Driver · 2021
TaylorMade SIM2 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
- Feel84
- Looks83
- Sound82
Watch
Rated highest for feel and looks; its softest dimension is workability.
You want one of the most forgiving, longest game-improvement drivers of its year - an easy mid-high launch and tight dispersion for moderate swing speeds and mid-to-high handicaps.
You want to shape the ball, chase the lowest spin, or want current-generation ball speed - the low-spin SIM2 is the players' option and newer Max heads are more forgiving still.
Pros
- Gold medal on the 2021 Golf Digest Hot List - one of the most forgiving drivers you could play
- Beat the Ping G425 Max by roughly 1.5-2 mph of ball speed in head-to-head testing
- Forged Ring Construction and Split Mass Weighting (24g rear) for 15% tighter dispersion and mishits that fly like solid strikes
- Optimal mid-high launch with mid-low spin from the TPS front weight
Cons
- Low workability - a max-MOI, rearward-weighted head built to fly straight
- Higher spin than the low-spin SIM2 - around 200-300 rpm more
- A 2021 release - newer high-MOI heads have moved forgiveness and ball speed on since
By dimension
Forgiveness
StrongOne of the most forgiving of its year - one of the most forgiving drivers you can play, with Forged Ring Construction and Split Mass Weighting (a 24g rear tungsten weight plus a TPS front weight) maximising MOI, 15% tighter dispersion with mishits flying like solid strikes, finally closing the forgiveness gap the SIM Max never did. A 2021 Hot List Gold benchmark.
Distance
StrongLong and faster than rivals - generating roughly 1.5 to 2 mph more ball speed than the Ping G425 Max in head-to-head testing, with the added forgiveness nudging up average ball speed and carry, the optimal launch and spin giving strong total distance. A long game-improvement head.
Workability
ModestBuilt straight - a max-MOI, rearward-weighted head built for stability rather than shot-shaping, with a 24g rear tungsten weight pushing the CG well back for forgiveness over manipulability. A straight-flying game-improvement driver.
Feel
ExcellentRefined and solid - the Forged Ring construction gives a solid, premium strike, a satisfying, improved impact over the SIM Max. A clean, high-quality sensation.
Sound
ExcellentCrisp and improved - the carbon sole and Forged Ring tidy the acoustic into a crisp note, a confident, pleasing sound. A step up on the SIM Max.
Looks at address
ExcellentClean and reassuring - it sits clean and confidence-inspiring at address, with premium, refined construction. A tidy, reassuring head 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 TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver Review - Plugged In Golf
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM2, SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max D Drivers Review - Today's Golfer
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver Review - Max Forgiveness - Golfstead
- Read the full review at TaylorMade SIM2 Max Driver Review - Golferhive
- Read the full review at SIM2 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.
More Driver ratings
Frequently asked questions
Who is the TaylorMade SIM2 Max best for?
You want one of the most forgiving, longest game-improvement drivers of its year - an easy mid-high launch and tight dispersion for moderate swing speeds and mid-to-high handicaps.
Who should avoid the TaylorMade SIM2 Max?
You want to shape the ball, chase the lowest spin, or want current-generation ball speed - the low-spin SIM2 is the players' option and newer Max heads are more forgiving still.
What handicap is the TaylorMade SIM2 Max suitable for?
The TaylorMade SIM2 Max scores strongest for high-handicap golfers, and also suits mid-handicap golfers.
What is the TaylorMade SIM2 Max best at?
In our research the TaylorMade SIM2 Max rates highest for forgiveness and distance, and is softest on workability.
Does the TaylorMade SIM2 Max have a shot bias?
The TaylorMade SIM2 Max is broadly neutral in shot shape (no built-in draw or fade bias), with a mid-high launch and mid spin.