2019 [1]: TaylorMade launches the M5, built around Speed Injection (each face tuned to the speed limit) plus Twist Face and a weight track. 2026: the TaylorMade Qi4D is on shop shelves. This page puts the two side by side and gives a straight verdict on whether the old club still earns a place in your bag.
The M5 in 2019: what it was
The M5 was built around Speed Injection (each face tuned to the speed limit) plus Twist Face and a weight track. Its selling point was adjustability, so one head could be set up for different players. The 460cc head is the same size limit drivers are built to today.
Is the M5 worth buying in 2026? A strong used buy
It is recent enough that the face and shaping are close to current models, and it is fully adjustable. For most club golfers, a well-kept M5 at a used price is better value than paying full price for the TaylorMade Qi4D.
What TaylorMade changed after the M5
The models below are the TaylorMade drivers we cover that came after the M5. Each one is a step you skip by buying the old club.
| Year | Model | Main change | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | TaylorMade SIM Max | An aerodynamic sole shape and a rear Inertia Generator weight | Check Price |
| 2021 | TaylorMade 300 Mini Driver | A mini driver that revived the 300 Series name | Check Price |
| 2022 | TaylorMade Stealth | A 60-layer carbon face instead of titanium | Check Price |
| 2026 | TaylorMade Qi4D | Current model | Check Price |
Then vs now: M5 vs TaylorMade Qi4D
| Spec | TaylorMade M5 | TaylorMade Qi4D |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2019 [1] | 2026 [2] |
| Head size | 460cc | — |
| Adjustable hosel | Yes | Yes |
| Weighting | Movable/adjustable | 4 weights (2×9g, 2×4g) |
| Lofts | Adjustable via sleeve | — |
| Launch price (new) | — | $649.99 ($699.99 Launch Monitor Enabled) |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
We list only specs we could tie to a source. A dash means we could not confirm the figure. We do not have our own launch-monitor numbers for either club.
Who should still buy one?
- Buy it if you want a forgiving club on a small budget and can try it before you pay.
- Skip it if you can stretch to a recent used model (the last three or four years) — the forgiveness gap is bigger than the price gap.
Check current listings on Amazon
Buying a used M5: checklist
- Sleeve and wrench: make sure the adapter comes with it and that it fits the TaylorMade system you have. Ask the seller which setting it is in.
- Face: look for cracks, dents or a caved-in look at the centre. A cracked face can't be repaired.
- Crown: sky marks and paint chips are cosmetic; dents are not.
- Shaft and grip: check the flex label. A worn grip costs little to replace; a shaft that is too stiff costs you carry.
- Price check: we could not verify current used prices, so compare recent sold listings before you buy (eBay sold listings).
FAQ
When did the TaylorMade M5 come out?
2019.
Is the TaylorMade M5 still a good driver?
A strong used buy. It is recent enough that the face and shaping are close to current models, and it is fully adjustable. For most club golfers, a well-kept M5 at a used price is better value than paying full price for the TaylorMade Qi4D.
Is the M5 adjustable?
Yes, it has an adjustable hosel.
What replaced the M5?
TaylorMade's current equivalent is the TaylorMade Qi4D (2026). Launch price: $649.99 ($699.99 Launch Monitor Enabled).