50 Words or Less
The TaylorMade SIM2 Max irons are long and easy to hit. Strong lofts produce a lot of distance, but these irons retain reasonable stopping power.
Introduction
TaylorMade built tremendous, well-deserved hype around their P-Series irons this fall. But what about the mid to high handicap players? Their time in the sun has come with the release of the SIM2 Max irons. I tested it to see if TaylorMade could deliver as well for the recreational players as they have for the competitive ones.
Check out the latest TaylorMade game improvement iron, the Stealth, HERE
Looks
The TaylorMade SIM2 Max irons are the embodiment of the modern game improvement iron. There’s moderate offset and a thick top line. The sole is wide to lower CG and prevent digging but not so wide that it sticks out behind the top line at address.
In the bag, the SIM2 Max continues the recent trend of downplaying color. The cavity flashes a little carbon fiber, numerous shades of silver, and just a dash of blue. It’s a very busy cavity that both screams “TECHNOLOGY!” but is also understated due to the color scheme.
Comparing the SIM2 Max (left) and the SIM2 Max OS [review HERE], you’ll notice that the top lines are very similar in size. The most obvious difference at address is the additional offset in the OS model. A 360 degree inspection will also reveal a wider sole and deeper cavity on the OS.
Sound & Feel
The changes in iron construction over the last few years has led to a breadth of impact feels that’s exceeded only by drivers. It’s gotten to the point where, with a GI or SGI iron, I no longer have any idea what to expect when I swing it for the first time.
What I found with the TaylorMade SIM2 Max irons is an impact sensation that bridges the gap between traditional and modern. Contact produces a “snap” that’s just a little louder than average. The tone is mid-pitched and solid, free of any rough, jangly edges. Impact feels reasonably solid with a touch of explosive.
For such a large, stable iron, the SIM2 Max does provide solid feedback. Mishits produce a slightly uglier tone, and I was able to feel the precise impact location without difficulty.
Performance
I started testing the TaylorMade SIM2 Max irons on one of those beautiful March days that we occasionally steal here in Illinois. My enjoyment of the unseasonably nice weather was enhanced by how effortlessly the SIM2 Max was launching shots downrange. Nearly every shot was hitting the same medium trajectory with what appeared to be mid-low spin and loads of distance. While this iron defaults to straight with easy launch, it didn’t fight me when I wanted to flight the ball down or hit curvy shots.
When I got the SIM2 Max irons to the launch monitor, the numbers lined up with what I saw on the range. The launch angle was a couple degrees lower than my traditionally-lofted gamer irons, and the spin was several hundred RPM lower. The spin in the SIM2 Max irons is not troubling low – I could hold a green with a good shot. That said, it’s still critical to get fit and find a shaft that will compliment the tendencies of this head.
Conclusion
For the mid to high handicap player who doesn’t want an extreme, oversized iron, the TaylorMade SIM2 Max is a very fine choice. These irons produce impressive distance and do so consistently. Pair them with a shaft that fits your swing and you’ll be on your way to hitting more greens in regulation.
Visit TaylorMade Golf HERE
TaylorMade SIM2 Max Irons Price & Specs
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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Taylormade could put Ruby slippers on and land a house on them and they would still be best clubs in the known universe 🏌♂️👍
I just purchased the irons. Can’t wait to hit tem
Can the sim2 max be ordered 1 or 2 degree weaker lofts ? I’m a senior golfer and need spin for hieght. Swing speed with driver 75-80 mph hcp 14 current clubs apex cf16 which hold greens great what would be a good shaft to add spin on sim2 max?
Steve,
Yes, you can order the irons bent weaker. As to a shaft recommendation, I would recommend getting a fitting to find the optimal combination for your swing.
-Matt
I’ve played 9 rounds with the sim2 max irons. I’m very disappointed, I got much better distance with my 6yr old m2s with 900 rounds on them.
I have practice with the Sim 2 max set and they were some of the best clubs I have ever hit with. But they were just to Expensive for me to buy.
Did you compare these to the G425’s? Thank you
Landy,
Matt Meeker has a full review of the G425 irons here: https://pluggedingolf.com/ping-g425-irons-review/
-Matt
have had these about a month…
In general very pleased. Very long and easy to hit. A full club, if not a club and a half, longer than my old Mizunos.
Some “issues/ challenges” that I need to work out.
Dialing in the distances.
An apparent large gap between my 9 iron (which is longer than my old set) and the PW (which is shorter than my old set)
Planning to get on a monitor this week and figure it out
The shafts in my Sim 2 max irons are not fit for purpose ,they are graphite senior shafts which I was fitted for . I cannot hit a decent shot with the shaft it’s like a low smothered shot they are too light. I have two other sets Ping 770s and Cobra F9 both fitted with steel regular and midsize grips which I hit perfectly well . How easy is it to get my clubs re shafted .
James,
Any club builder can reshaft your irons. I strongly recommend Club Champion for the quality of their work.
Best,
Matt
Hi can you tell me which club out of the sim2 max and the sim2 go the furtherest
Peter,
The SIM 2 Max OS has stronger lofts than the SIM 2 Max, but that doesn’t mean it will be longer through the bag. You need to test the clubs for yourself to find out.
-Matt
Where can I find a set of SIM 2 Max OS irons
Robert,
I would suggest contacting any TaylorMade distributor/fitter or you could go on eBay.
-Matt
I bought Sim2 irons with graphite shafts last year during the golf season. The wait for adjustments was two months so I just took them home. I’m regretting that now. I used to be a good iron player but now all I can hit consistently are the 4 and 5 hybrids. The fitter had recommended I take a half inch off the shaft and bend them 2 degrees flat. Could that really make that much of a difference ? Do you think Taylormade would still do it?
Paul,
Yes, I think those changes can make a substantial difference.
I don’t know that TaylorMade would adjust them at this point, but it’s certainly worth a call. You can also find a local club builder (there are Club Champions everywhere) who can do that work quite easily.
Best,
Matt
I game with apex pros right now and hit them pretty well. I meant to buy the cf’s but got mistakenly ordered the pros. I want to scale back to something more forgiving to potentially shave some strokes on miss hits since I’m about 14 handicap. My concern with these is that the lower lofts and less spin will cause my balls to roll off the greens. Is that a valid concern? Do you think going from the apex pros to these will help or hamper my game?
Richard,
Yes, low spin is a valid concern. The solution is to get fit.
Best,
Matt
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I’m a big fan of TaylorMade irons and I’m excited to try the SIM2 Max irons. I’m looking forward to seeing how they perform on the course.
Just got the sim m2 irons with kbs graphite pro reg. Flex .playe 9 holes with them and love the irons.at least one club longer th my rsi 2 irons.
Durability is very poor.
Hi Matt – I’ve chatted with you a couple years ago- I switched to a senior shaft with Sim2 irons – and find them fine but way bigger distance gaps than my old p790s which were a regular shaft. My swing speed with a 7 iron at Golf Town is 67-74.
Thoughts?? Should I go back to regular shaft. I know these things are difficult to analyze but a gut reaction from you would be good!!!
Dave,
My suggestion would be to get a fitting with a qualified fitter. I don’t think the flex of the shafts is the issue at that speed, but it might be the wrong model for you.
-Matt
Matt thanks for the quick response. I will talk with a fitter but just to confirm – are you saying that my 7 iron swing speed could work equally well with a regular or senior shaft. At our local golf town I was told I was in the either/or zone – a swing speed that would work with either or senior shaft – which ever gave me the most confidence. Agree???
Dave,
Depending on the model, yes.
-Matt