2017 Taylormade M2 vs Callaway Epic Sub Zero - GCQuad Data

Introduction
Following on from part 1 I managed to repeat my testing on a GCQuad.

Hypothesis
The Epic Sub Zero should be lower spinning.
The Epic Sub Zero should produce a longer carry distance.

Method
Within the limitations of my setup I tested by capturing multiple shots (not blatant mishits) with each club/config.

The clubs used were:
Taylormade M2 (9.5deg adjusted to 7.5)
Callaway Epic Sub Zero (9 deg)

The ball used was the TP5X.

Results and Analysis

M2 Shot

Epic SZ Shot

Conclusion
I was impressed in part 1 but the data from GCQuad is amazing. Over the course of 15+ shots I averaged 20 yards greater carry.

It is now clear from the data, validated on 2 launch monitors the 2017 M2 doesn't suit me. The combination of slightly higher ball speed and significantly lower spin means the Epic SZ is way better in my hands. 20 yards equates to approx 0.06 strokes gained every shot which could be as much as 0.8 shots per round!

2017 Taylormade M2 vs Callaway Epic Sub Zero

Introduction
I used to have the 2016 M2 which was superb. However, the face caved in so I got sent a replacement which was the 2017 M2. As soon as I got it I noticed an increase in average spin from approx 2300rpm to 3000rpm. Looking into the data I also noticed I never got really low spin (<2000 rpm). In almost 2000 shots I didnt have a single one recorded below 2000 rpm compared to my 2016 M2 which had approx 17% below 2000 rpm. More worryingly 38% of my shots were >3000 rpm (2016 M2 = 23%). This was confirmed when using it on course where the ball would stall and not roll out, especially into the wind.

As a lefty I struggled to find somewhere that I could test the Epic Sub Zero so I bought one, along with an additional shaft.

Hypothesis
The Epic Sub Zero should be lower spinning.
The more appropriate shaft should be lower launching and spinning.

Method
Within the limitations of my setup I tested by capturing multiple shots (not blatant mishits) with each club/config.

The clubs used were:
Taylormade M2 (9.5deg adjusted to 7.5)
Callaway Epic Sub Zero (9 deg)

For the sub zero the shafts tested were:
Hzrdus T800, 55g, 5.5 Flex
Hzrdus Yellow, 63g, 6.5 Flex

The ball used was the TP5X.

Results and Analysis

Ball speed is higher with the Epic in all configurations.

Launch Angle significantly lower with Hzrdus Yellow.

Spin rate lower with Epic, especially with hzrdus yellow shaft and weight in the forward position.

This graphic compares the M2 with the high tee Epic SZ. Dispersion is markedly better in both dimensions.

Conclusion

It is hard not to enthuse about the Epic SZ. With my delivery numbers I picked up 2mph of ball speed over the M2. This combined with the lower (and now optimal) spin number lead to a 10 yard gain which is highly impressive. 

Next Steps

Try to repeat the testing on a GC Quad to capture some additional data.

On course testing.

Chrome Soft vs TP5 vs TP5X

Introduction
As previously stated I love the Callaway Chrome Soft and it is my normal ball. My previous testing has suggested (others have concluded similarly) that a premium ball is a premium ball and you should make your selection based on other factors such as cost, feel, colour etc.

The TP5/TP5X balls appear a little different. TM claim they launch higher with lower spin on full shots whilst maintaining the high spin character of a premium ball on shorter shots. If true this is really interesting.

For my skill level I get too much spin with a premium ball which increases the amount of curvature I get. If I could get a ball which exhibits consistently (wet vs dry etc) lower spin with longer shots it might help. An additional benefit of consistently lower spin would be better performance in the wind.

Hypothesis
TM claim the TP5 should launch higher with lower spin on longer shots. The TP5X should launch higher still with even lower spin and increased ball speed. Performance on short shots should be unaffected.

I have recently switched to CF16 irons in an attempt to reduce spin, is it possible the TP5/X balls will exhibit too little spin when paired with these irons?

Method
Within the limitations of my setup I tested by capturing 5 solid shots (not blatant mishits) with each ball and multiple clubs. Shots were struck from a soft range mat. Using this mat I have noticed shots launch higher and travel less distance compared to a firmer mat or turf. Spin rates are also higher and less variable than those encountered playing 'real' golf.

The balls were:
Callaway Chrome Soft
Taylormade TP5
Taylormade TP5X

The clubs were:
60° wedge (goal was a 50 yard pitch)
9 Iron (40°)
7 Iron (31°)
5 Iron (24°)
3 Iron (19°)
Driver (9.5°)

Results and Analysis

Subjective:
Nothing feels as soft as a Chrome Soft but the TP5 is noticeably softer than the X.
The TP5/X balls are also more clicky sounding.
During testing I noticed the TP5 ball initially seemed to get a little 'hairy'. This wore off after a few more shots and all of the balls appear durable. After completing my testing the Chrome Soft is in the best condition although the difference is minor.

Data:

60 Degree Wedge (Target 50 Yards):

Launch Angle was way higher with the TP5/X. I was hitting into a net and the launch angle was so steep I had to move my mat closer to avoid hitting the top!

 Spin rate was lower with the TP5/X, it averaged approx 1000rpm lower.

 9 Iron:

Launch Angle for the TP5 was similar to the chrome soft, but the TP5X launched significantly higher.

 Spin rates comparable.

 Average carry distance slightly longer for TP5/X.

7 Iron:

 Launch angle higher for TP5, higher still for TP5X.

 Spin rate comparable between Chrome Soft and TP5. TP5X substantially lower spinning.

 TP5 peak height > Chrome Soft. TP5X higher still.

 Carry distances similar.

 5 Iron:

 TP5X launches slightly higher.

 TP5 spin rate slightly lower than Chrome Soft. TP5X substantially lower.

 TP5X carry distance higher than Chrome Soft/TP5 by approx 5 yards.

3 Iron:
TP5X ball speed higher.

 TP5X launch angle > TP5.

 TP5/X spin rate < Chrome Soft.

 TP5/X carry distances longer than Chrome Soft.

Driver:
Ball speed highest with TP5X. Better than Chrome Soft by 3mph and TP5 by 2mph.

 Launch Angle highest with Chrome Soft (overridden by strike?)

 Spin rates comparable, controlled by strike.

 TP5X longer than Chrome Soft by 11 yards on average.

Raw data can be found here.


Do the TP5/X launch higher?
Yes, although most surprisingly with a 60deg wedge. In general the X launches higher than the 5.

Do the TP5/X spin less?
Yes, especially in the middle irons? On the 50 yard shots the TP5/X balls had a significantly lower spin rate

Is ball speed higher with the TP5/X
In the case of the X yes, but not by much.


Conclusion
The TP5/X are interesting balls; they actually appear to be doing something differently. They launch higher, spin less and travel slightly further. It is great to see TM taking a different direction with their ball design and I am keen to test these on course in the near future.


Update 07/09/17:
I have now managed to test on course and the results were interesting (and mostly subjective).

• Off the tee I hit both balls, the TP5X went further on 4 occasions and the Chrome Soft went further on 3. 
• When the TP5X was longest it tended to be by a greater amount than when the Chrome Soft was longest.
• On approach shots the TP5X went further on 3 occasions.
• Both balls appeared to stop equally well (distance between pitch mark and resting place).
• The TP5X launched and flew visibly higher with iron shots. 
• The TP5X appeared to be affected less by the wind.
• The TP5X felt much harder than the Chrome Soft.

Strike is king. I believe the TP5X does behave differently to other premium balls, but fractional mishits vs flushed shots still count more than relatively minor differences between the balls.