The short answer: buy the SIM2 Max unless you find a SIM Max for clearly less. The SIM2 Max is the more forgiving of the two: TaylorMade moved weight to the back and raised MOI by about 7%. Used, the two now overlap almost completely on price, so in most listings the extra forgiveness costs you little or nothing. The SIM Max is still a good driver, and it is the pick if you can save $50 or more, or if you prefer its louder sound.
Published September 2026 · Used prices checked at 2nd Swing on Sept 29, 2026
| SIM Max (2020) | SIM2 Max (2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| In stores | February 7, 2020 | February 19, 2021 |
| Launch price | $499.99 | $529.99 |
| Used now | From ~$224, most listings ~$280–$430 | From ~$240, most listings ~$300–$360 |
| Body | Carbon crown; weight low and back in the Inertia Generator | Forged aluminum ring, carbon crown and full carbon sole |
| Face | Speed Injected Twist Face, 8% larger than the SIM | Milled titanium face cup, Speed Injected Twist Face |
| Rear weight | Fixed, in the Inertia Generator | 24g tungsten |
| Forgiveness | High | About 7% more MOI than the SIM Max |
| Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 12° | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Draw version | SIM Max D | SIM2 Max D |
What Changed From SIM Max to SIM2 Max
The 2020 SIM Max was built around the Inertia Generator, a shaped weight low and back on the sole designed to cut drag on the downswing. Per GolfWRX’s launch report, the Max version has a face about 8% larger than the standard SIM and a lightweight carbon crown to free up mass. It was aimed at golfers who want a bit more forgiveness, or better players who want a touch more spin.
A year later, the SIM2 Max rebuilt the head around a forged aluminum ring that holds a carbon crown, a full carbon sole and a milled titanium face cup together. That saved weight went into a 24-gram tungsten weight at the back. MyGolfSpy’s launch coverage says TaylorMade raised MOI by about 7% compared with the SIM Max. MOI is how much a head resists twisting on an off-center hit, so higher MOI means your mishits lose less distance and direction.
How They Compare on the Course
The differences are real but modest. Golf Monthly found the SIM2 range feels a little more powerful than SIM because of a slightly duller sound, and that the SIM2 Max flies noticeably higher than the standard SIM2, which helps golfers who struggle to get the ball up. Plugged In Golf described the SIM2 Max’s sound as a solid “mid-pitch crack.” Owners who played both, in a GolfWRX discussion, mostly called the gap “very minor.” Several said the SIM2 flew more neutral while the original leaned toward a fade, and a few simply preferred the SIM Max’s sound. The takeaway: neither will transform your driving, and a proper fitting matters more than the model year.
TaylorMade SIM2 Max
From ~$240 usedMore MOI for about the same used price. The one to buy unless a SIM Max is clearly cheaper.
Check price →Shop at Global GolfTaylorMade SIM Max
From ~$224 usedStill forgiving and still conforming. Worth it when you can save $50 or more, or if you like its louder sound.
Check price →Shop at Global GolfAt the same price, take the SIM2 Max. At $50 or more less, the SIM Max is a smart buy.
Buying Used: What to Check
At 2nd Swing on September 29, used SIM Max drivers started around $224 and used SIM2 Max drivers around $240, with most listings between about $280 and $430. The shaft, loft and condition move the price more than the model year does. A SIM2 Max with an aftermarket Ventus shaft can cost more than a SIM Max with the stock one. Both heads are five to six seasons old, so check the face and crown for skying marks, make sure the loft sleeve and wrench fit, and confirm whether the shaft is original. If you slice, look for the D versions: the SIM Max D and SIM2 Max D both shift weight toward the heel to help you turn the ball over.
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the SIM2 Max if the prices are close, which they usually are. You get the higher-MOI head for the same money. Buy the SIM Max if you find one in good condition for $50 or more less than a comparable SIM2 Max, or if you tried both and liked its sound and look. Still deciding whether to spend more? Our SIM2 Max vs. Stealth vs. Qi10 comparison shows what the extra $100 gets you, and our SIM2 Max review goes deeper on that driver alone.
Is the SIM2 Max better than the SIM Max?
Slightly. The SIM2 Max has about 7% more MOI, so it is a bit more forgiving on off-center hits, and many owners find it flies straighter. Distance is close for most golfers.
Is the SIM Max still a good driver in 2026?
Yes. It is forgiving, conforms to the rules, and is one of the cheapest ways into a modern TaylorMade driver. Just check the condition, since it is now six seasons old.
Which is better for a slice, SIM Max or SIM2 Max?
For a slice, look at the D versions of either one. Both are draw-biased with weight toward the heel. Between the standard Max models, owners report the SIM2 Max flies a bit more neutral.
Do SIM Max and SIM2 Max use the same shaft adapter?
Yes. Both use TaylorMade’s standard loft sleeve, so shafts with a TaylorMade adapter fit either head, and so do later models like Stealth and Qi10.
Divot Depot original
We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links — at no extra cost to you.
