The TaylorMade SIM Max was the driver to buy in 2020. Is it still worth the investment some years later?
Well, it’s still a great driver and could help some golfers improve their ball speed. It’s also very forgiving. But it’s not for everyone.
In this TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Review, we’ll dive into the details of this club and see if its performance measures up to TaylorMade’s promises of driving advancement.
Read to learn everything you need to know.
TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Review
Pros:
- Big-hitting
- Highly forgiving
- Fast ball speeds
- Great aerodynamics
- Looks great
- Sounds great
Cons:
- No dramatic improvements over previous models
- Not a lot of adjustability
Specs:
- Loft: 19 degrees to 59 degrees
- Lie: 61.5 degrees to 64.5 degrees
- Length: 39.125 inches to 35.0 inches
- Bounce: 2 degrees to 9 degrees
| Category | Rating (1 to 5 stars) |
| Distance | 4 stars |
| Feel | 4.5 stars |
| Forgiveness | 5 stars |
| Adjustability | 5 Stars |
| Looks | 4.5 stars |
| Total | 4.6 stars |
TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Review
Released in 2020, the SIM and SIM Max drivers are the next steps on the path forged by the M drivers of previous years, making them some of the best golf clubs. The speed injected twist face technology remains, as does the MOI sole weight – only it’s been implemented slightly differently this time.
This TaylorMade Sim Max review focuses on the SIM Max, but the TaylorMade SIM Driver is very similar. It just has a smaller face and more adjustability.
Naturally, the first thing we noticed about this driver was its great looks. The bottom of the head has been cleaned up a bit since its predecessor, and the dark, metallic colors come together to form a sharp, aesthetically pleasing design.
In terms of performance, TaylorMade says that this driver is offering more forgiveness than ever before and that they have geometrically optimized the sole weight to increase MOI further. The idea is that the swing will be more aerodynamic, thus faster. It has also offered slightly higher launch conditions than previous models.
Let’s have a look at the launch monitor comparison data to get a feel for how the TaylorMade SIM Max Driver compares to the TaylorMade SIM:
| TaylorMade Sim Max Driver | Club Information | TaylorMade Sim Driver |
| 104 | Clubhead Speed | 104 |
| 153 | Ball Speed | 152 |
| 13.3 | Launch Angle | 11.2 |
| 2125 | Spin | 1896 |
| 15 | Offline | 17 |
| 249 | Carry Distance | 243 |
| 276 | Total Distance | 275 |
TaylorMade was pretty happy with how the faces of the M drivers were working, so no tangible changes have been made to the speed-injected face twist technology. As we’ve come to expect, the ball rockets off the face, and it’s been specially designed to help you out when you strike the ball on parts of the face that usually causes problems. It also sounds fantastic.
There’s no denying that TaylorMade has been able to increase ball speeds over the years, but it’s likely that they are now facing the problem of diminishing returns. This is a great driver, and the new sole weight seems to make a slight difference, but any performance improvements may feel insignificant to most players.
Players who want to stay up to date with the latest in driving technology should have no qualms with this driver, and it could possess the means to give them a few precious extra yards. For others, anyone from beginners to pros could have fun with the SIM Max – just don’t expect a huge leap in performance from previous models. The SIM Max Driver specs remain similar to past models.
Read Next: The Most Forgiving Drivers
TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Features and Benefits
Asymmetrical Weighted Sole
At this point, TaylorMade is well acquainted with the weight-saving capabilities of carbon fiber. They continued to innovate and optimize throughout their M series, eventually implementing the Twist Face and Speed Injection technologies.
Now, moving on from the M series, their focus has shifted onto something often overlooked: geometry.
SIM, which stands for Shape in Motion, is a concept that strives to improve the aerodynamics of the entire swing – in particular, the part of the swing where drivers experience the most drag. After extensive research, including using some sophisticated 3D tech, they devised a solution.
They took the same weighted sole used on the M6 but instead placed it at a slight angle, making it asymmetrical. According to TaylorMade, this is better equipped to serve the natural arc of a swing, whereas most drivers simply focus on speed in a straight line.
It’s a very subtle design, and if we’re being honest, it’s probably only going to make a difference at the game’s highest level. We did feel like our swings were slightly faster than usual, but that could have just been the placebo effect.
Perhaps more importantly, this weighted sole provides a low CG, with most of the weight placed right at the rear of the head, providing higher launch conditions and aiding in forgiveness.
Speed Injected Twist Face
Returning from the previous TaylorMade M models, the Speed Injected Twist Face technology is back to continue pushing driver faces to their legal limit of ball speed. It was a success the last time, and it legally can’t be optimized any further by its very nature.
No doubt, this face can generate some serious ball speeds, even on off-center hits. However, this technology is about more than just speed; the face has been ‘twisted’ to reinforce the parts of the face, which typically play lousy shots, creating a highly forgiving driver. It might not be brand new, but this great piece of tech is always a joy to play with.
It’s also worth noting that the face of the SIM Max is 8% larger than that of the SIM; it’s clear that this driver has been designed to provide maximum forgiveness.
New Cosmetics
It seems that TaylorMade has been doing some research in the cosmetics department and the performance optimization department. Though the looks of the SIM Max are somewhat related to those of the M models, they have received a bit of a makeover.
The bottom of the head looks great, sure, but the top is where the real magic happens. The silver strip alongside the TaylorMade logo is an effective alignment tool, while the grey-tinged, chalky, chrome carbon fiber crown provides a sleek appearance. Perfect if you want to make your playing partners jealous.
Read more: The in-depth review on the TaylorMade Sim 2 Driver
Alternatives
If, after reading the TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Reviews, you think that this might not quite be the right driver for you, not to worry. Here are a few worthy alternatives which you could check out.
1. Callaway Mavrik Max
Specs:
- Loft: 20 degrees to 54 degrees
- Lie: 60.5 degrees to 64 degrees
- Length: 39 inches to 35.25 inches
- Bounce: n/a
Coming in at roughly the same price as the TaylorMade SIM Max, the Callaway Mavrik Max is another sterling exhibition in the blending of performance and forgiveness. With a low and deep CG, and a large, low-spin face, the draw-biased Max comes packed with forgiveness, helping you to consistently achieve those beautifully arced, drawing drives.
Thanks to two movable weights, the Mavrik Max offers much more adjustability than the SIM Max. Callaway has also attempted to optimize aerodynamics with this driver, though they have taken a slightly different approach to TaylorMade. The results, however, are reportedly quite similar.
Read more: Callaway Mavrik vs Taylormade Sim Drivers
2. Cobra King SpeedZone
Specs:
- Loft: 19 degrees to 54 degrees
- Lie: 62 degrees to 65 degrees
- Length: 39.25 inches to 35.50 inches
- Bounce: n/a
As meticulously designed as the SIM Max, the Cobra King Speed Zone has had every square millimeter of its face optimized with the help of computers and all sorts of other gizmos. The result is a high launching, tightly controlled, straight-shooting driver that is every bit as forgiving as the SIM Max.
It’s slightly cheaper than the SIM Max and offers a bit more adjustability with its moveable weights.
3. Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo
Specs:
- Loft: 20 degrees to 54.5 degrees
- Lie: 61.5 degrees to 65 degrees
- Length: 38.875 inches to 35.5 inches
- Bounce: n/a
Rather than focusing on extremely nuanced design adjustments that only the pros would truly benefit from, Cleveland continues to keep the practical needs of the average player at the forefront. The Launcher HB Turbo is a straight-talking, straight-shooting driver that should tick all the boxes for a game-improver.
By not building adjustability in this driver, Cleveland could save some weight which they could instead place in the rear of the club head to increase stability. It is thus very forgiving of off-center strikes and generates a fair blast on impact. It’s also significantly cheaper than the SIM Max.
FAQs
Is the SIM Max Driver Forgiving?
TaylorMade designed the SIM Max Driver for the ultimate forgiveness, which makes it the perfect choice for mid to high handicappers. An example of a feature that helps is the Inertia Generator positions that add weight at the extreme rear to improve your MOI. As a result, it’s more forgiving.
What Is the Difference Between the SIM and SIM Max Driver?
The two drivers are quite similar, and you don’t have big differences. They were both constructed from the same material and made similarly. However, the SIM Max was designed for forgiveness, whereas the SIM was made for commanding spin and more for intermediate to advanced golfers.
Is the SIM Max Driver Good for Beginners?
The TaylorMade SIM Max Driver was made with the beginner in mind when they built it with the ultimate level of forgiveness. If the ball misses the sweet spot, it will usually provide a good hit.
What Year Is SIM Max Driver?
TaylorMade first released its SIM Max Driver in 2020. They called it the next step along the path of its predecessors, and it was released alongside other big brand releases from Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno, and Ping.
Do Any Pros Use the SIM Max Driver?
In fact, some PGA professionals use the TaylorMade SIM Max Drivers, such as Tiger Woods, Jordan Speith, Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, and Dustin Johnson.
What Shaft Is in the SIM Max?
You can buy the SIM Max Driver in two available options. You can buy it in the Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX or the Tensei AV Raw blue series. The shafts include the Golf Pride Z-Grip, which combines two layers of texture for feedback and control.
Is the SIM Max Driver-Adjustable?
You can adjust the loft, lie and face angle of the SIM Max with 12 potential variations that will either increase or decrease the loft and lie angle. This allows for individual trajectory and face angle preferences.
How to Adjust the SIM Max Drivers?
You can easily adjust the SIM Max Driver with an adjustment wrench. You can change the trajectory and the driver’s spin with this one using the adjustment wrench. We advise you to avoid this unless you truly know how to do it. TaylorMade already adjusted it well and optimized it.
To adjust it for those who understand how to do it, you will place the wrench in the top screw. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it and clockwise to tighten it. When fully tightened, the driver will make a click sound. This tells you that it is safely locked in place, and you don’t want to tighten it further.
When you fully open, you can remove the head from the shaft. Once you’ve done that, you will see numbers on the shaft. The numbers indicate the face angle and loft options. Don’t let it confuse you since it is less tricky than it looks. You have 12 notches on the shaft that you can adjust. Each notch will increase or decrease your loft. The adjusting driver can reduce the spin on the ball.
Final Thoughts
Golf club technology continues to push forward, and TaylorMade is a key pioneer. We give it an overall score of 4.6 stars out of 5. With its intelligent MOI weight, tried and true speed injected face, and sharp aesthetic, the SIM Max is a superb driver. Those who play at a high level – who think they would benefit from just that little bit of extra MOI and clubhead speed – may find great success with this club.
Higher handicappers can also join in the fun. The clubface may be optimized for speed, but it’s also been built to be as forgiving as possible, and the carefully placed CG will help you to get the right amount of loft.
If you currently play with the TaylorMade M5 or M6, don’t expect a huge transformation to occur when you pick up the SIM Max – however, you can rest assured that this driver is a quality piece of kit.
After reading our SIM Max Driver Review, you might be keen to see what the latest in driving technology offers. You can check the current price of the TaylorMade SIM Max Driver.
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Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
