TaylorMade releases a new driver every year and somehow continues to improve on its predecessor. When they released the first SIM driver (Shape In Motion) in 2020, it became an instant success outselling the M5/M6 drivers. More SIM drivers were sold in 6 weeks than M5 drivers were sold in 6 months!
When the next generation drivers were due toward the end of 2021, the TaylorMade SIM 2 range was launched. This included the SIM 2, SIM 2 MAX, and the SIM 2 MAX D. This will be mainly a TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver Review.
TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver Review
Pros
- Amazing aesthetics
- Hits farther than the original SIM
- More forgiving than the original SIM
- Generates more ball speed off the driver’s face
- Launch higher while producing less spin than its predecessor
- Easy alignment
Cons
- Not suitable for golfers with a slower swing speed that needs to generate spin
- Some golfers may find that it lacks forgiveness
- No adjustable weight on the sole
Before we delve deeper into the TaylorMade SIM 2 driver, let’s look at the differences between the SIM 2 driver and its predecessor: the original SIM.
SIM vs SIM 2
TaylorMade SIM 2 drivers are available in three options making them suited for most golfers.
The SIM specifically aims at advanced and professional golfers with high swing speeds. It is loaded with technology to provide optimal speed, distance, and forgiveness.
With its draw bias, the TaylorMade SIM 2 Max-D driver is designed for golfers with a dreaded slice.
The swing weight system was developed in the 1920s by Robert Adams and is determined by 3 elements: head, shaft, and grip.
The swing weight value correlates to the moment of inertia of the club at a fulcrum point near the grip end of the club.
Higher swing weights are ideal for stronger players, while lighter swing weights are for golfers that are not strong.
Furthermore, the SIM 2 has Forged Ring Construction and Split Mass weighting, not available on the SIM. These two technologies will be dealt with later on in this review.
So, what’s the difference between the SIM 2 Models?
SIM 2
The SIM 2 offers a high MOI or moment of inertia. MOI refers to the resistance and twist of the head. It allows for more forgiveness for most golfers. They did this by using a heavy 16g steel weight positioned on the Inertia Generator.
TPS Front Weight is deliberately located behind the face for optimal launch characteristics while keeping the spin rate down.
SIM 2 Max
The SIM 2 Max has a 24g tungsten weight positioned on the Inertia Generator for increased MOI properties.
TPS Front Weight is strategically located on the sole of the club to lower the launch characteristics to mid-to-high launch while generating mid-to-low spin for maximum forgiveness.
SIM 2 Max D
The SIM 2 Max D is a draw-bias driver which foregoes forgiveness for a draw ball flight.
This is achieved by positioning the Inertia Generator closer to the heel for more forgiveness. Its design is aimed at a higher launch with the largest, most forgiving face in the SIM 2 line-up.
Combining the existing technology used in TaylorMade’s metal woods and the Forged Ring Construction, the company has taken the SIM 2 to a new level of forgiveness and distance.
This combination of technologies allowed TaylorMade to increase forgiveness between 3–15% compared to the SIM released in 2020.
Technology
New technologies built into the SIM 2 include:
Forged Ring Construction
The TaylorMade Forged Ring is made from lightweight, high-strength aluminum. It connects the full carbon sole and crown, rear weight, and milled cup face to form a unit.
This forges the structure to combine for increased stability and forgiveness.
Split Weighting
There is no moveable weight on the sole of the SIM 2 driver range.
Replacing the moveable weight is TaylorMade’s TPS weight port called TaylorMade’s new Split Mass weight position that caters for the characteristics in each of the SIM 2 drivers.
The SIM 2 driver’s forward-center weight creates a high MOI while keeping the spin to a minimum.
SIM 2 Max driver’s weight is moved closer to the heel to retain the high MOI while increasing the forgiveness at maximum.
SIM 2 Max D driver relocates the weight toward the hosel for high MOI while producing a draw-bias. Its Inertia Generator is moved closer to the heel, aiding the draw-producing mass’s correct location.
Carbon Sole
SIM 2 drivers come with a nine-layer carbon fiber sole that weighs in at a mere 12g allowing TaylorMade to move the weight to suit different golfers.
Leading Technologies Used on the SIM and SIM 2 Drivers
Speed Injected Twist Face
TaylorMade SIM 2 drivers also feature the Speed Injected Twist Face using a resin injected into the clubhead to distribute the flexibility of the clubface evenly across the face for more forgiveness on mishits.
Thru-Slot Speed Pocket
This technology is designed to create more flexibility to maximize ball speed while increasing forgiveness when struck low on the clubface.
SIM Inertia Generator
The asymmetric SIM Inertia Generator is used in the SIM 2 drivers, similar to the SIM. Placing the mass toward the rear of the clubhead creates a deep center of gravity, thus increasing the forgiveness of the SIM 2.
Intelligent Sweet Spot
TaylorMade inverted cone technology has been in use for many years. It was developed to expand TaylorMade drivers’ Coefficient of Restitution (COR) zone for increased ball speed and distance on mishits.
The SIM 2 in 2021 comes with a new CNC Milled pattern on the inside, and TaylorMade says it allowed them to make a larger portion of the face flexible, getting it to the maximum allowable characteristic time (CT). CT is when the golf ball stays on the clubface at impact, indicating the elasticity of the materials used in the clubface and golf ball. A higher CT indicates that the clubface is more spring-like than a lower CT.
As a result of research into the impact position of drivers, TaylorMade changed the shape of the Inverted Cone, making it a little more oval. This keeps up ball speed on the high toe and low heel impact.
Reconstructed Based On Solid Foundations
Although TaylorMade has a history of building their drivers from scratch, the SIM 2 driver was reconstructed using the expertise and technologies built up from the drivers starting from the M1 driver first released in 2016.
Using this expertise, TaylorMade completely rebuilt the SIM 2 driver to combine forgiveness and distance from the ground up.
TaylorMade SIM 2 drivers combine the carbon crown that we have become accustomed to with a Speed Injected Twist Face, cut Thru Speed Pocket sole, and the aerodynamic package of SIM with its tail tip Inertia Generator.
Performance
SIM 2 driver technology enables the golfer to launch the golf ball substantially higher while retaining the distance generated with the original SIM.
TaylorMade’s hosel adjustment enables you to deloft the driver to manage the spin rate while changing the launch angle to suit better golfers. This may add a yard or 2 to the distance you carry the ball through the air.
Additional forgiveness off the clubface of the SIM 2 driver enables you to control direction better than on the unforgiving SIM.
TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver Specifications
- Sim 2 Driver Shaft options: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 60 or Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Black 70
- Lofts: 8 degrees, 9 degrees, and 10.5 degrees
- Stock grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip
- Adjustable hosel: Yes (+/- 2°)
- 12% larger face area than the original SIM driver
- Spin rate 200 – 300 RPM less than the SIM 2 Max driver
- 5% more MOI than the original SIM driver
- New Forged and CNC Milled aluminum blue back ring
- 16g Inertia Generator weight
- The shaft Length is 45 ¾ inches
- Lie Angle 50 to 60 degrees
- Head Size: 460 cc
Looks
Aesthetically the SIM and the SIM 2 are extremely similar with a few changes in the appearance, feel, and sound.
The carbon fiber crown on the SIM 2 driver is slightly darker than the SIM, with a thin white edge at the front end near the clubface and ball. There is an extra splash of blue and yellow added to the clubhead.
The TaylorMade logo in the front center works well as an alignment aid without being distracting. The stripe of blue highlights the sides and rear.
The shape of the Inverted Cone was changed, making it a little more oval. It looks compact with a slight pear shape complemented by the graphics.
TaylorMade’s answer to Callaway’s jailbreak technology to support the titanium face section is a new forged CNC milled aluminum blue ring around the back.
The carbon fiber sole contains some large graphics in blue and white, while the SIM logo replaces the TaylorMade logo on the sole. A TPS weight replaces the weight track on the sole with the location depending on the model in the range.
The Inertia Generator on the back seems to protrude less than the original SIM.
Overall, the changes have increased the appeal of the driver’s head and will enhance the looks of the SIM 2.
Sound
The sound of the golf ball meeting the face is slightly duller than what you are accustomed to in the original SIM driver. Although slightly duller, it still sounds solid off the face, pleasing most golfers.
The increased use of carbon fiber helps TaylorMade produce a solid and crisp muted sound that still sounds solid but not high pitched.
It is difficult to distinguish between centered and off-centered strikes.
Feel
As typical with TaylorMade drivers, The SIM 2 provides a solid feel, and the forgiveness retains the solid feel even on mishits.
FAQs
Who Is the SIM 2 Driver For?
TaylorMade SIM 2 drivers are available in three options and are suited for most golfers.
The SIM specifically aims at advanced and professional golfers with high swing speeds. It is loaded with technology to provide optimal speed, distance, and forgiveness.
With its draw bias, the TaylorMade SIM 2 Max-D driver is designed for golfers with a dreaded slice.
Is the SIM 2 Better Than the SIM?
The Sim and SIM 2 drivers are very similar in appearance, distance, and feel. Increased forgiveness of the SIM 2 will assist the golfer in producing more consistent drives in the fairway without sacrificing distance.
Is TaylorMade Releasing a New Driver in 2022?
TaylorMade is not releasing a TaylorMade SIM 2 driver in 2022. After evaluating the 2022 TaylorMade Driver, the USGA confirmed that it conforms to the regulations and may be sold to the public. The new driver is named the Stealth Driver.
Is the SIM 2 Driver Adjustable?
The hosel remains adjustable, varying the loft by 2 degrees up and 2 degrees down. However, the sole has no moveable weight as it is replaced with a TPS weight. This is placed in various locations depending on the model of the SIM 2 driver, thus removing the adjustability of the SIM 2 drivers.
Verdict
TaylorMade continues to produce great drivers and has built the TaylorMade SIM 2 from scratch. The technology and design are based on the success and expertise gained over the last couple of years since first introducing their popular M1 driver.
The SIM 2 uses carbon fiber aids which reduce and spread the weight into areas where it can add stability and forgiveness.
The aesthetics remain virtually the same as the SIM, with a slight variation in looks and branding. This TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver Review should give you more insight into this popular driver.
This is a highly versatile driver, and the three options available cater to golfers at all levels. Most golfers appreciate the technology and find that it helps to improve their game and shave a few points off their score.
