TaylorMade has today announced its new Stealth game improvement irons, which are powered by the all-new Cap Back Design with toe wrap construction.

Building from the Cap Back Design in SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max OS irons – which utilized the concept of a multi-material hollow body construction – the new Stealth irons are engineered to improve face flexibility and deliver fast ball speeds.

All-new Cap Back Design

TaylorMade engineers created the multi-material Cap Back Design by utilizing the concept of the hollow iron but replacing the steel back with a low density, polymer composite cap.

This construction is designed to improve the face’s ability to flex, delivering ball speed and forgiveness without compromising the center of gravity (CG).

Cap Back Design supports the entire topline from heel to toe with the strong, lightweight polymer material spanning the entire cavity to provide additional rigidity in the upper part of the face. Working in unison with the flexible Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, it created a larger unsupported area of the face, translating to a larger and more intelligently positioned sweet spot.

Toe Wrap Construction

The toe wrap construction shifts substantial mass from the extreme high toe of the head and repositions it low in the sole of the iron.

This redistribution of mass lowers the center of gravity by up to 0.8 millimeters, resulting in an increased launch angle that is designed to produce a super-high ball flight, added distances and maximum stopping power.

“When we were thinking of the next level of Cap Back Design, we centered our thinking around the fact that the majority of golf shots happen at center face or lower. In order to drive performance lower in the club face, we needed to drive the center of gravity lower in the club face because where CG goes, the sweet spot follows. With the addition of toe wrap construction and the ability to move weight lower in the club, Stealth irons provide a perfect harmony of technology and design for the golfer who is looking for a performance advantage on the course.” – Matt Bovee, Product Creation, Irons

Along with the new features, the 2022 Stealth irons feature core TaylorMade iron technologies that have been engineered to integrate seamlessly within the latest designs.

Echo Damping System & Inverted Cone Technology

Hidden inside the Cap Back Design, the Echo Damping System spans the full face from the heel to the toe and uses multiple contact points on the face in design to absorb unwanted vibrations. Each damper has been uniquely designed for each individual iron, as ribbed structures align with the contact area and the Inverted Cone Technology surface featured in each club.

The Inverted Cone Technology is located heel-to-toe in the 4-PW of the 2022 Stealth irons. The 450 stainless steel face has a strategically positioned sweet spot that spans the most common impact points in design to deliver explosive ball speeds and consistency.

The long irons are designed with slightly more draw-bias than the mid-irons, which in turn have slightly more draw-bias than the short irons. This design element is intended to provide the most accurate ball flight for all levels of golfers.

The aesthetic of Stealth drew inspiration from TaylorMade’s P·700 series with the idea of providing players with an iron that looks visually appealing in their bag and at address.

In addition, the 360 Undercut Technology with stiffening topline ribs in the 4-7 irons in a bid to promote face flexibility and ball speed in these core lofts while maintaining desirable sound and feel. A fluted hosel design promotes lower and deeper CG placement to offer players improved launch characteristics while providing a clean look at address.

Hosel bending notch technology is again incorporated to allow for an easier lie and loft fitting, allowing every golfer to customize their setup.

Specs, Availability & Pricing

• Specs: 4-PW (7 pc. set with AW, SW & LW also available) 
• Stock Shaft: Men: KBS Max MT 85 steel shafts (S, R) or Fujikura’s Ventus Red graphite; Women: Aldila Ascent Ladies
• Availability: Pre-order January 4, 2022, and at retail beginning April 1
• Pricing: $999 steel/$1,099 graphite

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.

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 sheets.

• More photos of the TaylorMade Stealth driver in the GolfWRX forums. 

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.”

• See what GolfWRXers are saying about TaylorMade’s 2022 driver.

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.

• Check out in-hand photos of Tiger Woods’ Stealth Plus driver.

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 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 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

• More photos of the TaylorMade Stealth driver in the GolfWRX forums. 

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.

• More photos of the TaylorMade Stealth driver in the GolfWRX forums. 

TaylorMade has today introduced its all-new Stealth Plus and Stealth fairway woods along with expanded hybrid offerings with the Stealth Plus Rescue and Stealth Rescue.

Carbon is at the heart of the new Stealth fairways, hybrids and drivers, which are all linked by the multi-material construction that is designed to provide higher MOI, faster ball speeds and greater playability.

Stealth Plus Fairway

The new Stealth Plus fairway is constructed of Zatech titanium, which is made in small batches using a process that allows engineers to improve the strength of the face while still maintaining a high level of ductility. The ultra-thin construction is designed to promote fast ball speeds while allowing for greater face flexibility.

• More photos of TaylorMade’s Stealth fairway woods in the GolfWRX forums. 

The MOI on Stealth Plus is 12 percent higher than its predecessor, the SIM2 Titanium, and 18 percent higher than the original SIM titanium fairway. These changes have resulted in a club with the lowest CG in company history yet in an adjustable TaylorMade fairway.

The infinity-edge carbon crown creates a 12 percent 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 in pursuit of forgiveness while still maintaining its core purpose of improving turf interaction and versatility.

In addition, the Stealth Plus and Stealth fairways contain a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket designed to increase face flexibility, and preserve ball speed and distance, especially on low-face strikes.

The new Stealth Plus comes in a 175cc profile, with the address area of the Stealth Plus being only two percent larger than SIM2 in design to maintain versatility. The face area is 12 percent larger than its predecessor in a bid to provide improved performance on off-center hits.

Specs, Availability & Pricing

• Lofts: 3/13.5 degrees, 315 degrees, and 5/19 degrees
• Stock Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Red 70 (Additional shafts available at no cost)
• Availability: Pre-order on January 4 and at retail on February 4, 2022
• Pricing: $429.99

Stealth Fairway

The Stealth fairway features a larger profile compared to Stealth Plus (190cc vs 175cc) while also containing an all-new 3D carbon crown that allowed engineers to shift weight lower and deeper in the clubhead.

The new additions feature C300 Twist Face, which is designed to deliver added speed, with the V Steel Sole working in conjunction to promote versatility and reduced turf drag.

As with the Plus fairway, the Stealth features an advanced laser alignment aid that stretches across the top of the face. The laser-etched pattern was designed using optical engineering and player testing to deliver visual cues that influence alignment at address and how the club is delivered at impact.

The 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 clubhead speeds.

Specs, Availability & Pricing

• Lofts: 3/15 degrees, 3HL/16.5 degrees, 5/18 degrees, 7/21 degrees and 9/24 degrees
• Stock Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red (Additional shafts available at no cost)
• Availability: Pre-order on January 4 and at retail on February 4, 2022
• Pricing: $329.99

Women’s offerings include the Aldila Ascent Ladies shaft, with loft offerings including 3HL/16.5 degrees, 5/19 degrees, 7/21 degrees, 9/24 degrees.

Our Brian Knudson, host of the Club Junkie podcast, had a chance to hit the new Stealth Plus and Stealth Fairway. Here’s what BK had to say:

“The new Stealth fairway looks great with the new 3D Carbon Crown and all black finish. The Stealth+ titanium fairway is really long but easy to launch off the turf. The Stealth+ had a mid to mid/high launch and low spin for me, and did I mention long? The Stealth was long as well and launched a little higher than the Plus model. Forgiveness was really good as shots that were off center stayed on line really well.”

Stealth Plus and Stealth Rescue

The Stealth Plus rescue contains an iron-like high-toe profile and overall compact footprint in a bid to provide controlled trajectory and shot shape while maintaining added forgiveness.

A redesigned V Steel sole positions weight low in the club to encourage optimal launch properties and enhance turf interaction, while the Stealth Plus also features an adjustable loft sleeve that provides +/-1.5 degrees loft so players can optimize trajectory.

In the Stealth Rescue, the new carbon crown construction allows for the relocation of 7 grams of weight which has been transferred lower in the head to better position CG in design for easier launch, optimal forgiveness, and better stability through impact.

In both the Stealth Plus Rescue and Stealth Rescue, a high-strength C300 steel face aims to offer maximum ball speeds, while the brand’s Twist Face design is designed to help golfers hit fewer mis-hits. In addition, the Speed Pocket design is engineered to maximize ball speeds and produce greater forgiveness on low-face strikes.

Stealth Rescue hybrids come with the same women’s offering featuring a bright silver PVD sole and a dark silver crown, as well as lighter heads and higher lofts.

Specs, Availability & Pricing

• Lofts: Stealth Plus: 2/17, 3/19.5 and 4/22 degrees; Stealth Rescue: 3/19 degrees, 4/22 degrees, 5/25 degrees, 6/28 degrees and 7/31 degrees
• Stock Shaft: Stealth Plus: Project X HZRDUS Smoke RDX Red HY (Additional shafts available at no cost); Stealth Rescue: Fujikura Ventus Red
• Availability: Pre-order on January 4 and at retail on February 4, 2022
• Pricing: Stealth Plus $299.99, Stealth Rescue $279.99

Women’s Stealth Rescue offerings include the Aldila Ascent Ladies shaft, with loft offerings including 4/23 degrees, 5/26 degrees, 6/28 degrees and 7/31 degrees.

Our Brian Knudson, host of the Club Junkie podcast, had a chance to hit the new Stealth Rescue. Here’s what BK had to say:

“The new Stealth hybrid looks great in all black but at first glance not much different than the SIM2 Max. Shape is very similar to last year and that is a good thing, most golfer like it! After a few shots you notice the the hybrid is a little more stable and consistent, with a nice high launch that lands soft.”

• More photos of TaylorMade’s Stealth fairway woods in the GolfWRX forums. 

BK took a deep dive into all things Stealth woods with TaylorMade’s Tomo Bystedt. Give a listen below!