlike its TaylorMade M2 predecessor, TaylorMade M4 does a wonderful job in controlling vibrations upon impact thanks to the RibCOR bars and high carbon fiber. As such, its sound and feel upon impact are fairly muted, somewhat hollow, and extremely springy and satisfying. A powerful trampoline effect is generated by the super-thin face.
Mis-fits generate similar outcomes as the sweet-spot hits, although they feel duller and dead. It is not as harsh as it would be with other irons. TaylorMade M4 has great feedback and is quite an upgrade to the previous model.
Conclusion
The TaylorMade M4 iron sets are highly powerful game-improving TaylorMade offering superb forgiveness, distance, and feel, along with strong offset helpful for high handicappers.
Whereas stronger lofts may not be of any value to shorter irons, the long TaylorMade M4 will help you reach the greens on longer holes.
To TaylorMade M2, add enhanced sound and price bargain, and the TaylorMade M4 iron set becomes the most competitive option for not only mid-to-high handicappers but also elite golfers. Tour professional golfers, including Dustin Johnson, have TaylorMade M4 in their bags.