Taylormade M Gloire Driver Review – Good for Handicappers & Forgiving?

“The Gloire series of drivers was introduced to Asian markets back in 2012. The updated Taylormade M Gloire driver was introduced to Western markets a bit later and while it is a lesser-known Taylormade driver, it still may deserve your attention if you are a high handicapper.”

The Taylormade Gloire Family

“The Taylormade Gloire drivers were originally designed to compete with some of the premium drivers that were coming out of Japan at the time.”

So the original Gloire driver has premium features like a forged face; but these days, you would be hard-pressed to find an original.

The Taylormade M Gloire drivers were redesigned a little bit and unleashed on American markets after the originals had already been released in Asia.

The Taylormade M Gloire driver has been tweaked a bit from the original version to include the famed Twist Face technology which helps preserve launch and ball speed on low face strikes.

Taylormade also added “Hammerhead Slot” technology to the Taylormade M Gloire driver which helps thin out the face and promote flex.

Is it Good for High Handicappers?

“In actuality, the Taylormade M Gloire was made to be a more accessible version of the original Gloire driver.”

In other words, it was designed to be better for high handicappers and players with slower swing speeds.

You get some of the classic Taylormade game improvement features such as the Twist Face which is a slight curvature of the face that promotes launch on low-face strikes and ball speed on mid-high face strikes.

It should also be noted that the Taylormade M Gloire features 28 grams of weight placed in the heel to help players who are struggling against a fade bias.

More weight (22 grams) was placed low and in the back of the head to achieve that low CG that higher handicap players feel more comfortable with.

Our testers noted that the Taylormade M Gloire felt lightweight and extremely solid when they nailed the sweet spot.

Our testers were also seeing drive distances in the neighborhood of 220 yards with this driver. So at least in terms of distance, the Taylormade M Gloire appeared to be very good for high handicappers.

Is it Forgiving?

“The Taylormade M Gloire shoots straight and offers plenty of protection on mis-hits.”

Particularly on low-face strikes. The launch was acceptable but what our testers really liked about the Taylormade M Gloire was that it helped them gain distance by keeping their ball on-line.

Not a ton of distance mind you; but the kind of distance you can expect from simply shooting the ball straighter.

Our testers also mentioned that the carbon fiber crown and sole area also helped to keep the weight down which really let them unload on the ball.

Keep in mind that this is a 460cc driver so you get a nice, oversized head to work with. The Taylormade M Gloire looks forgiving and reassuring behind the ball.

However, some of our testers did mention that the silver graphics on the crown looked a bit busy and were a bit of a distraction at address.

Difference Between the Taylormade M Gloire and the SIM2 Driver

“The SIM2 driver is a bit more basic when it comes to construction materials.”

Keep in mind that the Taylormade M Gloire has a forged face and carbon fiber composite (silver) crown.

The SIM2 is a great game improvement driver as it puts a 16 gram steel weight way far back in the head.

However, it has a tinny feel at impact and the face doesn’t play as hot as the Taylormade M Gloire.

Available Shafts

The only stock shaft that is available for the Taylormade M Gloire at this time is a Fujikura Speeder Evolution in stiff/regular (47 grams) and regular (42 grams) flex.

Is the Taylormade M Gloire Worth it?

“If you want to turn heads on the course while at the same time, really improving your long game, absolutely.”

The Taylormade M Gloire wonderfully combines premium appointments and player’s feel with game improvement features that actually work.

It does cost a pretty penny; but if you have the discretionary income, the Taylormade M Gloire is definitely worth it.