Hybrids often rank among the most reliable clubs in your arsenal for consistent shots; yet paradoxically, they can also be the most challenging to tailor to your needs.
One hybrid might launch the ball excessively high, another might keep it too low, while yet another could trigger an unexpected hook. We truly understand your situation, having undergone similar experiences ourselves.
It’s possible that the Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid could be the solution you’ve been seeking.
The TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid is for the better player who is looking for the distance and forgiveness of a hybrid while also getting the feel and playability of an iron.
Within this article, we’ll delve into our team’s comprehensive assessment of the Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid head based on rigorous testing. We’ll dissect various aspects including sound, appearance, tactile sensation, forgiveness, and distance.
Furthermore, we’ll explore the array of stock shaft choices, outline both advantages and drawbacks, culminating in our ultimate recommendation.
TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid
Launched in 2022, the TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrids made their debut as an integral part of the Stealth product lineup. Unlike the driver, these hybrids omit the utilization of a carbon face.
However, TaylorMade employed a clever approach by augmenting the club’s sole weight, strategically shifting the weight distribution to attain a lower and more rearward position. This adjustment effectively enhances the Moment of Inertia (MOI).
The Stealth Rescue Hybrid is offered in loft options of 19.5 and 22 degrees, catering to both left-handed and right-handed players. Additionally, a 17-degree alternative has been introduced specifically for right-handed players.
These loft variations are designed to replace the 2, 3, and 4 irons, respectively, particularly for players who encounter difficulties when using those longer irons.
Additionally, the Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid can be acquired with the option of a more forgiving standard Stealth head, or in variations such as the Stealth DHY driving iron, Stealth UDi driving iron, and P790 UDI driving iron.
Apart from the standard Stealth Rescue, which offers a greater degree of forgiveness, these alternate clubs exhibit a gradual reduction in forgiveness and a propensity for lower launch.
Nonetheless, they all prove to be exceptional choices for the appropriate player.
Sound, Look and Feel
During our testing phase, the entire team found the appearance of the Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid quite appealing. The crown boasts a matte black finish that effectively reduces sun glare at specific times of the day.
The carbon crown smoothly transitions into the black steel face without any interruptions, facilitating a straightforward and uniform ball setup.
Other than the sleek and consistent look at address, our team also really enjoyed the sound and feel that they received while hitting shots.
The C300 steel forged twist faced delivered a very traditional sound while also giving feedback on good and bad shots.
We feel that this feedback is vital in a golf club to improve as a player.
Forgiveness
Geared towards the advanced player, the Stealth Plus Rescue doesn’t rank as the most forgiving club we’ve put through our tests.
While it remains, a hybrid boasting a substantial V-Steel sole and twist face technology, making it more forgiving than the driving irons within the Stealth lineup, it does prove to be less forgiving than the standard Stealth.
On the other hand, our team did observe that the plus head had a more iron-like impact and offered enhanced versatility compared to the regular variant.
In contrast to long irons or driving irons, there were instances of off-center hits, yet the hybrid shape and a low-high MOI combination aided in managing these mishits effectively.
Distance
By combining the mid-to-low launch characteristics of the Stealth Plus with a through-slot speed pocket and a high-speed C300 steel face, the Plus Rescue emerges as one of the longest hybrid heads ever subjected to our team’s testing.
Additionally, the adjustable loft sleeve allows you to alter the 17-degree head down to 15.5 degrees.
The through-slot speed pocket serves as TaylorMade’s strategy for optimizing ball speed on center strikes, while the application of the C300 high-speed and high-strength steel face enabled TaylorMade to push the limits of face thickness.
We observed that off-center hits with the Stealth Plus result in notably reduced distance compared to the regular Stealth.
However, strikes at the center produce swift, scorching ball speeds that translate into impressive distances.
Key Technologies
The technologies among all of the Stealth line of products are very similar to past TaylorMade models.
They are tweaked slightly from club to club to achieve designed forgiveness, distance, and playability.
V-Steel Sole Design
The V-Steel sole is a timeless feature of many of TaylorMade’s woods and hybrids. The heavy v shaped medal on the sole of the hybrid helps with forgiveness, MOI, and turf interaction.
C300 Steel Twist Face
High-strength C300 steel allows for a strong, enduring, fast face engineered for explosive ball speeds. Starting in 2018, TaylorMade’s twist face has become another one of the staples on their fairway woods and drivers.
The twist face is made to ensure off center hits curve back to the target, making it easier to keep the ball in play.
Thru-Slot Speed Pocket
This speed pocket is meant to preserve ball speeds on off-center hits.
Just like the Stealth driver this is a small pocket positioned directly behind the face that aids in face flexion.
Adjustable Loft Sleeve
The adjustable loft sleeve installed in the Stealth Plus Rescue enables players to adjust loft up or down as much as 1.5 degrees.
This is vital in making sure your hybrid is a good fit for any course you are playing on.
Specifications
As you can see in the chart below, the Stealth Plus Rescue is available in 2, 3, and 4 iron heads and plays to a stock D3 swing weight.
Stock Shaft Options
Pros
- Lower launching profile for players looking to bring ball flight down
- Iron like feel for players looking for more shot making capabilities and less forgiveness
- Matt finish on crown reduces possible glare from the sun
- Adjustable loft sleeve allows players to customize launch and distance control for any course
- Very solid and traditional sound, look, and feel
Cons
- Less forgiving than the regular Stealth Rescue Hybrid
- Lower launch and spin than some slower speed players may need
- More expensive than the Regular Stealth
Our Thoughts
After thorough analysis and testing, our assessment of the TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid reveals a club that presents an enticing option for golfers seeking a balance between the benefits of both hybrids and irons.
This hybrid is designed with the advanced player in mind who values a lower launch profile and shot-making versatility over extreme forgiveness.
The Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid aligns well with players who prioritize an iron-like feel while maintaining the advantages of a hybrid.
The seamless integration of a matte black crown, carbon material, and C300 steel face creates a consistent, clean setup at address, addressing the aesthetics of the club. The sound and feel of this hybrid are notable for their traditional resonance and valuable feedback, adding to the overall playing experience.
In terms of forgiveness, the Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid, while not the most forgiving within the Stealth lineup, strikes a balance between forgiveness and control.
The V-Steel sole design and twist face technology contribute to managing off-center hits, offering performance that aligns with the expectations of more experienced players.
Distance, a pivotal factor in club selection, is where the Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid truly excels. The combination of features like the through-slot speed pocket and C300 steel face promotes exceptional ball speed on well-struck shots, resulting in impressive distances.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that mis-hits with this hybrid might lead to decreased distance compared to its more forgiving counterpart, the regular Stealth.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue Hybrid earns our recommendation for the skilled golfer who values a well-balanced blend of forgiveness, distance, and shot-making capability.
Its unique characteristics set it apart from the regular Stealth and offer a compelling option for those seeking a dynamic hybrid that bridges the gap between irons and traditional hybrids.
As always, individual preferences and play style should guide your final decision and if you are a higher handicap player, we recommend you opt for the regular version.
