TaylorMade SIM Driver Review

The TaylorMade SIM is a driver that combines power and precision. Built with advanced technology and engineered to offer maximum forgiveness and distance, this driver is one of the most sought-after in the market. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the TaylorMade SIM Driver’s features, performance, and what makes it stand out. We’ll also provide you with an in-depth analysis of why this driver is worth considering for golfers of all skill levels.

Continue reading to learn more about this impressive driver and why it may be the perfect addition to your golf bag.

First Impressions

During my tests, I was eager to put the TaylorMade SIM driver through its paces. My initial impression was that the design was sleek and modern, with some promising technological advancements.

I was particularly intrigued by the inertia generator and speed-injected twist face, which suggested that this driver would deliver a powerful and forgiving performance.

Looks

At first glance, the SIM driver has a sleek and modern appearance with its white and blue color scheme. The clubhead’s crown is predominantly white, giving the driver a clean and crisp look. The blue accents, such as the logo and graphics, add a subtle pop of color.

Moving on to the SIM Max driver, it has a slightly larger profile than the standard one, which is perfect for golfers who prefer a more forgiving driver.

Visually, the SIM Max is very similar to the SIM and has the same color scheme, with blue accents on the sole and clubface.

The SIM Max Draw has a noticeable difference from the other two models with its grey and blue color scheme. Its face angle is slightly closed, which helps golfers who tend to slice the ball, making the driver look even more visually different from its counterparts.

One of the standout features of the SIM driver line is the Inertia Generator structure located at the clubhead’s rear, which uses an asymmetrical shape to the club’s sole to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics (more on that below).

Overall, TaylorMade did an excellent job of creating a visually appealing driver line with the Inertia Generator structure and a tasteful color scheme, making it an ideal choice for golfers of all skill levels.

Sound & Feel

When it comes to the sound of the SIM driver, it’s noticeably quiet even indoors. The sound it produces is solid and mid-pitched, creating a satisfying feeling during impact.

In terms of feel, the SIM driver is definitely one of the better drivers I’ve tested. Mis-hits are easy to distinguish through feel rather than sound, which is an important feature for golfers who value feedback. While moderate mis-hits still provide acceptable feedback, it’s harsh on your hands when you experience severe mis-hits.

Performance

The TaylorMade SIM Driver delivers exceptional performance in both distance and spin thanks to its advanced technology. The Speed Injection Technology allows for a maximization of speed and distance, by injecting resin into the clubhead to bring it right up to the legal limit.

This technology makes a marked difference in spin between the SIM and SIM Max models. While the SIM creates a lower spin, the SIM Max model generates extra spin thanks to their unique shaft and head combinations. This gives players the ability to choose a model that better suits their swing and desired shot shape.

The driver has a number of technical features that make it stand out on the golf course. The asymmetric sole shape and redesigned Inertia Generator work together to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.

The sliding weight technology provides golfers with the ability to fine-tune their shot shape by adjusting the weight of the driver according to their swing, while the adjustable loft sleeve allows golfers to adjust the loft angle by up to 2 degrees.

The Forged Ring Construction of the driver provides increased stability and forgiveness. The relatively heavy steel ring is designed to help maintain structural integrity and reduce the amount of weight required in the head, which in turn increases the moment of inertia and forgiveness. All these features combine to create a forgiving, stable driver with a high degree of customization.

You will enjoy improved distance, reduced spin, and the ability to fine-tune your shot shape with the TaylorMade SIM driver. This driver is perfect if you are looking for ultimate performance and customization on the course.

TaylorMade SIM Driver Features

TaylorMade has been leading the way with its innovative designs and cutting-edge technologies. The TaylorMade SIM Driver is no exception, boasting several features that promise faster ball speed, longer and straighter shots, and maximum forgiveness. Let’s take a closer look at the SIM Driver’s features and how they perform on the course.

Speed-Injected Twist Face & Corrective Face Angle

The TaylorMade SIM Driver is designed to give you the maximum distance potential with unprecedented ball speed. One of the key technologies that contribute to its performance is the Speed-Injected Twist Face.

This innovation elevates the driver’s head to the legal limit of COR 0.83 by injecting resin precisely into two blue areas on the head’s face. The result is a stiffer and more resilient face that generates higher ball speed across the entire surface of the face.

So, what makes this technology so groundbreaking?

The Speed-Injected Twist Face addresses the issue of variable thickness that can lead to inconsistent ball speed and distance potential. By injecting a precise amount of resin, TaylorMade has created a more uniform and faster face that maximizes ball speed, even on off-center hits.

Furthermore, the TaylorMade SIM Driver incorporates a corrective face angle that makes strikes in the toe and heel work towards the target. This means that even when you miss a hit, the driver will have a corrective effect on the ball’s flight, reducing the amount of distance lost.

The Speed-Injected Twist Face and the corrective face angle work together to ensure that you get the most out of every swing, no matter where on the face you make contact.

Asymmetric Shape

The TaylorMade SIM driver boasts a new Asymmetric sole shape that sets it apart from previous models. The angled Inertia Generator on the sole is designed to create asymmetry and shift weight back for added forgiveness.

This new design increases club head speed by streamlining airflow during the swing, particularly in the most critical part of the swing. This means that you can achieve faster club head speed and generate more ball speed, resulting in more yardage off the tee.

The combination of the Asymmetric Shape and Speed-Injected Twist Face provides golfers with a forgiving driver that offers greater performance on off-center hits while maximizing ball speed, launch angle, and distance.

Thru-Slot Speed Pocket

The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket technology found in TaylorMade’s SIM Driver is a game-changer. This slot is placed behind the clubface and extends all the way through the sole, allowing the face to flex and rebound at impact, even when contact is made low on the face.

The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket is engineered to improve your results, even when you don’t hit the sweet spot every time.

The benefits of the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket include increased forgiveness by allowing the face to flex and rebound at impact. This technology helps manage the impact while still promoting the desired ball speed and spin rate.

Additionally, with the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, you’ll gain yards off the tee on both center and off-center hits, thanks to the fact that it reduces the loss of ball speed on mis-hits.

Split Mass Weighting

The Split Mass Weighting technology involves splitting the weight between the heel and toe while keeping the center of gravity (CG) low and deep in the head, resulting in enhanced forgiveness and spin properties.

This design also increases the driver’s overall MOI (moment of inertia), which makes it more forgiving on off-center hits from any part of the face.

The weight distribution also allows for a higher launch angle and spin rate, which promotes longer carry distances on higher-lofted shots. This can help players to maintain their trajectory and distance, even on strokes that aren’t perfect.

Additionally, the TaylorMade SIM Driver features a 16-gram steel TPS (Tuning Performance System) weight positioned at the rear of the sole. This weight provides further enhanced forgiveness and spin, and allows for the precise target swing weights during assembly.

Stock Options

The TaylorMade SIM driver offers a variety of stock options to fit every player’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of the stock information available for the club:

• Available Lofts: The SIM driver comes in three different loft configurations: 8.0, 9.0, and 10.5 degrees. This range offers golfers the flexibility to choose the best loft for their swing and playing style.
• Adjustability Options: The SIM driver features a sliding weight technology that allows golfers to adjust the ball flight to their liking. The driver also has an adjustable loft sleeve that provides additional flexibility to fine-tune the club’s loft and angle of attack.
• Stock Shafts: TaylorMade offers a variety of stock shaft options for the SIM driver, including the Fujikura Ventus Blue and Ventus Red, the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green, and the Mitsubishi Diamana S Limited. These shafts are designed to optimize the club’s performance and enhance the swing.
• Grips: The SIM driver comes with the Golf Pride Z-Grip in standard size. This grip provides traction and stability to help golfers grip the club securely during their swing.

It’s important to note that full specs and custom shaft options can be found on the TaylorMade website. By offering a range of stock options, TaylorMade ensures that golfers can find a SIM driver that fits their playing needs and style.

TaylorMade SIM Driver Performance

During our testing, we were impressed with the driver’s ability to increase ball speed and spin rate while maintaining maximum forgiveness. Taylormade delivered on all its promises, and we loved that the clubs performed as advertised by the company.

Below are the details:

Our Test

When testing the TaylorMade SIM driver, we found that it offered excellent playability and versatility. The driver’s inertia generator allowed for an exceptional ball speed and spin rate, leading to maximum distance and better accuracy on the course.

The SIM’s stock shafts are also impressive, offering a range of options that cater to different swing speeds. We tested them all, and don’t have any major complaints!

We also found that the SIM driver did produce faster ball speeds, even on off-center hits. This is due to TaylorMade’s twist face technology (discussed in detail earlier). It simply works!

The driver is also forgiving, making it ideal for beginners and senior golfers. Its center of gravity is strategically positioned to produce a high launch angle, resulting in yards of draw/ fade bias.

Playability/Trajectory

When it comes to playability and trajectory, the TaylorMade SIM Driver is a force to be reckoned with. It is designed to provide golfers with a memorable experience, thanks to its impressive features.

The SIM Driver tends to have a low spin, but with a center of gravity positioned back, resulting in a solid, penetrating ball flight that carries a long way. Its low spin rates make it a reliable option for golfers who tend to have a high spin rate with their other drivers, giving them a chance to control their shots with more precision.

If you feel that your shots are not achieving an optimal trajectory, you can experiment with the loft sleeve settings, which let you adjust the angle of the driver’s face. This flexibility enables you to make minor adjustments to the loft, lie, and face angle of the driver to fine-tune your shot shape.

While the TaylorMade SIM Driver is plenty workable, sliding the weight on the sole may not influence the shot shape all that much, so it’s recommended to focus on using the Loft Sleeve to adjust your trajectory.

Opinions About the TaylorMade SIM Driver

The TaylorMade SIM Driver is highly praised by golfers and critics. It has an average customer score of 5/5 on Global Golf and 4.7/5 (over 390 reviews) on the TaylorMade website, indicating high satisfaction and improved gameplay.

The SIM Driver has received high scores from professional critics and website reviewers, including a gold medal on the 2020 Golf Digest Hot List. This suggests that it is a top-performing driver that can meet the needs of many golfers, regardless of their skill level.

Pros

Many golfers appreciate the benefits and advantages of this driver. Here are some of the most notable pros of the TaylorMade SIM driver:

• Accurate: The TaylorMade SIM driver is known for its accuracy which is essential for long distances. Golfers have flexibility and control over their swings as they can also customize their drivers with the adjustable weight track.
• Forgiving: This driver is also known for being highly forgiving. The TaylorMade SIM driver has a draw bias which creates a slight right to left ball flight. This makes it an option for golfers who struggle with slices and other mishits.
• Distance: Another advantage of the TaylorMade SIM driver is its ability to provide extra distance (using the Speed Injection and Asymmetrical Sole design technologies).
• Wide range of options: The TaylorMade SIM driver is versatile enough to appeal to various golfer types. The club comes with different degree options, shaft options, and stock shafts. This means that there is a TaylorMade SIM driver available that can suit every golfer’s requirements.

Cons

Despite the many advantages of the TaylorMade SIM driver, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Expensive: The price point of the TaylorMade SIM driver may be a limiting factor for some golfers. It is one of the pricier driver options available in the market.
• Not suitable for every golfer: The draw bias, while an advantage for some golfers, may not be suitable for all. Golfers who do not struggle with mishits may end up with less-than-optimal shots from the draw bias.

The club’s accuracy, forgiveness, and distance capabilities are among its key strengths. While it may not be suitable for all golfers, those looking for a highly customizable and forgiving driver should consider the TaylorMade SIM driver.

Available Models

The TaylorMade SIM driver comes in three available models that cater to different types of golfers. Each model has unique characteristics in terms of head size, shape, and weight distribution. Choosing the suitable model can have a significant impact on your swing, ball speed and distance. Therefore, it is essential to understand the differences between the models to determine the right one for you.

Sim

The Sim driver stands out from other drivers in the line with its core focus on generating greater speed for an enhanced ball flight and increased yardage off the tee. It features an inertia generator and speed injection technology that work together to optimize ball speed and spin rate, while the thru-slot speed pocket and twist face technology expand the sweet spot to allow for maximum forgiveness.

The Sim driver comes in a variety of loft options to suit your individual needs with a choice of 8, 9, and 10.5-degree options. The driver’s adjustable weight track system also allows you to tweak the clubhead to suit your swing and optimize its overall performance.

Sim Max

As the highest MOI driver in the SIM family, the SIM Max boasts a larger face and a more forgiving design than the regular SIM driver.

The SIM Max offers a range of loft options. With 9, 10.5, and 12-degree options available, you can choose the loft that best suits your swing. Additionally, the SIM Max comes with a range of stock shaft options that are tailor-made to provide specific characteristics such as high launch, low spin, and maximum ball speed.

One of the standout features of the SIM Max is its ability to reduce spin rates, resulting in a lower launch trajectory and more distance off the tee.

The advanced shot shape correction technology, combined with the twist face design, helps to promote a more consistent ball flight, even on off-center hits. This technology also creates a larger sweet spot, which improves forgiveness and provides more consistent performance when it matters most.

Sim Max D

Featuring advanced draw-bias technology, the SIM Max D is designed to correct left-biased shots and promote a more neutral ball flight. The driver’s asymmetric sole shape and strategically placed heel-bias weight help promote a draw, making it perfect for golfers who struggle with a slice or fade.

In addition to its draw-bias technology, the SIM Max D also boasts a larger face size and a repositioned center of gravity (CG) to help optimize launch angles, reduce spin rates, and increase ball speed. With loft options ranging from 9 to 12 degrees, and stock shafts including the Fujikura Ventus Blue 5 and Aldila Rogue Silver 130, there is sure to be a combination that suits your swing and helps you achieve your desired ball flight.

But what really sets the SIM Max D apart is its enhanced forgiveness. Thanks to its twisted face technology and thru-slot speed pocket, the SIM Max D helps maintain ball speed and distance on off-center hits, resulting in a more forgiving club overall. This makes it a great option for golfers of all skill levels.

Where to Buy the Sim Driver

There are several recommended places to buy it online. Each option offers added value in different ways, so consider your priorities when making your purchase.

Please note that the TaylorMade SIM driver mentioned in this review is from two years ago. A more recent version is now available. If you’re interested in the latest features, performance, and improvements, we invite you to check out our TaylorMade SIM 2 driver review here.

1. Official TaylorMade Store: The first place to check would be the official TaylorMade store. However, keep in mind that they may have limited stock or high demand for specific models. On the plus side, you’ll receive brand-new equipment with manufacturer warranties and the satisfaction of supporting the manufacturer directly.

2. PGA Tour Superstore: If you value policies and deals, the PGA Tour Superstore may be the place for you. They offer a 30-day playability guarantee, which means you can return or exchange your SIM driver if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Additionally, they have occasional sales and promotions that can save you some money.

3. Amazon: If you’re looking for a wide selection of new and used equipment, Amazon is a good place to explore. You can find listings for new, open-box, and used SIM drivers from multiple sellers, so you can choose the best price and condition for you. Keep in mind that some sellers are not authorized resellers, so make sure to read product descriptions carefully and check reviews before making your purchase.

4. Global Golf: For those who prioritize the environment and budget, Global Golf offers used equipment that is verified, inspected, and graded by their team of experts. They also offer additional discounts for trade-ins and loyalty rewards for repeat purchases.

Whichever option you choose, make sure to take advantage of any available discounts or promotions and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and performance of the SIM driver.

Final Verdict

After thorough testing, the TaylorMade SIM driver has left me thoroughly impressed. With its advanced technology and sleek design, it’s no wonder this driver has quickly become a favorite among golfers of all skill levels.

Key features that make the TaylorMade SIM driver stand out include the Inertia Generator, Speed Injection technology, and Twist Face technology. These features work together to deliver faster clubhead speed, maximum forgiveness, and increased ball speed. The driver’s adjustable weight track and loft options also allow for customization to fit individual swing styles.

Feel free to share your thoughts or ask any questions about the TaylorMade SIM driver in the comment section below.

Happy Golfing!