About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the driver, which I purchased with my own money in July of 2020.

My take

The TaylorMade SIM Driver is geared to the golfer that loves hitting the fairway and setting themselves up with a good look at birdie. The SIM hits BOMBS! The low spin keeps balls in the fairway, but also means less ability for shot shaping.

About the club I own

• Model: 2020 TaylorMade SIM Max Driver
• Loft setting: 9.0 degrees
• Shaft type: Ventus Fujikura
• Shaft flex: Stiff

About me

• Average score: 75-80
• Handicap: 5.5
• Experience: 15 years
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
• Typical ball flight: Mid to high
• Golf ball used: Titleist Pro V1x
• Club swing speed: 110-115 mph

Test conditions

• When I bought the club: July 2020
• Days tested: 2 years (I currently have this driver in my bag)
• Where I’ve used it: Used at the range and courses such as The Ocean Course in Kiawah and Trump National in Bedminster, NJ.
• Weather and wind conditions: In the Northeast and New England in both calm and windy conditions

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a club that would let me hit the ball straight with low spin and high forgiveness, but also did not sacrifice distance. I do not shape the ball much off the tee so the workability of my driver is not my top priority.

Why I chose this club

During my club search, I looked at multiple other options; however, my decision ultimately came down to the SIM and the Callaway Mavrik. I chose the SIM because of the dull sound of the ball off the face and the sheer power I felt with the SIM in my hand. Every time I stepped up to the tee box, I knew the ball was going far and straight down the fairway!

What I love about it

• Distance: In my opinion, TaylorMade drivers have some of the best power on the market, and they definitely did not miss the mark with the SIM. Before hitting the SIM, I hit my drives below the 300 mark at around 270-280; however, I now find myself hitting 300-yard drives regularly.
• Forgiveness: One of the most forgiving drivers I’ve tested! The Twist Face really helps me keep the ball moving straight even if the strike is off-center.
• Feel: When it comes to feel, the SIM feels great, but the limited shot-shaping ability can lead to less confidence when the hole calls for a draw or cut.
• Sound: When hit in the center, the club provides that dead sound that so many golfers desire in their driver.
• Adjustability: The SIM offers multiple options and comes with a tool to quickly adjust lofts on course. I have done this multiple times during a round if my ball is flying too high or low on a given day.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The crown of the driver is beautiful. The carbon crown is aesthetically pleasing and not distracting or overwhelming.
• Spin: The low spin allows for the ball to travel extremely straight and gives it a solid rollout once hitting the fairway.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Workability: I find it very difficult to shape shots purposely. Even when the hole sets up to hit a banana cut, I struggle to shape the ball off the tee. Not sure if this is a testament to me as a player or the driver… probably the driver.

Best shot with this club

While it was a super windy day in Connecticut with gusts of up to 30 mph, hitting dead downwind, I was able to hit a 370-yard drive! This set me up for a nice half-power 56-degree wedge as opposed to the normal pitching wedge or 9 iron.

Value for the money vs. other options

Being an older club, this driver is priced very competitively with other drivers. In 2020, the main competitor for the SIM was the Mavrik. At the end of the day, the Mavrik and SIM are both great clubs and it truly comes down to preference. I would even say that the SIM still holds its own against the SIM2 and Stealth Driver and is listed at nearly half the price.

Final verdict

In using the SIM, I have been able to hit more fairways than I ever imagined while also ensuring that I hit my short irons into greens more often than my long irons. In my eyes, this club is the best of both worlds when it comes to forgiveness and distance.