Taylormade Stealth Vs Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver Review & Comparison
“Usually, it’s pretty hard to determine the differences of drivers that were released by the same company just one year apart from each other.”
Such is the case with the Taylormade Stealth and Taylormade Stealth 2 drivers.
Last year, golfers were introduced to the “carbonwood” age with the original Stealth drivers that featured a revolutionary facewrap design. The facewrap consisted of multiple tiny layers of carbon fiber.
Just a year later, Taylormade has released a revamped version of the Taylormade Stealth driver. But is there enough of a difference here to justify an upgrade?
In many ways, the Taylormade Stealth 2 and the original Stealth drivers are very similar so what are their key differences?
These are the questions we will be helping you answer in the following driver comparison review.
Taylormade Stealth Overview
“The original Taylormade Stealth driver shocked the golf world by incorporating carbon fiber in the facewrap construction.”
Carbon fiber had widely been used in the golf club industry before the Stealth; but never for the face.
Surprisingly, the Taylormade Stealth still has a somewhat bright sound at impact despite the new face material.
The shaping of the Taylormade Stealth driver is similar to that of the SIM2 driver that it replaced.
You still have the asymmetric inertia generator on the sole and an extreme rear weight in the back of the head.
Overall, the Taylormade Stealth is very forgiving. It’s a great game improvement driver because it will turn a wide variety of your mis-hits into more accurate shots.
However, that’s only one half of the story…
Taylormade Stealth 2 Overview
“One thing we were very excited to see was whether the Taylormade Stealth 2 made any significant improvements over the original Stealth driver.”
And for the sake of not beating around the bush, the answer is yes, the Taylormade Stealth 2 makes very important improvements to the original Stealth driver.
For instance, the Taylormade Stealth 2 features a carbon fiber sole and crown panel so that a heavier weight could be placed in the rear of the head.
Then Taylormade placed an additional weight near the front of the head to mute spin. The Taylormade Stealth 2 is even more forgiving and accurate than the Taylormade Stealth driver.
A new carbon fiber chassis ring runs through the center of the head so that it’s more stable and resists twisting better than the original stealth.
This same feature also helps to deepen the sound so that it’s more pleasing.
When testing these drivers side-by-side, we found that the Taylormade Stealth 2 was more stable and delivered a less erratic launch on mis-hits.
The shot dispersion we got from the Taylormade Stealth 2 was therefore tighter.
Overview Conclusion
“We are actually impressed with the significant improvements that Taylormade implemented for the Stealth 2 driver in just one year.”
In terms of forgiveness, you are looking at pretty much the same driver. But in every other arena, the Taylormade Stealth 2 outperforms the original Stealth.
The Taylormade Stealth 2 sounds better, has tighter shot dispersion and delivers less erratic flight off of mis-hits than the original Stealth.
Distance is also comparable but the Taylormade Stealth 2 edged out the original Stealth by an average of 4.3 yards for our testers.
Taylormade Stealth Key Technology
“The Taylormade Stealth has classic features like the Twist Face and Speed Pocket.”
These two technologies have been working in tandem in Taylormade clubs for years because they actually work.
Mis-hits preserve their launch and spin properties thanks to these two features.
The original Taylormade Stealth driver also features the carbon fiber facewrap that seems to launch the ball like a rocket.
It’s very responsive and generates just enough friction to keep the ball stable and give you a good chance at a straight line-drive.
The Taylormade Stealth driver also features extreme rear weighting to keep the MOI high and keep the head from warping at impact.
Taylormade Stealth 2 Key Technology
“The Taylormade Stealth 2 has a heavier 35-gram tungsten weight in the back of the head.”
It also has a front weight to help reduce spin. Making way for all this extra weight are the carbon fiber sole and crown panels.
Carbon fiber is lighter than titanium so overall, the Taylormade Stealth 2 feels lighter than the original Taylormade Stealth driver.
But higher handicappers are still treated to the Speed Pocket and Twist Face technologies.
Taylormade Stealth Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Cheaper than the Taylormade Stealth 2 driver
- It has a clean look at address
- 460cc head
- Very forgiving
- Reasonably accurate
Cons:
- Shot dispersion isn’t as tight as the Taylormade Stealth 2
- Spin rates are higher
Taylormade Stealth 2 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Tighter shot dispersion than the Stealth
- Less erratic ball flight than the Stealth
- Great MOI
- Lower spin rates
- Feels lighter in the hands
Cons:
- More expensive than the Stealth
- Launch can be too high
Who Should Buy the Taylormade Stealth Driver?
“The Taylormade Stealth is still a good choice if you’re putting forgiveness at a premium.”
The Taylormade Stealth is still a very forgiving driver so if you’re a high handicapper who wants to feel more confident in your drives, the Taylormade Stealth will certainly accomplish that.
It’s also a better option if you don’t want to spend so much on a new driver.
Distance: 95/100
Forgiveness: 96/100
Workability: 94/100
Overall Performance: 95/100
Value: 96/100
Overall Score: 95/100
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Who Should Buy the Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver?
“As long as you can afford it, the Taylormade Stealth 2 would be good for a wide variety of high and mid handicap players.”
Better players will appreciate the improved sound and lower spin rates while the Taylormade Stealth 2 is still every bit as forgiving as the original Stealth.
Also, those seeking tighter shot dispersion should definitely consider the Taylormade Stealth 2 driver.
Distance: 96/100
Forgiveness: 96/100
Workability: 95/100
Overall Performance: 97/100
Value: 95/100
Overall Score: 97/100
Check Out More Reviews Here:
Hi, I am Matthew, a mid handicap golfer who likes to play as much as possible. I love trying out new gear and this blog is where you can find all the gear I have tested over the years!
