Shape In Motion—or SIM. That’s the acronym for TaylorMade’s latest series of drivers, fairways and hybrids, which hits stores February 7. Catchy, right? But what does it actually mean? “Shape is really an important factor in drivers,” says TaylorMade’s Tomo Bystedt, who leads the company’s development of drivers and fairway woods.

But, when it comes to drivers, SIM is also about the use of shape, in this case one that’s innovative and clever. The issue Bystedt and others in the industry face is how to utilize shape in driver design without making it off-putting to golfers. After all, most golfers will only accept a nominal variance from the shape of the traditional driver. They didn’t click when it came to square drivers, for example, or shapes that deviated too far from the norm. That’s why SIM’s key feature—its asymmetric sole and the section that juts out of the back like the oar of a ship—is so significant.

TaylorMade says initial testing is showing 2 miles per hour in speed gains—good enough for an additional five or more yards on your drive.

The company is offering three versions of the driver, SIM, SIM MAX, and SIM MAX-D.

Features

New Shape

While most new drivers are evolutionary in concept—meaning they take existing technology and push it further—TaylorMade has made a big move with SIM when it comes to how shape impacts a driver.

“Golfers have a lot of opinions when it comes to tradition, and that’s been working against us,” says Bystedt.

To deal with that, TaylorMade created an asymmetrical sole that works to improve aerodynamics and increase MOI, or the club’s forgiveness. Viewed from the side or looking down on the sole, the triangular section is dramatic. But when viewed at address, it is not noticeable. What is noticeable is the fact the innovation allows TaylorMade to lower the spin on shots without lowering trajectory, all the while keeping the driver forgiving.

Speed Injection

Speed injection was the key new element in TaylorMade’s M5 and M6 driver, and it is still a part of SIM.

“We learned so much about Speed Injection over the last year of making M5 and M6,” says Bystedt.

The implication is clear—the technology still makes the driver faces as fast as possible, using computers to ensure you’re getting the best driver possible. But now, TaylorMade is even more efficient at delivering this technology.

Twist Face

The key from two years ago, Twist Face is designed to straighten out shots, meaning the low heel drive won’t peel off to the right, and the high toe strike won’t over-hook.

Sliding Weights

The weights in SIM are a much-simplified version of the M5 driver. By removing the intricate track system in the previous driver, TaylorMade freed up some discretionary weight, and made it easier to dial in the driver. The company says it will still allow a 20-yard difference depending on where the weight is positioned, while the raised back part of the bottom of the driver compensates for the weight that would have previously slid from the back to the front of the club.

Multi-material construction

The crown of the SIM is still made of carbon fiber, and the discretionary weight from using carbon, titanium, and steel has allowed TaylorMade to move the weight to create low spin.

SIM MAX and MAX-D

The SIM Max has an 8% larger face than SIM, while Max•D has an 18% larger face, making it appear easier to hit and offering a slightly larger sweet spot. By removing the track and optimizing inverted cone technology in the driver, golfers will find the sweet spot is slightly oval in the middle of the clubface.

Draw Bias

The MAX-D is the draw version of the club, for those who struggle with slices. The MAX-D is designed to pull slices 20-yards back to target. The club also comes with a 2-degree loft sleeve, allowing players to make adjustments.

Which SIM is for you?

SIM

The most adjustable of the drivers, SIM is for a player who is looking to get the most out of a driver fitting and really dial in their spin numbers, work on trajectory, and achieve the best mix of distance and forgiveness.

SIM MAX

A driver that engenders confidence by offering a slightly larger clubface, this is a club for those who want some customization, but aren’t looking for the nuances offered by SIM. Long, and with comparable technology to SIM, SIM MAX is destined to show up on the PGA Tour.

SIM MAX-D

Do you slice the ball? Consider SIM MAX-D, which will swing the ball up to 20-yards towards target. The draw-biased design promotes the highest launch and offers the largest, most forgiving face in the SIM lineup.

Fairway Woods

With three head sizes—ranging from 180 cc to 190 cc—there are plenty of options when it comes to the SIM line. For those looking for a low-spin fairway heavy on distance and with great turf interaction, the SIM Titanium could be just the thing. However, for golfers looking for technology to assist them in getting the ball in the air, or cutting down on a slice, SIM MAX and SIM MAX-D (which offers up to 10-yards of draw) should be considered.

Multi-material

By using multi-materials in the clubhead of the Titanium version, TaylorMade engineers were able to create a clubhead with low spin and tons of distance in the SIM model, which includes an 80-gram soleplate. All versions of the fairway wood use multi-material construction, though in different ways.

Twist Face

The key technology developed by TaylorMade two years ago, Twist Face has led to significant adjustments in the design of the company’s fairway woods.

V Steel Sole

A more rounded sole will help the average golfer use SIM fairways from the rough and the fairway—or off the tee—and make it easier to interact with the turf.

Check out the SIM irons. Read more for the TaylorMade SIM Irons.

SIM Trade-in Bonus

Upgrade your game for less! Trade in your old clubs at any Golf Town location and receive their value + a 50% trade-in bonus towards new SIM product. Ends February 19. See in-store for details.