This can be a complete evaluation of the TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD driver.
The Stealth 2 HD options the identical improved Carbon Twist Face and carbon-focused development of the usual Stealth 2, however the Inertia Generator and heart of gravity are shifted in the direction of the heel, producing a draw bias that may assist in combat a slice.
The Stealth 2 HD is the highest-launching and most forgiving mannequin within the Stealth 2 line. However, how does it truly carry out when put to the check? How does it evaluate with the Stealth 2 and Stealth HD? Is it value placed within the bag?
Learn to search out what it’s good to know to make a knowledgeable buy.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat are the opinions like?
The Stealth 2 HD driver has been acquired very positively by customers and critics alike.
A gold medal winner on the 2023 Golf Digest Sizzling Listing, it presently enjoys a 4.6/5 (92% recommended) common rating on the TaylorMade website and a 4.5/5 on PGA TOUR Superstore.
What Folks Like
- draw bias has a major impact
- extra forgiving than the unique Stealth HD
- influence really feel is best than ever
- generates a ton of pace and distance
- conjures up confidence at tackle
What Folks Don’t Like
- adjustment instrument not included
- draw bias is just too robust for some
The Options
The Stealth 2 HD driver advantages from the identical applied sciences because the Stealth 2, particularly:
- New 60X Carbon Twist Face: ball pace and forgiveness on off-center strikes are improved with an enhanced model of Inverted Cone Expertise (ICT), and the face is barely lighter
- Carbon Bolstered Composite Ring: this runs across the head of the driving force, permitting for weight financial savings which are used to shift the CG again for larger MOI
- Inside Stiffening Ribs: used to finely tune acoustics for an energetic and highly effective sound
- Inertia Generator: seen in earlier fashions together with the M6, SIM, and SIM2, this distinctive sole form will increase aerodynamic membership head pace and shifts the CG again for elevated stability
The principle variations with the HD mannequin, past the marginally altered look, are:
- it comprises a 30g again weight versus 25g, leading to larger MOI and extra forgiveness
- the inventory shaft is 0.25 inches shorter to promote heart contact
- the pinnacle form is barely deeper and extra rounded
- the Inertia Generator is shifted extra in the direction of the heel to advertise a draw bias
Just like the Stealth 2, the Stealth 2 HD has practically double the quantity of carbon in its development in comparison with the unique Stealth HD.
Inventory Data
The Stealth 2 HD driver is obtainable in 9°, 10.5°, and 12° normal lofts at 460CC.
Included is an FCT loft sleeve which means that you can regulate loft, lie, and face angle. 12 doable sleeve variations may improve or lower the loft and lie angle by ±2°, and the face angle by ±4°.
Additionally obtainable is the Stealth 2 HD Women’s driver. It comprises the identical head applied sciences as the lads’ model however has a lighter gray color scheme and its inventory shaft, grip, swing weights and lengths are tailor-made for ladies to maximize their efficiency.
The inventory shaft is the Fujikura Speeder NX Pink. The inventory grip is the Golf Pleasure ZGRIP Plus2.
For those who’re, full info on the driving force, shafts, grips, their specs, and any customized choices may be discovered here.
Beneath are the specs of the Stealth 2 HD driver. Click on or zoom to enlarge.
The Efficiency
Distance
Going into my check, I used to be anticipating to see extra pace normally with the Stealth 2 HD in comparison with the Stealth HD.
The consequence was bittersweet. Whereas the clubhead pace was larger by a marginal quantity of around 1 mph, I didn’t see any perceptible improvement in the smash issue when hit within the candy spot. It’s just a little disappointing, nevertheless, it’s according to my outcomes testing the usual Stealth 2.
The Stealth 2 HD doesn’t increase the bar for draw-biased drivers within the distance class, nevertheless, it’s nonetheless very spectacular from an absolute standpoint.
Forgiveness
I am famous after I reviewed the unique Stealth HD and how spectacular the forgiveness was for a draw driver. The Stealth 2 HD improves even additional on this entrance.
The truth is, by way of ball pace preservation on mis-hits, I’d go as far as to say that the Stealth 2 HD is probably the most forgiving draw driver I’ve ever performed. Dispersions and directional forgiveness are nothing to sneeze at both.
This isn’t significantly stunning as a result of TaylorMade’s desires for the HD mannequin to not solely supply a slice-mitigating draw bias but in addition supply probably the most stability and MOI within the Stealth 2 line. This isn’t essentially simple to drag off however TaylorMade has achieved it fantastically.
Playability/Trajectory
Typical trajectories with the Stealth 2 HD are pretty excessive. Spin charges are excessive sufficient that slower swingers shouldn’t battle to get the ball up within the air, however on the identical time, the flight has respectable penetration with a good rollout.
I might characterize the draw bias as reasonable; it’s not fairly as robust as one thing just like the PING G430 SFT nevertheless it nonetheless makes a major distinction with regards to straightening out slices off the tee.
There’s predictably no sliding weight monitor on the Stealth 2 HD. And workability is the worst within the Stealth 2 line, making the driving force a poor selection for shot shapers.
The Look
The Stealth 2 HD driver shares the identical tasteful red-on-black color scheme with white detailing, shiny black crown, clear take-a-look-at tackle, and vivid crimson carbon face of the usual Stealth 2.
The good crimson Carbon Composite Ring is instantly seen not simply on the only, but on the crown as properly. The hanging crimson ring across the crown’s perimeter is a cool addition, and I additionally don’t discover it to be a distraction in the course of the swing which is at all times constructive.
In comparison with the Stealth 2, the Stealth 2 HD’s Inertia Generator is shifted extra in the direction of the heel, and the fastened round weight is positioned nearer to the hosel to emphasize that draw bias. The motive force additionally has a barely extra rounded form.
Despite it being a draw driver, the Stealth 2 HD truly has fairly an sq. and traditional take-a-look at tackle which I like.
The Sound & Really feel
The Stealth 2 HD driver feels similar to the unique Stealth HD; the influence produces a responsive, energetic, sharp “snap” that’s maintained exceptionally properly in mis-hit areas.
Sound is the place the true distinction is. It’s lower-pitched, quieter, and extra muted, which some folks will like and others gained’t. It’s a matter of choice, however, I desire it myself as a result I like my driver to have a tighter sound extra harking back to my fairway woods.
Put up in opposition to the opposite fashions within the Stealth 2 driver household, the HD unsurprisingly has the very best mis-hit really feel, though the distinction is small.
Suggestions are kind of on the extent of the usual Stealth 2, which means you’ll be able to usually discern the placement of influence for many strikes however not as simply as with the Stealth 2 Plus.
The place To Purchase This Driver On-line
You possibly can order a Stealth 2 HD driver along with your selection of loft and shaft on TaylorMade’s official store, or you’ll be able to optionally do full customization by way of their Custom Shop. The ladies’ model may be ordered here.
Another choice is PGA TOUR Superstore. They provide efficiency ensures, membership fittings, membership trade-ins, and different packages designed to make the shopping for expertise as clean as doable.
You may also purchase the Stealth 2 driver from Amazon however we consider there are higher choices.
Don’t neglect eBay, the place you’ll be able to usually discover unbeatable offers on new and used golf tools.
Conclusion
There’s little doubt that TaylorMade’s Stealth 2 HD is likely one of the finest draw driver choices for the 2023 season.
It ranks at or close to the highest in each class and both matches or outclasses the unique Stealth HD. It’s lengthy, tremendously forgiving, has an improbable really feel, and supplies a sturdy quantity of draw bias that may get slicers hitting the green constantly.
I’ll say, although, that once you pay $600 for a driver, the inclusion of an adjustment instrument ought to be automated. The Stealth 2 HD continues this development of not together with adjustment instruments with the acquisition, and for my part, it must go away.
within the Stealth 2 HD driver? Have you ever performed it? What’s your expertise? Tell us within the feedback under.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Driver
Professionals
- Uber forgiving
- Strong draw bias
- Wonderful clubhead pace
- Straightforward to launch
- Really feel is extra muted and complicated than the Stealth HD
Cons
- Adjustment instrument not included
- Anticipated just a little extra ball pace
Related Articles: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus+ Driver Assessment