TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue Test Review
Today, I had the opportunity to test this golf club.
Tested club: TaylorMade STEALTH2 Rescue, 4-iron model.
The shaft is the TENSEI RED TM60.
The loft is 22 degrees, the club length is 39.75 inches, the shaft flex is R, the shaft weight is 61g, the torque is 3.1, and the kick point is mid-flex.
This is the utility from the TaylorMade Rescue 2 series.
Although it’s referred to as a “utility” in Japan, internationally it’s generally called a “hybrid.” However, TaylorMade has consistently used the name “Rescue” for years. It’s interesting how different terms are used for the same club, but ultimately, it’s up to the player to use what feels most natural to them.
Just because it’s called a hybrid overseas doesn’t mean Japan has to follow suit. Personally, I prefer calling it a utility.
The size and shape appear very similar to the model I tested last year. I believe this is just a minor update to the previous version.
The sole design doesn’t seem to have changed much either.
This familiar Speed Pocket design is still present.
The groove depth is more of a step-like feature, making it hard to notice many differences unless you closely compare them side by side. However, since I only had this one club for testing, I can’t make a definite judgment.
I appreciate that the neck length has been well-maintained.
There’s no adjustable system on this model.
The face design also looks very similar to the previous model. It has a simple and beautiful face with no cheap feel to it.
It has the familiar shallow back design. It seems to fit the “normal shallow” description.
When I took a practice swing, I found the flex to be quite soft, which I attribute to the R flex shaft. In cases like this, I prefer to grip the club a little shorter and swing more compactly, avoiding over-flexing the shaft.
It’s not necessarily about having a highly flexible shaft. It’s about finding the right balance for my swing.
When I addressed the ball, I found the setup to be quite favorable. The direction seemed to be stable as well.
The crown on the previous model had a “tar-like” appearance that I didn’t like, but this model has resolved that issue, which was also the case with the driver I tested recently.
Although the texture doesn’t directly affect the performance of the club, I believe the “feel” is very important. If a club feels unpleasant from the start, it’s hard to enjoy the game.
Starting the Test
The feel at impact is solid, similar to the previous model. I’d like to compare the two side by side next time to confirm any differences.
This feel is what I consider to be “average”—neither great nor bad.
The sound is neither too high-pitched nor too loud, which I found pleasant. It has a slightly muffled tone rather than a sharp metallic ring, but it didn’t cause any issues.
The ball gets airborne easily and feels surprisingly forgiving. It seems to reach height quickly right after launch, which is a characteristic of a 4-iron utility club, allowing for an easier attack on the green from above.
The stability is high, with no noticeable left or right deviations.
The ball catches well, so I think this club would suit players who tend to hit fades.
In terms of sweet spot size, it feels about average compared to other clubs. However, the current trend in golf clubs is to make them larger and more forgiving, and this one follows that trend.
The distance performance is quite good, but it didn’t feel exceptional compared to other clubs. It’s not necessarily the longest-hitting club, but it does offer reliable distance.
The control is decent. This club leans more toward an automatic type, making it easy to hit but difficult to impart significant side spin. I felt a more natural draw, but players who favor fades might notice the ball flying nearly straight.
Post-Test Impressions
The entire head has a sleek black design, giving it a sophisticated look. It may appear like a club for advanced players at first glance, but it’s actually designed to be very approachable.
It’s stylish but not difficult to use.
The overall performance balance is excellent.
What stood out most to me was the trajectory. The ball seems to rise easily after takeoff, giving the impression that it’s easy to attack from above.
It seems to spin well too. When hitting it with more force, it feels like the ball tends to balloon a bit, so perhaps a more controlled swing might be ideal.
It’s not a club with a sharp character, but rather a well-rounded, approachable design.
Rating:
Setup Ease: ★★★★
Feel: ★★★
Sound: ★★★
Ease of Launch: ★★★★
Stability: ★★★★
Distance Performance: ★★★
Control: ★★★
Want to read the original article in Japanese? Click here
