TaylorMade debuts MIM design with new SYSTM2 Putters

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TaylorMade debuts MIM design with new SYSTM2 Putters

Although Spider-mania took over the PGA Tour last year, TaylorMade hasn’t forgotten about blades.

With their new launch of the SYSTM2 putters, the company is not only introducing three new blade types, and two mid-mallets, but these putters will feature a new MIM (Metal Injection Molding) construction, a first for the company’s putters. The putters still feature a flymill face, which maintains the soft feel that many players love.

“SYSTM2 represents our commitment to delivering the highest performance putters while showcasing the craftsmanship and precision that define TaylorMade’s world-class performance machines,” TaylorMade Director of Product Creation (Putters) Andrew Oldknow said in the release. “By constructing each head from mild 304 stainless steel with a precision-milled face and our signature two-tone finish, we’ve created the perfect system for every golfer. Whether a player prefers a compact blade, needs the forgiveness of our wide Del Monte, or wants a traditional mid-mallet, the SYSTM2 ensures that golfers can find their perfect stroke.

What may be most interesting about the putters is the price, which comes in at just $250, well below the cost of the popular Spider mallet and many other premium putters on the market. Yet these putters feature one of TaylorMade’s most advanced designs to date.

Continue reading below for more on the TaylorMade SYSTM2 putters, including my take on the release.

What’s really new with TaylorMade SYSTM2 Putters – and why you should care

A new type of fungus

MIM design has been around the golf scene for a long time, but it has gained a lot of flavor in the last few years, due to both the decreasing cost and the unique control it gives designers. SYSTM2 is TaylorMade’s first use of the technology in their putters.

By using MIMing, as opposed to traditional methods of casting or milling, TaylorMade was able to remove mass from the back of the face and reposition it in the toe and heel, increasing stability.

The use of 304 stainless steel and a flymill face with saw-milled grooves creates a soft and premium feel. This will feel different than the Pure Roll insert on TaylorMade’s Spider putters, but it’s still on the soft side.

Two-tone alignment features

One of the best arguments for switching to larger mallet putters after a promotion is justifying the extra alignment features. All SYSTM2 putters address that drawback with a two-tone finish that includes a silver grain front piece and a black PVD back.

The difference in two perpendicular pitches creates a visual difference for the golfer, which helps them set up square to the target and keep it that way with the stroke.

TaylorMade SYSTM2 List

There are five different heads in the SYSTM2 putter lineup with three blades and two mallets. The blades are only available with L-neck hosels, while the mallets will be offered in both L-neck and single-bend shaft options.

Soto 12

Soto 12 from all angles.

TaylorMade

What’s going on: Classic Anser style blade with rounded bumpers and L-neck hosel.

Whose: Players who prefer a rounded appearance and soft edges while having a moderate toe flow.

On June 12

What’s going on: Classic Anser style blade with square bumper and L-neck hosel.

Whose: Blade players prefer angular shape and perpendicular alignment features.

Del Monte 12

What’s going on: A broad bodied blade with square bumps.

Whose: Blade players don’t want to transition to a mallet, but want more stability.

Ardmore 12/72

What’s going on: A modern center mallet shape that is not half-moon with a few corners for stability.

Whose: Players who prefer a half moon shape but with more stability.

Bandon 12/72

Episode 72 — I [PRODUCT NAME] from all angles.

Taylor Made

What’s going on: The modern style mid-mallet is available in two different pipe options: L-Neck and single-bend.

Whose: Players looking for more forgiveness in a mid-mallet with angular alignment lines.

My take: New technology, better price, more options

I’m not going to sit here and pretend that the SYSTM2 is cheaper than TaylorMade’s latest blade/mid-mallet releases. In fact, each putter costs $50 more.

However, these new models have the advantage of MIM technology, which allows for greater stability and a different surface technology with sawing holes.

Are the grooves on the milled face better or worse than TaylorMade’s Pure Roll inserts? No, that’s not what this is about. The Pure Roll insert is one of the reasons why the Spider is so successful, but some people just prefer a softer feel.

This gives players different options.

While the blade may not be as forgiving as a high MOI mallet, the MIM technology helps level the field with more stability by using the weight of the toes on the heel.

Overall, the SYSTM2 won’t be a release that jumps off the page right away, but if you look closely, not only will these putters round out the TaylorMade lineup, but they can serve as a stepping stone for future putter releases.