The Stealth family of drivers rolled out by TaylorMade in 2022 has truly changed the game when it comes to driver technology. They offer players unrivaled forgiveness while also being very fast due to their state-of-the-art 60x Carbon Twist face.
The Stealth Plus head is the highest-cost option within the Stealth family and offers the most features. I was fortunate enough to test this head out myself and will cover my experiences in this article.
The Stealth Plus is for the better player looking for a lower launch and maximum ball speed compared to other Stealth models. It offers the most features and adjustability, so players looking to customize their ball flight will love this head.
In this article, I will give you an overview of the Stealth Plus which will include forgiveness, distance, technology, pros and cons, and my final recommendation.
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.
Sounds, Look, and Feel
During my testing, I noticed that in comparison to earlier TaylorMade models like the SIM 2, the Stealth Plus produced a more muted sound and a less pronounced sensation.
As someone who prefers a deeper sound and a more substantial sensation, I didn’t find myself particularly drawn to any of these clubheads in this aspect. However, if sound and sensation are not your primary considerations, it’s worth trying these out.
The Stealth Plus showcases a matte black top combined with a vibrant red clubface, a combination that I found attractive. The matte black top helped reduce sun glare, while the red clubface improved my ability to establish a consistent setup when addressing the ball.
Additionally, the Stealth Plus features an all-black bottom but sets itself apart with a silver rear weight and a silver sliding weight.
Forgiveness
The Stealth Plus incorporates a 60x carbon twist face, a technological breakthrough that allowed Taylormade to redistribute weight from the face to the outer edges and rear of the head. This adjustment, in turn, empowered them to significantly enhance MOI and forgiveness as compared to prior iterations.
The Stealth Plus does exhibit a slightly lower forgiveness factor in comparison to other SIM models, primarily due to the inclusion of a ten-gram sliding weight positioned near the clubface.
This weight modification enables personalized control over ball trajectory, promoting a lower launch and decreased spin. However, this shift of weight towards the face does lead to a reduction in MOI and forgiveness when contrasted with the rest of the Stealth driver lineup.
Nevertheless, even considering this, I discovered in my testing that the Stealth Plus still delivers unparalleled forgiveness when compared to other TaylorMade models.
Distance
I observed that the Stealth Plus driver exhibits impressive length off the tee in comparison to previous TaylorMade iterations.
Throughout my evaluations, the Stealth Plus emerged as the longest TaylorMade driver I have ever tested as its low launch and low spin fit me very well.
The Stealth Plus driver head 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 the Stealth Plus uses 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
● 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.
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
Other Members of the Stealth Family
TaylorMade Stealth Driver
Very similar to the Stealth Plus but less adjustable and higher launch is the Stealth. This innovative driver stands out as the first in the market to showcase a complete carbon face, underlining TaylorMade’s pioneering spirit.
The driver is available in various options to cater to different player preferences. Right-handed players can select from 9, 10.5, and 12-degree versions, whereas left-handed players have the choice of 9 and 10.5 degrees.
Boasting a standard length of 45.75″ and a stock swing weight of D4/D5, the Stealth driver delivers both adaptability and top-notch performance.
TaylorMade Stealth HD
The Taylormade Stealth HD closely resembles the Stealth model. Just like its counterparts within the Stealth family, the Stealth HD features a 60x carbon twist face.
While it shares similarities with the Stealth, the Stealth HD differentiates itself further and goes a step beyond by promoting a draw.
This driver is available in three loft options (9, 10.5, and 12 degrees) for right-handed players, while left-handed players can select between 9 and 10.5 degrees. It comes with a standard length of 45.75″ and is equipped with a stock swing weight of D4/D5.
Recommendation
From my experience, I found the results I achieved with Stealth Plus quite satisfying. It seemed to align well with my playing style due to its tendency for lower launch and spin and a significant degree of forgiveness.
Additionally, the front sliding weight’s adjustability was a valuable asset, allowing me to better control my ball trajectory against my typical miss tendency – a substantial advantage.
However, the only drawback I encountered with the Stealth Plus pertained to its sound and tactile feedback. As I mentioned earlier, the sound came across as subdued, and the overall feel lacked vibrancy. Given my traditional inclinations, this might hold more significance for me than it would for others.
If you’re a player seeking increased distance through a highly adaptable clubhead with characteristics of lower launch and spin, while maintaining substantial forgiveness, the Stealth Plus could be an ideal choice.
On the other hand, if you’re a player with a higher handicap aiming for maximum forgiveness and a higher launch, exploring alternative options within the Stealth range might be worthwhile.
