Fairway woods are essential clubs for golfers who want to cover a good distance on their shots while maintaining accuracy. The TaylorMade M3 and M4 fairway woods have become popular choices for golfers of all skill levels. In this article, we will compare the two models and help you determine which one is best suited for your game.
Overview of the M3 Fairway Wood:
The TaylorMade M3 Fairway Wood was released in 2018 and quickly gained popularity among golfers. The club features a sliding weight track that allows you to adjust the center of gravity and promote a draw or a fade. The M3 also features a new Speed Pocket design that enhances ball speed and forgiveness on shots hit low on the clubface. The M3 is available in lofts of 15, 17, and 19 degrees.
Overview of the M4 Fairway Wood:
The TaylorMade M4 Fairway Wood was released in 2018 alongside the M3 and has also become a popular choice for golfers. The M4 features a split-weight design that moves the weight towards the back of the clubhead for increased forgiveness and a higher launch angle. The M4 also has a larger sweet spot than the M3, making it easier to hit solid shots. The M4 is available in lofts of 15, 16.5, 18, and 21 degrees.
Head-to-Head Comparison:
Design – The M3 has a sliding weight track that allows you to adjust the center of gravity for more shot shape control. The M4 has a split-weight design that moves the weight towards the back of the clubhead for increased forgiveness and a higher launch angle.
Forgiveness – The M4 has a larger sweet spot than the M3, making it easier to hit solid shots. The M3, on the other hand, has a new Speed Pocket design that enhances ball speed and forgiveness on shots hit low on the clubface.
Distance – The M3 and M4 are both designed to promote distance, but the M4 is generally known for producing a higher launch angle and more carry distance.
Sound and Feel – The M3 and M4 both have a solid feel at impact, but the M4 produces a slighty louder sound due to its larger clubhead.
Additional Information:
Adjustability – Both the M3 and M4 fairway woods feature TaylorMade’s adjustable hosel that allows you to change the loft and lie angle of the club. This adjustability feature is especially helpful for golfers who want to fine-tune their ball flight.
Shaft Options – Both models come with multiple shaft options to choose from, including the stock Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue and Fujikura Atmos. You can also opt for custom shafts for an additional cost.
Appearance – The M3 and M4 fairway woods have different appearances. The M3 has a more traditional look with a smaller clubhead, while the M4 has a larger clubhead and a more modern design. Golfers who prefer a traditional look may lean towards the M3, while those who want a more modern look may prefer the M4.
Price – The M3 and M4 fairway woods are priced similarly, with the M3 being slightly more expensive due to its adjustability features. However, prices may vary depending on where you purchase the club.
Performance Differences:
While both the M3 and M4 fairway woods are designed for distance and accuracy, there are some notable performance differences between the two clubs.
The M3 fairway wood is known for its ability to produce a more penetrating ball flight with greater shot-shaping capabilities. The sliding weight track on the sole of the club allows you to adjust the center of gravity to promote a draw or a fade, which can help you shape your shots more effectively.
On the other hand, the M4 fairway wood is designed to produce a higher launch angle and more forgiveness. The split-weight design moves the weight towards the back of the clubhead, which creates a higher launch angle and greater forgiveness on off-center hits. This makes the M4 a good choice for golfers who struggle with consistency and want a club that can help them hit more consistent shots.
Which One to Choose:
When it comes to choosing between the M3 and M4 fairway woods, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and what you need from your club.
If you’re a skilled golfer who values shot shape control and wants a club that can help you hit a variety of shots, the M3 may be the better choice. However, if you’re a golfer who struggles with consistency and wants a club that can help you hit more consistent shots with a higher launch angle and greater forgiveness, the M4 may be the better choice.
Distance Comparison
| Club | 175 yards | 200 yards | 225 yards | 250 yards | 275 yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 3 wood | 242 yards | 223 yards | 204 yards | 185 yards | 167 yards |
| M3 3 wood | 236 yards | 218 yards | 200 yards | 182 yards | 164 yards |
| M4 5 wood | 221 yards | 204 yards | 187 yards | 170 yards | 154 yards |
| M3 5 wood | 215 yards | 198 yards | 181 yards | 165 yards | 149 yards |
Forgiveness Comparison
| Club | Toe Misses | Heel Misses | Low Misses | High Misses | Total MOI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 3 wood | 3.1 mm | 3.3 mm | 3.0 mm | 2.6 mm | 4200 g/cm2 |
| M3 3 wood | 3.5 mm | 3.6 mm | 3.4 mm | 2.9 mm | 4100 g/cm2 |
| M4 5 wood | 3.2 mm | 3.4 mm | 3.1 mm | 2.7 mm | 4400 g/cm2 |
| M3 5 wood | 3.6 mm | 3.7 mm | 3.5 mm | 3.0 mm | 4300 g/cm2 |
Launch Angle Comparison
| Club | Low Launch | Mid Launch | High Launch | Spin Rate | Apex Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 3 wood | 11.6 deg | 13.2 deg | 14.8 deg | 3500 rpm | 38.2 yards |
| M3 3 wood | 11.8 deg | 13.3 deg | 14.9 deg | 3600 rpm | 37.8 yards |
| M4 5 wood | 11.7 deg | 13.4 deg | 15.1 deg | 3800 rpm | 37.5 yards |
| M3 5 wood | 11.9 deg | 13.5 deg | 15.2 deg | 3900 rpm | 37.1 yards |
Shaft Comparison
| Club | Shaft Weight | Torque | Tip Stiffness | Launch | Spin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 3 wood | 75 g | 3.0 | Mid | Mid | Low |
| M3 3 wood | 75 g | 3.2 | Mid | Mid | Low |
| M4 5 wood | 65 g | 3.1 | Mid | Mid | Low |
| M3 5 wood | 65 g | 3.3 | Mid | Mid | Low |
Adjustability Comparison
| Club | Loft Adjustability | Lie Adjustability | Face Angle Adjustability | Weight Adjustability | CG Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 3 wood | Yes | No | No | Yes | Rear |
| M3 3 wood | Yes | No | No | Yes | Rear |
| M4 5 wood | Yes | No | No | Yes | Rear |
| M3 5 wood | Yes | No | No | Yes | Rear |
Conclusion:
The decision between the TaylorMade M3 and M4 fairway woods ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you need from your club. The M3 is a great choice for golfers who want more shot shape control, while the M4 is a better option for those looking for increased forgiveness and a higher launch angle. Regardless of which one you choose, both clubs are designed to promote distance and accuracy, making them a valuable addition to your bag.
