TaylorMade SIM2, SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max D Drivers Review

The SIM drivers that were released in January 2020 were TaylorMade's biggest change in driver design in many years. Instead of continuing with the popular M-series, TaylorMade introduced the SIM driver, which stands for Shape in Motion, a reference to the new aerodynamic head for less drag in the downswing, just before impact.

Obvious by the name, the SIM2 still incorporates the Shape in Motion technology, but a few enhancements have been made for more forgiveness to accompany the limit-pushing clubhead speed.

The aerodynamic head of the SIM driver brought the distance that golfers want while the SIM2 driver allows for more forgiveness, even in the low-spin standard SIM2 model.

There are four components of the SIM2 driver that allow it to be more forgiving, fast and powerful.

• Forged Ring Construction – A lightweight but strong aluminum ring connects all the key components of the driver head into one force for better efficiency without extra weight. The forged ring is a striking blue which contrasts nicely with the black carbon crown and sole.
• Carbon Crown – Like the SIM and M-series drivers that came before it, the SIM2 driver has a six-layer, lightweight carbon composite crown for faster swing speed.
• Carbon Sole -- The nine-layer carbon sole protects against damage, even during contact of high-speed swings. TaylorMade refers to this as the Inertia Generator and it produces improved aerodynamics and faster clubhead speed. A weight is positioned on the Inertia Generator to deliver a high MOI for forgiveness.
• Milled Back Face Cup – The only part of the clubhead made of titanium is the milled back face cup. The material is highly resilient and ideal for transferring energy for faster ball speeds.

Through extensive research, the most common sweet spot has been identified and extends in an oval from the toe to the heel.

The face is larger across the line of SIM2 drivers when compared to the SIM drivers, allowing for increased forgiveness. SIM2 is 12 percent larger than the SIM driver, the SIM2 Max is five percent larger than the SIM Max and the SIM2 Max D is five percent larger than the SIM Max D.

As was the case with previous SIM and M-series models, the SIM2 driver features speed-injected Twist Face technology. This technology results in straighter shots, even on off-center shots. In the newest model, the technology is delivered through one single port, located on the outer toe of the clubhead.

Although it was just recently released to tour golfers, the SIM2 has already been spotted in many golf bags.

Collin Morikawa switched from the SIM eight-degree driver to the SIM2 Max nine-degree driver this past January. Morikawa, who won the PGA Championship in August 2020, has tied for seventh in each of his first two tournaments of 2021.

Reigning Masters Tournament champion Dustin Johnson used a 10.5-degree SIM2 driver in the 2021 Sentry Tournament of Champions where he finished tied for 11th. He switched back to the SIM driver for the 2021 Saudi International, which he won on February 7th.

While there aren’t many big differences in the SIM2 drivers, there are some notable variations that make them suitable for specific golfers.

• SIM2 – Best suited for high swing speed golfers who want distance and forgiveness. This club is the lowest spinning option of the three and also produces the lowest launch. Comes with a 16-gram weight in the Inertia Generator for forgiveness.
• SIM2 Max – This club has a 24-gram weight on the Inertia Generator, making it the most forgiving of the three drivers. It does produce more spin on drives but won't twist as much on mishits.
• SIM Max D – The 22-gram weight on the Inertia Generator is positioned closer to the heel, making this driver ideal for golfers battling a slice.

TaylorMade SIM2 drivers are available to the public starting February 19, 2021.