TaylorMade R15 vs M2 | What Is The Difference?

The R15 and M2 drivers are some of TaylorMade’s most popular drivers. Since their release, R15 being in 2015 and M2 being in 2017, both of them have made a big impact on the industry. Despite both of them being great drivers, they are actually quite different in terms of their builds and specs. In this article, I outline the differences between these two drivers and show you which one may be better for you.

What are the differences between the R15 Driver and the M2 Driver? The main differences between these two drivers is that the R15 offers higher loft options, stiffer shafts, lower club lie options, a shorter club length, and a heavier swing weight compared to the M2 driver.

It seems that the only aspect of these clubs that is the same is the volume of the club. Both clubs have an overall volume of 460cc, which is pretty standard amongst most drivers available. Otherwise, a majority of other features on these clubs differ from each other. Below I go into further detail about these differences and how they can impact your game.

Loft: R15 vs M2

One of the first differences between these to drivers is in their loft. The R15 driver is available in 4 different lofts (9.5°, 10.5°, 12°, 14°) whereas the M2 driver only offers the driver in 2 different lofts (9.5°, 10.5°). In other words, The R15 driver has higher loft options available.

These higher lofts are better for golfers who want to get more height off of the tee. The 12° and 14° loft will make a significant difference in the lift that your ball can get out of the tee box.  So, if you typically hit low flight balls, then the R15 is going to likely be better for you as it can help you get a bit more height on the ball and, in turn, get your more distance off of the tee.

However, if you don’t have any issues with ball height, then either of these clubs’ lower loft options would be suitable for you.

Flex: R15 vs M2

Another major difference between these two clubs is in their flex options. The R15 offers stiffer shaft options whereas the M2 offers more flexible shaft options. While both options are good, these flex options are only good for certain types of golers.

With the R15, you are able to purchase a stiffer shaft, which is more suitable for golfers with higher swing speeds. For a driver, an X-Stiff shaft is good for those who have swing speeds above 105 mph. With The M2, You are able to get C flex which is another variation of “Regular” flex. This is generally good for those who have a swing speed of 84 mph – 96 mph.

If you choose the wrong flex option, you may have trouble squaring the face at impact or you may struggle to hit consistent shots. If you are not in the X-Stiff or C Flex category, then either club is fine to pick as the rest of the options are available for both clubs.

Lie: R15 vs M2

Both clubs offer similar lie options, but they are not exactly the same. The M2 offers a slightly higher lie option and the R15 offers slightly lower lie options.

With the higher lie options, the M2 would help those who tend to hook the ball. Essentially, the higher lie will help you hit the ball more towards the toe of the club, which will negate some of the issues that are causing your ball to hook.

With the lower lie options, the R15 would help those who tend to slice or push the ball. Essentially, the lower lie will help you hit the ball more towards the heel, negating some of the club face issues that may be causing your ball to slice.

Swing Weight: R15 vs M2

The last major difference between these two clubs is the swing weight. More specifically, the R15 has a swing weight of D4 and the M2 has a swing weight of D3. In short the M2 is slightly lighter than the R15.

But how much of a difference does this make in your swing? The difference is pretty negligible (about 2 grams difference in the club head between these two weights). However, over a long period of time, some golfers might feel more fatigued using the R15 compared to using the M2.

Given that the R15 is heavier, it requires slightly more energy to use, therefore you can tire out more easily. So, while it may not make a huge difference, the swing weight between these two clubs is different. If you believe that you can handle the weight, then the R15 is likely a better choice for you. Otherwise, you could consider the M2.

Final Thoughts: R15 vs M2

So, if you are considering purchasing one of these clubs, it is really important to know what your needs are. If you are someone who has a fast swing speed (>105 mph), looking to get some more height off the tee, and fix your slice, the R15 is likely a better choice for you.

On the other hand, if you are currently satisfied with your height off the tee, but may not have as fast of swing speed (84 mph – 96 mph), and want to fix your hook, then the M2 is likely a better choice for you.

If you are unsure about some of these touch points, it’s best to go to your local pro shop and get all of these metrics. Once that is done, it will be much easier to figure out what club is right for you.