TaylorMade New SIM Driving Irons Review

TaylorMade has revealed its new SIM UDI and SIM DHY utility irons, which have been designed to offer golfers a key option for that range between their longest irons and shortest fairway wood, featuring two noticeably different shapes that separate the clubs, contributing to a variance in performance and ball flight.

As with the entire line-up of SIM products, shape plays a pivotal role in the performance of both SIM UDI and SIM DHY. 

Golfshake Equipment Expert, Ryan Rastall, the Head Pro at Howley Hall Golf Club in Leeds, has reviewed the clubs, including an overview, on-course test and data analysis. You can see Ryan's thoughts above.

SIM DHY offers a larger overall footprint with a thicker topline, wider sole and a shallower profile that delivers hybrid-like forgiveness. The larger head shape is designed to deliver confidence-inspiring visual cues while still maintaining a sleek and elegant aesthetic. SIM UDI has a more traditional players iron profile with a thinner topline and slimmer sole for enhanced workability and shot making characteristics. The face view reveals classic score lines that reflect its long-iron heritage.

Drawing inspiration from the V Steel construction of SIM Max Rescue, both UDI and DHY feature a rounded camber from heel to toe that improves turf interaction, particularly on uneven lies. This a key component to the versatility of each club, making them playable off the tee, from the fairway, in the rough and even from the bunker.

Both models boast a hollow body construction with a forged C300 steel face, which is the same material the company uses in SIM Max fairway woods and Rescue. This ultra-strong steel helps produce incredible ball speeds while also delivering a forged feel to each product. Additional similarities include proven technologies such as SpeedFoam that allows engineers to push the limits of ball speed while maintaining impressive feel and the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket for improved performance on shots struck low on the face.

While the TaylorMade GAPR utility irons featured an adjustable Loft Sleeve, feedback from expert club fitters revealed a preference for traditionally bonded hosels in the SIM UDI and DHY to better allow fitters to bend for precise loft and lie configurations (+/- 2°). Completing the package is an elegant chrome finish with black accents for a clean and premium look.

The Driving Hybrid

Designed for versatility and forgiveness and engineered with a hollow body construction that allows for a low and deep CG placement, SIM DHY delivers easy launch with a mid-high trajectory.

Enhancing the low CG characteristics is a newly developed SpeedFoam material that is 35% less dense than the standard urethane foam injection used in other TaylorMade products (P•790, P•770 and P•790 UDI). The lighter material allowed company engineers to position CG lower within the clubhead to promote a higher launch and trajectory while promoting a soft, solid feel. Adding to the low-CG properties is a port on the sole of the club where the SpeedFoam is injected. The port is filled with a heavy TPS screw that drives CG even lower.

The SIM DHY gives golfers even more options to complete this critical part of the bag. It’s the ideal complement to fairway woods, while also providing an easy-to-hit alternative to long irons.

The Driving Iron

Designed with insights from the game’s best players, with a confidence-inspiring shape at address, it’s a club built to control shot shape and trajectory.

Unlike DHY, the TPS port is positioned on the rear of the club in SIM UDI. This raises the CG slightly to promote a lower launch and more penetrating ball flight – making it a powerful option for the player who demands control and versatility in the long game. Aggressive score lines along with the C300 face and SpeedFoam give this product the feel a completely forged iron while maintaining the performance of a hollow body construction.

Key Info

Both SIM UDI and DIM DHY will be available for preorder on August 14 and at retail beginning September 4. The UDI (GBP 229, EURO 259) model is equipped with the graphite Mitsubishi Diamana Thump shaft (X 100g, S 90g) as well as the Lamkin Crossline 360 grip. Available in lofts of 18° and 20° in both RH and LH.

The DHY (GBP 229, EURO 259 model is equipped with the graphite Mitsubishi Diamana Limited shaft (S 75g, R65g, A 55g) as well as the Lamkin Crossline 360 grip. Available lofts of 17°, 19°, 22° and 25° in both RH and LH.

For more information, visit https://www.taylormadegolf.co.uk/.