Taylormade Stealth Iron £849
GM verdict
Rarely do game–improvement irons provide an elegant, aspirational look, but this is clearly the route Taylormade went down in creating the Stealth. 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 who want even more distance and forgiveness than what is on offer in the P790.
From the rear, Stealth’s shelf appeal is through the roof. With its mix of satin and chrome sections and the carbon fibre-effect detailing, it looks like a premium iron from the future.
We 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 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.
Our indoor testing showed that Stealth was 0.5mph faster than SIM2 Max, launched one degree higher and had 900rpm less spin. This is a large and slightly concerning reduction, but our strikes during testing will have played 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, but the standout feature was its accuracy. We hit eight shots in a row on the Gcquad and the furthest off line we were was five yards – incredible really. This was replicated when we tested the iron outdoors, where we hit three shots that landed on line with the pin within a yard of each other. Yes, the archer has a lot to do with where the arrow goes, but the forgiveness in the head no doubt helped our dispersion.
This powerful and consistent iron is ideal for the mid- to highhandicapper seeking longer and straighter approach shots.