Reviewers consistently praise the 2017 TaylorMade M1 driver for its elite distance, high ball speeds, and the extensive flight-tuning capabilities of its T-Track adjustability and carbon crown design. However, testers split sharply on its overall playability; while some highlight exceptional forgiveness on off-center hits, most reviewers argue that the club ultimately lacks sufficient stability and forgiveness.
Strong consensus: 5 of 5 recommend. 5 reviews from 3 creators. 5 positive. Reviewer scores (0–100): median 88.
Where reviewers agree
Each theme groups reviews that make the same point. The lines under it are each reviewer’s point, summarised from their video — not direct quotes.
What reviewers praise
T-Track adjustability for flight tuning — Praised in 4 reviews
H.I.T GOLF: T-track adjustable weights for fade and draw bias
Alex Etches Golf: Massive adjustability with T-Track system (1:10)
Alex Etches Golf: T-Track system provides precise CG and shot-shape control
Carbon crown for weight savings and CG — Praised in 3 reviews
Alex Etches Golf: Weight-saving carbon fiber allows for more efficient CG placement. (0:37)
Alex Etches Golf: Carbon composite crown significantly reduces weight for lower CG
Confidence-inspiring look and improved sound — Praised in 2 reviews
Alex Etches Golf: Wide footprint at address provides confidence (1:10)
Today's Golfer: Better sound and feel than SLDR (2:25)
Today's Golfer: Iconic black and white crown alignment (2:25)
Exceptional forgiveness on off-center hits — Praised in 2 reviews
Alex Etches Golf: Consistent carry distances on off-center hits (1:10)
Alex Etches Golf: Significantly more forgiving than the 2016 version on off-center hits. (0:37)
Elite distance and high ball speeds — Praised in 2 reviews
Alex Etches Golf: Elite distance potential with carry numbers exceeding 340 yards. (0:37)
Alex Etches Golf: Consistent high ball speeds across the face
Where they push back
Lacks forgiveness and stability — Raised in 3 reviews
Alex Etches Golf: 440cc version feels less stable than the 460cc model (1:10)
Alex Etches Golf: Toe-biased weight setting can feel less stable than centered weight. (0:37)
Today's Golfer: Still lacks the forgiveness of modern heads (2:25)
Dated looks, loud sound, and lingering reputation — Raised in 3 reviews
H.I.T GOLF: Dated aesthetics compared to modern TaylorMade drivers
Alex Etches Golf: Sound is loud and slightly 'tinny' compared to competitors (1:10)
Alex Etches Golf: Previous model's reputation for being difficult to hit may linger. (0:37)
High price, complexity, and debris trap — Raised in 1 review
Alex Etches Golf: Tracks can collect debris over time
Alex Etches Golf: Higher complexity might overwhelm high-handicap players
Alex Etches Golf: Premium price point compared to standard drivers
Will it fix your miss?
Hook: 3 of 5 say it helps · 1 partial
Slice: 3 of 5 say it helps · 2 partial
Face control: 1 of 5 say it helps · 2 partial
Every verdict
Each reviewer’s point, summarised from their video.
H.I.T GOLF: Iconic multi-material driver with T-track weighting that set the standard for carbon crown performance. — positive, 88/100. The BEST drivers I've ever tested 😳⛳️ (93K views) · Mid Handicap · Low Handicap
Alex Etches Golf: Fixes the unforgiving nature of the previous model while maintaining massive distance and high adjustability. — positive, 92/100. Taylormade M1 Driver Review 2017 (23K views, at 0:37) · Intermediate · Advanced
Alex Etches Golf: A revolutionary multi-material driver offering tour-level adjustability and low-spin distance for better players. — positive, 88/100. Taylormade M1 Driver Review (22K views) · Advanced Golfers · Intermediate Golfers
How this page is made: each reviewer’s verdict, pros and cons, sentiment, score and launch numbers are machine-extracted from their video — summarised, not quoted word for word. The themes are machine-grouped and the intro is machine-written from those summaries. We have not tested this product ourselves. Updated Jun 2026.