TaylorMade is one of the leading brands in golf equipment, and their drivers are known for their innovative technology and excellent performance. In 2022, they introduced the Stealth driver, which featured a carbon composite face that was lighter and faster than titanium. The Stealth driver was a success in the market and on professional tours, and it set a new standard for carbon-face driver performance.
In 2023, TaylorMade took it a step further with the launch of the Stealth 2 Carbonwood family, which includes three models: Stealth 2 Plus, Stealth 2, and Stealth 2 HD. These drivers are designed to deliver more carbon, more forgiveness, and more personalization than ever before. They are constructed using a new Carbon Reinforced Composite Ring and feature more lightweight material overall than any other driver in TaylorMade history.
In this article, we’re matching up the TaylorMade Stealth vs TaylorMade Stealth Plus as there are some key differences in the second iteration of these drivers for 2023. We will highlight their key features, their main differences, and how you can expect the drivers to perform on the course. TaylorMade Stealth 2 drivers are arguably the best drivers on the market today, and we want to make sure you are informed on the differences between the TaylorMade Stealth vs TaylorMade Stealth Plus drivers before you buy.
Key Features
The Stealth 2 driver and the Stealth 2 Plus driver share a number of common features that make them stand out from other drivers on the market. Here are some of the key features that they have in common:
- Improved 60X Carbon Twist Face: This is an enhanced version of the original 60X Carbon Twist Face that was introduced in the Stealth driver. It features an inverted cone technology that helps maintain ball speed on off-center strikes and increase forgiveness. The face is constructed by 60 distinct layers of carbon fiber that are arranged to provide a more flexible perimeter with thinner sections around the center thicker region. The face is also lighter than titanium, which allows for more mass redistribution for optimal launch and spin.
- More Carbon All Around: Compared to the original Carbonwood, both drivers utilize more carbon in their construction. The Stealth 2 driver uses roughly double the amount of carbon compared to the original Stealth driver. Meanwhile, the Stealth 2 Plus driver features 75 percent more carbon than its predecessor. Both drivers also feature a new Carbon Reinforced Composite Ring that wraps around the entire head and connects to the crown and sole.
- Premium Sound: TaylorMade went all in on a great-sounding driver. Both drivers feature a carefully tuned, bright, and powerful sound profile. The sound is designed to match the feel and performance of the drivers. You’ll love the sound of this club while hitting your tee shots.
- Head Size: Both driver heads between the TaylorMade Stealth vs TaylorMade Stealth Plus feature the same 460cc size. This is beneficial to all players as you won’t be sacrificing a large amount of power or distance between the two drivers.
- FCT Loft Sleeve: Much like many other drivers on the market, both Stealth 2 drivers feature an adjustable hosel that changes loft by plus/minus two degrees. This allows golfers to optimize their launch and trajectory according to their preferences and playing conditions.
Main Differences between the TaylorMade Stealth vs TaylorMade Stealth Plus
While both drivers share some common features, they also have some significant differences that make them suitable for different types of golfers. Let’s break down the key differences between the TaylorMade Stealth vs TaylorMade Stealth Plus:
- Sliding Weight Track: The Stealth 2 Plus driver features a sliding weight track that includes a 15g weight that can be positioned for your preferred shot shape. All you need to do is move the weight from heel to toe to adjust your draw or fade bias. The weight track is labeled to easily adjust the weight to your shot preferences. The Stealth 2 driver does not have this feature, and the only trajectory adjustments you can make with the Stealth 2 is with the hosel.
- Added Weight: The Stealth 2 has a silver-colored 25g weight positioned on the sole of the driver for added forgiveness. You will get a lighter 15g weight positioned on the sole of the driver with the Stealth 2 Plus. Between the 15g sliding weight track and the 15g weight in the sole, you get slightly more weight added to the Stealth 2 Plus than the Stealth 2. This can make a difference in your shot based on how fast you swing the driver.
- Spin and Launch: The Stealth 2 Plus driver is designed to produce low spin and high launch for maximum distance and controlled ball flight. This will come in handy for a faster swing speed. It has a slightly forward center of gravity position that reduces spin and increases ball speed. The Stealth 2 driver is designed to produce mid-spin and mid-launch for balanced performance. Due to the 25g weight at the sole of the driver, it has a slightly rearward center of gravity position that increases forgiveness and stability.
- Price: There is a slight difference in price between the Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 Plus. Typically you can expect around a $20-$30 difference between the two drivers. That mainly comes in the form of more personalization capabilities with the Stealth 2 Plus.
Performance
Let’s break down the performance of the TaylorMade Stealth vs TaylorMade Stealth Plus drivers based on some criteria that will matter to you while on the golf course. Here are some of our observations:
- Distance: Both drivers produced impressive distance, but we found that the Stealth 2 Plus driver gave us slightly more carry and total distance than the Stealth 2 driver. We found it was mainly due to its lower spin rate and higher ball speed that produced more carry. Overall, we noticed that the difference was not very significant, as both drivers were able to reach similar distances on most holes.
- Accuracy: Both drivers were fairly accurate and consistent, but we found that the Stealth 2 driver was more forgiving and easier to hit straight. The Stealth 2 Plus driver was more workable and adjustable, but it also required more precision and skill to hit the desired shot shape. We really liked that we could tweak the sliding weight on the Stealth 2 Plus driver to fine-tune ball flight based on some of our swing habits. While the workability of the Stealth 2 Plus was nice, we appreciated the simplicity and stability of the Stealth 2 driver.
- Look: There’s no denying that TaylorMade has produced an iconic design for the Stealth 2 drivers. Both drivers are sleek, modern, and even a little futuristic. The carbon materials used all around these drivers really make this feel like a premium driver. The blend of matte black with composite red really makes this driver shine and stand out above the crowd.
- Feel: There is far more in common with these two drivers than there are differences when it comes to feel. Both drivers were exceptional when it came to feel. Feel so good that we wouldn’t want to hit anything else on the driving range than the Stealth 2 drivers. You can’t go wrong with either the Stealth 2 or the Stealth 2 Plus when it comes to feel.
- Sound: TaylorMade made a point of featuring the sound profile of the driver when it released the Stealth 2 line of drivers. We knew were in for a treat when we teed off with these drivers. We found that the Stealth 2 Plus driver sounded more crisp and powerful than the Stealth 2 driver. It had a higher-pitched and louder sound that echoed across the range and the course. This is another category of performance where there is little difference between the two drivers.
Summary
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver and the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus driver are both excellent drivers that offer more carbon, more forgiveness, and more distance than ever before. They share innovative features that stand out from the crowd in the driver market, but not without their differences.
Remember that the Stealth 2 Plus driver is designed for golfers who want low spin and high launch as well as adjustability and workability for personalized performance. On the other hand, the Stealth 2 driver is designed for golfers who want mid-spin and mid-launch for balanced performance, as well as forgiveness and stability.
Both drivers are suitable for different user needs, so rather than pushing you towards one driver over the other, we encourage you to consider which product’s strengths align best with your own needs. If you are looking for more workability, power, and satisfaction, then we would recommend the Stealth 2 Plus driver. If you are looking for more forgiveness and stability with ample power, then we would recommend the Stealth 2 driver. Overall, you can’t go wrong with one of the best drivers available on the market from TaylorMade.