TaylorMade remains to be the second-best brand for golf drivers. So, what is the best taylormade driver for your game? Let’s take a closer look at nine of their best drivers.
TaylorMade drivers are preferred by many beginners and pro golfers for many reasons, one of which is their exceptional forgiveness. Most of the drivers we’ll review today feature TaylorMade’s Twist Face, Speed Pocket technology, Inertia Generator, Geocoustic™ technology, and Hammerhead slot.
In this guide, you’ll learn the important basic features and the pros and cons of each TaylorMade driver. We’ll also try to give you some valuable tips for choosing the best one for your budget, skills, and other requirements.
Table of Contents
Best Taylormade Drivers Review
TaylorMade Men’s RBZ Black Driver
The TaylorMade Men’s RBZ Black Driver is probably the best taylormade driver of all time. This is a suitable option for a recreational or returning golfer who wants a balanced, forgiving, and affordable driver.
For the RBZ, TaylorMade placed the titanium weight to the back of the head. What this does is it provides superb forgiveness and higher spin rate, which generates a lot of launch height and steep landing angle to hold the green.
Despite the low price, this driver isn’t made from cheap materials. The 460cc head is made from titanium, not titanium alloy. Aside from being responsive, the head is adjustable (tools are included), so you can get a more ideal launch angle.
It also features TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket technology, a deep groove cut into the back of the head. With this technology, and by moving the center of gravity (CG) nearer to the face, the RBZ is able to maximize ball speed and reduce spin for better carry distance.
In the latest model (2021), the RBZ comes with the Matrix White Tie 55 Flex shaft. It’s a graphite shaft that’s available in three options: senior, stiff, and regular flex. The great thing about the 55 Flex is it has good feedback and is durable enough to last for many years.
Pros:
- Incredibly forgiving face
- Has an adjustable loft
- Looks good at address
- Makes a clean and crisp sound
Cons:
- Not the best driver for control and distance
- Poor-quality grip
TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver, Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 Shaft
“Which taylormade driver is right for me?” If you’re asking yourself the same question, perhaps you want to check out the TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver, Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 Shaft. This driver is specifically designed to offer maximum forgiveness and ball speed.
The SIM MAX is identical to its predecessor, the SIM. The only difference is it doesn’t have the Sliding Weight Technology, which is only available in SIM drivers.
Instead, TaylorMade equipped the SIM MAX with its most critical features, the Inertia Generator and asymmetrical sole design. These two features work together to reshape the sole to give three key benefits:
- Maximum forgiveness
- Reduced drag (aerodynamics)
- Center of gravity projection (moved very low)
The Speed Injected Twist Face is calibrated and injected, so it reaches the threshold of the legal limit of ball speed that’s allowed by the USGA and R&A. Twist Face also helps you create straighter shots and keeps the ball in the air for longer by increasing backspin.
Pros:
- Adds significant distance to your drives
- Easy to swing
- Extremely forgiving
- Can increase the carry
Cons:
- Might be too long for you
- Durability issues regarding the shaft
TaylorMade SIM MAX-D Driver, UST Mamiya Helium 5 Shaft
One of TaylorMade’s newest drivers in 2020 was the SIM Max D driver. For the SIM MAX-D drive, TaylorMade focused on aerodynamics and geometry to build greater speed in the downswing. It also has the Speed Injected Twist Face to ensure you hit dead straight and overcome your mishit tendencies.
The TaylorMade SIM MAX-D Driver, UST Mamiya Helium 5 Shaft is as forgiving as SIM MAX. But it has “draw bias” and feels more different than SIM MAX.
Compared to the SIM and SIM MAX drivers, the SIM Max-D is noticeably bigger and longer. It has a more triangular shape and taller face than the other two TaylorMade driver series.
Slices are probably the most common annoying problem high-handicappers and recreational golfers face. The great news for slicers is the SIM Max-D can help reduce or remove your slice, thanks to its draw-biased head.
In addition, TaylorMade’s Dial In Trajectory with Loft Sleeve™ Technology lets you adjust and customize this driver to fit your preferences for flight trajectory and face angle. You can adjust the loft by plus or minus two degrees (+/-2°).
Pros:
- Increases your driver distance
- Designed to reach the maximum legal speed limit
- Larger head promotes accuracy and reduces slice
- Can help fix a weak fade
Cons:
- Comes with an ill-fitting torque wrench
- Makes a noticeable “thud” sound
TaylorMade SIM Driver, Mitsubishi Diamana S Limited 60 Shaft
Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Tiger Woods are just some of the top pro golfers who are using TaylorMade’s SIM driver. The TaylorMade SIM Driver, Mitsubishi Diamana S Limited 60 Shaft boasts of its ability to make low, penetrating shots with maximum adjustability.
Like any taylormade drivers on sale, the SIM driver features TaylorMade’s different technologies, including the Speed Injected technology and Twist Face. The shaft is made from Mitsubishi Chemical’s material technologies, specifically:
- Tough-QURE™ Resin System – beefs up the tip for the ultimate stability
- Multi-Dimensional Interlay (MDI) – a multi-directional carbon fiber that’s laid along the shaft to create the desired flex, stiffness, and stability, while preventing shaft deformation at impact
- DIALED™ Pitch Fiber – a lot stronger than traditional fiber and provides maximum energy transfer
The head of the SIM has been redesigned to provide faster ball speed and distance. More weight was placed towards the back part of the head to generate high MOI (moment of inertia), which in turn improves forgiveness.
The 2° LOFT SLEEVE™ allows you to make changes to the loft, lie, and face angle of the SIM driver to maximize distance and fix swing flaws. Meanwhile, the Sliding Weight Technology, which is exclusive to this driver series, adjusts the center of gravity to help you play better.
Pros:
- Helps you hit longer and straighter
- Grip feels comfortable in the hands
- Helps you to increase your overall driver distance
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- A bit pricey (but worth it)
- Doesn’t feel great for some people
Taylormade SIM Driver, HZRDUS Smoke Green 70 Shaft
Like a typical SIM driver, the Taylormade SIM Driver, HZRDUS Smoke Green 70 Shaft is very forgiving. Aside from having a gigantic sweet spot, it uses a corrective curved face design—or what the company calls the “Twist Face”—to consistently create straighter shots and reduce loss of distance.
Being able to control the loft, lie, and face angle of a driver is important for any golfer. Thanks to TaylorMade’s Loft Sleeve™ and Sliding Weight Track, you can adjust the loft by plus or minus two degrees to customize it to your swing and other preferences.
This driver comes with the HZRDUS Smoke Green 70 graphite shaft, which is made of a light and tough material called the HEXCEL® HexTow® HM63 carbon fiber. As a low-spin shaft, it helps to increase the distance your ball travels through the air. It also allows you to hit longer and straighter drives with consistency.
Pros:
- Promotes consistent shots off the tee
- Has a large sweet spot, which allows more forgiveness
- Could add more distance to your drives
- Designed to produce straighter shots
Cons:
- Might need a little adjustment
- Shipping issues: receiving the wrong shaft
TaylorMade Golf M6 D-Type Driver (460cc)
The TaylorMade Golf M6 D-Type Driver (460cc) is designed to provide accurate and straighter shots and easily adds a few yards to your drives. If you’re looking for an alternative to the M6 that has a mid launch and mid spin profile, give the M6 D-Type a shot.
And yes, it has all the buzzworthy technology that you’ve come to know from TaylorMade, including the draw-biased design, Inertia Generator, Hammerhead slot (creates a massive sweet spot), and Speed Injected Twist Face. All of these work together to help you when you’re struggling to hit the center of the driver face.
How is the M6 D-Type different from the M5 and M6 drivers?
Similar to the standard M6, the M6 D-Type doesn’t provide exceptional feedback. That’s not entirely a bad thing. This driver is specifically designed to be more forgiving, which can dampen feedback.
The feature that makes the TaylorMade Golf M6 D-Type Driver (460cc) unique from the standard M6 driver is the weight distribution. Most of its weight has been moved to the heel to make a draw bias (strong left side bias, if the stock shaft is used).
Compared to the M5 driver, it’s a little louder. Although the sound is low-pitched and doesn’t have that metallic “ping” sound. This makes a very gratifying strike.
Note: Before you buy taylormade driver like this one, you should get fitted for the right shaft in order to perfectly match your swing type.
Pros:
- Consistent great performance (if you’ve been properly fitted for the driver)
- Easily adds a few yards to your drives
- A very forgiving TaylorMade driver
- Hits more accurate drives
Cons:
- Has limited adjustments
- Weak club face
TaylorMade Golf M2
What is the best taylormade driver? If it’s between the M1 and M2, many people find the latter better because it makes it easier to hit. The TaylorMade Golf M2 is very forgiving, so it’s a great option for golfers who struggle a lot with mishits and distance.
The TaylorMade Golf M2 features an updated design through the Geocoustic™ technology. This technology makes the sole more curved and head bigger, while maintaining a low CG (center of gravity) to produce a higher ball launch and less spin.
Since it’s combined with the latest TaylorMade Speed Pocket, its face is thrice more flexible than the original M2. Thus, you can expect a faster ball speed and greater distance.
Overall, the TaylorMade Golf M2 driver would be a better option for people who play golf for fun and those with a mid- to high-handicap. It might not have the latest golf driver technology on the market, but it’s forgiving and dependable. It’s definitely worth upgrading from M1 to M2.
Pros:
- Good shot accuracy and dispersion
- Suitable for golfers who are prone to mishits
- Adds noticeable distance to your shots
- Lacks the metallic “ping” sound
Cons:
- Unpredictable stiff shaft
- Limited adjustability for a driver in its category
TaylorMade Golf Original One Mini Driver
The TaylorMade Golf Original One Mini Driver is visually appealing. The design is both modern and traditional. It might even remind you of the driver you loved using back in the 90s.
But when it comes to its performance, is it as impressive as the other taylormade driver models?
The Original One Mini Driver has that same lovely muted sound as the M5 and M6 drivers. And when it comes to driver technology, TaylorMade made sure they have your back. It’s equipped with the Twist Face to produce fast ball speeds, even when you make off-center shots. The Speed Pocket also helps if you want to pull off hitting off the deck.
Overall, the Original One Mini Driver offers an impressive performance. It won’t probably replace your current drive. But if you’re looking for a backup driver that provides accuracy, distance, tight dispersion, and forgiveness, it’s worth the consideration.
Pros:
- Gives you more control, without fades or slices
- Responsive shaft
- A good alternative to drivers with large heads
- A very consistent driver
Cons:
- Complaints about not receiving the loft key
- Larger head makes it difficult to hit off the turf
TaylorMade M4
If you’re a mid-handicapper, the TaylorMade M4 could be for you. The newest feature of this driver is the Geocoustic™ technology. This state-of-the-art technology rounds the sole of the M4 even more to enhance its feel and response.
It also comes with the Twist Face technology to help you get straighter shots, especially when you miss the sweet spot. The company’s patented Hammerhead slot (the broader version) works together with Twist Face to create a massive sweet spot to deliver maximum ball speed after impact. This produces additional distance and forgiveness.
In most cases, the M4 comes with a 4-degree adapter sleeve. This allows you to move the loft by plus or minus four degrees (+/-4°) to fix a ball flight.
Pros:
- Allows you to hit long drives right down the middle of the fairway
- Makes mishits still playable
- Great look and feel
- Sturdy and easy-to-swing construction
Cons:
- Would be great if it’s also made for elderly female golfers
- Slippery grips (after a few uses)
How to Choose Good Taylormade Drivers
As you would know, there’s a long list of taylormade drivers that you could choose from. And that’s not always an easy task. So, below, we’ll discuss in greater detail TaylorMade’s criteria for choosing the right driver.
Know Your Handicap
This step is for people who haven’t played golf before or have played less than ten rounds of golf. If you don’t know your handicap yet, the first thing you can do is go to the nearest golf course to test your skills on the greens.
Get a golf buddy to go with you. That person can help you keep track of your score and sign your card later. In other facilities, you don’t need to do this manually. They have computers, which keeps your scores and updates your handicap.
Don’t forget to find the course and slope ratings of the golf course you’re playing on. Course rating tells scratch golfers (those who have around a zero handicap) the difficulty of a golf course. Slope rating tells bogey golfers (those with a handicap of 20 or 24) the difficulty of a golf course in relation to the course rating.
Here’s how to get your handicap:
- Subtract the course rating from your score.
- Then, multiply the difference by 113.
- Divide the product by the golf course’s slope rating, which is usually between 55 and 155. The rule of thumb is the lower your handicap is, the better you are.
- But for your score to be valid, your card needs to have two signatures—yours and the other person you’re playing against. The rules also require you to play at least ten rounds in order for you to be eligible for a handicap.
Your Current Driver’s Loft
The loft of a driver can have a significant effect to the accuracy of your drives and the flight and travel distance of your golf ball. So, what loft should you choose for your newest taylor made driver?
Driver loft, more often than not, is based on your assessed swing speed. For instance, if you have a good swing speed (between 110 and 115 mph), choose a TaylorMade driver with a loft between 7 and 9 degrees. If it’s between 95 and 104 mph, a driver with a loft angle of 10 or 11 degrees should be considered.
The great thing about some of the new taylor made drivers—or other modern drivers—is it’s possible to increase or decrease the loft by one to two degrees. It’s as simple as loosening the screw in the heel with a specially designed wrench, turning the head to your preferred position, and tightening the screw.
Left- and Right-Handedness
Rule 14-1 of the Rules of Golf says a golf ball should be fairly struck with any part of the head of a golf club. To effectively do that, a golfer should be standing on either the left or right side of the ball in relation to the target. That means the taylormade driver head should have the correct shape for either a right-handed player or a left-handed player.
The shape of the club head is really the only difference between a left-handed driver and a right-handed driver. You won’t really dominate the game if you use either one of these drivers. However, it’s important to determine your dominant hand when playing golf to help you develop as a player and choose the right clubs.
The most obvious way to determine your dominant hand is to examine your daily life. For instance, do you usually use your left or right hand for writing? This isn’t a foolproof method, though.
The best way to know your dominant hand for playing golf is to go to your nearest golf driving range to practice. Bring with you left- and right-handed drivers to see which one feels smoother and more natural for you after a few tries.
Control Versus Distance
When it comes to golf drivers, getting the ball as far as possible to reach the green is a must. But there are also many golfers who don’t hit drivers far or straight because they can’t control their drivers well.
If you prioritize distance over control, you need to consider different factors that affect a driver’s ability to hit the ball far: coefficient of restitution (COR), length, loft, roll, and the weight of the head and shaft.
There are currently three models of drivers in the TaylorMade SIM series: the standard model, Max, and Max D. Among the three, the SIM Max driver offers the best accuracy and distance, making it a suitable option for a mid-handicap golfer.
Now, what if you prioritize control over distance? That’s okay. There are many golfers who find it very difficult to control their shots consistently and solidly.
There are also many factors that influence your ability to control your golf driver. There’s the length of the shaft, which shouldn’t be too long because it’s harder to control. Compared to drivers with larger heads, drivers with smaller heads are better at controlling the trajectory of the ball.
Current Ball Flight
Controlling the ball flight and path to some extent is a highly valuable skill to have. For instance, hitting the ball higher can help you clear trees and water. Hit the ball low if ever you want to cut through the wind.
What affects a golf ball’s flight? When it comes to drivers, these factors determine how high or low a ball flies at impact:
- The angle of the driver face (loft) relative to the swing path determines the shape of the ball flight. The best loft angle on your driver will usually depend on the average speed of the head. For beginner golfers, buying a TaylorMade driver with a 12- to 14-degree loft angle would be a good idea.
- The flexibility and weight of the shaft will also affect ball flight. In most cases, the lighter the shaft, the more likely your golf ball will fly higher and spin more. With a more flexible shaft, a golf ball tends to fly higher.
Shot Consistency
There are different ways to achieve consistent drives. If you always hit your golf ball all over the place, consider a TaylorMade driver that can fix distance and direction. If you tend to hit the ball too low or too high, you’ll probably benefit from a weight-adjustable TaylorMade driver.
Another great way to avoid or correct inconsistent shots is to make sure you strike the middle of the driver head. This can be difficult for most beginner or recreational drivers, but that’s something a highly forgiving driver can’t fix. One of the most forgiving drivers on the market is TaylorMade’s M2 driver, which perfectly combines forgiveness, distance, and amazing swing speeds.
Pro tips:
- Keep practicing to improve your consistency with your driver.
- Determine where you usually hit the ball on a driver face. You can apply a foot deodorant spray, like Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X spray, on the face of your driver. This spray helps by allowing the ball to leave marks on the driver face after every shot.
Conclusion
Throughout the years, TaylorMade has consistently offered exceptional designs and innovative technology, like their inverted cone technology, Twist Face, and Speed Pocket technology, which are favorable for many golfers with different handicap levels.
But choosing only one of the top taylormade drivers can be difficult, so investing in a professional fitting is a great idea. You could also go to TaylorMade’s website to use their driver selection tool, which analyzes your handicap, personal preferences, scores, and other custom factors to suggest the best driver for you.
The nine models we’ve covered in this article are just a few of your options for the best TaylorMade drivers. There are still so many choices out there. Take time to explore.