TaylorMade Stealth 2 Series: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

In the world of golf equipment, few names carry as much weight as TaylorMade. Renowned for their innovation and cutting-edge technology, TaylorMade consistently pushes the boundaries of performance. One of their standout lines is the Stealth series, which boasts carbon bodies, carbon faces, and carbon woods. In this blog post, I, Mark Kanai (the swing craftsmen) will delve into a detailed review of the TaylorMade Stealth series, examining its design, performance, and how it compares to its predecessors.

 

Design and Features

The TaylorMade Stealth series is characterized by its sleek design and advanced features. With models like the Stealth 2, HD, and Plus, TaylorMade offers a range of options to suit different player preferences. The Stealth 2 PLUS features an adjustable weight system, while the HD boasts a distinctive matte finish around the frame with subtle branding, similar to the standard Stealth 2. The HD and the Standard model are hard to tell apart due to their similarities and the only way to really differentiate them is the "HD" on the club head! Each club in the series is meticulously crafted to optimize performance and provide golfers with an edge on the course.

 

Performance

When it comes to performance, the TaylorMade Stealth series delivers in spades. The clubs are designed to offer exceptional distance, accuracy, and forgiveness, allowing players to achieve their best possible results. The innovative carbon construction contributes to a unique feel and sound at impact, while advanced technologies like the Tensei Red shaft provide stability and control throughout the swing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, the Stealth series offers something for everyone.

 

Comparison with Previous Models

One of the most intriguing aspects of the TaylorMade Stealth series is how it stacks up against its predecessors. In our review, we compared the second-generation Stealth with the original model, analyzing factors such as spin, launch angle, and forgiveness. While the core principles of the Stealth line remain intact, subtle refinements and improvements have been made to enhance overall performance. From reduced spin to increased forgiveness, the second-generation Stealth represents a significant evolution in TaylorMade's lineup.

The Stealth

I own the original Stealth PLUS and have experience with the Standard model. The standard model that will be tested for comparison has a loft of 10.5 degrees with the Red Tensei S shaft, which is around 50 grams. As it has a Tensei shaft, many people are under the impression that it is quite stiff, but once handling it yourself, you'll notice it's quite soft. Now for a test swing:



With previous experience with the Stealth, the sound upon impact and the feel of the swing is very familiar. It has a very "dry" sound and feels as though the ball sticks to the face longer which is a characteristic of the Stealth. It's stable, reliable, and gives Mark around 250 yards consistently. With such great performance, how will the Stealth 2 compare??

 

The Stealth 2

The shaft is the same as the previous model, but the first impression that came to mind when comparing the two is that the previous version has quite a matte finish while the new Stealth 2 head has a glossy like finish with a red outer ring that allows it to be more pronounced, which in turn makes it easier to setup and line up your shots.

Now a test shot:

A few things to mention:

1. The face is now a little lighter, which means that the face has become thinner.
2. The change in thinness of the face has resulted in a different and lighter sound. For those who are sensitive to sound, the Stealth 2 would be a better option.
3. The sensation of when the face hits the ball has changed, it feels more forgiving than the previous generation. -

In conclusion, the Stealth 2 (standard) feels like it has more carry, but noticed that it has a slight drop in flight distance when the swing is slightly off-center.

 

Stealth 2 PLUS (9 degree loft)

Now let's test the Stealth 2 PLUS, which has a shallow center of gravity. It is said to generate low spin and in turn, will improve flying distance (although this will depend on the golfer). The design is slightly different to the standard, the head does not have the red outline. Let's take a swing:

Although the shot didn't go that well, you can immediately see in the trackman that there's significantly less spin. I prefer shots with less spin and the lack of spin is quite noticeable. The PLUS also feels more resistant to mis-hits, which I believe, is the most prominent feature in the Stealth 2 PLUS. Comapared to the first generation, the sweet spot is a little wider and the carbon face wraps a little more around the ball.

 

Stealth 2 HD

The HD in the name stands for "High Draw", the small weight in the back of the club head is placed there with the intentions of making it easier to catch the ball. This club is best for people who really want to catch the ball. Now, a test swing!

 

It produced good results and the launch is high.

 

Conclusion

Similar to the first generation, if you're confused as to what you want, I would recommend starting with the Standard, and if you notice too much spin, we recommend the PLUS. As for the HD, the behavior of the head allows golfers to catch the ball the most out of the three Stealth 2 models and if it catches too much, I would recommend the Standard.

In conclusion, the TaylorMade Stealth series is a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence. With its innovative design, advanced features, and exceptional performance, the Stealth series sets a new standard for golf clubs. Whether you're looking to improve your distance off the tee or fine-tune your accuracy on approach shots, the Stealth series has you covered. With options to suit every player's needs and preferences, TaylorMade continues to solidify its position as a leader in the world of golf equipment.

Overall, the TaylorMade Stealth series is a worthy investment for any golfer looking to take their game to the next level. With its combination of cutting-edge technology and superior performance, the Stealth series is sure to impress even the most discerning players.