TaylorMade Stealth Iron Review
Irons expert Joel Tadman tests this game-improvement model on the golf course to see what performance golfers can expect
TaylorMade appears to have made across-the-board improvements in Stealth as its game-improvement offering for 2022. Golfers should notice the extra forgiveness at play while being drawn in by the premium, elegant look on the shelf. The low spin might be a concern for some but should be able to be managed via a custom fitting.
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Incredibly accurate
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Noticeably longer than outgoing SIM2 Max
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Lively but pleasant sound and feel
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Considerably low spin limits stopping power
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TaylorMade Stealth Iron Review
Rarely do game improvement irons provide an elegant, aspirational look but this is clearly the route TaylorMade went down in creating the Stealth iron. It replaces both the SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max OS in becoming the single game-improvement iron option in 2022, which simplifies the range nicely for golfers that want even more distance and forgiveness than what is on offer in the P790 model.
VIDEO: Joel Tadman tests the new TaylorMade Stealth iron on the golf course
While the enclosed cavity concept continues, the Cap Back design has evolved to where the mid section of the toe has been completely removed to lower the CG of the iron, assisting with both ball speed and launch.
The outgoing TaylorMade SIM2 Max iron (left) and new Stealth iron at address
Down at address, the Stealth still has all the hallmarks of an iron aimed at the higher handicapper - offset, a thick topline, generous length from heel to toe - in a marginally more refined package than SIM2 Max. From the rear, the shelf appeal is through the roof. With its mix of satin and chrome sections and the carbon fibre effect detailing, it looks like an iron from the future that would have a super premium price tag.
I tested the Stealth on the Foresight Sports GCQuad Launch monitor at Girton Golf Club with Titleist Pro V1x golf balls and the data suggested a shift in the performance. The Stealth 7-iron has a loft of 28°, so half a degree stronger than SIM2 Max and a degree weaker than SIM2 Max OS (the P790 7-iron is 30.5°).
My indoor testing showed that Stealth was 0.5mph faster than SIM2 Max, launched one degree higher and had 900 rpm less spin. This is a large and slightly concerning reduction, but the strikes during testing will play a part and the fact this iron is faster and flies higher through the air should maintain an element of stopping power. That said, long iron shots will be travelling into the green hot - something to be wary of in the dry summer months.
On average, Stealth was five yards longer than SIM2 Max - much of which will be down to the lofts and the lower spin - but with a similar descent angle into greens. The standout feature of the Stealth was its accuracy. I hit eight shots in a row on the GCQuad and the furthest offline we were was five yards - incredible really. This was replicated when I tested the iron outdoors where we hit three shots that landed online with the pin within a yard of each other.
Yes, the archer has a lot to do with where the arrow goes, but the combination of the forgiveness in the head from the progressive ICT and the feel of the KBS shaft no doubt helped control our left-to-right dispersion to a level I haven’t seen before. Off the face, this iron remains powerful from a wide area like the very best distance irons and doesn’t have any harsh or obviously clicky acoustics to it thanks to the lengthened Echo Damping system. This comprises a strip of polymer that has increased contact points with the face - to dampen down unwanted vibrations at the point of strike.
The sole appears a touch wider but the trailing edge has actually been removed on Stealth so it plays narrower than it looks, meaning it doesn’t feel clunky through the turf. These irons are fast, forgiving and easy to create a soft draw. You appear to be getting a longer, more forgiving and better looking iron for less money than the SIM2 Max - the RRP of Stealth is $999/£849 for a 7-piece set, which represents excellent value in my opinion among the best game improvement irons.
Which handicap is TaylorMade Stealth iron for?
The Stealth irons are strong-lofted, oversize clubheads that are therefore designed for higher handicappers that tend to strike the ball quite inconsistently. We would suggest any handicap from 18 and above could benefit from the distance and forgiveness on offer in the Stealth irons but a custom fitting is how golfers will know for sure if it is right for them.
Are Stealth iron cast or forged?
The TaylorMade Stealth irons are cast, which means hot metal is poured into a mould to make the required shape. You can read about cast versus forged golf iron constructions here.
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