TaylorMade SIM Max & SIM2 Max Drivers: Are they Still Relevant in 2024?

As an amateur golfer who’s always seeking to improve my game, I’ve naturally gravitated towards the TaylorMade brand due to their reputation for innovative designs and impressive performance.

Many of the best players in world golf use them and if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.

I felt TaylorMade really became the golf driver to use when it released the SIM Max, with the hype growing even more once its successor, the SIM2 Max, hit the market. This has continued with the release of the Stealth and Qi10 drivers but for many players, especially with the SIM2 Max, getting the newest model just isn’t worth it. The difference between the SIM2 Max and the Stealth or Qi10 models, just isn’t worth the money.

These two drivers are still a mainstay among golf enthusiasts and PGA Tour players in 2024 and multiple PGA Tour players like Charl Schwartzel and Brandt Snedeker are still carrying the SIM2 Max in their bag.

SIM Max vs SIM2 Max Driver: The key comparisons

Below, I’ve provided summaries and comparisons for the SIM Max and SIM2 Max drivers after hitting both clubs down at my local golf store.

I’ve compared the key things you’ll need to know before deciding on your purchase: that is, how each club looks, feels, sounds and performs, along with the cost to buy one.

At the end of this review, I’ve also answered some common FAQs to help inform your decision.

Appearance

First impressions matter, and in golf, the visual appeal of a driver can give you a confidence boost before you even take your first swing.

I remember Tiger Woods once saying that if he hated the way a club looked while he addressed the ball, it would never be added to his bag.

Both the SIM Max and SIM2 Max are undeniably attractive, but they have their distinct characteristics.

The SIM Max presents a modern, sleek design, with a pleasing silver and blue color scheme that distinguishes it from the more traditional look of other drivers.

The aesthetic design of the clubhead, with the distinctive asymmetric sole shape and Inertia Generator, looks unique and gives off a sense of power.

The Sim2 Max, on the other hand, opts for a more refined appearance, which makes sense given it’s the upgraded version of the SIM Max.

It maintains the overall shape of its predecessor but introduces a few tweaks.

The color scheme shifts to a more subtle charcoal and blue, giving it a slightly more understated, but still sophisticated, look.

I found both drivers visually appealing, but in different ways.

The SIM Max’s more contemporary design was classy without being overtly loud and eye-grabbing, while the Sim Max 2’s aesthetic feels classy but also makes more of a statement.

If you want to show off to your golfing buddies, the SIM2 Max is ageless in the looks and prestige department.

But appearance is a subjective matter and depends on personal preference.

For me, there was no clear winner in the appearance category. Both clubs look great, and I felt confident addressing the ball with either in my hands.

After my initial impressions, I was eager to see how they would compare in terms of actual play. And so, on to the testing…

Feel

The feel of a golf club can significantly influence your swing, impacting the accuracy and distance of your shots.

From my experience, both the SIM Max and SIM2 Max provide excellent feel, although with some slight differences.

The Sim Max offers a robust and balanced feel, its lightweight design made for comfortable handling and easy swings.

The term ‘effortless power’ certainly springs to mind when using this club.

It felt good in my hands, and the overall club balance gave me a sense of control over my shots. The club’s Speed Injected technology also seemed to improve my club speed, which was a nice surprise.

On the other hand, the SIM2 Max seemed to take the ‘feel’ aspect up a notch, just ever so slightly.

Its redesigned weight distribution was definitely noticeable (it seems streamlined compared to the SIM Max), and it felt slightly more comfortable in my hands.

The club’s improved face design offered better feedback upon striking the ball, helping me identify off-centre strikes and allowing me to better adjust my future swings for better results (either to counteract a hook or slice).

Between the two, I’d have to give a slight edge to the SIM2 Max for its enhanced feel and swing feedback, although both clubs were very comfortable to use.

Sound

The sound a driver makes upon contact with the ball can greatly influence a golfer’s perception of their shot.

The Sim Max, when struck, produces a loud and confident sound, characteristic of many modern drivers. Some golfers might find this satisfying, as it gives a strong impression of power.

In contrast, the SIM2 Max has a slightly more muted, but still solid, sound upon impact. To me, it conveyed a sense of precision.

To me, the differences where negligible when it came to sound.

Both the SIM Max and SIM2 Max produced a dull, strong, solid thud when striking the golf ball, which I really liked.

It’s a far better sound compared to some of the other Callaway or Srixon drivers on the market, which are more hollow and ‘tinny’ when hitting them.

If I was forced to choose, the SIM2 Max would edge out the Sim Max in terms of feel and sound.

But let’s see how they fare in other crucial aspects of driver performance.

Forgiveness

In golf, forgiveness refers to a club’s ability to still produce decent shots, even when the ball isn’t struck perfectly.

This is an important factor, especially for us amateur golfers, who aren’t always hitting the sweet spot.

The SIM Max was designed with a high degree of forgiveness in mind.

Its Inertia Generator, Twist Face technology, and Speed Pocket all work together to ensure less than perfect shots still end up reasonably well.

I found this to be true in my testing, as even my off-center hits managed to retain a fair bit of distance and direction.

The SIM2 Max takes this forgiveness a step further. It also boasts the Inertia Generator and Twist Face technology, but introduces a new feature – the Forged Ring Construction.

This enhancement is meant to provide greater stability and forgiveness, and I must say, it delivered.

My off-center hits with the SIM2 Max seemed to veer off-course less and retained even more distance compared to the Sim Max.

I would say that both clubs offer high forgiveness, even compared to newer models, which is a significant advantage for amateur players.

But with its additional improvements, the SIM2 Max seems to hold the upper hand in this department.

Specifications

When it comes to specifications, both the SIM Max and SIM2 Max drivers come with an array of features designed to optimize your golf game.

The SIM Max features a 460cc head, a loft sleeve with 2° loft adjustability, and comes in various shaft options to suit different player profiles. It’s built to maximize clubhead speed and distance.

The SIM2 Max, while retaining the key features of the original, introduces some impressive enhancements.

The most notable change is the Forged Ring Construction, designed to optimize the clubhead’s performance and provide an even higher MOI (Moment of Inertia).

In layman’s terms, the higher MOI helps keep your shots straighter, especially if you tend to slice or hook.

In the battle of specifications, the SIM2 Max pulls ahead with its additional upgrades aimed at improving performance.

But remember, these specs only provide potential advantages – it’s all about how well they translate into your unique swing and game.

Cost

Cost can be a significant factor when considering a new driver, and TaylorMade drivers, while offering great performance, are generally at the higher end of the price spectrum.

The SIM Max, being an older model, has seen some price reductions since its launch.

At its current price point, it offers excellent value for money, providing professional-grade features at a more affordable cost.

The SIM2 Max, also being a model from a previous generation, has seen its price decrease as newer drivers are released.

However, many people still prefer the feel, sound, forgiveness, and specifications of the SIM2 Max over the Stealth and Qi10 models, so the price point can really be considered a bargain.

It’s crucial to consider your financial comfort zone and how much you’re willing to invest in improving your game.

While the Sim Max 2 may offer better performance, the Sim Max still delivers a solid, high-quality golfing experience at a lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some frequently asked questions that will hopefully help inform your decision-making if you’re tossing up between buying a TaylorMade Sim Max or Sim Max 2 driver.

Are SIM Max and SIM2 Max drivers suitable for beginners?

Yes, both the Sim Max and Sim Max 2 are suitable for beginners due to their high forgiveness.

They help minimize the impact of off-center shots, making them an excellent choice for those just starting out.

How much difference does the Forged Ring Construction in the SIM2 Max make?

The Forged Ring Construction in the Sim Max 2 provides increased stability and forgiveness compared to the Sim Max.

While it might not revolutionize your game overnight, it does offer a notable improvement, especially for off-center hits.

Does the price of the SIM Max and SIM2 Max driver reflect their Quality?

Absolutely not. The price of drivers always drops over time, and is why most people prefer to buy a previous year’s model. Newer does not necessarily mean better for golf clubs. Drivers nowadays can withstand the test of time and generally only have a few tweaks from year to year.

The SIM2 Max still offers enhanced feel, sound, forgiveness, and specifications compared to every driver on the market.

Can the loft of the SIM Max and SIM2 Max drivers be adjusted?

Yes, both drivers feature a loft sleeve that allows for 2° loft adjustability.

This enables players to fine-tune their launch conditions to best fit their swing.

Should I upgrade from the SIM Max to the SIM2 Max?

If you’re happy with your SIM Max and it suits your game well, there’s no urgent need to upgrade.

However, if you’re seeking a better feel, improved sound, and greater forgiveness, the SIM2 Max would be a worthy upgrade.

Remember, choosing a golf club is a personal decision and one size does not fit all.

Consider your skill level, playing style, and budget when deciding between the SIM Max and SIM2 Max.

Both are fantastic drivers, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.

Final message

Having tested both the TaylorMade Sim Max and SIM2 Max, as well as the newer Stealth and Qi10 drivers, I can tell you that these previous generation drivers are still very relevant. Many great players have refused to upgrade because of how great they are, particularly the SIM2 Max, which is currently a steal for $349.99 on the Taylormade website.

The SIM Max is a reliable driver that offers excellent forgiveness, a solid feel, and a competitive price point. It would be a great fit for golfers who want a top-tier performance driver without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, the SIM2 Max, with its upgrades in feel, sound, forgiveness, and specifications, outperformed the original in my testing.

The SIM drivers still possess premier driver technology, and are both excellent clubs to have in 2024. But if you’re looking for great value and solid performance, the SIM Max remains a worthy choice.

Remember, the right driver for you ultimately depends on your personal preferences, play style, and budget. The newest model does not necessarily mean it is the best option for you. The SIM 2 Max is a fantastic driver that many great players will continue to both use, and purchase again.

The SIM Max and SIM2 Max are still both very relevant in 2024, and beyond.