How to Adjust a SIM2 Max Driver

The SIM2 Max loft sleeve lets you change effective loft by ±2° in 0.5° increments and adjust face angle at the same time. You need a T20 Torx wrench, 40 in‑lbs of torque, and about two minutes. Loft and face angle are linked — you cannot adjust one without the other.

Quick Settings Chart

The sleeve has 12 positions. Each click changes loft by 0.5° and shifts the face angle accordingly. STD keeps the face square at the head’s printed loft.

Setting	Loft Change	Face Angle
+2°	+2°	Closed ~2°
+1.5°	+1.5°	Slightly closed
+1°	+1°	Slightly closed
+0.5°	+0.5°	Minimal change
STD	0°	Square
-0.5°	-0.5°	Slightly open
-1°	-1°	Slightly open
-1.5°	-1.5°	Open ~1.5°
-2°	-2°	Open ~2°

The sleeve also indexes between the marked positions (e.g., between STD and +1°). Line up the indicator mark on the sleeve ring with the notch inside the hosel before tightening. If the marks don’t align, the setting is off by one click.

Step-by-Step Adjustment

1. Confirm your tools. You need a T20 Torx driver that clicks at 40 in‑lbs. Most SIM2 Max drivers ship with one. If you lost it, buy a golf‑specific torque wrench — do not use a generic Allen key or a screwdriver without a torque limiter. A standard hex key can easily over‑torque the screw past the safe limit.

2. Loosen the screw. Insert the T20 bit and turn counter‑clockwise until the screw is loose. The screw is captive — it stays in the sleeve — so you cannot accidentally drop it.

3. Remove the head. Pull the shaft straight out of the hosel. Leave the sleeve attached to the shaft. If the sleeve feels stuck, rotate it slightly while pulling — do not pry at the hosel.

4. Rotate the sleeve. Turn the sleeve to align your chosen setting with the indicator line inside the hosel. You will feel a positive click at each detent. If the sleeve does not click into place, you are between positions — rotate until it seats.

5. Re‑assemble. Slide the head back onto the shaft. The sleeve must seat fully into the hosel — if it stops short, you may have the sleeve in an intermediate detent or the alignment marks mismatched. Do not force the head on.

6. Tighten to spec. Torque the screw to 40 in‑lbs (about 4.4 N·m). A firm click from the torque wrench means done. If the wrench does not click within a half‑turn after the screw contacts the head, stop — the screw may be cross‑threaded or the sleeve may not be seated.

7. Check for play. Grip the head and try to twist it. There should be zero movement. Take a few slow practice swings indoors and listen for rattle or creaking. If you hear anything, stop and inspect the sleeve seating.

Stop threshold: If the head still has play after torquing to spec, or if the screw will not tighten to the click point, do not use the club. The sleeve may be worn, the hosel may have debris, or the screw threads may be stripped. Take the club to a certified club fitter or contact TaylorMade support for warranty evaluation. Continuing to swing with a loose head risks damaging the shaft, the head, or injuring someone nearby.

Common Settings (Draw / Fade / High / Low)

The standard SIM2 Max has no sliding weight. Every trajectory change comes from the loft sleeve. The SIM2 Max D (draw‑bias model) uses the same sleeve but starts with a closed head geometry.

• Draw bias (right‑handed player): Set the sleeve to +1° or +2°. The closed face promotes a right‑to‑left shape. At +2° on a 10.5° head, effective loft is 12.5° with a noticeably closed face — expect a higher launch and a more aggressive draw. On the SIM2 Max D, the same setting will produce an even stronger draw; test it before committing to that setting on the course.

• Fade bias: Use -1° or -2°. The open face promotes a left‑to‑right shape. At -2°, face angle is roughly 2° open, which helps players who tend to hook. Be aware that lower loft also reduces spin, so if you already launch low, a -2° setting may produce an inconsistent ball flight on off‑center hits.

• Higher launch: Increase loft (+1° to +2°). This adds about 200–300 RPM of spin (estimate; actual results depend on your swing) and steepens the descent angle. Useful for soft landings or carrying hazards. On a 9° head, +2° takes it to 11° — a significant jump that may feel very different at address because the face looks closed.

• Lower launch: Decrease loft (-1° to -2°). Reduces spin and flattens the trajectory. If you already fight low launch or low spin, this setting can make the ball fall out of the air. Best for players with high spin who need to bring launch down.

Real‑world check: After changing the setting, hit at least 10 balls on a launch monitor or on a range with visible landing conditions. Flight changes from the sleeve are real but subtle — do not judge a setting on one swing. If you cannot see a consistent difference from your baseline, have a fitter confirm the setting is correctly indexed.

Torque & Tools

• Screw type: T20 Torx (tamper‑resistant bit — standard T20 works)
• Torque spec: 40 in‑lbs (±2 in‑lbs; ~4.4 N·m)
• Overtightening risk: Stripped screw threads or cracked hosel ring. The forged ring is strong, but exceeding 50 in‑lbs can damage it. A cracked ring requires a full sleeve replacement.
• Undertightening risk: The head can separate during a swing, damaging the shaft tip or the carbon sole insert.
• Tool storage: Back off the torque wrench tension to zero when not in use. Factory wrenches are calibrated at the set point — do not use them as a general‑purpose screwdriver.

If you use a third‑party torque wrench, verify it clicks at 40 in‑lbs. Some generic wrenches click at 30 or 35 in‑lbs, which is below spec and can lead to head movement. Test yours against a known‑good wrench or use only the factory‑supplied tool.

FAQ

Can I adjust loft without changing the face angle?

No. On the SIM2 Max loft sleeve, loft and face angle change together. Higher loft closes the face; lower loft opens it. There is no neutral‑face high‑loft or low‑loft setting.

What is the standard setting for a 10.5° head?

STD delivers exactly 10.5° of loft with a square face. That is the baseline printed on the head.

Does the SIM2 Max have a sliding weight?

No. The standard SIM2 Max has no movable weight. Only the earlier SIM2 (non‑Max) had a sliding weight on the sole.

What if I set it to +2° on a 10.5° head?

Effective loft becomes 12.5° with a face closed about 2°. Expect a higher launch, slightly more spin, and a strong draw bias.

Is the SIM2 Max D sleeve different from the standard model?

The sleeve itself is identical — same 12‑position adapter. The D model’s head has a fixed draw‑bias geometry, so the same sleeve setting will produce a more pronounced draw effect than on the standard head.

How do I know my torque wrench is accurate?

Factory wrenches come calibrated. If you use a third‑party wrench, verify it clicks at 40 in‑lbs and store it with the dial backed off to zero. If the wrench fails to click after a full turn past initial contact, stop — something is wrong with the screw or the sleeve seating.

When should I stop adjusting and see a professional?

If the head still rattles or shows play after proper torquing, or if the screw feels loose one round after adjustment, stop using the driver. The sleeve threads or hosel may be damaged. A club fitter can inspect the sleeve and replace it if needed — do not try to fix a stripped hosel yourself.