TaylorMade M6 vs SIM Driver
With so many drivers out there on the market, drawing a comparison between models makes a lot of sense. So, in this instance, we are going to look at two in particular, and that’s the TaylorMade M6 and the SIM driver.
When doing a comparison of this nature, we need to check out certain aspects. So, we will compare things such as the flex, the control over your shot that the club provides, as well as the actual driving capabilities.
Now, keep in mind that both are manufactured by TaylorMade, so there shouldn’t be too many differences with the technology, so this is going to be an interesting comparison.
Table of Contents
Introducing the M6 and SIM Drivers
TaylorMade first appeared back in 1979, and since then they have built a stellar reputation for all sorts of golf related items. Their drivers are now regarded as being some of the best in the game, so comparing two of them side by side is pretty cool.
First, let’s clear one thing up. The SIM range of drivers are largely viewed as being the successor to the M series of drivers created by TaylorMade. Basically, that makes you think they are an update, so let’s see if that is the case.
The TaylorMade M6 Driver Overview
The original M series only first appeared back in 2015. Since then, several versions have emerged, and the M6 is one of the most popular on the market.
What makes the M6 stand out is how forgiving it is as a driver. It is easier to hit than the M5, which is replaced, and that brings it into the realm of someone who is more of a novice or struggling with their game.
But let’s quickly look at some of the technical aspects.
Individually Speed Tested
Each M6 head is individually speed tested with resin injected into the head should if fail to meet the specifications. This, in turn, gets the COR up to the maximum allowed, without it hampering your ability to maintain control over the ball.
Contains Twist Face Technology
The club also comes with their patented Twist Face Technology. This means the face of the club has a corrective angle to pull those off-center hits back to the right path. It also cuts down the side spin produced from the shot, so there should be a lower chance of a mishit.
Hammerhead 2.0
Hammerhead 2.0 works in tandem with the Twist Face Technology to offer you a larger than normal sweet spot. Also, it means you will be able to maintain a significant amount of speed even when you strike the ball off the middle of the club face.
Overall, this leads to a club that helps you out a great deal with your drives.
The Pros
- Provides a huge sweet spot.
- Corrective angle pulls your drive back in line.
- Maximum COR incorporated into the club head delivering maximum speed.
- Extremely forgiving as a club, even for relatively new players.
The Cons
- You cannot make as many alterations as other drivers in the M-series.
SIM Driver Overview
The SIM driver came out only a couple of years ago, and as we said earlier, it’s viewed as being the successor to the M-series.
Short for ‘Shape in Motion’, this version has emerged due to the belief held by TaylorMade that technology regarding ball speed off the face has reached its maximum. So, they believed there was no need to go and continue the M-series, resulting in the SIM driver emerging.
But onto what this driver can offer you.
The Similarities with the M6
First, let’s get a few points out of the way regarding the similarities with the M6. The SIM driver also contains their Twist Face Technology, along with the resin speed injection, their speed pocket, and Inverted Core Technology.
In short, it’s going to be forgiving like the M6 by pulling your wayward shots back into line.
Sliding Weight Technology
The SIM driver comes with sliding weight technology, and this ability to move the weight around makes it easier for you to personalize the driver. This allows you to change the fade/draw bias with the club depending on what usually happens with your swing.
Asymmetric Sole
The design of this club head is different in that it comes with an asymmetric sole. This will optimize speed thanks to the enhanced aerodynamics.
Inertia Generator
The aim of the inertia generator is that it pushes weight in the club head to the rear. This increases the level of forgiveness with the club, while the angle that is created in the head is designed to reduce drag during the swing.
Loft Sleeve Technology
You are also looking at the SIM driver having loft sleeve technology, and that’s going to provide you with a whole host of possibilities. Being able to customize the loft angle so easily will have a major impact on your final drive.
The Pros
- Easily adjustable to suit your own individual driving requirements.
- Also, contains Twist Face Technology.
- Adjustable weight to change fade/draw bias.
- Asymmetrical shape changes aerodynamics.
- Inertia generator reduces drag through the swing.
The Cons
- It can become complicated for novice players due to the options.
Taylormade M6 and SIM Driver Face to Face Comparison
So, those are the two options, but how do they compare with what they can offer you? Well, let’s check out several key areas to determine which one is going to be the best.
The Sweet Spot
Let’s begin by looking at the sweet spot for both.
The M6 features a lightweight carbon sole where the weight is pushed to the rear of the club head. The Hammerhead slot is also included, and this will increase the size of the sweet spot.
For the SIM driver, it does a bit more for the sweet spot than the M6. The asymmetric design opens up the face a bit more, while also making the club a bit more forgiving. It too has the Hammerhead slot, but with a tweak.
This time, it also includes their Inverted Core Technology. This pushes the COR and aligns the sweet spot with the asymmetric design of the face. As a result, it means the sweet spot is covering almost the entire face of the club.
With this, the SIM driver is the winner, but it’s close.
Customization
When it comes to customization, then there’s no comparison. The SIM driver provides you with the opportunity to change the fade/draw bias, as well as the loft angle. None of that is available on the M6.
So, the SIM driver wins with customization, and it does so with ease.
Performance Comparison
But this is the most important comparison, and it’s how both drivers perform.
For distance, then it’s going to be pretty similar between the two. However, with a better understanding of the customization, you should get a few extra yards with the SIM version.
For the feel, then the M6 gives you a better sound at the point of impact. The SIM driver does tend to sound a bit harsh, and it’s amazing how the noise can change your opinion.
Of course, as you can make some alterations with the SIM driver, it does mean the performance is easier to personalize. If you are in the business of trying to fine-tune your driver, then the SIM version certainly comes out on top.
Overall, the performance comparison is going to depend on what you want to get from your driver. If you are searching for something that is straightforward, then the M6 will win. However, if playing around with settings to change the bias and loft angle is your sort of thing, then the SIM driver wins.
Stand Out Features
While both the M6 and SIM drivers do share a lot of the same technology, there are some differences that you need to be aware of. With the differences, it’s primarily with the SIM driver, as it does contain more options than the M6.
Changing Weight and Loft Angle
A stand out feature has to be the ability to change the weight distribution and the loft angle on the SIM driver. Now, that does only apply if you are at a level where this sort of thing can make a difference to your game, so if you aren’t at that level, then the M6 is the better option.
Different Head Shape
The SIM driver also comes with a different head shape, and this makes a bigger difference than most people are aware. The asymmetrical design takes aerodynamics into account, and that’s going to change how the club head moves through the air during your swing.
The intention here is to cut down on drag. The problem with drag is it not only slows things down due to the force working against the head, but it also means you need to use more energy to power the club through the air.
The outcome of this is that everything is reduced. The speed and the energy with which the ball is hit drops by a reasonable amount. Ultimately, it leads to less distance.
The Inertia Generator
Staying with the issue of drag, the SIM driver comes with an inertia generator, and that’s something else that will make a huge difference. It balances the club while it also brings the asymmetrical design into play again, while it pushes the weight back in the head.
But the key here is that the inertia generator is angled. That’s where it is able to reduce the drag in the down swing, leading to greater speed and even more kinetic energy at the point of impact.
Key Comparison Metrics
So, out of the different key areas, we have scored the two drivers as follows:
Forgiveness
M6 - 90 out of 100
SIM - 95 out of 100
The reason why the SIM driver wins here is due to the sweet spot covering most of the face mixed in with the asymmetrical angle taking it to a whole new level.
Distance
M6 - 85 out of 100
SIM - 87 out of 100
The SIM driver wins here simply because of the ability to make some changes to the driver which will end up with getting a few extra yards on the drive.
Build Quality
M6 - 95 out of 100
SIM - 95 out of 100
When it comes to the build quality, then there’s no real difference. Both are manufactured to the high standard you would expect from TaylorMade.
Overall Score
M6 - 90 out of 100
SIM - 92 out of 100
The SIM driver gets the higher overall score here, and it’s due to the alterations you can make to the club. It just does everything a little bit better.
Conclusion
So, out of the TaylorMade M6 and SIM Driver, which one is best? Well, from the score, it’s clear that the SIM Driver does come out on top, but it is closer than you may have initially thought.
What is apparent is that the SIM Driver is clearly the successor to the M-Series, and you see that in the way it shares so much technology before taking things up to a whole new level. These small differences and improvements will allow you to up your game, but only if you understand what the changes mean.
Ultimately, this is what we suggest.
If you are still really learning the game, and the finer parts of it, then go for the M6. It delivers accuracy and is extremely forgiving when it comes to your drives. Also, it doesn’t complicate things if you are unsure as to the difference loft angles and weight distribution can make.
However, if you are more experienced, then the SIM Driver will prove to be your best option. The ability to effectively play around with things and test out different options is cool, but you need to have that sort of control over your game to do that in the first place.
Either driver works well. They are both well-made, and look the part. After all, would you expect anything else from TaylorMade?
