Are you ready to hit it longer and straighter in 2021? If so, I’m sure you’re researching the best drivers on the market and likely stumbled on the TaylorMade SIM2 series.
These drivers have made quite a splash in the new year and by the time you’re done reading this review, it’s easy to see why. It’s trusted by some top names in the game including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, John Rahm, and more.
The SIM 2 became a huge hit in 2020, but the everyday golfer wasn’t able to get it quite yet. Now, it’s ready for the golfing public and has already become a mega hit. In this review, we’ll break down the technology and specs of these drivers to help find the right one for your game.
**Editor’s Note – The Taylormade Stealth 2 drivers have been released. We have a detailed, hands-on review here.**
TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver Review
So what makes this new driver from TaylorMade so special?
Well, quite a bit… It’s replacing the SIM driver from 2020 which was very popular. As TaylorMade said, “First we reshaped the driver, then we reconstructed it. Completely rebuilding the driver from the ground up to give you both forgiveness and distance. Go ahead, the tee box is yours.”
Features of the SIM2 Max Driver
- Speed Injected Twist Face Technology: Heel and toe shots are about to get a lot better. Thanks to the twist face technology, you’ll have more speed and straighter shots on off center hits.
- Forged Ring Construction: This is what makes this driver so special. The aluminum they use is precision milled and designed to help increase both power and forgiveness.
- Aerodynamic Analytics: This club has been redesigned to be even more aerodynamic to produce faster clubhead speeds.
- Speed Pocket: Finally, don’t forget the Speed pocket which helps mishits that are low on the face. Paired with twist face technology, you should find more fairways and barely notice a difference on total yardage with mishits.
Here’s how all this amazing technology plays out in each version of their driver.
SIM 2 Driver Models
Like the previous models, there are several iterations of the SIM2 driver. Here’s a breakdown of the three to help you find the right one for your game.
SIM 2 Driver
The first option is the SIM 2 driver.
It’s the least forgiving of the bunch and used by some of the best players in the world. It has a low launch profile and high forgiveness (but less than the other two models). This driver has a high MOI with 16g steel weight for optimal launch and low spin characteristics.
There are two stock shafts in the men’s driver; the Tensei AV Raw blue series and the Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX. Both are some of the highest quality shafts on tour and normally an upcharge.
For a mid-launch and R, S, and X flex, choose the Tensei. It’s geared to help with a bit more spin and launch. While the Project X HZRDUS is only available in S and X flex and geared towards golfers who want a low launch, low spin driver. It is available in 9 and 10.5 loft options.
SIM 2 MAX Driver
The second option is the SIM 2 MAX driver.
This is more forgiving than the first one on this list and also used by players on the PGA Tour. Unlike the SIM 2, the Max version has 24g tungsten weight (not 16) to help with even more forgiveness and distance.
There are two different shaft options including the Mitsubishi KuroKage Silver or the Fujikura Ventus blue. These help provide a higher launch than the SIM2 stock shafts and also much lighter in weight with each flex. Plus, they have an A flex for senior golfers as well.
This driver is face neutral and provides a slight higher launch and a bit more forgiveness as well. I’d recommend this driver for golfers in the 10-20 handicap range who want a little more distance on mishits and more launch than the original. The MAX is available in 9 and 10.5 loft options
SIM 2 MAX D Driver
The third and final model is the SIM2 MAX D driver.
The “D” stands for draw as this club has a draw bias to help you turn the ball over from right to left. If you really struggle with a slice, this is the club to help you straighten things out.
The MAX D model also provides the highest launch and most forgiveness of all three clubs. This model is great for the everyday golfer of 25+ handicap who wants to improve their tee box game and find more fairways.
The main difference here is the stock shaft option as there’s only one to choose from. The Fujikura Air Speeder shaft is the lightest of any stock shafts for TaylorMade and available in A, R, and S flex. Since it’s geared for mid to higher handicap player, it is also available in 9, 10.5, or 12 degree loft options.
Hands-On Review of the SIM 2 Driver
We tested a normal SIM 2 Driver with the HZRDUS Smoke Shaft.
On the range, this driver seemed very forgiving and produced a very straight ball. Ball flight was lower (that is a good thing for my game and why I chose the HZRDUS Smoke Shaft) and distance seemed to be better than the original SIM.
On the course, what I noticed right off the bat was the increase in distance from last year’s SIM Driver. It’s hard to believe that in 2021 technology is still helping with distance. I suspect it was the lower spin as roll out seemed to be better than last year’s SIM driver.
The increase in distance did not come at the expense of accuracy. I found the fairway at about the same frequency as I normally do. To me, that is a big positive as generally less spin = fewer fairways and less control.
At the end of the day, if you liked the original SIM driver the SIM 2 driver is worth the upgrade.
Alternatives to the SIM Max 2 Driver
While the TaylorMade is a great driver trusted by some of the biggest names in golf, don’t forget about the competition either. 2021 brought in some truly epic drivers (pun intended), here are some of our favorites.
Callaway Epic Driver
Callaway upgraded their Epic Flash from 2019 with the Epic driver series in 2021. This is the next iteration for the highly popular A.I. designed drivers from Callaway. It is replacing the Mavrik series of 2020 with some nice upgrades for extra distance and forgiveness.
Like the TaylorMade, there are three different models to choose from including a Tour inspired “Max LS” version. Plus, two of the three models also come with a sliding weight to help you move mass on the clubhead to the toe or heel. I’m a bit surprised that TaylorMade didn’t have one version with a sliding weight.
Players of all skill levels are loving the Callaway Epic series. Click here to read our review of the Callaway Epic Drivers.
Titleist TSi Series
Another great pick is the Titleist TSi series. They have four different models and arguably some of the best looking drivers to hit the market in 2021. Their all black design is great looking from all angles and offers great benefits for any type of golfer.
Unlike the Callaway and TaylorMade models, there are four options with this one. Each one is less forgiving (TSi1 being the most forgiving, TSi4 being the least forgiving). Plus, the TSi3 also has a sliding weight for maximum adjustability.
For a full list of our favorite drivers read our roundup of best golf drivers for 2021. If you are a beginner or high handicapper you should check out these drivers while those who battle a big slice should consider these drivers.
FAQs About the TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver
Do you have more questions about the TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver? If so, we got answers…
Is this driver adjustable?
No, none of the drivers offer a sliding weight feature. But you can adjust the weights in the front and back of the driver. Doing so can help you move more weight forward or back to help find the right launch and spin numbers. While I’m sure some golfers would prefer the extra tweaking, it’s better than nothing.
Is there a women’s version available?
Yes, in fact there are several women’s versions of this club. Lady golfers can choose between the same three models. The only difference is shaft flex and length, but still all the great benefits of this latest new club from TaylorMade.
Summary
This is a great step in the right direction and it’s easy to see why it’s a top-selling driver of 2021. While the SIM driver from 2020 was popular, I think that this one is even better. Thanks to its redesign and new technology, it’s a great driver for anyone who wants more speed, distance, and accuracy.
Plus, the two shaft choices are amazing picks from TaylorMade. Remember if you need a little higher launch to carry it further, opt for the Tensei shaft. But if you’re a lower handicap player who needs less spin, opt for the HZRDUS smoke shaft.
Click here to order your SIM 2 Driver or you can pick up one here. Make sure to get the right model!