Driver · 2020
TaylorMade SIM Max D
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
- Feel81
- Sound80
- Looks80
Watch
Rated highest for feel and sound; its softest dimension is workability.
You fight a slice or a right miss and want maximum help straightening it out - a high-launch, draw-biased, big-faced 2020 head for higher handicaps and moderate swing speeds.
You already draw the ball, want to shape shots, or need a penetrating low-spin flight - the imposed draw and high spin will fight you; the standard SIM Max or compact SIM suit you better.
Pros
- A genuine slice-buster - a strong heel-biased draw that reels in the right miss
- The most forgiving SIM head for high handicaps - an 18% larger face than the SIM and easy, high launch
- More forgiving than the already-forgiving M6
- Speed Injected Twist Face and a draw-correcting, confidence-inspiring shape
Cons
- Lower MOI than the standard SIM Max - the heel weighting trades a little raw forgiveness for draw bias
- The highest-launching and highest-spinning head in the family - the least penetrating in wind
- Very low workability - the big head and baked-in draw make a fade or a dogleg-right shot hard
By dimension
Forgiveness
SolidHigh, with a small trade - the most forgiving SIM head, aimed at high handicaps, with a face 18% larger than the SIM and more forgiveness than the already-forgiving M6, but the heel weighting drops its MOI below the standard SIM Max, as draw-biased heads inherently give up a little inertia. Excellent real-world forgiveness for a slicer, just short of the SIM Max's peak stability.
Distance
SolidSolid, if spinny - the highest-spinning head in the family, which costs a little efficiency, while the Speed Injected Twist Face holds good ball speed. Long enough for its target slicer, but the extra spin gives back distance versus the lower-spinning SIM heads.
Workability
ModestLocked into a draw - the big head and baked-in heel bias make it hard to work the ball away from its natural draw, a struggle on dogleg rights or any left-to-right shot, the imposed draw being the whole point of the head. Minimal shot-shape freedom by design.
Feel
StrongSolid and stable - a solid, stable strike from the large head and rigid carbon crown, a reassuring impact. Substantial, if the least crisp of the SIM line given the biggest profile.
Sound
StrongConfident, on the louder side - a confident note at impact, the larger head's slightly bigger, lower-pitched sound. Acceptable and lively, if not the most refined of the line.
Looks at address
StrongBig and reassuring, if not for everyone - divergent topline masking makes the head look more open at address to encourage the player to turn it over, on the largest, 18%-bigger face in the line, confidence-inspiring for the slicer. Reassuring to its target, less appealing to the better 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 TaylorMade SIM Max D Driver Review - ClubTest 2020 - golf.com
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM Max D Driver Review - Today's Golfer
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM Max D Driver Review - Plugged In Golf
- Read the full review at First Look: 2020 TaylorMade SIM Driver - MyGolfSpy
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM Max D Driver Review - A Slice Buster? - Golfstead
- Read the full review at SIM vs. SIM Max: Comparison of 2020 TaylorMade Drivers - TaylorMade
We paraphrase and synthesise these sources; we don't republish them. Publishers can read how we use reviews or request a change.
More Driver ratings
Frequently asked questions
Who is the TaylorMade SIM Max D best for?
You fight a slice or a right miss and want maximum help straightening it out - a high-launch, draw-biased, big-faced 2020 head for higher handicaps and moderate swing speeds.
Who should avoid the TaylorMade SIM Max D?
You already draw the ball, want to shape shots, or need a penetrating low-spin flight - the imposed draw and high spin will fight you; the standard SIM Max or compact SIM suit you better.
What handicap is the TaylorMade SIM Max D suitable for?
The TaylorMade SIM Max D scores strongest for high-handicap golfers, and also suits mid-handicap golfers.
What is the TaylorMade SIM Max D best at?
In our research the TaylorMade SIM Max D rates highest for distance and forgiveness, and is softest on workability.
Does the TaylorMade SIM Max D have a shot bias?
The TaylorMade SIM Max D has a draw bias, with a high launch and high spin.