So you are looking to buy the first generation Stealth and are confused on which model is going to be right for you. Fear not, as I have tested all three versions of the Stealth and will share key features of each head which will aid you in your decisions.
The Stealth driver head comes in three versions: the Stealth, Stealth Plus, and Stealth HD.
The Stealth is for the player looking for added launch and forgiveness without getting any draw bias, the Stealth Plus is for the better player looking for a lower launch and maximum ball speed, and the Stealth HD is for the high-handicap player looking for a high launch and a draw bias to help fight a slice.
Within this article, I will extensively explore the disparities among the Taylormade Stealth, Stealth Plus, and Stealth HD drivers.
My analysis will encompass the elements of sound and feel with each driver, a comprehensive contrast of forgiveness levels, a thorough assessment of distance performance, pro and cons, and finally I will give my recommendation on which Stealth option is right for you.
TaylorMade Stealth Driver
TaylorMade introduced the Stealth driver in 2022, marking a pioneering stride as the inaugural industry driver to feature an all-encompassing carbon face.
The driver is accessible in 9, 10.5, and 12-degree options for right-handed players, while left-handed players can choose between 9 and 10.5 degrees.
With a standard length of 45.75″ and a stock swing weight of D4/D5, the Stealth driver offers versatility and performance.
TaylorMade Stealth Plus Driver
In 2022, the TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver made its debut, following in the footsteps of the Stealth model. Similarly, it boasted a cutting-edge 60x carbon face, setting an industry precedent.
The driver includes 8, 9, and 10.5-degree options for right-handed players, while left-handed players can opt for the 9 or 10.5-degree versions.
Sporting a conventional length of 45.75″ and a stock swing weight of D, the Stealth Plus driver upholds performance standards.
TaylorMade Stealth HD Driver
The Taylormade Stealth HD is a very similar head to the Stealth. Just like the other two drivers in the Stealth family, the Stealth HD also sports a 60x carbon twist face.
Just like the Stealth, the Stealth HD is a lot different than the Stealth Plus but it takes things a step farther and promotes a draw which I will talk about more below.
The driver is accessible in 9, 10.5, and 12-degree options for right-handed players, while left-handed players can choose between 9 and 10.5 degrees. With a standard length of 45.75″ and a stock swing weight of D4/D5.
Sound, Look, and Feel
During my testing, I observed that the sound and feel across all three driver heads were notably similar. When compared to previous TaylorMade models like the SIM 2, the three Stealth options delivered a duller sound and more subdued feel.
Personally, as someone inclined towards a deeper sound and richer feel, I wasn’t particularly drawn to any of these heads in this regard.
However, if sound and feel aren’t your primary concern, it’s worth giving these a shot.
All three heads share a matte black crown complemented by a vivid red face, a combination I found appealing. The matte black crown served to counteract sun glare, and the red face enhanced my ability to establish a consistent setup at address.
The underside of the Stealth and Stealth HD heads bears a striking resemblance. Both feature an entirely black base adorned with “Stealth” lettering in white.
On the other hand, the Stealth Plus also boasts an all-black underside but distinguishes itself with a silver rear weight and silver sliding weight.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness emerges as a pivotal distinction among these three drivers. In my comprehensive testing, I noted that the Stealth HD exhibited the highest level of forgiveness, followed by the Stealth, and then the Stealth Plus.
All three head designs incorporate a 60x carbon twist face, a technological advancement that empowered Taylormade to shift weight distribution from the face towards the periphery and rear of the head.
Remarkably deviating from the conventions of other draw-biased drivers in the market, the Stealth HD was innovatively engineered to possess the highest MOI within the Stealth driver lineup.
In an industry where many draw-biased models sacrifice MOI due to a raised center of gravity, Taylormade achieved the remarkable feat of maintaining substantial MOI while concurrently generating optimal spin with the draw-oriented head.
When it comes to forgiveness, the Stealth closely mirrors the Stealth HD, designed to facilitate a high launch along with augmented spin and forgiveness—attributes that set them apart from the Stealth Plus.
The Stealth Plus, however, exhibits a slightly diminished forgiveness quotient due to the inclusion of a ten-gram sliding weight positioned proximate to the face. This weight adjustment facilitates customizable ball trajectory, lower launch, and reduced spin.
Yet, the relocation of weight towards the face does result in a reduction of MOI and forgiveness in comparison to the other members of the Stealth driver family.
Distance
I observed that all three of these drivers exhibit impressive length off the tee in comparison to previous TaylorMade iterations.
Throughout my evaluations, the Stealth Plus emerged as the longest driver, attributed to its capacity for a low launch and reduced spin, whereas the Stealth and Stealth HD showcased striking similarities in this regard.
Notably, the Stealth HD, owing to its draw bias, often imparted a touch more roll than the Stealth.
Each of these drivers’ heads is outfitted with a remarkably swift 60x carbon twist face that, despite its lack of an appealing sound or feel, propels the ball with exceptional velocity down the fairway.
This propelled my ball speed to higher levels, enhancing overall performance.
Additionally, all three drivers boast a thru-slot speed pocket ingeniously positioned behind the face.
This meticulously crafted milled cup augments the flexibility of the face, thereby elevating ball speed and overall performance, all while meticulously adhering to the regulations stipulated by the USGA.
Shaft Options
TaylorMade Stealth
- Aldila Ascent Red
- Ventus Red 5
- Graphite Design Tour AD IZ 6
- Mitsubishi Diamana ZF 60
*To learn more about specific specs on each shaft CLICK HERE.
TaylorMade Stealth Plus
- HZRDUS Smoke RDK Red
- Kal’li White 60
- Graphite Design Tour AD IZ 6
- Mitsubishi Diamana ZF 60
*To learn more about specific specs on each shaft CLICK HERE.
TaylorMade Stealth HD
- Air Speeder 45
*To learn more about specific specs please CLICK HERE.
TaylorMade Stealth Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extreme forgiveness due to massive perimeter weighting promoted by light carbon face and light carbon crown
- Fast ball speed due to carbon 60x carbon face
- Still not the most expensive driver on the market since the Stealth 2 is out now
Cons
- Dull sounds and dull feel
- Higher launch than some faster and better players may need
TaylorMade Stealth Plus Pros and Cons
Pros
- Maximum adjustability with sliding weight behind the face
- Fast ball speeds due to deep face and weight close to the face
- Low launch and low spin
Cons
- Dull sounds and dull feel
- Not as forgiving as some players may need
- Lower launch and lower spin than some players may need
TaylorMade Stealth HD Pros and Cons
Pros
- Maximum forgiveness
- High launch and high spin to get the ball in the air and keep it in play
- Draw bias for players that need help fighting a slice
Cons
- Dull sound and dull feel
- Higher launching than some players may need
- Draw bias is not right for everyone
Recommendation
In the realm of the Stealth family drivers, I must express that they all stand out as remarkable choices, representing a true advancement in driver technology. TaylorMade’s decision to offer three iterations of the Stealth is indeed purposeful, as each version caters to a distinct group of players.
The Stealth model caters to individuals seeking substantial forgiveness paired with a high launch and spin. While this doesn’t exclude low-handicap players, it’s predominantly tailored for those with slower swing speeds and higher handicaps. If your aim is to maintain ball control while experiencing an increase in ball speed compared to your current driver, this variant is tailored to your needs.
On the other hand, the Stealth Plus head is designed for players in pursuit of maximum distance, adjustability, and a reduction in launch and spin. This particular Stealth option is most prominent on the PGA Tour, and the rationale behind this prevalence is evident.
By situating a weight right behind the clubface, TaylorMade has made a slight concession in forgiveness to yield faster ball speeds—qualities that skilled players, less concerned about forgiveness, seek.
Lastly, the Stealth HD caters to higher handicap players grappling with a slice. Positioned as a draw-biased head, it reigns supreme in forgiveness among the trio, aiding players in launching and sustaining the ball’s flight path, and even encouraging a draw or, at the very least, curtailing a slice.
I trust that this insight will prove valuable in your quest for your next driver. Please feel free to explore the rest of my website for an array of articles similar to this one.
