By: Zack Buechner
50 Words or Less
Taylormade’s M5 iron maximizes ball speed and forgiveness for the player who wants a more traditional iron look.
Introduction
Taylormade’s SpeedBridge technology is one that really makes sense. The “bridge,” used in both the M5 and M6, spans the width of the iron cavity and is used to lessen vibration at the point of contact. This creates higher ball speeds over previous M series irons. The M5 adds this technology to a thinner iron than the M6 and is designed for the better player looking for a more conventional iron head shape.
Looks
Opposite of the M6, the M5 color scheme is more subtle. The black and grey adds sleekness over the red tones of the M6. The leading edge in the M5 is much sharper than the M6, setting up square to the ball at address.
The top line isn’t too bulky or obtrusive, and the biggest surprise in this iron is the minimal offset. It actually looks less like a GI iron and more like a players/GI hybrid. These are ideal for the player who lacks consistency but still wants that players iron look.
Sound & Feel
Whether it was center face contact or a mishit, every shot felt like it jumped off the face. The feedback on toe or heel strikes is stronger than on the M6 irons, but it still felt extremely forgiving.
The sound is slightly muted – low in tone no matter the location of ball contact. Hearing such solid sounds boosted my confidence the more time I spent hitting this club.
Performance
Similar to the M6, the M5 is a higher spinning iron – a trait which is combated by adjusting the lofts down. The pitching wedge loft is set at 45 degrees which is closer to a traditional loft setup compared to the M6. I enjoyed hitting these irons for that reason. I gained almost a club with the M5s over my current players irons.
The M5’s wide sole can help on imperfect strikes, especially when you make contact with the ground first. Like many GI irons, the benefits of high spin/low lofts can be especially useful to cut through rough or any other bad lie but still hold a green. The spring-like effect at impact helps get balls airborne quickly and with little effort.
Conclusion
The M5 irons are for the player who likes the look of a players iron but still needs a little more help. Minimal offset, cleaner lines, and loads of forgiveness highlight the Taylormade M5 irons. Loft-jacking aside, these irons pack a punch and can launch the ball for any level player.
TaylorMade M5 Irons Price & Specs
Zack Buechner
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Photos don’t do it justice then, because it hardly has a players club look: what looks like a seam across the top and hosel alone spoils that.
Reminds me of the speedblade but with a bar across the back (you’ll need a toothbrush to clean it..)
Previous model had a number of reports of the face caving in, you guys heard of this? Probably a rare thing. Put me off a bit of speedslots on irons (had my eyes on m3) , though am happily hitting TM woods with them. Never seen a “long term” test of clubs. “After a year of rigorous playing jn all types of weather, throwing the clubs after shanked shots and kicking the bag in frustration, let me tell you how the clubs faired…lol! ”
Anyway, sounds like capable clubs.
If you put this club up against the Bridgestone HF2 which one wins?
John,
That depends who’s swinging it.
Best,
Matt
A 10 cap guy who carries a 7 iron 145 yards.
John,
My apologies for being unclear: it will depend on the specific individual and how their swing fits the two different clubs and what they prefer. There’s no universal answer to “Is club X better than club Y?” because what works better for you may not work better for me.
Best,
Matt
Wanted to let you guys know I am playing the m 4s currently listen iam sticking with you guys I am about a 2 hanicap need to get the wedges though been having problems with money right now my cell phone number is 360 224 4643
Matt, M5 vs P790 when it comes to forgiveness and distance? Is the P790 worth the extra money?
Joe,
The reviews of the M5 and P790 were done by two different writers, and I haven’t hit them head to head, barely hit the M5 at all. I’d suggest testing them head to head in a fitting to see if the extra money buys you any additional performance.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I am interested in this club vs 919 HM and i500, can you give a comparrison?
Thanks,
Scott
Scott,
I didn’t write this review, and I haven’t hit the M5 irons, so I can’t give a comparison.
Best,
Matt
Just got the M5. Fitted to 1 1/2 long. 1 degree up. First time I used them on a course I had never played and shot 77. The ball jumps. 2 clubs longer. Great forgiveness. Feels great. Looks great. Highly recommend these bad boys.