Taylormade Sim2 vs Callaway Epic Speed 21 Driver Review Vs Alternatives

Taylormade Sim2 vs Callaway Epic Speed 21 Driver Review Vs Alternatives

Choosing between tour-grade drivers isn’t as easy as it may seem. Sure, it’s exciting.

You are finally investing in a driver that will take your game to new heights. But once you start shopping around, you may find yourself on the fence between products.

We know a lot of people who have been torn between the Taylormade SIM2 driver and the Callaway Epic Speed 21.

So we thought our efforts would be well-spent if we dedicated this review to comparing these two clubs and their alternatives.

 

Key Features

The Callaway Epic Speed 21 features the ultra-forgiving Flash Face technology.

Flash Face architecture allows the face to flex at more points other than the sweet spot. This driver felt great to tee off with – even on off-center shots.

The SIM2 is all about being lightweight and distance.

The 9-layer carbon sole keeps weight down while the 16g rear weight makes sure there is plenty of energy behind your drives. And the aerodynamic head design felt like a dream on the downswing.

Comparison Chart

	Callaway Epic Speed 21	Taylormade SIM2
Adjustable weighting?	On Max and max LS only	No
Lofts	9, 10.5, 12	9, 10.5
Key technology	A.I. design	Inertia generator
Weight	56g	54g
Price	$529	$529
Overall rating	94/100	96/100

 

The SIM2 Family

 

The SIM family of drivers consists of the SIM2 standard, SIM2 Max and the SIM2 Max D.

The SIM2 Max D is the only driver in the line with draw bias adjustability and sports the largest face of the trio.

The SIM2 Max has a higher launch angle than the SIM2 standard.

 

The Epic Family

 

Callaway rolled out the Epic Speed, Epic Max and the Epic LX drivers altogether.

The Epic Speed driver is the only one to feature an enhanced aerodynamic head shape. But it does not have an adjustable perimeter weight while the Max and Max LX drivers do.

 

What About the SIM’s?

The SIM2’s are the successors to the wildly popular SIM (Shape in Motion) line of clubs from Taylormade.

While the SIM2’s feature advancements like the split mass weighting in the front and rear, the original SIM’s had adjustable weights.

 

What About the Epic Flash?

The Epic Flash drivers were among the first to introduce Callaway’s Jailbreak and Flash Face technology, hence the name.

But the Epic Flash is unique in that it features a lighter crown material woven from triaxial carbon fiber.

 

SIM2 Options

• Tensei AV Raw Blue shaft
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX shaft
• Regular, stiff and extra stiff flexes

 

Epic Speed Options

• Project X Cypher shaft
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 shaft
• Regular, women’s, and stiff flexes

 

Who Is Each Driver For?

This was tough to determine because both drivers seem to emphasize very similar points. Both sport an aerodynamic head design to help with club head speed. And both use face architecture that allows for a high degree of flex and rebound.

But if you value feel as well as distance then the Epic Speed driver may be more up your alley. The Jail Break framing gives you good, solid contact and feedback on your drives. On the other hand, the SIM2  may be more suitable for players who are really striving to increase their average drive distance.

 

Performance Comparison

Again, this was a close call. But right off the bat, you can expect the SIM2 driver to give you slightly more distance overall. It’s got a low launch angle which helped to produce a more piercing trajectory.

The Twist Face technology of the SIM2 driver (which is essentially a slight curvature of the face) really helped to keep side spin to a minimum. The relatively high spin rate of the Epic Speed hurt it’s overall distance.

But the Epic Speed’s higher launch angle may be more congenial to players with high attack angles. Furthermore, in terms of feel, there was no competition. The Epic Speed produced a deep satisfying whack opposed to the mostly hollow feel of the SIM2 driver.

 

Price Comparison

You are looking at the same price for both of these drivers. A new Callaway Epic Speed will cost you about $530 and a new SIM2 will cost the same.

 

Epic Speed Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Aerodynamic head shape
• Satisfying feel and sound
• Very forgiving
• Better for players who approach the tee at a higher angle
• More loft options
• Adjustable hosel

Cons:

• Higher launch
• More spin
• No adjustable perimeter weight
• Didn’t play as long

Overall Score: 94/100

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SIM2 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight
• Large face size
• Low side spin
• Better distance
• Low launch angle
• Aerodynamic head design

Cons:

• Lacking feel
• Awkward head shape
• No adjustable weight
• Limited shaft options

Overall Score: 96/100

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Alternative Drivers For 2021

Ping G425

The Ping G425 driver also saves a bunch of weight in the crown with the Dragonfly design.

This allows for more player flexibility in the form of a 26g adjustable tungsten weight. You can get this driver in 9, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts.

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra King RadSpeed

The RadSpeed driver differentiates itself by utilizing a forward-oriented radial weight (28 grams).

There is also an 8g rear weight. Both weights are adjustable but the front one in particular helps reduce long-game spin.

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Titleist TSi3

The Titleist TSi3 is nearly infinitely adjustable with the Surefit hosel and an adjustable perimeter weight.

It also features aerospace grade titanium face construction which delivers hot speed off the tee.

Overall Score: 98/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Final Say

In terms of pure distance, we have to give this one to the SIM2 driver.

It outperformed the Epic Speed and the 3 alternative drivers we mentioned in the previous section. That being said, we definitely like the feel of the Callaway Epic Speed driver.

All the drivers we mentioned in today have their own individual merits. So the choice is yours but if overall distance is your goal you should definitely check out the Taylormade SIM2 driver first.

Overall Score: 96/100

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