Taylormade SIM Max Vs. Cobra LTDx Driver Comparison & Review
To be quite honest, a driver that imparts easy distance isn’t too hard to find these days. Manufacturers are utilizing amazing new technology and forging techniques to create game-improvement drivers that explode the ball upon impact.
The real challenge is trying to find the best game-improvement driver. Cobra recently added another variable to the mix with the introduction of the Cobra LTDx driver. Right off the bat both the Sim Max and Cobra LTDx play long. What we really wanted to know was which one was more accurate.
Taylormade SIM Max Driver Overview
The SIM Max driver was designed to be the longest and most forgiving member of the original SIM driver family.
We won’t bore you with the details suffice it to say that the SIM Max will add distance to your drive. Our testers were averaging 222 yards with the SIM Max. They also remarked that it was very forgiving. The SIM Max features the inertia generator which is an elongated bottom sole panel. The inertia generator does two things.
For one thing, it stretches past the back of the club head so it can house a rear weight. The second thing the inertia generator does is help pull your swing down at the critical point and cuts down on wind resistance.
The SIM Max is also very keen on straight shots. While workability is almost nil, it will certainly help players who are struggling to stay on the fairway.
Cobra LTDx Driver Overview
The Cobra LTDx driver has an adjustable loft sleeve and split mass weighting.
The heavy front weight helps to cut down on spin while the rear weight increases MOI. This driver also has an adjustable loft sleeve which helps increase accuracy and shot shapeability; but it also adds significant heft.
Some of our high handicap testers had trouble swinging this club because of the weight so accuracy was affected. However, our lower handicap testers were getting much longer drives with Cobra LTDx than the SIM Max.
How much longer you ask? Try 236 yards with the Cobra LTDx compared to the average 222 yards with the Taylormade SIM Max driver.
The bottom line is this: if you’re looking for a club that will help you stay on the fairway, the Taylormade SIM Max driver is the one you’ll want. While the Cobra LTDx isn’t as accurate overall, it provides more distance for intermediate players.
Cobra LTDx Driver
In 20 Words or Less
The Cobra LTDx driver features a cool combination of some of our favorite Cobra design elements as well as offering enhanced ball speeds.
Taylormade Sim Drivers
In 20 Words Or Less
A driver designed to do it all for players: increase ball speed, enhance forgiveness and provide shaping.
Cobra LTDx Driver – First Impressions
Needless to say, we were pretty excited to get our hands on this new Cobra driver.
And while it wasn’t quite what we were expecting, it still smacked of that same old Cobra innovation. We weren’t quite expecting the Cobra LTDx to be such a “game-improvement” driver. But the higher handicap testers in our group were pleasantly surprised. Plus, the Cobra LTDx isn’t the only release in this model…
The LTD Family
Included in this new line of LTD drivers is the LTDx LS and the LTDx Max. The LS has the most forward-positioned weight so as you can imagine, it has the lowest spin rates. Of course, that means detracting a bit from MOI so it is not quite as forgiving as the Cobra LTDx. But if max forgiveness is what you’re after then you should be looking at the LTDx Max. It produces the highest launch and has an extra rear-weight to increase forgiveness.
Sim Driver – First Impressions
At first, you may be a little intimidated with all the apparent bells and whistles of the Taylormade SIM.
We’re not going to sugarcoat it: the first time you pick up a Taylormade SIM driver you will probably notice the weight right away.
With a swing weight of D5 with a graphite shaft, this driver is a bit intimidating at first.
However, after you take the first swing and feel how the inertia generator effortlessly pulls the CG downward, you will be hooked.
The SIM Family
There is the standard SIM, the SIM Max and the SIM Max D Driver. All feature the twist face but the standard SIM is the only one with a movable weight.
Cobra LTDx Driver Selling Points
- New H.O.T. face design
- Carbon fiber composite sole
- Titanium chassis
- Front-back weighting
- Low long-game spin
- Medium launch angles
Taylormade Sim Driver – Selling Points
- Very high MOI
- Good forgiveness
- Sliding weight
- Good distance
- Speed Pocket
- Adjustable loft sleeve
Who is the Cobra LTDx Driver for?
With the Cobra LTDx driver, Cobra went straight down the middle of the road – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
That phrase usually has a bad connotation attached to it for mediocrity but that is not what we mean here. The Cobra LTDx does a good job of straddling the line between forgiveness and fast ball speed. It features a new H.O.T. face which separates the face into 15 different sections. The 15 different sections represent different thicknesses to accommodate for common mis-hit areas.
It also features a titanium chassis that helps increase stability in the mid section without significantly increasing weight.
For beginners and high handicappers though, the real star of the show is the rear tungsten weighting. While we have to admit, this is a common and rather basic feature in game-improvement drivers, it still makes a low-spin driver more accessible to higher handicap players.
Distance: 94/100
Accuracy: 91/100
Forgiveness: 94/100
Feel & Control: 92/100
Overall Rating: 93/100
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Taylormade SIM Drivers – Who are they For?
The Taylormade SIM driver is better-suited for mid to low handicappers.
The adjustable loft and weight also make them a good choice for anyone who really likes to customize draw and lie.
Taylormade SIM Driver Family
Taylormade Sim Max Driver
The Sim Max offers more forgiveness for beginners and high handicappers. This is going to suitable for those who struggle with consistency in their driver due to reduced spin rates.
Taylormade Sim Max D Driver
If you struggle with a slice, the Max D is available to iron that out of your game. The Sim Max D is anti slice with a bit of offset to keep what would have been a slice on the straight and narrow.
Distance: 95/100
Accuracy: 94/100
Forgiveness: 94/100
Feel & Control: 91/100
Overall Score: 94/100
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