SPOTTED: Tiger Using 2022 TaylorMade STEALTH Plus Driver & Wood

As we’ve recently discussed, it seems that the TaylorMade 2022 Stealth lineup has all but been confirmed. 

Between teaser pics and the new driver appearing on the USGA Conforming List, it was a matter of time until the Stealth was spotted in a Pro’s hands.  I just don’t think, about ~1 month ago, anyone would have expected that Tiger Woods would be that guy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by GolfBalled (@golfballed)

In advance of this weekend’s PNC Championship, Tiger was spotted with both the Stealth Plus driver and Stealth Plus fairway wood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Eric B. (@hozel_rocket)

Starting with the Stealth Plus driver, it now appears certain that the face of the driver is red.  Like, very red.

But, thus far, the face is the biggest development over the SIM2.  Weston Maughan, a golf equipment designer industry professional, had a very interesting post regarding the new 60X Carbon Face.  Specifically, its his belief that TaylorMade can be much more precise in the manufacturing with carbon, as opposed to the mainstream titanium. 

As a result, while other manufacturers will have to build in a bigger CT margin with titanium (largely due to the fact that titanium thins out over time and, therefore, could become illegal under applicable USGA and R&A rules), which consequently slows down the face, carbon doesn’t suffer from the same degradation and, therefore, you can build a hotter face that’s right up on the CT limit.

In sum,  the new TaylorMade 60X face might actually be the hottest one on the market in 2022.

And a quick review of the USGA filing shows that TaylorMade is all in on the carbon technology, as the sole is labeled with “CarbonWood”, as opposed to the industry standard “MetalWood” reference.

Other noticeable differences between the SIM2 include the return of the Inertia Generator, but the absence of the Forged Forged Aluminum Ring, which was used to provide a more favorable, forgiving weight distribution.

Regardless, it’ll be interesting to see what independent testing will show once all the OEM 2022 releases are confirmed and hit the market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Eric B. (@hozel_rocket)

As for the Stealth Plus fairway wood, initial reactions tell me this is SIM2 Titanium with a new paint job.   Photos of the Stealth Plus show the same V Steel sole plate and rear-positioned weight, which helps lower the center of gravity, Speed Pocket and Carbon Crown, with Twist Face likely carrying over into this generation as well.

Additionally, the Stealth Plus looks like it will continue to remain adjustable up to 2° in both directions.

In sum, while there looks like a strong possibility that the Stealth driver might (for the first time in a while) a meaningful, measurable improvement in ball speed over the immediately prior generation, the Stealth fairway might be a pass for golfers who upgraded their fairway woods in the past couple of years.

Regardless, the only way to be 100% sure is to test them out and get fit when they hit the market in the next few weeks!

Cover Image Via Instagram & Instagram