50 Words or Less
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue produces exceptional ball speeds and provides ample forgiveness. A great hybrid designed for the majority of golfers.
Check out the new TaylorMade Qi10 Rescue HERE
Introduction
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue is the so-called standard model in a lineup that now includes three hybrids. Sitting between the more player-centric Stealth 2 Plus [full review HERE] and the all-new slice busting Stealth 2 HD [review HERE], the base model Stealth 2 Rescue fills the needs of a vast majority of golfers. Is it right for you? I’ll try and answer that question in this review.
Looks
To my eyes, the Stealth 2 Rescue has more visual appeal than the original model [full review HERE]. From the address view, the slimmer face framework looks more balanced with the size of the head. And the gloss black crown looks more high end. With my 22° loft, the silver graphic across the top of the face offers a crisp alignment aide. And once again, TaylorMade included a stealthy “STEALTH” of raised text on the trailing edge.
There’s a lot to take in with the sole, but the designers did a masterful job making it look harmonious. The linearity of the shapes created by the voids makes the sole look like a part on a SpaceX capsule. The red accents coordinate well with the wonderful headcover.
Sound & Feel
I nearly went through my entire first test session before realizing how pleasant both sound and feel of the TaylorMade Stealth 2 were. That’s not saying that sound and feel are un-noteworthy, but more a compliment as neither drew attention – positively or negatively.
Impact sound is an unassuming mid-volume metallic “thwack.” The sound deadened with mishits, but I’m referring to true mishits. Feedback to my hands was similar. Reasonable contact felt crisp and the head stable. Even when you’re not swinging it the best, you’re going to feel like your game is on with the Stealth 2 Rescue.
Performance
What did have my attention during that first test session was the trajectory and distance the Stealth 2 Rescue was generating. Balls were launching fairly high with good carry and runout. And with more hits, the consistency began to come into focus.
Reviewing launch monitor data at Club Champion confirmed my visual observations. What I hadn’t expected was a 1.48 average smash factor. The Stealth 2 Rescue has some serious power. Spin was a tad low for me but very consistent. Master Fitter Alan O’Berry wasn’t surprised at my results – the Stealth 2 Rescues have proven to be standouts during his fitting sessions.
The main engine for that power is the Inverted Cone Technology that TaylorMade revamped for the Stealth 2. The technology allows engineers to tweak the face design for each loft to optimize ball speed across the face. The nicely presented TaylorMade website doesn’t highlight the Speed Pocket, but clearly it assists with consistency – especially with shots low on the club face.
V Steel is another proven design element that’s back for the Stealth 2 Rescue. Located down the center axis of the sole, it promotes launch and smooth turf interaction. To further optimize launch, TaylorMade lowered the COG for the Stealth 2.
Conclusion
If you like distance and forgiveness in your hybrid, the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue is tough to beat. Add in the ease of getting the ball airborne and pleasing aesthetics, and the Stealth 2 Rescue deserves your attention. The only potential negative is the lack of adjustability. “Rescue” may convey a message that the club is designed to save you in sub-optimal positions, but the Stealth 2 Rescue is more apt to keep you out of them – and in attack mode.
Visit TaylorMade HERE
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue Price & Specs
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8 Comments
Bought this in a 5 hybrid to replace my 5 iron. Have been very pleased as it hits them long and very high. Balls are landing softly and staying on the green. Exactly what i needed.
They say hybrids are easy to hit. I only trust my long irons .
I gave up after buying last offering from Taylormade .
Its not their fault but I hate blowing up my score with a hybrids.
Matt, you generally seem to use a fitter (“master fitter” this time) for your Titleist clubs, with improved effect. My favorite, Callaway, gets something like “…if I’d had the right shaft, results would have been even better.” Sorry, but this is clear bias, although one has to connect over time as a diligent reader of your excellent site. Hope that miss improves, along with your golf game this summer. We all have our biases – I made mine clear – but hope to see a more level playing or review field too. By the way, the Paradym hybrid is adjustable this year; agree, a nice add.
Thanks for reading and your comments. You are not only a diligent reader, but insightful. However, I have no bias for any OEM. Titleist requires us to get fit, which leads to exactly what you observed – less chance of the “if only” shaft statements. We always test with stock shafts and often have to take our best guess at which one will suit us. Titleist typically offers a wider array of choices than say TM does with this rescue.
– Meeks
I purchased both a 3 and 4 Stealth 2 hybrid a few months ago. I do like the performance and the ball takes off like a rocket. My one problem is the black face of the club is getting wear marks toward the toe. I would have expected there to be no visible wear with so few shots hit on each club.
Have other Stealth 2 owners found the same face wear issue?
Kevin, yes I have as well. Marked up after the first day or two of using. I can live with it given the performance.
Your great review encouraged me to give the stealth 2 rescue a go. I was coming off such a bad run with hybrids from other brands I started switching to highly lofted woods which drift on me being air born so long. After reading your review I found a place to demo a stealth 2 rescue. After an eye opening lightbulb moment love at first-last hit demo I ended up getting a stealth 2 four rescue 22 degree. Easily the best flight, accuracy, dispersion, forgiveness, feel, looks and most consistent results I have ever gotten from a hybrid or high lofted wood and I have tried them all. For me this is automatic green holding 185 yards with no left hooks to date. That is game changing for a golfer of my inability. Generally speaking I think it is very interesting how results may vary for club type and brand person to person. I am so glad I read this review which led to the demo session. Thanks.
That’s great, thanks for sharing, Joshua!
Best,
Matt