Irons can come in all shapes and sizes, from a blade with a tiny sole and top line to a cavity back which is full and forgiving.
But they still look a lot different to woods or hybrids and therefore need to be swung and delivered to the ball in a different way.
Or do they?
The Stealth HD irons are a high draw iron brought to us by TaylorMade for higher handicap golfers who struggle to generate speed and distance. These clubs are designed to help you to enjoy the game more by hitting better shots.
The Tech
The Stealth HD irons present a low profile head with a shallow face and very wide sole with large 'step down' which helps to keep the CG low so that shots launch higher more easily. Increased curvature on the sole is also said to help with turf interaction.
There is a multi-material Cap Back Design which uses stainless steel and ultra lightweight polymers, to maximise distance, forgiveness and feel.
Remaining technology from previous iron iterations, including last year's Stealth iron, is the Echo Damping System which is positioned inside the iron head to channel away harsh vibrations and improve the feel. There is also a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket which is said to increase face flexibility for more ball speed and better forgiveness when you strike the ball low on the face.
In simple terms, these irons are TaylorMade's easiest to hit and are said to be a great option for any golfer who struggles to launch the ball consistently.
The Stealth HD Irons are available to men and women in both left and right handed, with a choice of steel or graphite shafts. The set starts at 5 iron and runs all the way to a 59 degree lob wedge if you're someone who wants more help around the greens as well as just approaching them.
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TaylorMade Stealth HD Irons Review
Looks and Feel
For a golf purist these irons look very different, but I suppose that they are not aimed at golf purists.
They feature a shallow face and a wide sole that skids across the turf with significant weight placed at the back of the head and a pretty severe offset.
These irons are built to do exactly what the golfer wants, which is to hit the ball higher and more solidly. They are a totally different shape to the Stealth irons due to the lack of height in the face and the bulk at the back of the head.
I have never seen the High Draw name included in an iron model before which leads me to say that this is an iron only in name, not in looks.
When hitting balls these irons feel effortless and high launching, the club glides across the ground like skis on water. Even when you think you might have hit it heavy, the club carries on through the turf and tries its hardest to help you out.
They are not too loud and certainly do not feel harsh, they have a comfortable feeling about them as if the club is doing all of the work for you.
Performance
The Stealth HD irons are suited for somebody that has a swing speed which is slower than average, and does not have a negative angle of attack.
I tried to produce swings which suited more of this style and found that they were a lot easier than normal irons. I was able to launch a 7 iron at a similar height to my own 8 iron, and because of this it also went a similar distance to my 8 iron (130 yards).
The only thing that concerns me was a lack of spin (averaging at 5228rpm) and so stopping distances might not be particularly quick.
The ball flight was high and draw biased, exactly what the 'HD' name suggested, and I would also suggest a graphite shaft could help to increase spin and swing speed.
TaylorMade Stealth HD Irons Verdict
The Stealth HD is a welcome change from the previous SIM2 Max OS as I felt like that head was too similar to the SIM2 Max. This looks and performs really differently and aligns with a different type of golfer.
The looks are unlike a traditional head but these special features change the performance in a way that will make your golf so much more enjoyable. If you struggle with your irons but you love your woods, these clubs are perfect for you.
The dread of pulling an iron from your bag can be removed thanks to the confidence you get when hitting these irons. They allow a less talented golfer to enjoy the game more and hit shots that you can be proud of - and that alone could make them a worthwhile purchase.
Who Are They Aimed At?
Anyone who is struggling with consistent contact with their irons, perhaps somebody who is new to the game or who started playing later in life.
If you need help with speed, distance and launch then these could be for you.
Would I Use Them?
These aren't suited to my game so I wouldn't get the best from them.
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