FULL REVIEW of the new TaylorMade SIM Fairway Woods out now - click to read it HERE!
TaylorMade has updated its leading range of golf metalwoods for 2020, moving on from the popular 'M' range and introducing the new SIM line.
SIM stands for 'Shape In Motion' and the basic premise is that TaylorMade is so pleased with their face technology that they are looking at other ways to improve ball speed and forgiveness, leading them to focus more on shape and aerodynamics this year instead.
Along with three different drivers, the brand is also introducing three fairway woods and a rescue with a newly designed sole for better turf interaction.
Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade's Senior Director of Product Creation, commented:
For many golfers V Steel will trigger memories of an iconic product we released more than a decade ago. As we reviewed the research used to develop the original technology, we discovered a massive benefit to having a fairway metal with significantly less turf drag through impact.
By pairing V Steel with our technologically advanced materials, we've created fairways that are extremely playable, forgiving and provide explosive distance.
Let's take a first look at the new range:
TaylorMade SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max-D Fairway Woods
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.
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.
TaylorMade introduced Twist Face to its fairway metal lineup in 2019 and 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.
TaylorMade SIM Fairway Wood
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.
TaylorMade SIM Max Fairway Wood
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.
TaylorMade SIM Max-D Fairway Wood
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.
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 £369 and will be offered in Rocket 3/14°, 3/15° and 5/19° lofts.
SIM Max and Max-D have an RRP of £269. SIM Max will be offered in lofts of Rocket 3/14°, 3/15°, 5/18°, 7/21° and 9/24°. SIM Max-D will be offered in lofts of 3/16°, 5/19° and 7/22°.
TaylorMade SIM Max Rescue
As a long-iron replacement, it’s imperative that hybrids be versatile and playable in all conditions. That’s why TaylorMade has incorporated V Steel technology into a hybrid for the first time in the company’s history with SIM Max Rescue.
The clubhead is engineered to deliver improved turf interaction and reduced friction when playing from various lies. A reshaped leading edge works in conjunction with V Steel to further improve playability and strike conditions.
Designers rounded the toe and adjusted the face angle to give SIM Max Rescue a more confidence-inspiring shape at address for all levels of golfers. It utilises the same C300 Steel face used in the SIM Max fairway woods to help improve ball speed, durability and overall performance.
The corrective technologies of Twist Face and Speed Pocket offer improved performance and forgiveness on mis-hits on the toe, heel and low on the face.
The SIM Max Rescue will be available for preorder on January 10 and at retail on February 7, 2020. It has an RRP of £229 and will be offered in lofts of 3/19°, 4/22°, 5/25°, 6/28° and 7/31°.