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

My take

The TaylorMade SIM2 Titanium Rocket Fairway Wood is good for lower handicappers. It has an adjustable hosel, allowing the player to click the loft up or down. I owned the SIM1 wood and was interested in stepping into this one. I also paired it with a custom VA Composites Raijin 74 stiff shaft. Thus far, it’s been a really solid club for certain situations on the course.

About the club I own

• Model: TaylorMade SIM2 Titanium Rocket Fairway Wood
• Loft setting: 15 degrees
• Shaft type: VA Composites Raijin 74
• Shaft flex: Stiff

About me

• Average score: 85
• Handicap: 13
• Experience: 25 years playing golf
• Right/Left-Handed: RH
• Typical ball flight: Mid
• Golf ball used: Callaway Chrome Soft
• Club swing speed: 120 mph

Test conditions

• When I bought the club: May 2022
• Days tested: 10 days
• Where I’ve used it: Five Ponds Golf Course, Warminster, PA (range and on-course); Neshanic Valley Golf Course, Neshanic, NJ.
• Weather and wind conditions: Sunny, Clear, and Hot. Very little wind.

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a newer fairway wood with an adjustable hosel that matched my SIM2 driver technology. I was also looking for a well-balanced club that I could hit off the tee and in the rough.

Why I chose this club

I owned the original SIM for two seasons and knew I could hit it well. For this upgrade, I wanted to attach a more customized shaft. Also, I wanted to experience the Speed Pocket and low-MOI (Moment of Inertia) feel of the SIM2 lineup, so I was inclined to test out this perfect match. I really did not consider any other woods besides this one.

What I love about it

• Forgiveness: With a reduced universal spin rate, I felt like the SIM2 fairly forgave off the tee, both left and right. I had some mishits, and the ball did not go out of bounds but stayed in play. I think with some comparator woods, I would have lost the ball.
• Feel: The feel of this club is probably what I like most. It has a very balanced feel from heel to toe, and upon impact, it has a lot of force or “drive” behind every strike.
• Sound: The sounds on the entire SIM and SIM2 line are excellent. There is no metallic or clang like some others I have tested. This SIM2 FW has solid titanium muted sound—great technology built here.
• Workability: With the adjustable hosel, I can work this SIM2 either left or right. The face is slightly smaller than the SIM2 Max FW, which allows the more advanced player to direct shots better.
• Adjustability: This SIM2 FW comes with a fully adjustable hosel for loft changes mid-round.
• Shaft Feel: The Raijin 74 shaft feels like a perfect fit on this SIM2 wood. It is not laggy or whippy and provides force at the right time just before impact.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The SIM2 FW continues with the SIM2 line with great aesthetic appeal. One can see from the pictures looking down at address the single line for alignment and the matte dark finish on the crown. This is easiest on the player’s eye line.
• Launch Angle: One of the other strong aspects of this club is the adjustable launch angle. Upon first swings, I launched it a little too high. I used the enclosed wrench to dial down the loft setting a ½ degree and achieved the optimum angle. I would say it did not affect the right/left dispersion too much.
• Spin: This club does not produce a lot of spin. If someone is looking for that, I would advise them to go in another direction. However, I find this as a good thing though. I tend not to miss fairways off the tee right or left.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Distance: I felt like this SIM2 FW came up a few yards short on distance compared with the SIM1. Not a huge difference, but noticeable. Probably due to the less spin produced off the face, so the ball is not traveling as fast and as far.

Best shot with this club

During my last round at Warminster’s Five Ponds Golf Club, I hit a solid drive and then had 260 to the green on a par 5. I was in the middle of the fairway, so I pulled this SIM2 Titanium FW and let it rip. I was able to make a lower, penetrating shot that bounded up the uphill fairway and to the collar of the green. Fortunately, the flag was in the front, and I could chip in for eagle.

Value for the money vs. other options

I feel that the SIM2 line of drivers and fairway woods are a tremendous value for the money. The technology, playability, and forgiveness make these clubs a premier choice for all handicap levels (the MAX line for higher hcp players). The distance may lack a little compared to the Callaway or Titleist, but I think most would agree that the feel and forgiveness of this line make it most appealing and preferred.

Final verdict

Overall, the TaylorMade SIM2 Titanium Fairway Wood fits perfectly for my game. Its look, feel, and forgiveness allows me to hit confidently off the tee when the fairway is tight or there is a hazard between 250-280 yards, and I cannot go driver. This FW has a great top-down aesthetic off the deck, and the shaft pairs perfectly with my swing speed. It’s an excellent pick-up for 2022.