Thanks for checking out my Taylormade Stealth driver vs SIM2 comparison.
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.
I know Taylormade drivers are great and I knew each of these drivers performs like a beast. My only interest is if I could tell the difference in feel or see a difference in raw numbers.
So, I hit dozens of drives with each and tracked distance and a few other stats with my Swing Caddie SC 300 launch monitor.
Summary: The Stealth and SIM2 performed similarly in all regards for me. (Distance, Forgiveness, Ball Flight). The Stealth was about 2-3 yards longer on average, which is irrelevant. They differ in looks (obviously) and sound and feel to a lesser extent. Your personal preference for these three and your budget will be the deciding factors. You will be happy, more than happy, with either.
In this comparison of the Taylormade Stealth and SIM 2 drivers, I discuss my experience with each drivers, unique features and benefits, and my suggestions on which you should buy.
Driver Specs
- Loft – 10.5 degree
- Shaft – Aldila Ascent Red 60 Graphite Stiff Flex
- Loft – 10.5 degrees
- Shaft – Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV RAW Blue 60 Graphite Stiff Flex
Testing the Stealth & SIM2 Drivers
I hit about 40 drives a piece with the Taylormade Stealth and SIM2 drivers over the course of 2 days. Forty was a good limit because my swing was already getting a bit quick and out of sync after swinging driver this much.
I really, really enjoyed both of them. I AM a mediocre driver. BUT… I’ve been working on my driver swing for about 2-3 weeks and it paid off big time for this test. I hit a LOT of solid drives and got a good feel for each driver.
In short, they are both great. But, you probably knew that.
Are there big differences between the Stealth and SIM2?
Not for me.
My good swings were similarly rewarded and my slightly less than good swings were kept playable and looked basically identical.
Looks: I love looking down at these drivers. The head shape for both works for me. They frame the ball well and I felt confident looking down at both at address.
The red face of the Stealth stands out but isn’t distracting. The red accents on the sole are a nice touch and aren’t overdone. The crown of the Stealth is mat black, which I’m a fan of.
The SIM2 blue, gray, and white color scheme has grown on me. I’m a fan.
Winner – SIM2
Sound/Feel: I’m a large fan of the sound and feel at impact of the SIM2. Very solid and muted. The Stealth is similar, but feels and sounds softer (But, not much). The ball jumps off the face for both, so don’t let the softer feel of the Stealth fool you.
Winner – SIM2
Playability: The same. I hit mostly draws when I swung well. My miss on loose swings was the same for each, a playable push to the right.
Winner – Draw
Forgiveness: Calling this a draw. The Stealth and SIM2 want to keep you in play and still send it with slight mishits.
Winner – Draw
Distance: I give a 2-5 yard edge to the Stealth. Not a deciding factor in my view.
Winner – Stealth (kind of)
So, which driver should you buy?
Which driver would I get if I were coming out of my pocket?
The SIM2 – Performance is identical, or close enough for me, and I like bargains.
Which driver should you get?
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.
Thanks for checking out my Taylormade Stealth driver vs SIM2 driver comparison.
|
Editor's Pick
|
Editor's Pick - 2021
|
|
|
|
5.0
|
5.0
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
- Stellar Feel & Sound
- Tons of Forgiveness & Distance
- Looks great behind the ball
- Playable by any handicap
- Nada
- Long & Forgiving
- Great Sound & Feel
- Nada
It would have been interesting to have seen the results with the same shaft in each club. Since the shaft variable was not isolated, it’s hard to know if these really were so comparable. Thanks for doing the test!
100% valid point, Charles. I argue the shafts were/are close enough to make a decent judgment. At least for someone of my skill level. I’m a pretty long driver that has trouble hitting fairways. They both did a good job with my marginal swings. When there are clear differences, like in my Callaway Rogue ST Max vs Epix Max comparison, I will switch shafts and test. I will make an effort to test each driver head with each shaft in the future.
3/29/23 Just bought the 8 degree Sim 2 with Hzdrus red 60g shaft for $233 used. Only took a few swings with it with trackman. Seemed low spin, but we’ll see when I use it on the course
8-degree!!! I could never handle that. SIM2s are still great drivers and woods.
I have both and prefer the Sim 2. I am longer with the Sim 2 which gives me more roll. I prefer the feel of the Sim 2. I do get a little better forgiveness with the Stealth but not enough to use is every day. What people neglect to mention is the shafts. If you don’t have the right shaft in a driver, the head won’t make much of a difference.
I’ve got nothing bad to say about SIM2 drivers.
I have the sim2 and love it.I have fooled around with all the settings and it does make a difference. Can’t beat that taylormade sound
SIM2 drivers are great. The sound from the new Stealth 2 drivers is the best from Taylormade in a while. Rivals the SIM2, maybe even better.
I bought a Sim 2 max driver new
Dispersion was good, but something felt strange after using it for a couple of months, so I got out my old M1 and hit a few balls with each club, all the same golf ball, using the same shaft, switching heads, same loft 10.5 on standard
All shots hit well and all in play
The M1 was 20-25 yards longer!
Length isn’t everything of course
Obviously I traded in the Sim2
Maybe it’s me, I’ve been of single figures for about 40 years, so I have a little experience lol
but in my case that’s how it went for me
You went about it the right way. 20-25 yards is a heck of a gap. Wonder what explains your results. The SIM2 is not a short driver.