About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the golf club, which I purchased with my own money in October of 2021.

My take

The TaylorMade SIM2 Max Fairway is a great club for those who typically struggle with their fairway woods. It’s also a great option for the more skilled player who is looking to add a higher launching fairway wood that will land softly on the greens.

About the club I tested

• Model: Sim 2 Max Fairway
• Loft setting: 15°
• Shaft type: Tensai Blue and Ventus Blue
• Shaft flex: Stiff

About me

• Average score: 72
• Handicap: +2
• Experience: 24+ years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
• Typical ball flight: Mid height, moderate draw
• Golf ball used: Pro-V1
• Club swing speed: 115+mph (driver)

Test conditions

• When I tested the club: October 2021
• Days tested: 5
• Where I’ve used it: Indoors on the GCQuad launch monitor, and outdoors on the range and course
• Weather and wind conditions: Mostly calm and warm

How it performs

What I was looking for

I have been looking to upgrade my 3 wood from my old TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 to something that would allow me to gain a few extra yards while keeping most of the accuracy.

Why I chose this club

I really like the Sim 2 Max mainly due to its performance compared to my old fairway wood. The lighter, more aerodynamic head allows me to pick up extra speed while also maintaining a higher ball flight with moderate spin. The combination of that means more distance with good control. I also tested the TaylorMade Sim 2 Fairway (not the Max version). This went even further; however, it launches a bit lower with less spin, which makes it a bit harder to control.

What I love about it

• Distance: The lightweight head combined with improved aerodynamics means this fairway wood delivers on distance. I found it instantly added a couple of yards compared to my older RBZ Stage 2.
• Forgiveness: The higher launch with moderate spin makes this fairway wood very forgiving. I found that my miss hits had less curve to them (my usual fairway wood miss is a snap hook)—making them still very playable.
• Feel: The feel is exactly what I expect out of TaylorMade woods. It has just the right amount of firmness to make contact feel solid, and just enough softness to give me feedback when I pure it.
• Sound: The sound on this fairway wood is engendered beautifully. I notice that it has a higher-pitch, piercing sound to it. It’s very satisfying.
• Shaft Feel: I tried this out with the Tensai Blue and Ventus Blue. I settled on the Ventus blue. It has a bit firmer feel and more mid-launch ball flight.
• Shaft Performance: The performance of the shaft is amazing. It provides the ball flight I need for my game and an added layer of forgiveness by not making my missed super spinny.
• Aesthetic Appeal: I find the aesthetics of the Sim 2 Max really good. It doesn’t have an adjustable sleeve, so the hosel looks really clean. The head size isn’t super large, but not super small either. The black crown contrasted with a white/gray portion looks really nice and makes it easy to aim.
• Grip Feel: I have the standard Golf Pride Tour Velvet. It has a great feel to it. The right blend of firmness and softness makes me feel like I have a ton of control over the club.
• Launch Angle and Spin: On average, my launch angle is 11.5° with the Sim 2 Max 3 wood, and my spin rate is 3600rpm.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Workability: While this club performs really well, I find it challenging to work the ball with it. I’m great at hitting high draws, but if a tee shot or approach shot requires me to fade it, I find it a bit challenging.
• Adjustability: The Sim 2 Max fairway wood does not have an adjustable sleeve. For this reason, if I want to adjust the lie and loft, or the shaft I am playing, I cannot do so without going to a local club repair shop.

Best shot with this club

The best shot I’ve hit with this club was on a par 5, 15th hole at Lakewood Country Club. I was 250 yards out and slightly uphill to the green. I struck it perfectly and it landed softly on the green about 20 feet from the hole. The green is quite shallow and behind the green is dead. Holding the green with an iron is tough, let alone a 3 wood! I managed to roll the eagle putt in so that always helps.

Value for the money vs. other options

The SIM 2 Max Fairway Wood is a great value for the money compared to other options. Compared to similar options, like the Ping G425 Max or the TaylorMade Stealth Fairway Wood, the SIM 2 Max performs a little better in my opinion. I find the spin and flight to be a little more optimal with the SIM 2 Max compared to the Ping G425 Max, which can have a tendency to over-spin and reduce distance. Compared to the TaylorMade Stealth, I find the SIM 2 Max to have better control and consistency and a slightly lower price point.

Final verdict

This club helps to unlock some extra speed without sacrificing accuracy and control. However, the shaft cannot be easily switched out, so a golfer who likes to tinker a lot with their equipment should not make this their first choice.