Martin Hopley
By

The basic gist of the M1 family is premium performance with maximum adjustability and with the original M1 rescue hybrid we got two moveable sole screws to create what was an elite player, anti-left hybrid.

For mere mortals it didn't play as well as the previous R15 hybrid and for some it didn't look as good either.

Now we have the 2017 TaylorMade M1 Rescue hybrid and at least they have sorted the looks as the high toe and squarer, upside down face of the Adams influenced R15 return.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

Even the white returns on the toe of the club to provide echoes of its grandfather.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

The sole still features a small Speed Pocket cavity behind the face to enable it to flex a little more and increase ball speeds from low on the face strikes, which is ideal for a hybrid.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

At address the sleek all black looks remain and this is a decent sized head for a better players' hybrid and I thought it sat behind the ball very well.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

TaylorMade say they have made it the same length as a utility iron and that they worked with their iron team to get the sole camber to play similarly too, hence the better player feeling.

The adjustable hosel is also retained, enabling you to change the loft by +/- 1.5° across 12 settings.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

However it is the weight moving that gets a makeover in the 2017 M1 Rescue as the two 3g and 25g weight screws are replaced with a single 27g sliding weight that goes right across the head on a sliding track.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

In theory you now have a draw option to complement the straight or fade options of the previous M1 system.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

It is very easy to understand and use as you just unscrew the weight a slide it to any of the six official positions on the track, or anywhere in between.

In the central position the M1 Rescue is a pretty neutral club and whilst there is not a great deal of discernible movement in the flight when you move the weight, the feel of the club does change.

Certainly in the fade setting the club was the same anti-left hybrid as before, especially if you also use the adjustable hosel to de-loft the face and open it up a little.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

As usual with heads featuring slots and weight tracks, the sound was a little on the hollow side and whilst it performed well enough, the M1 Rescue just didn't seem to have much of a soul you could relate too.

It was all business and whilst I can see why TaylorMade want to keep the sliding weight track theme going through the M1 metal woods, I just don't think the smaller size of the hybrid head does it justice.

TaylorMade M1 2017 Rescue Hybrid

There seems to be too much going on with adjustable this and that and the end result is that the sound, feel and overall performance of the club gets compromised for your average amateur.

The 2017 M1 Rescue is probably even more of an elite player hybrid than the last one as you will need that high swing speed to get the most from it. Therefore if you are still working towards this level, then you may be better off sticking with your R15 if you still have it, or try the 2017 M2 Rescue if you want a slotted hybrid with more oomph.

Golfalot Rating: 4 stars
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TaylorMade M1 Rescue 2017 Hybrid - Product Details

UK Launch27 January 2017
UK Launch RRP£239
USA Launch27 January 2017
USA Launch RRP$249.99
European Launch RRP€299
Left Handed Lofts19°, 21°
Right Handed Lofts17°, 19°, 21°, 24°
MaterialSteel
Swing WeightD4
AdjustabilityLoft, Weight
Shaft NameMRC Kuro Kage Silver
Shaft TypesGraphite
Shaft FlexRegular, Stiff, X Stiff
Shaft Weight80g
GripLamkin UTx
Number/Loft2/17°, 3/19°, 4/21°, 5/24°
Manufacturer's WebsiteTaylorMade Website

User Reviews

March 2017

I have not had a fairway or rescue wood since the nineties as I prefer the long irons but I have just bought a 17deg M1 hybrid and although the sound is a little dull this is the best club I have ever owned. The ball screams off the face and the trajectory is perfect for me.

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