This is Golfer Geeks’ Taylormade Qi10 Driver vs Stealth 2 comparison.
Summary: The Qi10 and Stealth 2 have virtually the same performance according to the numbers. (see below) Wes – an accomplished player and driver – found the Qi10 had better feel and more refinement. Other elite amateurs may find the same. I found them virtually the same, and I actually prefer the feel of the Stealth 2.
In this comparison of the Taylormade Qi10 vs Stealth 2 drivers, we discuss our experience with each driver, unique features and benefits, and my suggestions on which you should buy.
Primary Rating:
5.0
|
Primary Rating:
5.0
|
Description: Keep your Stealth 2 if you like it. More accomplished drivers may prefer the improved softness and feel of the Qi10. |
Description: Still a great driver for most of us. |
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Keep your Stealth 2 if you like it. More accomplished drivers may prefer the improved softness and feel of the Qi10.
- Long & Forgiving
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Premium Looks
- Price
Still a great driver for most of us.
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Solid, Long & Forgiving
- Great looking driver
- Price
Club Testers
Wes (Primary Tester)
- Average score: 73.2
- Handicap: +1
- Years of Experience/ Expertise: 28
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Typical ball flight: Fade
- Golf ball: ProV1x left dash
- Swing speed for this test: 118 (for this testing)
Jamie
- Average score: 85.9
- Handicap: 8.3
- Reviewing Clubs Since: 2015
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Typical ball flight: Draw
- Golf ball: 2024 Chrome Tour X
- Swing speed for this test: 97ish mph
Clubs Tested
Taylormade Qi10
- Loft setting: 10.5 set to 8.5 Degrees
- Shaft type: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 6.5 70g
- Shaft flex: X-Stiff flex
Taylormade Stealth 2
- Loft setting: 10.5 set to 8.5 Degrees
- Shaft type: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 6.5 70g
- Shaft flex: X-Stiff flex
How We Tested
Primary testing – We got Wes, a shopping bag full of ProV1x left dash golf balls, and the Garmin R10 launch monitor and headed to the 17th hole at Sterling Country Club.
Wes is a +1 handicap and the longest, straightest driver I’ve ever seen in person. He was in great form on the day of testing and we got great data for this comparison.
I wanted to get my two cents in, so I took the Qi10 on the golf course for parts of two rounds over two days. (I skipped around because I wanted to hit a bunch of drives. Finishing holes wasn’t my priority)
The Qi10 went forever with center contact and minor mishits for me. I’m piecing together a swing right now, so I require help from my driver.
I like the feel, but I think the Stealth 2 feels and sounds a touch better. To be fair, I’m not exactly killing the ball right now, so I’m not experiencing the full majesty of the Qi10. (that’s what we have Wes for)
I’ve already got a dozen or so rounds under my belt with the Stealth 2, so my opinion of it is already firm.
Note – Launch monitor numbers are from my Garmin R10.
Average Launch Monitor Numbers
Club | Club Speed | Ball Speed | Carry Distance | Total Distance | Vertical Launch | Peak Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Qi10 | 118 | 169 | 283.7 | 304 | *10.8 | 101 ft |
Stealth 2 | 118.5 | 166 | 280 | 302 | *12 | 99 ft |
Are there big differences between the Qi10 & Stealth 2 drivers?
For Wes – Yes. He thinks the feel with the Stealth 2 is too muted and he can’t tell where on the clubface he’s hitting the ball. He never got comfortable with the club – though you couldn’t tell by the numbers.
He noticed an immediate difference with the Qi10. He thinks it’s softer and has much more refined feel. He can work the ball more to his liking.
I find them much the same. Good and marginal swings produce great and good results. Terrible swings – which I throw in from time to time – weren’t saved by either driver.
Category | Qi10 | Stealth 2 |
---|---|---|
Looks | B | B+ |
Sound/ Feel | B | A |
Forgiveness | A | A |
Distance | A | A |
Flight/Playability | A | B+ |
Value | A | A |
Looks – A Draw
They’re both solid in the looks department. Nothing special. They both have classic head shapes, which I like. The Qi10 has a larger crown and looks bigger at address. They both sit behind the ball well. I slightly prefer the red and black color combo of the Stealth 2 over the blue and black of the Qi10.
Sound/Feel – A Draw
They both feel springy and solid, but not as solid as the Stealth 2 drivers felt to me. Wes prefers the feel of the Qi10 – thus, a draw.
Forgiveness – Qi10
I find forgiveness virtually the same in both drivers. Wes disagrees. He thinks the Qi10 is more forgiving. I yield to Wes on this one.
Distance – Qi10
The Qi10 and Stealth 2 are within 2-3 yards total distance. Not significant, but the Qi10 is longer by the numbers.
Flight/ Playability – Qi10
The trajectory was virtually the same in our testing. But, the feel is too muted in the Stealth 2 for Wes, so he doesn’t feel confident in working it. He had no such issues with the Qi10. Nod to Qi10.
Value – Stealth 2
Qi10 – $599.99
Stealth 2- $499.99
Taylormade Qi10 Driver
- Loft – 10.5 degrees
- Shaft – Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 6.5 70g
The Qi10 sits smack-dab in the middle of forgiveness, distance, and playability. If you’re accurate enough and don’t need help with added spin, this is likely the choice for you.
Taylormade lowered the CG (center of gravity) and increased the MOI (moment of inertia) over the Stealth 2, which should make the Qi10 clubhead more stable on off-center strikes. Which means, more distance and a straighter ball on mishits.
Customer Reviews – 97% of buyers would recommend the Qi10 to a friend, and it has an average rating of 4.7 out of 68 reviewers at taylormadegolf.com.(1)
Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver
- Loft – 10.5 degrees
- Shaft – Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 6.5 70g
The Stealth 2 was – until the introduction of the Qi10 – the
Customer Reviews – 95% of buyers would recommend the Stealth 2 to a friend, and it has an average rating of 4.8 out of 618 reviewers at taylormadegolf.com.(1)
Final Verdict on Our Taylormade Qi10 Driver vs Stealth 2 Comparison
Wes and I agree –
Keep your Stealth 2 if you like it. The performance gain was negligible for a +1 handicap and probably non-existent for the average golfer.
You may love the Qi10 if you hated the Stealth 2 because you didn’t like the way it felt.
So…My #1 suggestion for you 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.
Thanks for checking out our
Primary Rating:
5.0
|
Primary Rating:
5.0
|
Description: Keep your Stealth 2 if you like it. More accomplished drivers may prefer the improved softness and feel of the Qi10. |
Description: Still a great driver for most of us. |
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Keep your Stealth 2 if you like it. More accomplished drivers may prefer the improved softness and feel of the Qi10.
- Long & Forgiving
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Premium Looks
- Price
Still a great driver for most of us.
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Solid, Long & Forgiving
- Great looking driver
- Price