An Honest TaylorMade Stealth Driver Review [2022 Edition]

detlef32 — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:20:26 +0000

TaylorMade released the Stealth driver range in 2022, kicking off the “Carbonwood Age” and moving away from the standard titanium clubface.

In this article, I conduct a TaylorMade Stealth driver review and examine the features, benefits, and downsides of this highly forgiving big stick.

You’ll notice that the Stealth is built for mid-handicappers seeking optimal leniency and a mid-to-high launch with a neutral ball flight.

If you are a high handicapper, you may prefer the draw bias profile of the Stealth HD driver. Conversely, the mid-launching Stealth Plus works for low handicappers.

Product Overview

TaylorMade Stealth Driver

Highlights:

Built for mid-handicappers
Straighter ball flight
Maximum forgiveness
Explosive ball velocity

Lowlights:

Premium price tag
It does not contain a sliding weight track

Buy on Amazon

Quick Overview of The TaylorMade Stealth Driver

Features

60X Carbon Twist Face

The sizeable difference between a TaylorMade Stealth driver and alternative products is its 60X carbon twist face. You’ll see that the engineers applied 60 carbon fiber layers to the clubface to enhance your feel and acoustics at impact.

In addition, I noticed that the Carbon fiber face helped me produce sufficient friction to get my ball airborne. However, the ball did not stay on the clubface for longer than necessary. Thanks to its flexible face, it generated ample ball speed because of the flexibility of the active zone.

Finally, the twist face construction resists turning during your swing to remain square to the target at impact. You’ll find that it promotes straighter shots for improved accuracy.

Nanotexture Cover

I noticed that the Stealth carried an additional protective layer on the carbon face, composed of polyurethane. TaylorMade calls it Nanotexture technology, and it helps you maintain ball speed and spin on all strikes. Plus, I felt it did well to eradicate vibrations typically experienced on off-center strikes.

Asymmetric Inertia Generator

Next, you’ll find that the Stealth packs an inertia-generating clubhead, which means it carries superior aerodynamics. I felt the driver glided through the air uninterrupted on my downswing, aiding my clubhead speed for a powerful strike.

Furthermore, the asymmetric inertia generator allowed the engineers to place a weight on the rear of the driver’s clubhead. You’ll find that this increases the offset of the driver and its moment of inertia (MOI) to encourage straighter shots.

While I have no gripe with the generator’s effectiveness, this technology is not new to the Stealth big stick. You can find it in the SIM range of drivers, predating the Stealth series.

Thru-Slot Speed Pocket

I noticed that the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket came to my aid on two separate occasions during testing after generating low-face strikes. Previous TaylorMade drivers carried this technology, and the brand obviously adopted the approach of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The speed pocket enhances clubface flex to offer increased spring at the impact on mishits low off the face. Typically, striking the golf ball in this area leads to a drop-off in ball speed and spin, causing you to hit a short, low-spinning drive. You’ll see that you end up producing consistent yardage.

4 Degree Adjustable Loft Sleeve

As expected from a premium, modern construction, the new Stealth driver contains an adjustable loft sleeve.

You’ll notice that you can strengthen or weaken your standard loft by 2 degrees in either direction. For example, if you play a 10.5-degree loft, you can lower it to 8.5-degrees. Contrarily, you can weaken the clubface loft, to 12.5-degrees.

I suggest you refrain from tinkering with the loft excessively, as it impacts your face angle and can alter your length, trajectory, and launch. However, it is handy if you are trying to identify the correct profile for your swing.

Lofts

Loft	9°	10.5°	12°
Swing Speed	Fast	Moderate	Slow

You’ll notice that stock TaylorMade Stealth drivers are constructed in 3 loft profiles to suit faster, moderate, and slower swing speeds. A 9-degree design is the lowest lofted creation in the Stealth range and is better suited to those with higher swing speeds.

Furthermore, a 10.5-degree profile is built for moderate swing speeds, seeking a mid-to-high launch off the tee box. Finally, you’ll find that the 12-degree design is ideal for slower swingers looking for a higher launching ball for farther carry yardage.

Shafts

TaylorMade offers golfers the choice of 4 stock shafts to suit a variety of swing speeds. However, I find that most options cater more toward moderate and high swing speeds than slower swingers.

You’ll find that if you fit into the category of a moderate swinger, there are only two options with regular flexes. The Aldila Ascent Red and the Ventus Red 5 are the way to go. The latter is also the only stock shaft with a senior flex, ideal for slow swing speed.

Finally, super fast swing speeds have the luxury of choosing the Aldila, Tour AD 12, and the Mitsubishi Diamana ZF60. These shafts offer stiff and extra stiff flex to produce straight ball flight for optimal roll, control, and total distance.

Stock Shaft Name	Shaft Material	Flex Options
Aldila Ascent Red	Graphite	XS, S, R
Ventus Red 5	Graphite	S, R, A
Tour AD 12	Graphite	XS, S
Mitsubishi Diamana ZF60	Graphite	XS, S

Stock Grip

The final feature to discuss is the Lamkin Crossline 360 grip with a textured feel. I felt that the tiny indents cluttered around the grip boosted my traction for superb control of the golf club. However, the standard size of the rubber may prove challenging for some golfers to keep the club on path.

Performance

Fast Ball Speed

I found that the Stealth driver delivered ball speed in line with my average on a GCQuad launch monitor. On a good day, I can generate approximately 134 mph velocity with a driver, and the Stealth driver notches up just under 133 mph. We are talking about the minor differences that had little impact on my total yardage.

Spin Rate

My optimal driver spin rate is 3000 revolutions per minute (rpm), and the Stealth is marginally a higher rate. It clocked in over 3200 rpm of spin, which did generate a slightly higher launch than usual. However, this suits the average golfer who requires increased launch for optimal distance.

Launch

In its factory settings, the Stealth driver is built to encourage a mid to high launch for consistent carry distance. I noticed that the intensified spin prompted an elevated apex on each occasion, making it a breeze to launch.

However, the higher launching nature of the Stealth may deter superior players looking for piercing flight off the tee.

Forgiveness

In my experience, the Stealth provided ample forgiveness ranging from accuracy, ball speed, and distance. Firstly, the high-MOI design of the clubface keeps it square to deliver direct flight for improved accuracy. In addition, an enlarged sweet spot maintains the ball’s pace and lowers spin for increased length.

Accuracy

I felt the combination of the Carbon Twist Face and weight distribution worked well to bolster accuracy. These features worked to keep your face square at contact to prevent a slice and induce straight accurate drives.

What I Like About The TaylorMade Stealth

Launch

The TaylorMade Stealth is an easy driver to consistently launch high and long, a trait suited to casual golfers. You’ll find that the higher launch is generated by the Nanotexture technology, which tweaks spin for optimal lift off the tee.

Accelerated Clubhead Speed

My clubhead speed is not the fastest, clocking in at approximately 85 mph. However, the Stealth earned me an extra mile per hour, up to 86 mph. You’ll notice that the Asymmetric Inertia Generator helps your clubhead glide through the air uninterrupted and accelerate velocity on the downswing.

High-MOI Design

I feel that the high-MOI design of this driver suits the needs of the average golfer prone to slicing the ball. I like that the Stealth mitigates the impact of wayward strikes, reducing the intensity of the slice. When you can square the clubface at impact, you stand a higher chance of finding the fairway.

Feel

The Feel of the Stealth driver is a double-edged sword. It impressed me and frustrated me simultaneously. I enjoyed its ability to reduce vibrations felt on off-center shots and shield my hands. However, the feeling was too muted, like I was hitting an airball.

Forgiveness

Besides encouraging accurate tee shots, the Stealth delivered a consistently high launch and optimal spin and ball speed. Its optimal approach to leniency works for the average golfer looking to preserve yardage without ending out of bounds on each shot.

What I Dislike About The TaylorMade Stealth

Price

Off the bat, I am not a fan of the exorbitant price of this driver. However, I understand that years of research and development go into manufacturing a groundbreaking product. If you are in the market for a long-term driver it is definitely worth the high price tag.

No Sliding Weight Track

Unlike the TaylorMade Stealth Plus, the standard edition does not include a sliding weight track, enabling you to adjust the center of gravity (CG). If you like the freedom of tinkering with your setup, then the Plus edition may be a better solution.

Similar Features To Previous Models

Despite the carbon wood clubface, the Stealth contains several technologies and features used in previous TaylorMade drivers. That in itself is not a negative. However, you can find older TaylorMade drivers with many of the same features at a lower price.

Shaft Options For Slower Swingers

The final downside of the Stealth is the shaft options for slower swingers. Only the Ventus Red 5 is offered in a senior flex. The remaining options are geared toward moderate and high swing speeds.

Overall Rating and Thoughts

The Stealth is the outcome of genius engineering, designed to take drivers into a new age of production. I appreciate the exceptional forgiveness, consistency, and yardage it offers the average golfer. However, its premium price point will place it beyond reach for some.

If you are looking for a premium quality driver to invest in for the long term, look no further than the Stealth for a reliable investment in your game. It promotes straighter shots, is easy to launch, and delivers consistent carry yards. Overall, I feel the TaylorMade Stealth driver is for serious mid-handicappers looking for a big stick to carry them down to a low handicapper.

Readers who appreciate the work of TaylorMade should read our review of the timeless TaylorMade M4.

Overall Rating: 89/100

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.

Source link

TaylorMade adds hybrids and utilities to Stealth range

detlef32 — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 05:08:06 +0000

TaylorMade Golf has expanded the range of clubs offered in its new Stealth family, with the launch of Stealth utility irons and Stealth hybrids.

Available at retail in the UK and Europe from July 15, the Stealth UDI and DHY are both designed to fill in the gaps between a player’s most lofted fairway wood and their longest iron.

The Stealth UDI and DHY utilise many technologies found in the company’s previous hybrids and utility irons along with new technological features. The forged 4140 steel L-Face with inverted cone technology, combined with a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, provide ample distance, forgiveness and workability. Sound and feel are tuned with the use of a new SpeedFoam Air that is 69% less dense, enabling more discretionary mass to be used for optimising the centre of gravity without sacrificing on damping.

STEALTH UDI

The ultimate blend of control and versatility, Stealth UDI is a powerful option from the tee or the turf. Delivering a low launch with mid-to-low spin in a forgiving head design, it’s built for forgiving long iron shots and stingers alike.

Stealth UDI offers a traditional address view with Tour-inspired shaping, a narrower sole width – compared to DHY – and less offset than its predecessors. It’s built to meet the eye of better ball strikers but offers an enhanced level of forgiveness compared to standard long irons.

The weight placement is right behind impact, thus the centre of gravity has been positioned for a lower ball flight, while creating the spin required to shape shots. The CG is comparable to that of P·790 irons, but Stealth UDI has a wider sole for better playability.

The UDI is offered in 18°, 20° (RH/LH) and 23° lofts, with an Aldila ASCENT Black shaft (100X, 90S) and Super Stroke S-Tech (50g) grips. RRP: £219

STEALTH DHY

Designed for power and forgiveness, Stealth DHY delivers a mid-to-low ball flight with distance properties that rival traditional hybrids in an iron-like profile.

It has an inviting address profile, longer blade length and wide sole, creating a generous hitting area that inspires confidence. A rounded heel toe radius enhances playability and turf interaction. The weight is positioned in the sole of the club, creating a lower CG and making it more playable and easier to launch than a traditional iron. That lower CG creates a higher launch than Stealth UDI, giving players the option to choose the launch that best suits their game.

DHY is available in 17°, 19°, 22° and 25° lofts in RH and 19° and 22° in LH, and are fitted with Aldila ASCENT Black shafts (75S, 65R, 55A) and Super Stroke S-Tech (50g) grips. RRP: £219

For details of nearest TaylorMade stockists and custom fitting specialists, visit www.taylormadegolf.eu