FIRST LOOK! SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D Fairways

Peter Finnan
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Peter Finnan

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The iconic V Steel design has been reinvented with the new SIM family of fairway metals. Advanced shaping combines with a V Steel sole to improve turf interaction and playability from various lies.

A more rounded leading edge improves the club’s initial contact with the turf, while the V Steel sole further raises heel and toe sections of the sole away from the ground and improves versatility. These design features combine to significantly reduce turf contact area in SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D fairways, reducing ground friction which can positively influence both clubhead speed and ball speed.

For many golfers, V Steel will trigger memories of an iconic product TaylorMade released more than a decade ago. As TaylorMade reviewed the research used to develop the original technology, they discovered a massive benefit to having a fairway metal with significantly less turf drag through impact. By pairing V Steel with their technologically advanced materials, they have created fairways that are extremely playable, forgiving and provide explosive distance.

play-sharp-fill

Twist Face was introduced to its fairway metal line-up in 2019 and TaylorMade has carried the revolutionary technology into each SIM offering. Like the SIM drivers, the faces have been modified to counteract the gear effect on common mis-hits in the high-toe and low-heel. Although the concept is the same as in the driver, the exact geometry is slightly different to account for the unique mass properties and impact location patterns in fairway woods compared to drivers.

The Speed Pocket in SIM fairways has been engineered to provide increased ball speed to the entire face while improving forgiveness on low-face impacts. A slot insert has also been designed to sit flush with the sole to improve sole interaction and eliminate turf drag from the Speed Pocket, aligning with the performance goals of V Steel. Matching the aesthetics of the SIM driver family, the chromium carbon crown and contrasting chalk white colour help frame the ball at address and improve alignment.

 

SIM Fairway

The SIM fairway is a 180cc titanium head that combines a lightweight carbon construction with a revolutionary new Zatech titanium face and a heavy 80g steel sole weight. The strategically positioned weight creates an extremely low CG that allows for increased ball speed, higher launch and improved forgiveness on low-face hits.

The Zatech Titanium face is a breakthrough in materials technology that enables TaylorMade engineers to push the limits of speed in a titanium fairway wood. It’s the first time TaylorMade has used this rare and ultra-strong material in the construction of a metalwood. The Zatech titanium is made in small batches using a unique process that allows engineers to improve the strength of the face while maintaining a high level of ductility. The SIM titanium fairway is engineered for crazy distance with adjustability through the Loft Sleeve.

SIM Max Fairway

The 185cc SIM Max steel fairway woods are constructed using strong and durable C300 face material. Also featuring the reinvented V Steel for exceptional versatility from all lies, the SIM Max is designed for higher launch and peak trajectories, with extremely long distance and improved playability.

SIM Max-D

The oversized 190cc SIM Max-D has been optimised for forgiveness and golfers seeking a draw-bias design. Like SIM drivers, the fairway woods feature progressive head sizes to provide greater forgiveness to the players who need it the most.

IGM Verdict

There is a lot to like about the SIM fairway, from the sleeker looks to the better turf interaction and the larger address profile. It is clever what TaylorMade has done with the face and the variation in the wild shots was probably a little less. If you have an M5 or M6 fairway and you are happy with it, then like Rory McIlroy you may not need to upgrade just yet for performance. On balance though I do prefer the new SIM offerings and if you are in the market for a new fairway then the SIM fairway should definitely be on your shortlist.

 


Specifications, Availability & Pricing

SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max•D fairways will be available for preorder on January 10 and at retail on February 7, 2020.

SIM has an RRP of €419 and will be offered in Rocket 3/14°, 3/15° and 5/19° lofts. It will be offered in the Mitsubishi Diamana FW Limited 75 stock shaft, with numerous additional shaft options available at no additional cost. It comes stock with the new Golf Pride Z-Grip (47g).

SIM Max and Max-D have an RRP of €299 SIM Max will be offered in lofts of Rocket 3/14°, 3/15°, 5/18°, 7/21° and 9/24°. Shaft offerings include Fujikura Ventus Blue FW 5 (R and A flexes) and Ventus Blue FW 6 (S and X flexes), with additional custom shaft options available at no additional cost. SIM Max•D will be offered in lofts of 3/16°, 5/19° and 7/22°. UST Mamiya’s Helium FW is the stock shaft offering with numerous custom options available at no additional cost. Both models also come stock with the new Golf Pride Z-Grip (47g). 

Women’s offerings for SIM Max and SIM Max•D fairways include the Aldila NV Ladies 45 shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip (38g).

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