TITLEIST 917D2 TAYLORMADE M4 DRIVERS

[@dannysmith8065]

Smart. Sensible. Both clubs are worth try. TaylorMade's issue was what again? Maybe... in the time since 917 D2/D3 release, fall of 2016, TaylorMade has released M1, M1 440, M2, M2 Draw, M2 Ladies, M2 Ladies Draw, M3, M3 440, M4, M4 draw, M4 Ladies, & M4 Ladies Draw. All performing the same as a 1 1/2 year old Titleist.

[@anthonyychapa]

Although this is an old review, I applaud the fact that Titleist is okay with you doing some testing that could be revealing to potential club buyers. I've had a soft spot for Titleist and I feel myself gravitating toward their gear. I took a few years off from the game but I am happy to return.

[@robwells4445]

This video proves one massive thing .......... PARFIELD is back 🏌🏻👍🏻🙈

[@stevestewart4847]

It’s almost as though drivers are all made to the same standards set by the R&A and USGA. Who’d have thunk that......

[@colinbrown511]

Another totally honest review and ideal for club golfers. Bought a new driver recently having previously had 2 xTaylor Made, a Cobra and Cleveland Launcher. My last was a G25 none of which were fitted. Went for a fitting this this time and tried the Taylor Made and Ping. I struggled with the TM but that may have been due to the two tone top which I couldn't get my head round. Opted for Ping G400 SFT even though I had doubts about fitters shaft choice. But i've never hit a driver so well since then, so just goes to show the difference a fitting makes having only been fitted for irons previously. Keep up the great vlogs.

[@pmac6062]

Those clear uk winter days the light makes everything around look so amazing. Love the on course testing Mark 👍🏼

[@anthonymedland3984]

So far as being sponsored I don't see any problem. If anything hats off to titleist for being willing to sponsor someone who gives unbiased review's. We can see what's happening, and the fact that you are honest about things is what keeps us loyal to you.

[@8thdaysaweek]

Just want to say, i love these videos. its great to see the dry data yes but seeing it preform on the course gives an extra dimension to reviews. i like the range of filming too, that you do it by yourself and on other videos you have a drone or a cameraman shots. i feel ive become more knowledgeable and focused on what I'm looking for so i've become better at buying my equipment to suit me and how it feels more than the whole media hype. I also just want to say i enjoy how open you are on different styles of clubs. I play with the Cleveland HiBore XLi clubs which were given to me and they work well for me as i know what i get on carry and roll knowing the high ball flight will stop where i want it to be (within reason). i know its not the best looking club and it looks like beginners club with people having a look like what is that? so i was always a little embarrassed by it. but your review on the new Cleveland HB launchers gave me some reassurance and now i no longer worry about it and i've gotten more in to golf and enjoy it more since watching your videos. ive kept the irons the same and recently got a new 3 wood and a hybrid. i went for the Cobra F7s as Ive gone with what i felt gave me good numbers and forgiveness as well as the look and sound of the club. i now feel the clubs are more suited for my game than they have every been and look forward to building the last few clubs to fill the gap it areas i think i could improve, so next stop wedges (already seen your wedges video, same loft different grinds) who knew there were so many? anyway thanks again.

[@robbiles]

It's all down to strike, pitch and roll Mark, but great to see you do the on course comparison between your employer and your hater. Really highlights YOUR professionalism in the world of golf reviewing. Well done and I play TM.

[@pepettersson74]

So what you’re saying here Mark, is that if i miss my drives I can’t blame my clubs. I’m just rubbish 🤔. Great vids 👍

[@rossyhead69]

Thing I’m most jealous of in this video is the weather!!! Stunning day! Great video as usual

[@paulp2312]

The thing that slightly baffles me though Mark is that you were fitted for the Titleist, by the top boys at Titleist HQ against a Taylormade that wasn't fitted?! Does that mean that a guy of your standard can just hit anything well and that only we lesser mortals have to go get fitted? .... just wondering, keep up the great vids Mark, I love the slant you put on everything to do with Golf.

[@ahastar1141]

I think the fitting is more for the bad shots than the good shots. Mark was striping both drivers pretty well but I imagine if he had a rough day swinging, unlikely as that maybe, the fitting of the titleist would really shine.

[@brutusoftroy2810]

I joined up with some lads a few weeks ago and we were chatting about drivers and one of em says "they reckon the new TM driver you can't miss a fairway with it". Marketing/PR or as Bernaise properly calls it, propaganda, is working well. I tried my mates M4 3 weeks ago and hit a few out the toe which started right and stayed right and vice versa with the heel shots. I found Titleist D3 to be the most forgiving to my mishits

[@regboucher9216]

Really impressed with this impartial review Mark, you have shown your the bigger man compared to TM. Well done!

[@michaelwilliamson3737]

Love that these videos are only to show that "getting fitted into any club will help your golf but no club more so than others if fitted correctly"

[@brycesellsaugusta6889]

The launch on the Taylormade (based on a small sample obviously) appears a little higher, that may account for the increased distance. These are the best comparison reviews out there because it is impartial and highlights the fact that a few extra yards matter little when the second shots determine proximity to the hole, which has more impact on scoring. I absolutely love these head to heads. Taylormade makes a great driver, always have. Cheers, Bruh!

[@mikeb1149]

Thanks for being honest about the advantages on any of the test holes being down to the second or third shots that were played, and how the second time you try a shot you usually get a better result. The drivers are pretty much a wash as to which one has the advantage. I think for the recreational player the advantage lay in which shaft they get fitted for. Since we know you can see 20 yard differences in distance and dispersion with the right shaft I think we now start looking at price if performance is equal.

[@stuartbarclay1134]

Great video Mark, but Titleist is nearly 2 year old tec compared to m4. If Tm marketing was to be believed surely the gap should be bigger?

[@johnmagnell8902]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGeZfqaHqKinpNE

[@LTR1420]

2016 m2 is better than Titleists current lineup.

[@golfbuddy1969]

Well maybe instead of the Titleist guys making fun of TM and Callaway releasing clubs too often, maybe Titleist should more often?

[@theflashingblade283]

Don’t believe the hype....

[@1847gw]

As always, another great video. Based on your info over the last month, I am going to go "test drive" Titleist woods/hybrids tomorrow.

[@spurdy8879]

Excellent review Mark, like both clubs and would game either. All depends on getting it fitted correctly, shaft etc.

[@tipperi]

Great video Mark, it should also be noted that when played at stock length's the M4 is .75" longer. When I was fit last summer for my 917D2 the Epic and M1 were longer by 6-8 years and generated slightly more clubhead speed because of the additional length. The 917 though was much straighter and provided tighter dispersion and more consistent numbers. IMO, The offerings from Taylormade and Callaway are great for those who want to be home run hitters, but the 917 will be better for most on the score card because it is easier to control.

[@johnmagnell8902]

I know for a fact that mizuno used “twist face” technology in their drivers before. They did not call it by that name and they didn’t use it in their marketing, but they used role & bulge in a similar way. I think cobra are saying the same.

[@joesector9586]

I love the on course testing that you and, now, MANY of your YT peers are doing! I credit you with leading the charge in this worthwhile addition. But be warned- with all these course vlogs and this on course testing, you are going to somehow have to explain that you are suddenly in your fittest shape ever! LOL Good stuff!

[@dakotadailey8213]

I love these tests, they’re so true to what golf is

[@jamesharrison5004]

Titleist clearly understand that all the main manufacturers are making great products that all perform pretty much identically. It really does come down to brand loyalty, how something feels in a fitting or just the looks.

[@alfredthegreat9543]

Oh to be bored of pars...😆

[@634983]

when parring the course is a bad round

[@ipsc2alpha]

Knowing that Titleist lets you do this, confirms that my bag will remain filled with their product. I love that they let you speak your true findings.

[@kippregler9944]

Fair review. One of the recent best. It's about all the shots to get in the hole.

[@FunkmeisterOfSedgley]

Great video once again Mark. It is beyond me why anyone would 'thumbs down' it! Open an honest as usual. The fact is all the major manufacturers make good drivers, so anyone's choice is dependent on personal tastes and feel.

[@mikebest634]

Great unbiased review ,drivers are pretty much maxed out these days , and all off centre hits will never go as far as a pure struck middle hit with either club .Ive gone back to my 910 D2 ,not found anything to kick it out the bag yet ,I love Titliest gear but think the 915 must be worst driver they ever made ,I don't use mine any more ,the 917 is great but we are only a few months away from the 919 .

[@Johnlancaster]

what a good video, informative and sensible. Listen people!

[@rory184]

An true and honest review. Goes to show each club is built to the legal limit,so each club performs equally,,don't think any of us weekend hackers are that fine tuned to believe .5 of a degree is gonna save a 40yd slice/hook. Want to get better?,have lessons . Turn slice/hook into fade/draw ,then get driver that sounds,,looks,and exites you. Hit more fairways,Hit more greens,swing improves,clubs stay the same,,WOW lol.. P.s can't wait for the Turkey vlogs

[@neilstableford3831]

Great playing there Mark ⛳🏌️👍 This shows to me when you are a consistent golfer the Driver(s) give you a solid platform then it's your shotmaking ability,distance control and putting that make or break the score. Potentially you could have been -4 or level par there,with either driver.

[@jamescollins2615]

Good video mark fair assessments of both clubs

[@stevedickson3037]

Great to see two really good drivers being tested together. Titleist for me though. Thanks for keeping these excellent vlogs coming our way.

[@deaneaston3044]

Well done again Bruh! Hearing M4 Twist Face goes high and right with less recovery (gear effect) on toe strikes. Love to hear your thoughts.

[@tommason1767]

Excellent comparison Mark. While it's important to have a good driver and be able to hit it, this test really shows that the short game is where scoring is done.

[@reece8224]

M4 has been great for me to work on my driver swing speed - I actually just delighted it -2 degrees so now an 8.5 because it was flying beautifully straight but so high around 280 yard average, hoping to gain more distance with the lower lift

[@dannyl3417]

When I see new clubs from Titleist come out, I get a sense that R&D has crafted, perfected, and takes pride in a well-planned design intended to help the widest range of golfers. When Taylormade releases a club, I feel that a board of accountants met with a few club builders and said "k guys, make a 'cost-efficient' club with visually interesting 'technologies' that'll perform as good as anything from 2009-present"

[@stevejohnson9660]

Superb video Mark, love these reviews and comparisons, asks the right questions of what people really want/need in a golf club 👍🏼

[@chrisbarker671]

Test em out, definitely the most important message. People get obsessed by numbers but feel is more important to me. Titleist clubs always feel heavier in the head, which I love as I feel I can control the face much better. Taylor made are often lighter to me and as a result of feel disconnected with the face, I may get the odd ‘Lockey long ball’ but I hit more good drives with Titleist and more consistently 👍

[@TheRafared]

You are so consistent that it really makes no difference which you play when you are in game mode. The M4 might be a fraction longer but it makes very little difference to your scoring where the wedges and putter are the real difference makers.

[@bobatherton1799]

Mark, god on you. I worked for Taylor Made and you hit it dead on.

[@fairwayjournals6580]

I got a Acushnet Titleist Maple laminate circa 1973 and I bet you half a dozen balata balls it just as good, subject to strike of course 🙂 Great video as always Mark.

[@johntwemlow6089]

I'm glad you made mention of the results from your second shots effecting the outcome. I hope you're not suggesting that if you 3 putted at times it would indicate one driver better then the other!! I was also wondering if you were fitted for the Titleist, and not the T.M., that may have made the Titleist at an advantage from the get-go!!

[@philipbennett1039]

Yes, but that extra 6/7 yards allows us to hit our 28.5 degree 7 irons into the greens. Nice comparison Mark. The first drive, I understood that the "Twist-Face" technology was to straighten out mishits, again, you have proven its all in the strike.

[@TheLastDansMusic]

Morning bruh, it would be interesting for you to get coach on one of these driver testing Vlogs. You are so consistent with your striking that it’s hard for me to relate to how the clubs perform with a more random set of variables that he would present.

[@howardbass2498]

As always your review is a honest opinion. People pay their money and make a choice, it’s mostly about the player not the club. Keep up the good work

[@antonpk]

Love the videos Mark. As far as laughable for the twist face the science does lineup. Seeing how you’re a golf professional and hit it closer to the center of the face you’re not using the advantage of the twist face.

[@metamurph]

Like the on-course. For everyone it will be a little different which is why you can't just read/watch videos or what your favorite pro plays and decide that must be best for me too. The one thing I would say with TwistFace is while it may/may not end up with a benefit, at least they are trying things since there are a lot of limits to what you can really do. The bad end is when the engineers come up with "something" and then marketing gets its hands on it...well it always has to be "break through" or "game changing" performance. Game changing performance...practice your short game, spend time with a good pro...and relax -- glad you are getting a few days of decent weather here and there.

[@simonshaw2797]

Great content bruh. I got an m4 I won it but I haven’t seen much difference to my 2016 m2 apart from being slightly louder

[@brockkunz]

Both seem to be outstanding clubs, but i love seeing them going to work on the real course. Well played sir.

[@ashjamben]

I like seeing the shots of you walking away from the camera, looks very TV-esque, but I then imagine you running back to get your camera and cutting it out in editing later 😂

[@sambking]

I like the concept...playing holes against each other. Good stuff!

[@jamesjahmoolahutmorrison4104]

TM knew you would not sing Twist Face, this is the only reason they struck you off their list. Great review of both drivers, oh and your consistency as a player bruh.👍🏻

[@n3qdz]

The difference for me is two things, looks and sounds. The sound of the Titleist gives me the sound I am looking for. The TM, and this goes for all the composite headed clubs, sound broken, cracked you could say. All of the white and black seems like a Yugo with fancy wheels! Where the Titleist is just classic look and head shape, like a Aston Martin. Both of them are cars and both will get you where you want to go but, you want to drive the other one every single time. You can put all the fancy paint and marketing you want on it but it's still a car. Titleist for me thank you!

[@oldgold5848]

Reminds me of Dave Pelzs comments in his short game books. Essentially a couple of yards difference with long game clubs makes little difference to scores.

[@coegj]

Like the on course testing, gives us a show of the real world play of the club. Good video post again Mark, thanks.

[@Disturbed7100]

With all the hype on the TM and Callaway stuff I kinda forgot about the 917 range. I've not hit one, but I like the sound and I've seen they can be reasonably forgiving. The new TS2 and TS3 retail for $779 AUD.. Which is absurd.

[@jamessulzer5105]

You are amazingly consistent, Mark!

[@vito4461]

Love the on course videos gives the right perspective, but something tells me you could be using any driver with similar results because you would be the "common denominator " just a thought.

[@normanrussell10]

Great test, I love the 2 ball idea with finishing them off for a score. Like you said, all drivers are really the same now. It comes down to preference on look and feel. Good job

[@muffin0079]

Went with the Rogue. Just felt so much better than anything else I tried. Really wanted m3 because I prefer the look but Feel on the Rogue won me over.

[@davidreece6518]

Hi Mark, When you test 2 drivers like this, interesting that you don't use the same shaft in both drivers. I am a big believer that shaft is at least 50% of the battle when it comes to distance & accuracy. Were these 2 shafts same weight, same torque?

[@oogzie7539]

Another great vlog. So one sided....NOT!!!And once again you prove that regardless the driver, strike is king. #262

[@moldovianVendetta]

Mark, do you think the 9.5* on the Titleist vs. the 10.5* on TM made a difference in the overall performance/distance?

[@jamiepreacher4978]

Love your honesty. That’s why you are the best on KZbin!

[@stevecottrell5856]

Love your reviews Mark and would expect to see these results. The problem is not everyone is a PGA professional hitting out of the middle all the time as you appear to be doing. Maybe the only difference is on off centre hits. Very hard to test I know.

[@maamold]

Two questions. Have you or will you do indoor testing. How would you rate forgiveness of each club.

[@westham11996688]

Great channel guys thank you. It's hard to test the claims and give a true review when you middle pretty much every shot. I would like to see lockey test some clubs and go through the whole fitting vs lessons vs technology and see if any thing can help him ! Lol. Army !!!!!!

[@carwynwilliams2560]

A tidy comparison the way it should be 👍👍👍 great vlog

[@stephenadams8865]

The more I watch your videos the more respect I have for Titleist and I play a TM driver!

[@derekross7569]

Nice one Mark, That could have really been any 2 drivers made this year as they all hit it the same distance when properly fitted but nice one brah!

[@agustinfeliciano9715]

Awesome, love both drivers equally but would prob game the titleist since i like the standard 45" playing length of the 917 best.

[@Matt_Pandya]

Just bought an M4 from American Golf having been fit. I had a Ping G25 before. How much of a difference do you see this making?

[@stevef3567]

Not a negative point! Mark you have the ability to manipulate clubs at will regardless of brand I think you need to play your silly shots on review sometimes. Best content on the tube. (Golf)

[@Mr.McPoops]

Great shots! All of them!

[@UnboxRacing]

Great video Mark. Your impartiality and honesty is refreshing 👍

[@cormacryan1252]

Hey mark! Would love to see a high handicap player do this test! My issue is you’re a really good golfer. Would a higher handicap player hit off centre a lot more and theoretically “use” the twist face more? Is this a fair test of the twist face if you just hit them right out of the middle and make a par 😴😴😂😂 love the vlogs, keep up the great work!

[@davidlowry4254]

Just bloomin' great Mark.

[@jordanlodgee6992]

I’m about 99.9% sure you are a robot!

[@henrickemmerson4140]

The point that's completely missed and understated with sponsorship of KZbin vloggers is access to information and places that we would otherwise never get. Titleist sponsoring Jordon Spieth or Taylormade sponsoring DJ is great if you're a child or have the brain of a child and want to emulate your hero by copying them rather than buying gear that fits you but they're not showing us around the companies' HQ or going through how a company fits their clubs. Golf clubs are making no difference to golf scoring from the pro game down to a beginner as studies are not showing handicaps being lower and the pro's aren't scoring lower now than 5 years ago. Seeing behind the scenes at a companies HQ, listening to their experts' thoughts and showing how they produce equipment for the best players in the world is something new and interesting that KZbin vloggers have given us. And let's not forget they give it to us for free and have done for a very long time!

[@henrickemmerson4140]

They make a living now but that's the result of plenty of hours of non paid for content at the start of a channel.

[@ernestolupercio3168]

I currently game 2016 M1 would I see a massive difference if I get an m3 or m4? Should I upgrade it?

[@riosax1536]

Great review Mark, honest and true

[@scottrolph5023]

Hi Mark! Thoughts on the new U-Try program? It lets people demo clubs on course. Up to 2 clubs at a time. They get delivered to your house. $25 fee to demo them and they come brand new with a prepaid return shipping label. Don’t like them after 2 weeks and send them back. You decide you like one, keep it and pay the MSRP. Check it out I think it’s going to be a good program helping people actually test clubs ON COURSE.

[@mgnmpl]

Great video Mark. I love those comparison tests on the course. I myself sometimes fall into marketing claims though when I go to the course and play with my old 915 D2 against my friends with their new Rouge/M3 or whatever I still don't see that I'm missing something (though.... I'd like to have a real reason to buy new clubs already you know...) :)

[@bocritter6491]

When you say 142, are you measuring in Yards or Meters? Another great comparison Vid Mark. Id like to see more comparison videos where you dial in the clubs for max performance and then do a comparison test. Rather than identical lofts, weights and shafts, Make each fit your swing. Thanks again for the producing some of the best golf Vids available on youtube. #### CritterBo ####

[@nickmasney4947]

Rather than testing indoors and then on course separately, could you not just bring your GCQuad with you on the course to capture the data so you can see the roll out etc. Sounds like a win win to me mate!

[@atomant830]

I agree, not much difference in the performance between these two drivers or any reputable manufacturers driver. The SLDR put Taylormade on the map, were there much difference in numbers between the SLDR and other manufacturers drivers of the time?

[@razakhan999]

hey marck i have a question for you regarding sure fit cg .. i have titleist 917 d2 .. the fitter fit me to a draw biased weight as my miss was an over fade/ slice... the issue i found with it when i started gaming it was that since the draw biased weight is more towards the heel side when i hit the ball on the toe the club head felt hollow and the ball duck hooked like anything on this toe strike. felt that this weight to the heel or to the toe reduces the effective area you feel comfortable striking off the face.... you end up with half the effective area of the club head which can give functional shots by using this weighting adjustment .. .can you please give youre opinion BRAH !!!!

[@parkerreed8565]

Love these videos. Wonderful content!

[@wallstreetoneil]

For an off the rack 10.5 stock stiff shaft the TM looks pretty good in comparison. My guess is that 10.5 with a very slightly lower spin newer tech head of the M4 basically equates to the 9.5 lower launching maybe very slightly highers spinning head - with that very expensive shaft. The new power 818 hybrid and shaft looks great - lets see the new rinky new 23 Taylor on course comparison.

[@josephgreenberg2063]

good move alternating order clubs are hit. more objective protocol. understanding it doesn’t matter as much to a pro, but as one who doesn’t strike the sweet spot consistently, the MOI and lower spin of the M series gets me a few more fairways, and that’s a big deal at my course where we have penalties lurking on both sides of most fairways

[@mattpope6737]

Hi mark big fan of your videos I have an issue with this one though bud if you offered 90% of golfers a 7 yard advantage off the tee I’d imagine a good proportion would snap your hand off dry ball data would be very useful. If I could walk forward 7 yards and place my ball I guarantee I’m shooting 2-3 shots better per round.

[@davidfinn9828]

Great review as usual pitt you dident have two sets of different irons as well would love to see that match up but the m4 appered to be longer on course test 😁

[@markgodbold2044]

So what you're actually suggesting then, is that we would all be better golfers if we used a Ping driver ? Or maybe a Callaway ?

[@ChristopherDowning]

This is such a good video showing that the marginal differences don't really give a huge advantage. Now if you buy and use a D2 913 like I do, you can see the shot difference doesn't come down to that much. Maybe if I was at top comp level the one shot I might gain would be turned into prize money .... .... but really?

[@ianboots391]

I do like contests Mark👍 any golf ball tests coming up 😃

[@davidcrawford3047]

I think you in a roundabout way are saying that ANY manufacturer who has released drivers in the last 2 years are all being economical with the truth as they all pretty much claim longer straighter lower spin higher launch and you've proven that any slight gains are negated by 2nd shots Great video and review

[@robertsalazar5874]

great test I would like to see 917D3 vs TM M3 and i saw you had a blue fujikura was the TM a Kuro Kage?