Equipment
WRX Spotted: TaylorMade SIM Drivers on USGA Conforming list
The already much-speculated-about TaylorMade SIM drivers are now officially on the USGA and R&A Conforming Clubs List.
With the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions starting in just a few days on Jan 2, it would be no surprise to see these drivers in the bags of almost every TaylorMade staff member along with a few non-staffers too. Here’s what we know so far.
SIM
Based on the information gathered from the USGA list and a little bit of deduction, the SIM driver appears to be the flagship model geared towards the slightly faster or higher spin players looking for workability. There is a lot of visible technology packed into this head including a revert to the “SLDR-like” single front sliding weight track. The big difference compared to the SLDR is the long and protruding mass towards the back of the head to move CG much lower and away from the face—allowing for Higher MOI but still offering a low spin design, that and the use of carbon fiber.
No word yet if the different color of the protrusion means TaylorMade is using another material at the back of the head to push mass even further back, but if I had to guess, something is going on back there.
Like the previous M5 and M6 drivers, the use of carbon fiber appears to again be expanding to reaches of the head not seen before in a TaylorMade product, which could be allowing for a more multi-material construction.
Other technologies currently assumed to again be built into the new head include the proven Twist Face, and Speed Injected face to keep the SIM right to the max for CT (Characteristic of Time) and we already know it passed since these are on the Conforming List.
The other telltale sign that this is a club geared towards the better/faster players is the loft availability 8°, 9°, and 10.5° heads.
SIM MAX
If there is one thing golf companies seem to be able to agree on, it’s the “MAX” moniker equals greater forgiveness in any number of products, and the SIM MAX appears to be no different.
Offering the same sole shape as the standard SIM the MAX excludes the sliding weight track, probably much like the previous M6 compared to the M5, it has been excluded in favor of having a deeper, lower Center of Gravity to increase MOI. It doesn’t appear though that TaylorMade is just targeting average swing speeds with this driver either since the lofts also go from 8°, 9°, 10.5°, and up to 12°. If modern fitting has taught us anything, it’s loft is just a number to create a recipe for higher launching, lower spinning drives.
The carbon fiber on the MAX appears to wrap all the way up to the toe and around the back of the head—if we assume that the crown is also carbon than the TaylorMade SIM MAX could be TaylorMade’s most forgiving driver to date utilizing any number of multi-material advantages to push Center of Gravity lower than they ever have before.
SIM MAX-D (Draw)
Let me make one thing clear: there isn’t a driver on the market with the letter “D” being used to identify a model that is not in some way draw biased.
The SIM MAX-D looks to be using all of the same visible (and potentially hidden) technology as the other models but using more discretionary mass to move the CG towards the heel—notice the metal looking piece towards the lower heel of the head.
The MAX-D is also the first of the three models with the easy to read “Aerodynamic Sole Design” clearly visible on the head. Until proven otherwise, it also looks like it can be seen on the toe of the other two models as well.
Conclusion
The SIM Drivers from TaylorMade are going to be their flagship metal woods for 2020 and are using more carbon fiber than ever before. As it has been said many times, driver CT has been maxed out for years now, but that still doesn’t mean we have hit a wall as far as fitting, and finding ways to create speed through engineering.
More discretionary mass around the head and CG optimization are still the keys to helping golfers unlock more distance and consistency off the tee. If you add in new key face technologies to boost speed on mishits, and improved aerodynamics, then it looks like we could be going further again in 2020 with the TaylorMade SIM.
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- Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX
Irons: TaylorMade P770 (2, 4), TaylorMade P7MB (5-PW)
Shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX (2), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (50-09SB, 56-12SB, 60-11TW)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Kris Kim’s equipment here.
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TaylorMade is continuing its UDI/DHY series with the successor to the Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons: PUDI and PDHY (which the company styles as P·UDI and P·DHY). TaylorMade is folding the designs in with its P Series of irons.
TaylorMade outlined the process of developing its new utilities this way. The company started with the data on utility iron usage. Not surprisingly, better players — i.e. those who generate more clubhead speed and strike the ball more precisely — were found to gravitate toward the UDI model. DHY usage, however, covered a wider swath than the company might have expected with six-to-18 handicappers found to be bagging the club.
TaylorMade also found that the majority of golfers playing UDI or DHY utilities were playing P Series irons at the top of their iron configurations.
Can you see where this is going?
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation, Iron and Wedge at TaylorMade: “As we look to the future, beyond the tech and the design language, we are excited about repositioning our utility irons into the P·Series family. P·UDI is an easy pair for players that currently play P·Series product and P·DHY is an extremely forgiving option for players of all skill levels. It is a natural fit to give these players the performance in this category that they are looking for.”
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TaylorMade PUDI
TaylorMade PUDI technology cutaway (via TaylorMade)
Crafted with tour player input, TaylorMade sought to develop a confidence-inspiring utility iron that blends with the rest of the P Series irons. Also of note: Interestingly, the PUDI has a more compact head than the P790.
In comparison to past UDI products, the PUDI has a more traditional iron shape, slimmer toplines, and less offset with a little of the backbar visible at address.
TaylorMade PDHY
TaylorMade PDHY tech cutaway (via TaylorMade).
Larger in profile than the PUDI, the PDHY seeks to position center of gravity (CG) lower in the club for ease of launch. The toe height is larger and the profile is larger at address — roughly five millimeters longer than PUDI — the sole of the club is wider for improved forgiveness.
Club Junkie’s take
Golfers who feel like they are missing something at the top of the bag could find the PUDI or PDHY a great option. The look of the PUDI should fit the most discerning eye with a more compact look, less offset, and a thinner topline. If you want a little more confidence looking down the P-DHY will be slightly larger while still being a good-looking utility iron.
For being small packages both models pack a pretty good punch with fast ball speeds, even off-center. The feel is soft and you get a solid feel of the ball compressing off the face when you strike it well. Your ears are greeted with a nice heavy thud as the ball and club come together. The PDHY will launch a little higher for players who need it while the PUDI offers a more penetrating ball flight. Both utility irons could be the cure for an open spot in the top end of the bag.
PUDI, PDHY, or Rescue?
TaylorMade offers the following notes to assist golfers in filling out their bags:
- PUDI has mid-CG right behind the center face to create a more penetrating mid-to-low ball flight
- PDHY has a lower center of gravity to produce an easier-to-launch mid-to-high ball flight.
- Both PUDI and PDHY are lower-flying than the company’s hybrid/Rescue clubs.
- PUDI is more forgiving than P790.
- PDHY is the most forgiving iron in the entire TaylorMade iron family
Pricing, specs, and availability
Price: $249.99
At retail: Now
Stock shafts: UST Mamiya’s Recoil DART (105 X, 90 S and 75 R – only in PDHY)
Stock grip: Golf Pride’s ZGrip (black/grey)
PUDI lofts: 2-17°, 3-20°, 4-22° in both left and right-handed
PDHY lofts: 2-18°, 3-20° and 4-22° in both left and right-handed
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (5/3/24): Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
From the seller: (@wwcl): “Has been gamed as pics show. 33.5 includes original h/c and grip. $575 includes shipping and PP fees.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Scotty Cameron Champions Choice 2.5+ putter
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Steve Botica
Dec 31, 2019 at 11:43 am
Why is the sentiment so negative here?
People claiming to be real golfers because they don’t use Taylormade.??It is very clear Taylormade keeps the hype machine working 24/7, by attempting to lure you into buying a new driver every 6 months.Well,if you’re one of the sheep out there that can afford it,good for you.Contrary to that if you have any clue how consumerism works,you would not get duped by these elementary smokescreens. Find a driver that works and hit till its dull. Buy a 3 year old model off the rack and repeat. Taylormade,Ping,Callaway,Titleist what ever. Brand elitists need to check themselves.
Troy
Dec 31, 2019 at 8:37 am
I’ll stick with my PXG 0811X, keep pounding it and watch the release of probably two sets of TM product lines this year alone!
Kevin
Dec 31, 2019 at 2:05 am
Taylormade has lost its credibility in the driver game , can they not produce a driver that can last 24 months ? Come on , do they think we should be constantly changing $600 drivers , just for a new flashy head over .
Straight Driver
Dec 31, 2019 at 1:13 am
S.I.M. hmmm……stands for “Sucks, I Missed.”
dat
Dec 30, 2019 at 10:49 pm
Overpriced junk unless you buy the tour models for $899 a head.
JThunder
Dec 30, 2019 at 7:43 pm
The only thing more predictable than *every* club company releasing a “new” driver on a regular schedule is the litany of repetitive and meaningless commentary which follows.
TM – and *every* other company (including PXG) releases new clubs because their shareholders, their dealers, and their own marketing departments *demand* that they must. If you dislike this enough to comment negatively every single time, then vote for socialism.
I suppose you could argue that the almighty internet – fueled by social media and “comments” sections for most media – “demands” that you have an opinion and believe others are entitled to it.
One is a waste of money and resources, the other is a waste of time. Happy new year.
y2zar
Dec 30, 2019 at 7:19 pm
Va, a club for bow. Vee’s fredishay golf
Mark
Dec 30, 2019 at 6:58 pm
Sim stands for Speed in Motion… Just so you know. And M6 will be 399.99 not 299.99, M2 is still 299.99. New driver every 12 months like they did the last 3 years. You people crack me up.
Michael
Dec 30, 2019 at 7:06 pm
Oh look another OEM hater. Who gives a crap. No one is forcing you to buy one.
Scott Erdmann
Dec 30, 2019 at 8:21 pm
It’s Shape In Motion…
Erik Filipiak
Dec 30, 2019 at 6:41 pm
Looks like an SLDR and an M6 made sweet love and this is what they spawned…..
Tyler Made
Dec 30, 2019 at 5:50 pm
I like it!
Brandon
Dec 30, 2019 at 4:23 pm
That might be the ugliest driver since the R1 era
Adam
Dec 30, 2019 at 4:07 pm
“OMG why do they make a new driver every year?!”
Jeez guys, I didn’t know the driver in your bag automatically disintegrates after one year forcing you to buy a new one.
Or you just bitter playing a slightly outdated driver? The best part about new drivers every year is the rate at which used drivers drop in price. You have year old drivers that are brand new selling for half of what they sold for a year ago.
Mike B
Dec 30, 2019 at 4:01 pm
TM SIM 2020… its more like Nike Vapor Fly Flex 2015! Their stuff is junk since the M1 2017 model, which I liked but dented in the face, replaced with a 2018 M1, which also dented. And that’s why i play a HONMA driver and MIZUNO irons. Nothing from TM will ever see my bag again. But there are fanboys and will sell a butt load of them.
Liam
Dec 31, 2019 at 3:47 pm
It really is MI5 lol
Tom54
Dec 30, 2019 at 3:44 pm
Not sure if all the readers “shanks” outnumbering the “likes” is an indication of what is thought about Taylormade drivers anymore but I was once fairly loyal to that brand myself until they kept coming out with something new every 6-8 months it seemed. I had a SLDR tp myself and thought it was the worst $500 driver I ever had. I gave them another shot with the M1/M2 but still wasn’t too satisfied. All my friends were using Ping models and I was reluctant to switch but I now am using the G410 lst and am not planning on switching anytime soon. I’m sure all the TM staff will be out in force with their new “SIM” logo on the hats to promote it but for me, the actual buying customer, that’s a no for me.
Rich Douglas
Dec 30, 2019 at 3:34 pm
For those of you who held on to your M1 drivers, congratulations. They’re back.
TacklingDummy
Dec 30, 2019 at 3:28 pm
I really like the sound of the graphite crown of TM driver. Not super tingy more of a solid rip sound.
J.A.
Dec 30, 2019 at 3:04 pm
Another Driver from TM.. what’s new ? They just change the color scheme, a little tweak here and there that doesn’t do jack s*** in terms performace and throw a new name on it to sell it to idiots in need of burning another $500-600.. only so they can do it all over again in 3 months.. TM = BS
HDTVMAN
Dec 30, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Just buy a Ping G400MAX. TM comes out with a new driver every other month!
Plumpyl
Dec 30, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Sorry, when did the m5/6 come out? You’re fake news
Alex
Dec 30, 2019 at 2:00 pm
A more forgiving SLDR sounds pretty good. SLDR was an absolute rocket ship…too bad your next shot was from the other fairway though.
Tenbuck
Dec 30, 2019 at 1:15 pm
I wonder how many copies of the Anser there are out there? Sooner or later with manufacturers getting closer to COR, some things will start to look the same including the techniques to get to that look. There are just so many difference looks you can give a club that hasn’t been used and still be pleasant to the eye.
Gunter Eisenberg
Dec 30, 2019 at 12:24 pm
Can’t wait to get the M6 at a discount in the coming weeks as they blow it out to make space for the SIM driver.
Billy Gunn
Dec 30, 2019 at 10:58 am
Hmmm…The name “SIM” makes you think that they used Artificial Intelligence to design the driver. Now, where have I heard that before?
Taylor Made ripping off Callaway and Cobra Technology and putting it into their drivers.
Also, the SLDR was a very inaccurate driver. The ball went a country mile but it was very difficult to control. I’m skeptical about reverting to that weight track system.
Victor
Dec 30, 2019 at 3:18 pm
What’s SIM spelled backwards? I prefer not to have anything resembling a miss written on my clubs ????
LoPro
Dec 30, 2019 at 4:30 pm
MIS is standard for this company to real golfers……in a year get it for $299
Chris
Dec 30, 2019 at 10:44 am
Looks like a Cobra SpeedZone
Jin
Dec 31, 2019 at 8:33 am
No look like a cobra f9…a copy with an old SLDR weight tossed in.