TaylorMade M2 Fairway Wood

Wood Options & Stock Shafts

Technology

Players Distance Fairway Wood

The M2 landed in 2016 as TaylorMade's answer to golfers who wanted more yardage without switching to a bulky game-improvement iron. It sits in the players distance slot, which means it looks reasonably clean at address but hides a lot of speed-focused engineering behind the face. The lofts are strong, the face is thin, and the ball comes off hot.

High launch is the headline here. TaylorMade built the M2 to get the ball up quickly and hold it in the air, which matters a lot when the lofts are as aggressive as they are on this club. A 7-iron with a 30-degree loft would normally fly low and run out, but the low center of gravity and the Speed Pocket keep the trajectory tall enough to land soft. That combination is what lets the M2 chase distance without turning every approach into a runner.

Adjustability gives you a way to fine-tune the setup to your swing, so you can dial in launch and flight rather than accepting whatever comes stock. This is a club for the golfer who wants the number on the scorecard to say a longer iron, and who cares more about carry and forgiveness than about shaping shots on command.

• You want noticeably more distance from your irons and you are fine with strong lofts to get it.
• Your misses tend to come off low on the face, where the Speed Pocket does the most work.
• You struggle to launch the ball high enough and need help getting approach shots to stop.
• You value forgiveness and carry over the ability to work the ball left and right.
• You want the option to adjust the setup rather than being locked into a stock configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the TaylorMade M2 lofts too strong?

The M2 lofts are strong, and that is a deliberate trade. You gain distance because a 7-iron flies like a traditional 6-iron, but you also give up a little consistency in gapping if you mix these with weaker-lofted wedges. The high-launch design offsets the usual downside of strong lofts by keeping the ball in the air, so the flight stays playable. Just check your wedge gapping when you build the set.

Is the M2 forgiving for a mid handicapper?

Yes. The low, deep center of gravity and the Speed Pocket keep ball speed up on off-center hits, so mishits lose less distance than they would with a thinner players iron. A mid handicapper who wants forgiveness and a high, easy flight is right in the target range for this club.

How does the M2 compare to the M2 Tour?

The standard M2 is built for maximum distance and launch, with a wider sole, more offset, and stronger lofts. The M2 Tour is the more compact version, aimed at better players who want a thinner topline, less offset, and more control over flight. If you prioritize yardage and forgiveness, the standard M2 fits. If you shape shots and want a tighter look, the Tour is closer to what you want.

Can you adjust the M2 to change launch and flight?

The M2 gives you a way to fine-tune the setup so you can influence launch and trajectory rather than accepting the stock numbers. Pair that with a shaft fitting and you can move the flight up or down to match your swing speed and angle of attack. If you tend to launch it low, the club is already built to help, and the adjustability lets you push it further.

Is the 2016 M2 still worth buying now?

As a used or discounted option, it holds up well. The distance and high-launch performance that made it popular in 2016 have not disappeared, and you can often find it at a fraction of new-iron pricing. Newer models have refined the feel and sound, but if your priority is carry distance and forgiveness on a budget, the M2 is still a smart pickup.

Alternatives to the TaylorMade M2

Other players distance fairway wood models from different brands, closest to its model year.