Taylormade Stealth Driver vs Cobra LTDx: Is there a clear winner?  

Thanks for checking out my Taylormade Stealth vs Cobra LTDx 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 spent 3 days on the range with the Taylormade Stealth and a launch monitor.
I spent 2 days on the range with a launch monitor and played 2 rounds of golf with the Cobra LTDx. 

In this comparison of the Taylormade Stealth and LTDx drivers, I discuss my experience with each driver, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which driver I'd buy.

Driver Specs

Cobra LTDx Driver

LTD drivers were first introduced in 2016 by Cobra. They went away quickly, but have come back in the form of the LTDx (Longest Total Distance) for 2022. Cobra calls them "The Ultimate Distance Machine" and says they deliver "longest total distance". The LTDx is Cobra's effort to deliver the "Holy Grail" to golfers: The longest AND most forgiving driver. 

LTDx Features and Benefits

1) PWR-COR Technology

• Consist of 3 weights. A 14g steel internal weight and 5g external aluminum weight are placed behind the hitting zone to reduce spin and transfer max speed to the golf ball. And, a 15g rear weight to help with high launch and exceptional forgiveness for added distance

2)  H.O.T Face Technology

• Stands for Highly Optimized Topology. They use machine learning (A.I.) and CNC milling to optimize face thickness in specific areas to maximize ball speed across a larger area. 

3) Multi-material Construction

• The titanium chassis is 8.3g lighter and allows them to use 30% more lightweight carbon in the crown and sole plate. This save discretionary weight which they've moved low and forward in the head for increased ball speed.

4)  CNC Milled Infinity Face

• The face wraps around the leading edge and is supposed to increase the effective hitting area for more ball speed and still provide a traditional topline. 

Taylormade Stealth Driver

Taylormade Stealth drivers introduce the carbonwood era to golf, or at least to Taylormade. They say they've reached the limits of titanium faces in their woods and they'be been working with carbon in the background for 20 years. Now they feature carbonwood face technology in all their woods 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 believe so much in their carbon wood technology, they're  sunsetting titanium face tech for their woods. 

Features and Benefits

1) 60X Carbon Twist Face

• Better energy transfer (Hotter Face)
• More forgiving
• Increased the effective hitting area by increasing the size of the face and clubhead
• Increases accuracy and 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 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. 

Testing the Stealth & LTDx Drivers

Taylormade Stealth:

3 Range Sessions: I tested the Stealth along side the Taylormade SIM2 during these sessions. I hit 10 drives with a driver, then switched. (Not the best way to do this, I've learned) I measured all drives on my Swing Caddie SC300. 

Cobra LTDx:

2 Range Sessions: I tested the LTDx along side the Cobra Radspeed for the range sessions. I switched out drivers after every swing and I hit a couple middle or short irons between drivers to keep my tempo and swing from getting out of whack. I hit about 12-15 drives with each per session. 

Drives were measured with my Swing Caddie SC300 and SC200. I only used both because I let a friend borrow the SC300 and I didn't have it for one of the sessions.

2 Rounds on the course: I played two 18-hole rounds at my course (Longwood) spaced a day apart. (Shot 81 and 82). I used the LTDx on the back nine of each round because I was testing the Cobra Radspeed driver too.  

My impressions of the Stealth and LTDx

Looks

Stealth

• Head shape: I love the head shape of Taylormade drivers and the Stealth didn't disappoint. I know it's 460cc, but it looks smaller. It sites nicely on the turf, frames the ball beautifully, and gives me a sense of confidence looking down at address. 
• Color/Graphics: I like the flat black finish with the faintest touch of carbon weave showing through on the crown at address. The simple Taylormade logo for ball alignment works well for me. The red face is a clear departure from typical wood face design, but isn't shocking or distracting. Sole graphics are fine, but underwhelming.

Cobra LTDx

• Head Shape: I like the head shape of the LTDx just fine. It appears large at address, which may be a turn off for some. Didn't bother me. It frames the ball well and sits square at address. The Cobra logo works fine for alignment. 
• Color/Graphics: I'm a fan of the color combo of the LTDx, but not as much a fan of the gloss finish. It's not terrible, but I'd like more out of a high-end driver. Sole graphics remind me of the Transformers cartoon. Again, not the best for a high-end driver.

Winner: Stealth (not close)

Sound/Feel

Stealth: Among the best, if not the best, sound and feel of any driver I've tested. Muted and solid.

Cobra LTDx: Great sound and feel. Neck and neck with the Stealth 

Winner: Draw

Playability/Ball Flight

Stealth: I got long high draws with my good swings and playable hooks and pushes with my bad swings.

Cobra LTDx: Gave me long high draws with my good swings and slight pushes and pulls with my mediocre swings 

Winner:  Draw

Forgiveness

Stealth: I got away with murder on more than a few swings. It REALLY wants to keep you in play.

Cobra LTDx: Big rewards for well struck shots and kept me playable on more than a few marginal swings.  

Winner: Draw 

Distance

Winner: Slight edge to the Stealth

Price

Stealth: $579 new

LTDx: $499 new

Winner: LTDx

Conclusion of Taylormade Stealth driver vs LTDx 

These are two GREAT drivers that kept this mediocre driver of the golf ball in play a lot more than I deserved.

The Stealth is the clear winner in the looks category.

and

The LTDx is the clear winner on price and value.

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. 

There are different versions of each driver, so you may need to test a little more to find the ideal driver for you. 

Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Taylormade Stealth driver vs Cobra LTDx driver. Let me know in the comments if I'm leaving out anything you think is important or tell me about your experience with either club.

Again, I suggest you test before you buy.