TaylorMade put two new drivers on the conforming list of golf clubs published by the R&A this week, both apparently follow ups to the current SIM line of drivers.
Placed on the weekly updated list are the SIM2 and SIM2 Max. The SIM and SIM Max are TaylorMade’s current flagship drivers. (It is likely that the drivers also will be added to the USGA’s conforming list today, as well.)
The company isn’t commenting on the specific technologies in the two drivers other than to say the intent was to make the clubs available for players to test and use in competition beginning this week. Still, it’s fair to say that it’s likely based on the images of the two drivers on the conforming list that the distinctive sole shape will be retained. That idea was to improve aerodynamic shaping while at the same time providing for a deep and low center of gravity for more stability on off-center hits and lower spin. Both the SIM2 and SIM2 Max featured the angled keel element on the sole again.
The two drivers’ similar look also shows what appears to be a carbon composite layer that covers much of the entire sole. Previous TaylorMade drivers featured carbon composite crowns and panels on parts of the sole. Both drivers also feature a slot towards the front of the sole, what the company calls a “speed pocket,” designed to improve face deflection across the face particularly on low face impacts.
One difference between the two heads that would also continue the separation seen in the current SIM drivers: the SIM2 is labeled around a weight port toward the front of the sole with the words “high MOI, low spin.” (MOI refers to “moment of inertia,” or stability on off-center hits.) Meanwhile, the SIM2 Max labels a similar weight port “high MOI.”
Noticeable, as well, is that neither driver features any visible sliding weight channel or reference to movable weight technology, a key feature of TaylorMade drivers on an annual basis since the company introduced that idea in its clubs in 2004 with the r7 Quad driver.