The post What impressed us while testing TaylorMade’s new Stealth HD irons appeared first on Golf.

The post What impressed us while testing TaylorMade’s new Stealth HD irons appeared first on Golf.

GOLF’s Senior Editor of Equipment Ryan Barath recently traveled to The Kingdom at TaylorMade to put their new Stealth HD iron line to the test.

The post What impressed us while testing TaylorMade’s new Stealth HD irons appeared first on Golf.

The post ClubTest Live: How tee height will impact your driving distance and accuracy appeared first on Golf.

The post ClubTest Live: How tee height will impact your driving distance and accuracy appeared first on Golf.

Your success with the driver starts before you even take a practice swing. This simple, yet important decision can improve your spin, launch, and carry. We use the TaylorMade Stealth driver and TP5 Pix balls to measure your tee height’s impacts on these key metrics.

Jonathan Wall and Ryan Barath test it out from the GOLF Clubhouse Experience event at Boston.

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The post FIRST LOOK: TaylorMade’s 2022 Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons appeared first on Golf.

The post FIRST LOOK: TaylorMade’s 2022 Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons appeared first on Golf.

Where does your iron set end and your fairway woods start? It’s a simple question with a complicated answer, but with the launch of the new Stealth UDI and DHY utility irons, TaylorMade is looking to help make that decision a lot easier.

Over the last couple of years, we have seen a resurgence of high lofted fairway woods in players’ bags, from regular golfers all the way up to the PGA Tour. The big reason for this is their ability to create extra height and angle of descent for players that don’t have enough club head speed or don’t create enough spin. 

On the other end of the player spectrum, high lofted fairway woods can wreak havoc for those that need to lower ball flight and create the kind of control that a fairway wood or traditional hybrid can’t — this is where the UDI and DHY come in.

Technology and Design

Unlike a hybrid or fairway wood, the Stealth utilities offer the “best of both worlds” performance, bringing together the ball speed and distance of a hybrid with the control of an iron. 

On the outside, the UDI has a thin-cast 450 stainless steel body which helps save mass from around the head to position it where it can be best utilized in each design. From there we have the incorporation of Speedfoam Air and a Forged 4140 face, the same face material (and injected foam) used in the P790 to further increase feel and increase MOI (a measurement of forgiveness).

Speedfoam Air weighs 69 percent less than the previous generation, which saves around 4 grams of weight on the finished product. That might not seem like much, but when every single percentage point of discretionary mass plays an important role, 4 grams is a notable 2 percent dip.

Last but not least, each model has a through-slot sole allowing the face to flex more at impact, especially on shots hit towards the lower part of the face – a common miss for longer clubs as golfers try to “lift” shots into the air. When all of this is put together you have the most refined and versatile utilities TaylorMade has ever released.

Speaking of versatility, the Stealth UDI and DHY skip the adjustable sleeve treatment seen in many other TaylorMade clubs, but they’re still highly customizable. Both the UDI and DHY can be bent plus or minus 2 degrees to dial in lie angle and ball flight — just don’t forget to stop by a custom clubfitter to dial in your best combination.

UDI

In many ways, the new Stealth UDI (Ultimate Driving Iron) looks like a slightly larger version of the P790, and when you consider the popularity of the P790, it’s not hard to see why the engineers at TaylorMade decided to optimize that profile.

The UDI offers a traditional long iron look from the address position with a square topline and leading edge to make it easy to aim and blend into any set. A rear position weight centers and raises mass to offer low launch performance.

DHY

Although the new Stealth DHY (Driving Hybrid) shares a similar look to the UDI, the Stealth is more hybrid than true driving iron. This comes thanks to a rounded sole and lower profile — which pushed the Z-axis (up and down) center of gravity almost 3mm lower in the head than the UDI to increase launch while keeping a lower spin.

To put 3mm into context, a golf ball’s equator sits at 21.34mm, so 3mm is more than 14 percent lower compared to the UDI. That makes it easy to use and still easier to control — a big win-win.

Specs and Availability

Both the new Stealth UDI and the DHY will be available for online preorder through TaylorMade accounts starting July 5, and at retail locations beginning July 15 for $249.

The UDI will come in lofts of 18, 20, and 23 degrees (23-degree right-hand only), with Aldila’s Ascent Black 90/100 in X-Flex and S-Flex as stock options

The DHY will come in lofts 17, 19, 22 and 25 degrees ( 17- and 25-degree right-hand only), with Aldila’s Ascent Black 75 in S-flex, 65 in R-flex, and 55 in R-flex.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.

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The post ClubTest Live: Augusta patrons use their SIM2 to battle the TaylorMade Stealth appeared first on Golf.

The post ClubTest Live: Augusta patrons use their SIM2 to battle the TaylorMade Stealth appeared first on Golf.

How much better is the new TaylorMade Stealth Driver than its predecessor? Luke and Matt from Kansas City found out with the help of GOLF Managing Equipment Editor Jonathan Wall.

The post ClubTest Live: Augusta patrons use their SIM2 to battle the TaylorMade Stealth appeared first on Golf.

The post ClubTest 2022: TaylorMade Stealth hybrids tested and reviewed appeared first on Golf.

The post ClubTest 2022: TaylorMade Stealth hybrids tested and reviewed appeared first on Golf.

This year’s ClubTest is bigger and better than ever. To help you make sense of the mountain of high-tech new clubs on the market, we put all of the latest offerings from the top golf club manufacturers to the ultimate test. Below you will find the test results and complete reviews of TaylorMade’s new Stealth lines of hybrids.

You can find the full list of ClubTest hybrid reviews here.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.

TAYLORMADE HYBRID REVIEWS

TaylorMade Stealth Rescue

We tested: 19°, 22°, 25°, 28°, 31°

Our take: TaylorMade continues to pump out success rescue products. Stealth Rescue is the latest example of a strong long-iron replacement for better players and mid-handicappers alike. “The ball turns over with ease, and I really like the look,” said a tester. “It’s probably my favorite of the rescues I tested. It does it all. Long irons have never been my thing, so I’d be fine with two or three of these in the bag.”

TaylorMade Stealth Rescue hybrids

The newly designed carbon crown relocates 7 grams of mass, creating a hybrid that’s easy to launch with incredible stability while the laser etches alignment aid is designed to highlight directional alignment for boosted confidence and accurate aim.

$279.99 from Fairway Jockey

The details: TaylorMade calls it a “rescue,” which is fitting when you consider the Stealth Rescue is here to save you in a pinch. The generous profile is paired with a new carbon crown construction that allowed for 7 grams of discretionary weight to be positioned low in the head to increase launch. A heavy V-Steel sole serves a dual purpose, enhancing launch and turf interaction at the same time. 

TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue

We tested: 17°, 19.5°, 22°

Our take: Not all rescues are created equal. For most golfers, the rescue is a delivers a blend of forgiveness and versatility that makes it a must-add. Of course, better players need to be considered as well when designing a rescue. The Stealth Plus is an option for the more accomplished player with a svelte profile and more penetrating launch. “I could see myself playing this one,” commented a tester. “And I don’t consider myself a hybrid/rescue. It has a clean profile. You can tell TaylorMade put some effort into shaping this one.”

TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue hybrid

Smaller, more compact shape for added versatility for players looking for iron-like flight and workability. Newly optimized CG placement provides incredible speed, forgiveness and accuracy from any lie.

$299.99 from Fairway Jockey

The details: The high toe profile and compact shape is for the better player. Full stop. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should refrain from playing it if you’re a 15 or 20, but the Stealth offers a combination of performance and high launch that should be more up your alley. The ultra-strong C300 Steel face and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket found on the Plus version work in tandem to produce some impressive ball speed numbers. The V-Steel sole is also situated in a way where golfers will see mid launch characteristics.

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The post ClubTest Proving Ground: Can TaylorMade Stealth best SIM2 in a ball speed battle? appeared first on Golf.

The post ClubTest Proving Ground: Can TaylorMade Stealth best SIM2 in a ball speed battle? appeared first on Golf.

It’s the ball speed battle you’ve been waiting for: TaylorMade Stealth versus SIM2.

In the latest edition of GOLF’s ClubTest Proving Ground, Jonathan Wall and Andrew Tursky put TaylorMade’s ball speed claims to the test to see how the 60-layer Carbon Twist Face fares against the titanium version found on last year’s SIM2.

The head-to-head test consisted of Tursky hitting three balls with each driver to determine if a ball speed increase was evident. In addition to tracking ball speed, we also took a closer look at launch and spin numbers on Foresight’s GCQuad to see if Tursky could replicate what he was used to seeing with his SIM2 gamer.

TAYLORMADE STEALTH CUSTOM DRIVER

$579.99

Buy Now from Fairway Jockey

If you’re in the market for a new driver this season, this video should give you a good idea of Stealth bona fides.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.

The post ClubTest Proving Ground: Can TaylorMade Stealth best SIM2 in a ball speed battle? appeared first on Golf.

The post FIRST LOOK: TaylorMade’s Stealth irons aim to deliver speed in a sleeker package appeared first on Golf.

The post FIRST LOOK: TaylorMade’s Stealth irons aim to deliver speed in a sleeker package appeared first on Golf.

TaylorMade’s Stealth iron is categorized as a “game-improvement” model — a term that’s been used for years to describe clubs geared for the mid-to-high handicap golfer who craves, most importantly, forgiveness and ball speed.

Irons in this category of the industry have traditionally been bulky and slightly oversized to achieve their stated goals, but with a big assist from new technologies and computer-aided design, it’s no longer a requirement to go up in size to gain the forgiveness and speed you seek.

To hammer this point home, TaylorMade reduced the number of models in its Stealth lineup to just a single game-improvement model that’s designed to do it all, without the additional heft.

“Golf’s an egotistical game,” said Matt Bovee, TaylorMade’s product creation, irons. “It’s why you try to crush a [7-iron] instead of going with a soft 6. Players want to have a club that either projects the image of the player they want to be, or who they feel they are — even if that’s not really how good they are. They all want to embody that image, so let’s give them what they want in the game-improvement space, with the benefit of more performance.”

While the iron is designed around a sleeker overall look — think P700 Series — TaylorMade didn’t make sacrifices to the technologies housed inside the hollow-body construction. A multi-material Cap Back design, which was initially introduced with SIM, continues to allow the face to flex without affecting the overall center of gravity location. The design is focused around a low-density polymer that supports the entire topline (heel-to-toe) and cavity, adding rigidity to the structure at impact.

Based on recent testing with the Stealth iron, the design is for real. GOLF’s Andrew Tursky picked up nearly 40 yards with the iron during initial testing — a number that almost didn’t seem real at the time.

Along with adding rigidity to the head, an active Thru-Slot Speed Pocket enlarges the unsupported area of the face, creating a larger sweet spot for golfers who struggle with consistent contact. To improve the overall sound and feel of the iron, a dampening system was positioned behind the 450 stainless steel face, in addition to internal ribs, to absorb unwanted vibrations and elicit a solid sound at impact.

TaylorMade also added a new wrinkle to the Cap Back design, removing 10 grams of mass from the toe and placing it deep in the head for a CG that’s 0.8 millimeters lower. The end result is a higher launch that should make it easier to stop the ball on the green, particularly for those who’ve consistently struggled to get the ball airborne.

Moving that much mass into the sole forced TaylorMade designers to get creative with the sole design, which increased by 3 millimeters, and add a trailing edge chamfer to make the sole look visually smaller at address.

“The trailing edge chamfer is as much visual as it is functional,” Bovee said. “It changes the way the iron looks and gives it a different attitude, but it also allows us to store more mass in the sole, especially when you’re moving it from high to low.”

TaylorMade’s Stealth (4-PW) retails for $999 (steel) and $1,099 (graphite) and comes standard with KBS Max MT 85 steel (S, R) or Fujikura’s Ventus Red graphite shafts (7S, 6R & 5A). The irons will be available at retail on April 1.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.

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The post FIRST LOOK: TaylorMade’s 2022 Stealth drivers and fairway woods appeared first on Golf.

The post FIRST LOOK: TaylorMade’s 2022 Stealth drivers and fairway woods appeared first on Golf.

TaylorMade knows what you’re probably thinking: the carbon face has been done before. In the early 2000s, several equipment manufacturers released drivers sporting a carbon-composite face, but nothing stuck.

The knock on the material, as it pertained to face construction, was that it never produced the sound (too dull) or ball speed numbers (too slow) to make it a viable long-term option.

Titanium was just starting to take off and gradually became the face material du jour, but this wasn’t the end for carbon composite. Club engineers still found carbon to be beneficial as a means to remove discretionary mass from the crown and sole, repositioning it in strategic locations to enhance launch, spin and stability.

Indeed, carbon had a place in the industry, but it wasn’t in the face. Or at least that’s what many assumed.

While TaylorMade pressed on with titanium, they continued to conduct research behind the scenes with carbon over the next two decades. Carbon faces with a layer of titanium and futuristic polymer covers were tested out — along with a $1,000-plus carbon face driver called Gloire Reserve that debuted around 2013 — but it wasn’t until 2018 that TaylorMade started to view carbon as a potential titanium replacement.

“We’ve found ways to move driver technology and face design forward,” said Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade’s senior director of product creation. “But, like anything else, there’s an expiration on certain materials and technologies. As an R&D organization, we’re trying to look into the future and see what our next 5 to 10 years are going to look like.

“What we learned is there is no dramatic improvement for titanium, so we could see that writing on the wall about 3 to 4 years ago when we introduced the Speed Injection Technology. Now we were really at the limit of how good — and fast — we could make the face.”

Over the next four years, TaylorMade worked diligently on a driver that’s been dubbed the “Carbonwood.” In TaylorMade’s eyes, the 60-layer Carbon Twist Face found on the new Stealth, Stealth Plus and Stealth HD (High Draw) is the future of driver face design. The company is so bullish, in fact, they’re ceasing production of titanium drivers going forward. This is the point of no return.

TAYLORMADE STEALTH CUSTOM DRIVER

$579.99

Buy Now from Fairway Jockey

“We’re sunsetting the entire technology that brought us to the game, which is metalwoods,” Bystedt said. “It’s going to be goodbye. We started this and now we’re killing it.”

Killing off a known technology for an unknown came with some significant hurdles that TaylorMade had to clear before bringing the can’t-miss red carbon face to retail. It started with figuring out the manufacturing process, which has more steps than you’d find at an automotive assembly plant. It’s one of the reasons TaylorMade started manufacturing the carbon face well before SIM2 was released.

“We needed to learn as much as we could about the manufacturing early on,” said Bystedt. “To make a couple thousand is one thing, but to make a hundred or two hundred thousand is a different deal, and you learn a lot during the process.”

What TaylorMade learned during the manufacturing process was that carbon held performance benefits. Reducing the overall face weight (26 grams overall) by 40 percent — when compared to a titanium face — allowed designers to increase the face size by 11 percent (versus SIM2) and add weight to the body to maximize the transfer of momentum at impact by positioning more mass behind the face for a higher COR (Coefficient of Restitution) value.

“This is not a weight savings for other benefits, it’s to get you more ball speed,” said Bystedt. “We’re not changing the stiffness of the face; it’s the same stiffness as a titanium face, which is why the CT readings will be the same. But now we’re able to deliver a higher COR with the same CT value. It’s the secret sauce.”

The results have already shown up early testing with TaylorMade’s Tour staff, where Tommy Fleetwood and Sergio Garcia both saw an increase of over 2 miles per hour in the ball speed department. During GOLF’s robot testing, data revealed a similar increase of 2 miles per hour during head-to-head testing between the Stealth and SIM2 Max.

To give the face the right amount of spin with ideal launch conditions, a polyurethane layer was added to the carbon fiber that includes full-face scorelines to improve spin in wet conditions. To produce optimal spin in dry conditions, a microtexture was situated between the grooves to reduce spin at impact.

A titanium sole and internal sound ribs were also added — SIM2 featured a mostly carbon sole construction — to increase the “metallic” noise and feel at impact, thus eliminating the sound issues that plagued previous carbon faces. The changes have been well received by many of TaylorMade’s Tour staffers, who chose Stealth over SIM2 in a sentiment rating regarding sound and feel.

TaylorMade’s Stealth lineup consists of three different models. The standard Stealth ($579.99; 9, 10.5, 12 degrees) has more weight situated low and deep in the head for a 15 percent higher MOI when compared to the Stealth Plus. The Stealth Plus ($599.99; 8, 9, 10.5 degrees) offers an adjustable weight track in the sole for shot shaping purposes and provides 200-300 RPMs less spin. The draw-biased Stealth HD ($579.99; 9, 10.5, 12 degrees) is designed to promote a right-to-left flight, with similar spin to the Stealth, via an Inertia Generator positioned more in the heel. Drivers will be available for pre-order Jan. 4, and at retail Feb. 4.

While the Stealth ($329.99; 15, 16.5, 18, 21, 24 degrees) and Stealth Plus ($429.99; 13.5, 15, 19 degrees) fairway woods don’t feature a carbon face, they both house some new technology.

With a larger overall profile, the 190cc Stealth features a 3D carbon crown that made it possible for engineers to place more weight low and deep in the head to increase launch and bolster forgiveness. A C300 Twist Face is geared to ramp up speed, while TaylorMade’s V Steel sole is designed to promote versatility with reduced drag when hitting off the turf.

The 175cc Stealth Plus is built around the same ZATECH Titanium face found on the SIM and SIM2. The ultra-thin, resilient material maintains a high level of ductility while still promoting fast ball speeds across the entire structure. An 80-gram V Steel sole helps improve the overall forgiveness — Stealth Plus boasts the lowest CG even in an adjustable fairway wood — of the head without sacrificing turf interaction.

When compared to SIM2, the Stealth Plus delivers a 12 percent higher MOI (a measure of forgiveness); that number increases to 18 percent in a head-to-head with the original SIM.

Much of the improvement in forgiveness can be attributed to an infinity crown design that increased the carbon surface area by 12 percent. Much of the discretionary weight saved from the crown was then positioned low in the head for stability purposes.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.

The post FIRST LOOK: TaylorMade’s 2022 Stealth drivers and fairway woods appeared first on Golf.