Head-to-Head: The key differences between TaylorMade’s M5 and M6 irons

They look similar and feature many of the same technologies and basic design elements, but TaylorMade’s M5 and M6 irons are not the same club.

“Each is engineered for different players,” says TaylorMade’s senior manager of product creation Mat Bovee, “and there are some clear questions to consider when deciding between the two. For instance, what’s your skill set? What shots do you typically play? How important is distance to your game? These are key considerations, along with what you like to see at address, whether that’s a confidence-building larger profile or something more compact.”

While Bovee’s advice should definitely be taken to heart, some basic information that might help you decide for yourself includes the fact that the M5 irons are aimed at mid-handicappers and better players who prefer a more traditional profile. The M6, on the other hand, is made for mid- and high-handicappers who prioritize max forgiveness and distance. To better refine your choice, here’s a breakdown of each.

TaylorMade M5 irons

Designed to provide a combination of ample workability and outstanding forgiveness and distance, the new M5 irons ($999) present a more compact, traditional profile with less offset than the larger M6. The biggest advances that make the M5 superior to, say, the M3 are a thru-slot Speed Pocket in the sole of the club that’s the most flexible in TaylorMade history, along with a new Speed Bridge design that connects the topline of the clubhead to the back bar. This arrangement stiffens the upper area of the clubhead, not only reducing vibration for improved sound and feel but also deflecting impact vibration to the lower area of the clubface, where most players strike the ball. The larger thru-slot Speed Pocket is activated at impact to an even greater degree, creating more flex, ball speed and distance. The Speed Bridge and Speed Pocket combine with an extremely thin clubface and patented Inverted Cone Technology in the 4-7 irons to make them not only longer but also more forgiving across a larger area of the face.

Other features of the new M5 irons include a HYBRAR compression-damping system with multi-material badges for a softer overall feel, 360° undercuts with stiffening topline ribs for more face flex, and a new fluted hosel for a lower and deeper CG.

M5 in a nutshell: A more compact profile with less offset and a thinner sole is aimed at low- and mid-handicappers.

TaylorMade M6 irons

The best part of the M6 irons ($899) is that they mimic everything you just read about the M5, but with tweaks here and there to create a high-performance, game-improvement iron that, while slightly larger than the M5, still delivers classic looks and a pure feel. The sweet-spot engineering on the M6 makes this a can’t-miss club for all levels—it’s definitely a straight-shooter.

M6 in a nutshell: Larger overall size with more offset, stronger lofts, and wider soles helps mid- and high-handicappers optimize performance.

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