Driver · 2020
TaylorMade SIM Max
The CaddyIndex™ breakdown: our rating across all six performance dimensions, researched from published expert reviews, online sentiment and our own weighting algorithm.
By the CaddyCompare editorial team · updated 4 June 2026
Performance index
Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).
Where it wins
- Feel82
- Looks82
- Sound80
Watch
Rated highest for feel and looks; its softest dimension is workability.
You want maximum forgiveness and an easy, high launch from a 2020 game-improvement head - a high-MOI, larger-faced driver for moderate swing speeds and higher handicaps.
You want to shape the ball, chase the lowest spin, or want current-generation ball speed - the compact SIM is the workable low-spin option and newer heads are more forgiving still.
Pros
- Maximum forgiveness for 2020 - the highest MOI of the SIM family, boosted ~70 points over the SIM by an 18g rear Inertia Generator weight
- An 8% larger face than the SIM with a low-and-back CG for easy, high launch
- Speed Injected Twist Face for strong ball speed and mishit correction
- Sounds and feels solid, with a premium chromed carbon crown
Cons
- Low workability and no sliding weight - a big, straight-flying forgiveness head
- Higher launch and spin than the low-spin SIM - less penetrating in wind
- A 2020 release - newer high-MOI heads have since pushed forgiveness and ball speed further
By dimension
Forgiveness
SolidMaximum forgiveness for its era - outstanding mass properties, a low-and-back CG with the highest MOI of the family, boosted around 70 points over the SIM by the rear Inertia Generator weight, cutting-edge forgiveness helped by a face 8% larger than the SIM. A genuine 2020 game-improvement benchmark.
Distance
StrongLong and forgiving - the Speed Injected Twist Face delivers strong ball speed that holds up across the larger face, with up to 1.5 mph more head speed than the 2019 models from the low-drag shape. Long for a forgiveness head, though the larger profile and slightly higher spin give back a touch of the compact SIM's outright speed.
Workability
ModestBuilt straight - a large, max-MOI head built for stability rather than shot-shaping, with the fixed rear Inertia Generator replacing the SIM's sliding weight, so there is no draw-fade bias adjustment. A straight-flying forgiveness head.
Feel
ExcellentSolid and stable - it feels solid and stable at impact thanks to the rigid carbon crown, a satisfying strike if a touch less crisp than the compact SIM. A reassuring, substantial sensation.
Sound
StrongConfident, a touch louder - a confident note at impact, a slightly bigger, lower-pitched sound than the compact SIM from the larger head. Lively and acceptable, if not the most refined of the line.
Looks at address
ExcellentClean, if larger - the chromed carbon crown looks premium, and the larger, 8%-bigger-faced head sits confidence-inspiring but less compact than the SIM at address. Reassuring for the game-improvement player.
Sources
Dig into the independent expert reviews and lab tests that feed into how every club here is rated. Each one is worth reading in full — they carry the launch-monitor data, hands-on testing and detailed photography that paint the complete picture before you buy.
- Read the full review at First Look: 2020 TaylorMade SIM / SIM Max Driver - MyGolfSpy
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Review - Today's Golfer
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Review - Plugged In Golf
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Review - Cutting-Edge Forgiveness - Golfstead
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM Max Driver Review - Golfspan
- Read the full review at SIM Max Driver - TaylorMade (specs)
We paraphrase and synthesise these sources; we don't republish them. Publishers can read how we use reviews or request a change.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is the TaylorMade SIM Max best for?
You want maximum forgiveness and an easy, high launch from a 2020 game-improvement head - a high-MOI, larger-faced driver for moderate swing speeds and higher handicaps.
Who should avoid the TaylorMade SIM Max?
You want to shape the ball, chase the lowest spin, or want current-generation ball speed - the compact SIM is the workable low-spin option and newer heads are more forgiving still.
What handicap is the TaylorMade SIM Max suitable for?
The TaylorMade SIM Max scores strongest for high-handicap golfers, and also suits mid-handicap golfers.
What is the TaylorMade SIM Max best at?
In our research the TaylorMade SIM Max rates highest for distance and forgiveness, and is softest on workability.
Does the TaylorMade SIM Max have a shot bias?
The TaylorMade SIM Max is broadly neutral in shot shape (no built-in draw or fade bias), with a mid-high launch and mid spin.