Equipment
2022 TaylorMade Stealth driver: TaylorMade’s big bet on a carbon fiber driver face
The new TaylorMade Stealth driver began as a code-named project, the origins of which go back 20 years. The successor to the SIM line, TaylorMade’s family of Carbonwood drivers includes the Stealth, Stealth Plus, and Stealth HD.
The show-stopping feature of the new 2022 TaylorMade Stealth driver is its centerpiece technology, and it’s likely one you’ve already seen in our in-hand shots of Tiger Woods’ Stealth Plus: a carbon fiber face. For TaylorMade engineers, the conversion to carbon was aimed at one thing: more ball speed.
A close-up look at the new 60X Carbon Fiber Twist Face
The why and how of TaylorMade’s “60X Carbon Twist Face”
In a surprising departure from industry-standard titanium, TaylorMade engineers turned to another material to construct the face of the Stealth for better energy transfer: carbon. More specifically, 60 layers of strategically arranged carbon fiber sheets.
Interestingly, what TaylorMade is calling the “Carbonwood Age” began decades ago.
“In the mid-2000’s, our research team developed an understanding that the weight of the face can affect impact efficiency, more specifically, the lighter the face, the more efficient the impact and the better the ball speed,” says Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s Vice President Product Creation.
“We realized titanium faces could only take us so far and carbon would be the face material of the future. This breakthrough design of a lightweight carbon face in Stealth, has created a whole new starting line, a new era of drivers, a new threshold of performance and a new platform for more innovation.”
With the 60 layers of carbon, TaylorMade touts a thinner, lighter, larger face that features a higher COR (coefficient of restitution) and improved face geometry.
As a result of using a lighter material (carbon), the Stealth’s face is, not surprisingly, substantially lighter than the SIM2. 40 percent lighter than a titanium face of the same size, the carbon face is just 26 grams.
TaylorMade Stealth: A 20-year project
TaylorMade engineers first developed a prototype titanium-covered carbon face in 2003. R&D efforts go back as far as 2000 (TaylorMade 360 days). Engineers then turned their attention to a polymer cover for the carbon fiber — which eventually became the Stealth’s nanotexture face.
In 2012, for the production of the Japan-only Gloire Reserve driver, TaylorMade developed a small-scale composite face production facility.
Following years of continued prototyping, in 2016 TaylorMade engineers developed new manufacturing techniques, which resulted in the first 60-layer carbon face and the beginning of the Stealth project (2018).
Innovation and new manufacturing processes are one thing, but mass production is quite another. And while this is a launch story about a family of products, the process of developing multiple plants for high-volume composite part production is another significant element of the Stealth saga.
Beyond carbon: Other Stealth technology
Nanotexture face technology: A thin polyurethane layer overtop of the carbon fiber creates a surface that is both strong and flexible for improved launch. It’s calibrated to produce ideal friction in dry conditions and features full-face scorelines that also perform particularly well in wet conditions.
According to TaylorMade, the nanotexture face works in conjunction with the company’s Twist Face and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket for enhanced forgiveness on strikes across the face.
“The technological innovation of our nanotexture technology brings the entire face together and was a key to making this driver a reality,” Tomo Bystedt, Senior Director Product Creation, Carbonwood Drivers said. “Without this revolutionary cover design, we could not have achieved the launch and spin performance required to extract the optimal performance in dry as well as wet conditions. Once we added the nanotexture technology to the grooves, we were able to unlock the full performance of a carbon face.” –
Inertia Generator: Following in SIM’s footsteps, Stealth features an asymmetric Inertia Generator to facilitate optimum speed at impact. Additionally, the Inertia Generator allows additional weight to be placed at the rear of the club for higher MOI, higher launch, and greater forgiveness.
A few comparisons to SIM2
- Same CT as SIM2 but 1.1 mph more ball speed
- 11 percent larger face than SIM2
- 250-300 RPM less spin
- Carbon fiber face is as durable as titanium
- Even better sound, based on sentiment rating in player testing
Our Brian Knudson, host of the Club Junkie podcast, had a chance to hit the new Stealth. Here’s what BK had to say
“The first shot left me looking back at the TaylorMade folks in shock. TaylorMade somehow engineered this carbon fiber face to sound and feel like titanium. The Stealth and Stealth Plus were extremely forgiving and consistent on the range. My dispersion was very tight, and I felt like the Stealth launched a little flatter than my SIM2 Max.”
2022 TaylorMade Stealth drivers: The models
TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver
- Carbon Twist Face weight savings allow for a 10-gram sliding weight track
- Lowest-spinning driver in the family
TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver: 60X Carbon Twist Face
TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver: Weight track, Inertia Generator
TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver: Rear view
TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver: Carbon fiber crown
TaylorMade Stealth driver
- Carbon Twist Face weight savings allow more weight to be positioned low and deep in the head
- 15 percent more MOI compared to Stealth Plus
- 200-300 RPMs more spin compared to Stealth Plus
TaylorMade Stealth driver: Face view
TaylorMade Stealth driver: Sole view
TaylorMade Stealth driver: Rear view
TaylorMade Stealth driver: Crown
TaylorMade Stealth HD driver
- Draw-bias plus high MOI thanks to the Carbon Twist Face weight savings
- Inertia Generator closer to the heel produces the highest MOI in the Stealth family
- Similar spin to Stealth Plus
TaylorMade Stealth HD driver: Face
TaylorMade Stealth HD driver: Sole
TaylorMade Stealth HD driver: Rear view
TaylorMade Stealth HD driver: Crown
TaylorMade Stealth Women’s driver
- Slightly lighter head weight
- Different colorway, look
- Slightly draw-biased
2022 TaylorMade Stealth: Specs, pricing, availability
Stealth Plus, Stealth, and Stealth HD drivers will be available for preorder January 4 and at retail February 4.
Stealth Plus
- MSRP: $599.99 USD
- Lofts: 8, 9, 10.5 degrees
- Stock shafts: Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Red 60, Mitsubishi’s Kai’li White 60
- Grip: Lamkin’s Crossline black/red
Stealth
- MSRP: $579.99 USD
- Lofts: 9, 10.5, 12 degrees
- Stock shafts: Fujikura Ventus Red 5, Aldila Ascent Red 60
- Grip: Lamkin’s Crossline black/red
Stealth HD
- MSRP: $579.99 USD
- Lofts: 9, 10.5, 12 degrees
- Stock shaft: Fujikura Air Speeder 45
- Grip: Lamkin’s Crossline black/red
Per TaylorMade, “Women’s stock offerings include the Aldila Ascent Ladies 45 shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip. With an elevated focus on customization and club fitting, women golfers can find a full array of components in the Custom Shop at TaylorMadeGolf.com, including lightweight shafts, grips and more.”
Brian Knudson took a deep dive with TaylorMade’s Tomo Bystedt into all things Stealth woods. Club junkies won’t want to miss!
MyStealth
Of particular interest to GolfWRXers, TaylorMade is continuing its “My” program with Stealth.
Via the MyStealth program: In the Stealth Plus model, golfers can choose from various options to create a driver look and feel to match their personal style
- Face color: Six color options include red, green, yellow, blue, orange, and grey
- Body color: Two color options include black and chalk (right hand only)
- Crown finish: Gloss or matte, with or without the TaylorMade ‘T-logo’
- Sole decal color: Eight color options include blue, black, red, orange, green, gold, pale blue and volt
- Head covers: Mono or color
MyStealth: Specs, pricing, availability
MyStealth is offered in the Stealth Plus model, with various cosmetic combinations. MyStealth will be available for preorder on January 4 and at TaylorMadeGolf.com as well as select retail locations starting February 4, 2022. MSRP: $699.99 USD. MyStealth will be offered in 9 and 10.5-degree lofts and features fully customizable shaft and grip components.
Cameron Young’s WITB from his win at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. Cameron is a Titleist staff player but his bag is definitely filled with some unique clubs. Here are the clubs he used to secure his first PGA Tour win!
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ 10 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 631.CY Prototype (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 52-12F, 56-14F @57), WedgeWorks (60-K* @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Prototype
- Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist GT3 (10 degrees, C2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X
7-wood: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T150 (4, 5), Titleist T100 (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper AMT Tour White X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F, 56-08M @57, 60-04T @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback 1.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Yellow
We’re proud to once again partner with 2nd Swing Golf to bring you GolfWRX Members Choice 2025! 2nd Swing has more than 150,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.
What is the best driver in 2025? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. When it comes to the best driver of 2025, we want to know what our forum faithful think.
Since our founding in 2005, the bedrock of GolfWRX.com has been the community of passionate and knowledgeable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members — the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.
Below are the results of GolfWRX member voting for the 2025 best driver, along with the vote percentage for each club.
Best driver of 2025: The top 5
5. Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond: 6.02%
Callaway’s pitch: “For golfers looking for a fast, forgiving, yet workable driver, the Elyte Triple Diamond features a tour-inspired shape and is the preferred model by most Callaway tour players.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond here.
4. Ping G440 Max: 6.86%
Ping’s pitch: “The most forgiving G440 model, MAX has a hotter face to generate speed and distance, and a lighter overall system weight with a longer shaft (46″) for faster clubhead speed, higher launch and longer carries. The Free Hosel and Carbonfly Wrap crown save weight to create our lowest CG ever and increase forgiveness while contributing to a more muted, pleasing sound.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 Max here.
3. Ping G440 LST: 9.53%
Ping’s pitch: “LST is an especially good fit for faster swings, offering less spin and more control with a penetrating trajectory. A hotter face, lighter overall system weight and longer shaft (46″) deliver more speed and distance while maintaining tight dispersion.”
@phizzy30: “Not a fan of Ping drivers in general, but 440 LST takes the cake. It’s super forgiving across the face for a low spin head, looks and sounds good and the ability to make it play neutral or slightly fade biased through the hosel settings is very appealing.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 LST here.
2. Titleist GT3: 16.55%
Titleist’s pitch: “The GT3 Driver offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization through adjustable performance. Dial in the CG Track to your frequent contact location to make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.”
@mrmikeac: “I’ve been Anti-Titleist for years and years and years (outside of Vokey, of course). With that being said, HOLY BEGEEZUS the GT3 driver is an absolute NUCLEAR MONSTER! This thing blew my G430 10K Max out of the water in every single category. Forgiveness is the biggest thing that stands out of me, the 3 model has always been one of the less forgiving models in the past but this GT3 can take bad shot after bad shot and still end up in the fairway, I think a ton of that has to do with the adjustability, it’s actually effective. Feel and sound is perfect, that solid crack is so addicting to hear and when you hit it out the screws this thing can absolutely bomb it. Titleist, I’m sorry for doubting you. You have converted me.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT3 here.
1. Titleist GT2: 22.91%
Titleist’s pitch: “Delivering impressive distance from any impact point, the Titleist GT2 Driver extracts maximum performance through a forgiving design. Get the stability and added confidence of a high-MOI driver without sacrificing speed.”
@DTorres: “The Titleist GT2 has proven to be the best driver of the year. Packaged in a classic profile, GT2 perfectly balances performance and forgiveness while consistently being a high performer across all categories.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT2 here.
Other drivers receiving >2% of the vote
| Driver | Vote percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Cobra DS Adapt Max K | 4.85% |
| Ping G430 Max 10K | 3.85% |
| Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond | 3.68% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 | 3.51% |
| Callaway Elyte | 3.18% |
| Cobra DS Adapt X | 2.34% |
| Cobra DS Adapt LS | 2.17% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 LS | 2.17% |
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Ugly Driver
Jan 31, 2022 at 1:47 pm
1 and done.
Pingback: TaylorMade Stealth Launch Day Report: Everything you need to know about TaylorMade’s new driver – GolfWRX
Vince Guest
Jan 5, 2022 at 7:21 am
Holding out for Stealth 2…..coming soon.
stealth owner
Jan 4, 2022 at 11:12 pm
its worth it. its fast, forgiving, easy to hit
Brandon
Jan 4, 2022 at 8:50 pm
If you get a Grey face, matte top, and black out everything else on the MyStealth page it will actually look stealth. That’s what they should have done to begin with.
Dannyboy
Jan 4, 2022 at 7:51 pm
Just over the marketing bologna … no significant change over the last 3 years from the big brands.
BJ
Jan 17, 2022 at 9:40 am
WAY WRONG….
Bruce
Jan 4, 2022 at 7:41 pm
I wonder if it’s USGA conforming? They were probably scratching their heads over that face coating . . .
geohogan
Jan 4, 2022 at 7:39 pm
IMO most signicant is decrease in weight of the face= much more perimeter weighting, allowing more “mass”
as in F=ma.
The face isnt rugged enough for the fairway and hybrid clubs?
leon
Jan 4, 2022 at 1:21 pm
The COR is capped and limited to 0.83. Wonder how can TW further increase it…
Michael Bigham
Jan 4, 2022 at 11:47 am
Wow! only $600 for a driver that’s going to give me an extra three yards, and I get to look at That hideous face every time I tee It up. I can’t wait!
Jeff Reed
Jan 4, 2022 at 12:28 pm
$849.00 with a shaft upgrade. Yikes.
Jack Nash
Jan 4, 2022 at 12:44 pm
60 layers of carbon fibre, at 10 bucks a layer isn’t too bad when you consider they said they’ve been working on it for 20 yrs. Lol. Then when you consider it’s 14 times more carbon intensive to make than steel, it’s obvious where TM is getting theres and that’s China. Only 3 countries make carb fibre for manufacturing. U.S. , China, and Japan. If made in the first and latter that driver would cost close to a grand, but Not when China’s involved.
Jon
Jan 4, 2022 at 1:25 pm
Why are you looking at the face on the tee box?
Rascal
Feb 23, 2022 at 5:31 pm
Because he had to find something to whine about, nothing new.
Jason
Jan 4, 2022 at 11:38 am
I can’t wait til next month, when they introduce something else.
Drkviol801
Jan 5, 2022 at 12:15 am
Me too #metoo
Carloyn
Jan 5, 2022 at 4:07 am
You know they have to come out with new “Patend” clubs every year so they can Control the retail price….if not retailers could sell them for what they want….the amazing way to skip fair trade laws which once were great but cooperate Lawyers tour them apart over the years…You all know that NO buddy can sell OEM golf club for less then MSRP even at the end of a products run OEM control the price..IE everyone sells Callaway Maverick driver for $299 now, notice no one selling it for $289 or $279….
Vas
Jan 4, 2022 at 9:45 am
This one is interesting. If a perfectly-fit Stealth+ gives an additional 1.1 mph of ball speed over my perfectly-fit Sim 2, I’ll buy one… used… in late-summer.
dat
Jan 4, 2022 at 9:20 am
How much??? $600. What?