If the Stealth is TaylorMade’s Ferrari, and the Stealth Plus is their F1 car, then the Stealth HD is the comfy, draw-biased people carrier with a turbo engine and heated seats. And honestly? That’s exactly what most of us need.
HD doesn’t stand for “high definition” here – it stands for “High Draw,” which is marketing-speak for “You hit banana slices and we’re here to save you from yourself.”
Let’s be clear: this is a stealth bomber for mid-to-high cappers who want to play from the short grass once in a while. And it actually delivers; quietly, humbly, and with an ample helping of forgiveness.
THE LOOKS
First impressions: Stealth drivers look mean. Matte black crown, red carbon face, and a shape that screams “I’m here to compensate for something.” It’s less golf club, more sports car in your bag. We’ll give it points for intimidation factor. If you’re the kind of golfer who thinks owning a headcover that says “Bombs Only” is a personality trait, this driver will fit you like an arse in a bucket, as they say. Who says? Well, as far as can tell just Jurgen Klopp. But he’s worth listening to.
As for the HD model, well it’s slightly different but not too noticably so. Slightly larger footprint, slightly higher heel, slightly closed face at address. So yeah, different but only slightly. All the telltale signs that it’s here to save you from that godawful leaky fade that’s been haunting your Saturday morning card since 2019 are there but only to the trained eye. The average Sunday hacker isn’t going to notice any difference as it still looks like a Stealth. That sexy red carbon face is present and correct, and while the profile leans more “driver with dad bod,” it doesn’t scream compensating for a two-way miss.
THE FEEL
Impact feel is soft off the face, but with surprising pop. The HD keeps that familiar thump of the Stealth line – like a bass drum being hit with intent – and if you connect anywhere near the middle third of the face, you’ll be rewarded with flight, distance, and some very smug body language walking off the tee box.
Miss high, heel-side? Still flies. Miss low and off the toe? Still flies. Miss wildly and somehow gain confidence from the outcome? You’re probably using the HD.
THE PERFORMANCE
TaylorMade says this thing is draw-biased. And technically, yes it is. But it’s not a hook machine. Far from it. It just smooths off the curve. What was once a high, floaty block now becomes a gentle left-leaner.
Launch? High. Spin? Higher than the Plus, but not ballooning. Ball speed? Respectable, especially for a head that isn’t trying to be Tour sauce. And the real highlight? Forgiveness. Big slice? Slight fade. Slight fade? Gentle draw. Gentle draw? You’re now claiming you meant to shape that.
You won’t win a long drive contest with it. But you will find more fairways, and you’ll enjoy your second shot without having to introduce yourself to a marshal.
It’s not magically longer than the SIM2 Max D which it is replacing. You won’t suddenly become Rory by using this driver, but you might finally stop being called “3-off-the-tee-Trev.”
IN A NUTSHELL
Is it sexy?
In a “reliable older Volvo with a Bose sound system” kind of way.
Will it make you better?
Not exactly. But it will make you look like you are.
Who’s it for?
Slicers. Faders. Golfers who don’t hit up on the ball like YouTube tells them to. Anyone who has “penalty area” and “reload” on speed dial.
BANG AVERAGE VERDICT
4 out of 5 lukewarm coffees at the turn. Not flashy, not elite, but quietly brilliant for the rest of us fighting the left-to-right plague.
Disclaimer: The HD won’t fix your swing, but it’ll lie to your playing partners for you. And sometimes, that’s all you really need.
