TaylorMade SIM2 Drivers

Our verdict on the new TaylorMade SIM2 driver range

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Golf Monthly Verdict

With all SIM2 models positioned at £449, there is value to be had if your driver is a few years old because of how forgiving they have become and also how versatile the range is with the three models, but golfers who already have SIM are unlikely to experience significant gains in overall performance.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Faster off the face than SIM and higher launching too while keeping spin down to maximise distance. Easier to align and feels better at impact. Excellent value coming in under £450.

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Minimal improvements over SIM. Long-term durability of the sole panel remains to be seen.

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In this TaylorMade SIM2 drivers review, Joel Tadman tests and compares the new SIM2 and SIM2 Max against eachother and the outgoing SIM drivers. Watch the full video review here:

TaylorMade SIM2 Drivers Review

As good as 2020's SIM drivers were, one of the very best drivers in fact, the introduction of the SIM2 driver in 2021 saw some decent increases in performance. Since then, the TaylorMade Stealth drivers have been launched and have already made a significant impression on golf's equipment landscape.

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Our custom-fitted SIM was as good as anything out there last year, so a good start was to retro fit our fitted shaft into SIM2.

At address, you’ll notice the SIM2 has a darker carbon fibre section on top, which unquestionably contrasts more sharply with the white front section to better assist with alignment.

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How last year's SIM driver (left) compares to the new SIM2 at address

We didn’t have a 9° head in SIM to test against our 9° SIM2 samples but the adjustable hosel allowed us to get them very close, as you can see from the data screen below.

The data from the Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor shows that SIM was tough to beat. We swung SIM2 a fraction faster, translating into a touch more ball speed. But we found SIM2 to launch a lot higher and with more spin, resulting in carries that matched where we were with SIM.

RELATED: TaylorMade SIM2 Irons Review

Lofting down in SIM2 helped manage that spin and bring the flight down into a more acceptable window, but only eked out another yard of carry on average.

The SIM2 Max was equally fast off the face and produced more spin, which meant it didn't quite carry as far for us but this will be player dependent.

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It was more out on the course where the differences between SIM and SIM2 became more apparent. Hitting shots down a hole, with SIM2 it seemed easier to control the direction where SIM seemed erratic by comparison.

SIM2 Max produced a noticeably higher flight than SIM2, which along with the extra spin will be well received by those who struggle to flight their tee shots or don’t spin the ball enough.

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SIM2 also feels a little more powerful than SIM, thanks to a slightly duller sound which we really enjoyed.

In summary, everything about SIM2 seems to be about finding fairways without giving up distance - the enhanced alignment, bigger faces and greater stability on off-centre hits.

The only caveat to this would be the removal of the sole weight adjustability from SIM, which some golfers found useful in promoting a certain flight or guarding against a common miss.

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While some will have found it useful, we’re confident the extra forgiveness will go a long way to offsetting the effect of the moveable weight.

The final comment needs to be on the full carbon fibre sole panel, which some may worry lacks the durability required to withstand the force of any inadvertent impact with the ground or the occasional slam in anger.

Having inspected the piece from a deconstructed head, we can confirm it is flexible but also very robust. The surface is also incredibly smooth, so if you do catch the ground it will tend to glide rather than dig into it.

Yes, if you’re unlucky to catch a hidden rock, it may scratch but this would just as likely be the case with a titanium sole. In summary - if you buy a SIM2 driver, make sure you look after it! Especially as it is a premium investment - although not as expensive as it used to be.

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x