Ping G425 Max Driver vs Taylormade Stealth

Thanks for checking out my Ping G425 Max driver vs Taylormade Stealth driver comparison. 

I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.  

I’ve had multiple range sessions with all Stealth drivers and played multiple rounds with them. I spent a week and a half with the G425 Max driver –  a couple range sessions and a round of golf.

In this comparison of the Ping G425 Max and Stealth drivers, I discuss my experience with each driver, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which driver I’d buy.

Driver Specs

Ping G425 Max Driver

Ping G425 Max drivers have Ping’s highest MOI (moment of inertia) to date. 

They offer three models:

G425 Max Features and Benefits

1) Highest MOI

• The addition of the movable 26g weight to the rear of the sole gives the G425 Max the highest MOI in the Ping lineup for more forgiveness and an easier time launching drivers higher.

2) Internal Dragonfly

• Allowed for added weight savings which could be moved around the head and to the back weight for better MOI, and improved CG for more forgiveness and distance.

3) Precision Forged Face

• Proprietary forged face allows for more flexing which means more ball speed and distance

4) Aerodynamic Design

• Newly refined turbulators decrease aerodynamic drag for easier speed

5) Internal Ribbing

• Reinforce key sections of the head for better sound and feel. 

Taylormade Stealth Driver

Taylormade says they’ve reached the limits of titanium faces in their woods. They’ve been working with carbon in the background for 20 years and now feature carbonwood face technology in all their drivers for 2022 (and beyond).

Taylormade says their “60x Carbon Twist Face” is faster and more forgiving. They took a heap-big chance doing this and it appears to have paid off. They say they are sunsetting titanium face tech for their drivers. 

The 3 Stealth models:

Stealth Features and Benefits

1) 60X Carbon Twist Face

• Better energy transfer (Hotter face)
• More forgiving
• Increased effective hitting area by increasing the size of the face and clubhead
• Increases accuracy & distance on off-center hits
• Provides better feel on shots hit across the face

2) Asymmetric Inertial Generator

• Better aerodynamics just before impact (where Taylormade says it’s needed for increased clubhead speed)
• Allows additional weight to be placed for higher MOI, optimal launch,  better forgiveness

3) 44% Lighter Than Titanium

• Position more mass lower in the clubhead for added forgiveness.

4) Nanotexture Cover & Polyurethane

• Nanotexture creates face texture with more friction at impact
• Polyurethane is used to fine-tune launch and spin, and optimize total distance

5) Premium Sound

• Taylormade says sound is an important component in feel so they used curvature, shape, and internal stiffening ribs to dial in acoustics. 

6) Asymmetric Inertia Generator

• Designed to create better aerodynamics while moving more weight lower and toward the rear of the sole for higher MOI, better launch, and more forgiveness.

My impressions of the G425 Max and Stealth

Both of these drivers gave me better results than I likely deserved on many occasions during range testing and on the course.

Good contact gave me great results and marginal contact gave me good results. Both in distance and accuracy. This meant better looks at the green with less club. A great recipe for scoring. 

I had to REally swing poorly to get bad results. 

Note:

• I’m not a fan of Ping Shaft options, but it’s all I could get. Still got good results.
• Taylormade offers premium shafts, like the one used in this test.

Unlike my irons, I NEED help with driving and the G425 Max and Stealth delivered for me. I would happily own both. 

Looks

G425 Max: (B) There’s certainly nothing flashy about the G425 Max driver. It’s got kind of an “industrial” look to it – all business. Colors are shades of black, grey, and silver. It sets up great behind the ball at address and I’ve got no problem with the non-premium design. 

Stealth: (A) The mat black crown is attractive and the red face stands out without being cartoonish. It all works. There’s the tiniest bit of carbon weave showing through on the crown, which I always appreciate. It sets up beautifully behind the ball at address. 

Winner: Stealth

Sound & Feel

G425 Max: (A) The face feels “springy”, kind of like a trampoline effect at impact (which I loved). Muted, slightly hollow sound. The ball sounds like it’s going to go far. 

Stealth: (A+) Great muted sound on contact, similar to the SIM2. The face feels solid, but bit softer than the SIM2 because of the polyurethane and carbon layer design.

Winner: Stealth 

Playability/Ball Flight

G425 Max: (A) Semi-high penetrating draw with decent swing and contact. Semi-high push or hook with less good swings. 

Stealth: (A+) Beautiful medium-high ball flight I prefer. My ball went basically straight, with a few tight draws and fades mixed in. 

Winner: Stealth

Forgiveness

G425 Max: (A+) Excellent

Stealth: (A+) Excellent

Winner: Draw

Distance

G425 Max: (A+) As long as any. Hit it on the button and it goes forever. Miss the button a little bit, and it goes a little less than forever. 

Stealth: (A+) As long as any. See above. 

Winner: Draw

Price

G425 Max – $549 (New)

Stealth – $579.99 (New)

Winner: G425 Max

Conclusion of Ping G425 Max driver vs Stealth 

I’m buying the Stealth if I’m coming out of my pocket. I bought the Stealth

• I prefer Stealth’s ball flight and feel..and looks.
• A $30 price difference is small enough that it wouldn’t be wasn’t a factor for me. 

My #1 suggestion is to test both clubs before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Remember – All premium drivers come with different head variations. This is a test of one variation of each.