The new TaylorMade SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max OS irons utilize the new Cap Back Design and evolved Echo Damping System to enhance performance and feel in game improvement irons.
In developing this new iron construction, the company charted thousands of shots from players of every skill level, in the process identifying the most tightly clustered impact areas among solid strikes.
Leveraging that data, engineers set out to expand the sweet spot to capture more of those shots, effectively pinpointing performance where golfers need it the most. Cap Back Design proved to be the key.
The strong, lightweight polymer material spanning the entire cavity helps to secure the topline and provides additional rigidity in the upper part of the face.
It works in unison with the flexible Thru-Slot Speed Pocket to create a larger, unsupported area of the face, which translates to improved flexibility for increased ball speeds and distance. That added flexibility made it possible to deliver the larger sweet spot.
Beyond added distance and speed, Cap Back Design helps produce a higher MOI with increased clubhead stability at impact to discourage twisting, which allows the golfer to enjoy solid strikes more often.
When paired with the Echo Damping System, the multi-faceted design helps to minimize unwanted vibrations that create the harsh feel associated with traditional distance irons, offering the forged-like feel and sound of SIM irons.
“We set out to take game improvement irons to the next level with SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max OS,” said Matt Bovee, senior manager of product creation for irons.
“To create Cap Back Design, we utilized multi-material advancements learned from our metalwoods to unlock forgiveness and distance with forged iron like feel. We leveraged a completely new construction to achieve the performance that golfers in this category both need and want,” he said.
Implementing Cap Back Design allowed TaylorMade engineers to redesign the Echo Damping System, which features a more concentrated Hybrar material in SIM2 Max and Max OS irons.
This flexible insert stretches from heel to toe and is completely encapsulated. The softer polymer blend utilizes multiple contact points across the face to channel away vibrations, further contributing to the forged-like, feel while still promoting face flex.
The new intelligently designed sweet spot is strategically positioned to capture the most common impact points and deliver increased ball speeds and consistency.
While that added forgiveness is fuelled by Cap Back Design, Progressive ICT continues to enhance accuracy throughout the set.
Game improvement irons, in many cases, have an inherent fade-bias, which is why many equipment makers resort to heavy offset to counterbalance the effect.
With SIM2 Max and Max OS, however, Progressive ICT gradually shifts the sweet spot toward the toe in long irons to promote a neutral ball flight, while also delivering corrective performance on the common right miss.
An array of technologies, such as a fluted hosel, 360 degree undercut and a thin face, work in harmony to deliver a low CG that’s engineered to produce a high penetrating ball flight
Equipped with the same technologies that power SIM2 Max but bundled into a low CG oversized package, SIM2 Max OS also features a wider sole, stronger lofts and accentuated draw-bias in comparison to SIM2 Max.
Available for preorder now and at retail beginning Feb. 19, the SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max OS irons ($1,049.99 steel/$1,149.99 graphite Cdn.) will be offered in 5-AW (7 pc. set with four iron, SW and LW also available) and come equipped with KBS Max MT 85 steel shafts (S, R) or Fujikura’s Ventus Blue graphite shafts (7S, 6R & 5A), with numerous custom shaft options available at no additional cost.
For women, the SIM2 Max and Max OS irons will come equipped with the Aldila NV Ladies shaft.