After over two decades of research and development, TaylorMade pushed the boundaries and created a new era of technology called Carbonwood.
Carbon is the prevalent design thread across the entire Stealth product line – from drivers to fairways and hybrids. That shared DNA makes this an unmistakable family, linked by the usage of advanced multi-material construction in pursuit of faster ball speeds, high MOI performance and precision playability.
“The 20-year journey to today is a reflection of the engineering and R&D teams at TaylorMade that never gave up on the idea of a carbon face driver. The technical challenges in creating a driver face with a new material are vast. How do we take a “space age” material known for its high strength & lightweight properties, but not inherently designed for impact applications, and make it into a driver face that delivers revolutionary ball speed? Through two decades of work our team was able to solve various hurdles and create numerous technological innovations in order to bring today’s most advanced and precise driver to market,” said Todd Beach, Senior Vice President R&D and Engineering
For the last 20 years, titanium has been the cornerstone of driver technology. However, TaylorMade engineers knew that every material had its limit. The innovation began with the Carbon Twist face which comprises of 60 layers carbon sheets arranged to optimise energy transfer.
TaylorMade’s engineering and research and development teams began exploring carbon faces in 2000, with the first prototype created in 2003 featuring a titanium cover. Six years later, research into a polymer cover began in hopes to improve launch conditions.
Then in 2012, a small-scale composite face production facility was built to support the 2013 launch of the limited-edition Japan-only Gloire Reserve driver. It served as a sign of readiness for this design platform and the progress of TaylorMade engineering.
In 2016, new manufacturing techniques led to the first development of a 60-layer carbon face. Work on these new Stealth models began in earnest in 2018, some 18 years after the process began.
In 2019, a state-of-the-art plant was commissioned and completed in 2021 to set the gold standard for high-volume production of composite parts. Every part of the process has been streamlined to reduce waste and increase efficiency. Simultaneously, additional facilities were constructed to bond the fully finished faces into castings.
TaylorMade’s 20-year journey to change the face of golf was also made possible by an innovative nanotexture cover that sits on top of the 60 layers of carbon. The nanotexture cover is made from a thin polyurethane layer that creates a strong and flexible striking surface which serves to optimise distance based on improving launch conditions in both dry and wet conditions.
“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. 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,” said Brian Bazzel, Vice President Product Creation
In the driver category, TaylorMade builds on its history of ground-breaking innovation with the introduction of the Stealth Plus, Stealth and Stealth HD Carbonwood Drivers.
The goal of any new technology is to create a measurable performance improvement for golfers. The 60 layers of carbon fibre in Stealth help do exactly that by providing more speed. The red carbon face delivers a higher COR and more precise face geometry through a lighter, but larger face.
TaylorMade engineers took advantage of the lightweight carbon material by creating a 26g face, which is 40 percent lighter than a titanium face of equivalent size. Because of that weight savings, the face size of Stealth is 11 percent larger than SIM2 and SIM2 Max drivers and nearly 20 percent larger than the 2020 SIM driver.
The weight savings and larger face size made possible by the 60X Carbon Twist Face delivered a stunning ball speed increase during player testing when comparing Stealth Plus and Stealth to the 2021 SIM2 and SIM2 Max drivers at better player swing speeds, unlocking a whole new level of driver performance.
The combination of the nanotexture cover, Twist Face and TaylorMade’s ultra-flexible ThruSlot Speed Pocket was engineered to produce forgiveness on strikes across the face.
Despite a larger face, clubhead speed does not decline with Stealth. The asymmetric Inertia Generator creates advanced aerodynamics at the most critical phase of the swing – from the downswing to the moment right before impact.
This breakthrough design optimises clubhead speed, while also allowing additional weight to be placed at the rear of the club to encourage higher MOI, high launch, and improved forgiveness.
The Stealth family of drivers suffer from a muted and low-energy sound profile. However, through fine-tuned acoustic precision, engineers have been able to create a bright and powerful sound and feel profile that is true to the high standards of TaylorMade drivers through recent years.
Stealth Plus Driver
Because of weight savings from the 60X Carbon Twist Face, engineers were able to incorporate the use of a 10g sliding weight track designed to help golfers control shot shape by shifting mass on the sole to create desired ball flight. Stealth Plus is designed to be the lowest spinning driver in the family.
Stealth Driver
Stealth benefits from the weight savings of the 60x Carbon Twist Face by more weight to be positioned low and deep in the head. This adds 15% more MOI when compared to Stealth Plus and is designed to provide 200-300 rpms more spin.
Stealth HD Driver
Often, standard draw bias designs promote a right-to-left ball flight at the expense of forgiveness. By utilising the weight savings from the 60X Carbon Twist Face and shifting the Inertia Generator closer to the heel, we’re able to maintain draw-bias while creating the highest MOI in the Stealth family of drivers. While providing additional draw-bias, the Stealth HD will have similar back-spin performance to Stealth.
Stealth Women’s Driver
The Stealth Women’s driver combines the technology of Stealth HD in a slightly lighter head weight and with a unique colourway and aesthetic. It maintains the high MOI head design for easy, high-launch with a touch of draw.
In addition to the drivers, TaylorMade also unveils the all-new Stealth Plus and Stealth fairway woods as well as its expanded hybrid offerings with the Tour-inspired Stealth Plus Rescue and Stealth Rescue.
Stealth Plus Fairway
The Stealth Plus fairway relies on the proven strength of ZATECH titanium, which is made in small batches using a unique process that allows engineers to improve the strength of the face and still maintain a high level of ductility. The ultra-thin construction promotes fast ball speeds and allows TaylorMade to push the limits of face flexibility.
An all-new infinity edge carbon crown creates a 12% larger carbon surface area compared to the SIM2 Titanium fairways, which allows the redistribution of more weight lower in the clubhead. Mass from the heavy 80g V Steel™ sole has been re-engineered for forgiveness while maintaining its core purpose of improving turf interaction and versatility.
The MOI on Stealth Plus is 12% higher than SIM2 Titanium and 18% higher than the original SIM titanium fairway. Overall, the design changes resulted in a club with the lowest CG ever in an adjustable TaylorMade fairway.
With a refined 175cc profile, the Stealth Plus fairway delivers the ideal blend of playability, shot making and distance. While the address area of Stealth Plus is only 2% larger than SIM2 to maintain versatility, the face area is 12% larger to provide improved performance on off-centre hits.
Stealth Fairway
In the Stealth model, the all-new 3D carbon crown allowed engineers to shift weight lower and deeper in the clubhead. With a larger profile compared to Stealth Plus (190cc vs. 175cc) and a refined V Steel sole, this fairway is the ultimate combination of distance and forgiveness. Stealth fairways feature C300 Twist Face®, which delivers top of the line 3-wood speed and the V Steel Sole promotes versatility and reduced turf drag.
Thru-Slot Speed Pocket provides increased face flexibility, preservation of ball speed and distance, especially on low-face strikes for both Stealth Plus and Stealth fairways.
Stealth fairways also come with a women’s specific offering featuring a stand-alone bright silver PVD sole and a dark silver crown. The women’s Stealth fairways also feature modified specs in the form of lighter heads and higher lofts in some cases, all designed to promote better performance for slower clubheads speeds.
Stealth Plus Rescue
Stealth Plus is a shot maker’s dream. The iron-like high-toe profile and compact overall footprint make it easier to control trajectory and shot shape, while maintaining added forgiveness compared to long irons.
A redesigned V Steel™ sole positions weight low in the club to encourage optimal launch properties and enhance turf interaction. Stealth Plus also features an adjustable loft sleeve that provides +/- 1.5° loft adjustability to optimise trajectory.
Stealth Rescue
The Stealth Rescue combines Tour-validated designs with a new carbon crown construction. In the world of golf equipment, engineers know the slightest weight shifts can significantly influence performance. The new carbon crown construction allows for the relocation of a massive 7 grams, transferring it lower in the head to better position CG for easy launch, optimal forgiveness, and better stability through impact. The V Steel sole positions weight low in the club to encourage high launch and enhanced turf interaction, making this club a weapon from any lie.
In both the Stealth Plus Rescue and Stealth Rescue, a high-strength C300 steel face delivers explosive ball speeds. The proven Twist Face design helps golfers overcome inherent mis-hit tendencies for straighter shots. The hyper-flexible Speed Pocket design is engineered to maximise ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low-face strikes.
Stealth Rescue hybrids come with the same women’s offering featuring a stand-alone bright silver PVD sole and a dark silver crown, as well as lighter heads and higher lofts for maximised performance.
All drivers, fairways and rescues are currently available at retail outlets.
Pricing and Shafts
The Stealth Plus driver has an MSRP of RM3,720 and will be offered in 8°, 9° and 10.5° lofts. Shaft offerings include Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Red 60, Mitsubishi’s Kai’li White 60 & Mitsubishi Tensei Silver TM50 with numerous custom shaft options available through custom fitting.
Stealth and Stealth HD have an MSRP of RM3,590 and will be offered in 9°, 10.5° and 12° lofts. Stealth shaft offerings include Fujikura Ventus Red 5, Aldila Ascent Red 60 & Mitsubishi Tensei Red TM50 with numerous custom shaft options available. Stealth HD shaft offerings include Fujikura Air Speeder 45 & Mitsubishi Tensei Red TM50, with numerous custom shaft options available.
Women’s stock offerings include the Mitsubishi Tensei Red Ladies shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip. With an elevated focus on customisation and club fitting, golfers can find a full array of components through authorised custom fitters. The custom process allows TaylorMade to build the ideal club for any golfer.
Stealth Plus Fairway has an MSRP of RM2,650 and will be offered in 3/15° and 5/19° lofts. It will be offered in the Mitsubishi Tensei Silver TM50, with numerous additional shaft options available. It comes stock with the Lamkin’s Crossline Black/Red Grip (50g).
Stealth Fairway has an MSRP of RM2,120.00 and will be offered in lofts of 3/15°, 3HL/16.5°, 5/18°, 7/21° and 9/24°. The stock shaft offering is Mitsubishi Tensei Red TM50, with additional custom shaft options available. Stealth fairways come stock with Lamkin’s Crossline Black/Red Grip (50g).
Women’s offerings include Mitsubishi Tensei Red Ladies shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip. Loft offerings include 3HL/16.5°, 5/19°, 7/21°, 9/24°.
The Stealth Plus Rescue has an MSRP of RM1,850.00 and will be offered in lofts of 2/17°, 3/19.5° and 4/22°. It will be offered in the Mitsubishi Tensei Silver TM70 shaft, with numerous custom shaft options available.
Stealth Rescue has an MSRP of RM1,720 and will be offered in lofts of 3/19°, 4/22°, 5/25°, 6/28° and 7/31°. It will be offered in the Mitsubishi Tensei Red TM60 shaft, with numerous custom shaft options available.
Women’s Stealth Rescue offerings include the Mitsubishi Tensei Red Ladies shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip (38g). Loft offerings include 4/23°, 5/26°, 6/28° and 7/31°.
