This is Golfer Geeks’ Taylormade Stealth 2 driver review.
Summary – The
In this review of the
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Solid, Long & Forgiving
- Great looking driver
- Pricey
About Jamie
I’m an avid golfer, an 8ish handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6), and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.
- Average score: 85.9
- Handicap: 8.3
- Reviewing Clubs Since: 2015
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Typical ball flight: Mid-High Tight Draw
- Golf ball used: TP5x, TP5, ProV1x, ProV1
- Club swing speed: 104 mph
Club Tested
- Model: 2023
Taylormade Stealth 2 - Loft setting: 10.5 Degree
- Shaft type: Mitsubishi Kai’li Red Graphite Shaft
- Shaft flex: Stiff flex
How I Tested
On the course: I’ve played multiple rounds with the Stealth 2 over the course of 2 months before writing this review. And, quite a few since writing this review
On the range: I’ve had multiple range sessions with the Stealth 2. Often comparing it to other drivers – or, more accurately – comparing other drivers to the Stealth 2.
Note – Launch monitor numbers are from my Garmin R10.
Average Launch Monitor Numbers
Range | Carry Yards | Ball Speed | Swing Speed | Smash Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stealth 2 | 244.7 | 148.5 | 103.1 | 1.44 |
Performance Review of the Stealth 2 Driver
Category | Grade |
|---|---|
Looks | A |
Sound/Feel | A |
Distance | A |
Forgiveness | A |
Flight/Playability | A |
Value | A |
I’m comparing the Stealth 2 to the Stealth, basically. The Stealth got high marks in all the categories below, and the Stealth 2 has improved in all of them.
Looks (A) An upgrade over the original Stealth. They’ve gone from a flat finish to high-gloss and it works. The red is brighter on the head and face, and the graphics (especially the sole) are better, too. Everything pops more.
Sound/ Feel (A) Again, improved over the Stealth. More solid and stable at impact and the acoustics remind me of the SIM2.
Forgiveness (A) Yet again, improved. I found the Stealth 2 stable and on off-center contact. The
Flight / Playability (A) Medium-high launch and trajectory for me. I hit mostly straight, with a few pushes and a few of my favored tight draws.
Distance (A) Long. Longer than last year’s model. (Refer to the disclaimer above)
Value (A) I still consider $600 a lot for a driver. But that’s the new bar and all premium manufacturers are pricing meeting it.
Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver Overview & Why You Should Consider It.
Taylormade added more carbon to the Stealth 2 to save weight so they could move it around for better forgiveness, distance, sound, and feel. They’ve also done a nice job upgrading the cosmetics. The same colors, but in high gloss so they “pop” more.
The original Stealth was/is a great driver – I own it because it made me, a mediocre driver at best, into an effective driver of the golf ball. Which made the whole game much easier for me.
Taylormade took all the good from the Stealth, made it gooder(yep, that’s a word), and called it Stealth 2.
I’ll say this, it’s a bigger upgrade over the Stealth than the Stealth was over the SIM2.
Stealth 2 Features and Benefits
- Better sound & Feel
- They’ve improved the geometry, shape, sole thickness, and internal stiffening to improve sound and feel.
- Forgiveness
- They’ve doubled (almost) the amount of carbon used in the original Stealth. With this, they more effectively redistributed mass for higher MOI and improved launch, forgiveness, and distance.
- Distance
- The Stealth 2 is more stable and delivers more forgiveness and distance on off-center strikes due – in part – to the new enhanced Inverted Cone Technology.
Testing the Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver
Disclaimer: We’re in mid-May as I’m typing this. I’ve been dealing with neck, back, and hip issues for over 6 months which has limited my play and practice.
I’m on the mend, but I’ve got some catching up to do.
So, my swing and swing speed are down from last year’s testing numbers.
Any and all unimpressive numbers are my fault, not the clubs I’m testing.
My Experience with the Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver
It didn’t start out great because my swing was that bad. I’m making swing changes for a few reasons.
- My old swing injured me and so I can’t continue with that.
- And, though I had good swing speed with the old swing, I still feel I had restrictor plates on it and couldn’t realize my full potential.
So I’m working on improving my setup and the way I power my swing. And, I’m working on getting over being injured.
My swing gradually improved during my Stealth 2 testing and I began hitting the driver very well again. To the point, that I nailed any driver I picked up.
Super solid feel and great sound – improved over the original Stealth. Next, a whole bunch of longish drives in play with good looks at the green during my round.
I wasn’t making awesome contact or swinging particularly well, either. I swung good enough and the Stealth 2 did/does the rest.
Customer Reviews
The Stealth 2 has 278 reviews, averaging 4.7 out of 5. 90 out of 94 (95.74%) golfers would recommend the Stealth 2.
There are a couple of complaints that performance isn’t that much improved over the SIM2 or the Stealth – which I can’t really disagree with.
But…
Most negative reviews center around quality control – The head – or pieces of the head – are just breaking. Specifically, the red carbon ring that goes around the rear of the sole.
- I’ve seen no sign of this.
- I’ve had mine a couple of months and it’s in perfect condition. I’ll keep an eye out and report back here on what I see.
Who’s the Stealth 2 driver for?
Like the Stealth, pretty much anyone that plays golf. The exceptions are those with elite swing speed that need help keeping spin and the ball down.
Low handicaps (Yes) – Unless…see above.
Mid handicaps (YES) – You should give it a try.
High handicaps (YES) – See above.
Potential Alternatives
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Still a Great Driver
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Highly Recommended
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Highly Recommended
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4.9
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5.0
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5.0
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Review Upcoming |
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- Stellar Feel & Sound
- Tons of Forgiveness & Distance
- Looks great behind the ball
- Playable by any handicap
- Nada
- Flat Out Gorgeous
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Solid, Long & Forgiving
- Pricey
Review Upcoming
- Premium Distance & Forgiveness
- Excellent Sound & Feel
- Best Looking Driver of the Year(s)
- Nada
Our Verdict on the Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver
Taylormade made the very good Stealth even better and called it the Stealth 2.
- Premium looks – Improved over the Stealth
- Premium sound & feel – Improved over the Stealth
- Premium distance & forgiveness – Improved over the Stealth
- Premium price – Improved over the Stealth?
Should you upgrade if you own the Stealth?
Keep it…unless replacing your driver every year is your thing or you’re on a tour somewhere. The Stealth 2 is a better driver, but not that much.
My #1 suggestion is to test 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 Taylormade Stealth 2 Driver Review and let us know how they work for you
- Superb Sound & Feel
- Solid, Long & Forgiving
- Great looking driver
- Pricey
