TaylorMade M5 vs TaylorMade SIM Max
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | M5 loft | SIM Max loft | M5 lie | SIM Max lie | M5 length | SIM Max length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 19.5 | 19 | 61 | 61.5 | 39.25 | 39.125 |
| 5 | 22.5 | 21.5 | 61.5 | 62 | 38.62 | 38.5 |
| 6 | 26 | 25 | 62 | 62.5 | 38 | 37.88 |
| 7 | 30 | 28.5 | 62.5 | 63 | 37.5 | 37.25 |
| 8 | 34.5 | 32.5 | 63 | 63.5 | 37 | 36.75 |
| 9 | 39.5 | 38 | 63.5 | 64 | 36.5 | 36.25 |
| PW | 45 | 43.5 | 64 | 64.5 | 36 | 35.75 |
| AW | 50 | 49 | 64 | 64.5 | 36 | 35.5 |
| SW | 55 | 54 | 64 | 64.5 | 35.75 | 35.25 |
| LW | — | 59 | — | 64.5 | — | 35 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- M5
- SIM Max
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the M5 is 30° and the SIM Max is 28.5°, a 1.5° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the SIM Max should carry roughly 4 to 6 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the M5. Across the 9 clubs both sets share, the SIM Max averages 1.2° stronger, with the largest gap at the 8-iron (34.5° vs 32.5°). The pitching wedges are 45° and 43.5°; the stronger one leaves a 6.5° jump to a 50° gap wedge, which matters when planning wedge gapping. Beyond loft, the M5 7-iron sits 0.5° flatter (62.5° vs 63°), which nudges start direction slightly right for a right-hander; the M5 7-iron is 0.25 inches longer (37.5" vs 37.25").
The sets are built differently: the M5 runs 4-iron to SW (9 clubs), the SIM Max 4-iron to LW (10 clubs).
Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Perimeter-weighted cavity backs with wider soles, more offset and stronger lofts, aimed at mid handicaps. Because they target the same golfer, the decision comes down to the specific loft, feel and shaping differences rather than who the sets are made for.
The M5 is listed as investment cast with Speed Bridge and Speed Pocket and the SIM Max as investment cast with Speed Bridge and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket. With the build method this similar, differences in feel come down to head size, sole width, topline and offset rather than how the heads are made.
The SIM Max arrived 1 year after the M5, a typical one-generation refresh. Changes over that span are usually incremental: refined face thickness, revised weighting, updated looks and small loft tweaks rather than a new concept. Here the 7-iron loft moved from 30° to 28.5°.
Which should you choose?
The SIM Max is the stronger-lofted set — up to 2° stronger than the M5 on matching clubs. Expect longer carry per numbered iron but a flatter descent angle; gapping at the wedge end is where that shows up.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: TaylorMade M5 specs and TaylorMade SIM Max specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the TaylorMade M5 stronger lofted than the SIM Max?
No. The SIM Max is the stronger-lofted set: its 7-iron is 28.5° against 30° for the TaylorMade M5, 1.5° stronger and worth roughly 4 to 6 yards of extra carry.
What is the loft difference between the TaylorMade M5 and SIM Max?
At the 7-iron the difference is 1.5° (30° vs 28.5°). The largest gap on a shared club is 2° at the 8-iron, and all 9 shared clubs differ.
Are the TaylorMade M5 and SIM Max aimed at the same golfer?
Yes. Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Choose on feel, looks and gapping, ideally after hitting both.
Do the TaylorMade M5 and SIM Max have the same lie and length?
Not exactly. At the 7-iron the TaylorMade M5 is 62.5° lie and 37.5 inches, the SIM Max 63° and 37.25 inches. Both can be bent or built to your own fit.
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