Yes. If we hold the shaft essentially constant—same regular-flex shaft, similar weight and length—the comparison becomes much more useful because we’re really looking at what the driver head is doing for your swing.
Based on what you’ve told me about your game—mid-handicap, currently playing a SIM2 Max, driver has recently been one of the stronger parts of your game, but you’re working on consistency and your swing tends to have some in-to-out path/casting tendencies—I would compare the SIM2 Max vs. original Stealth, not Stealth 2.
SIM2 Max vs. Stealth
SIM2 MaxStealthHead size460 cc460 ccLaunchMidMid-highSpinMid / mid-lowMid-lowForgivenessExcellentExcellentMOI/stabilityExcellentExcellentBall speedVery goodVery good–excellentMishit performanceExcellentExcellentFlight biasNeutralNeutralFeelSofter/more traditionalMore distinctive/solidTechnologyTitanium + carbon constructionCarbon faceYour likely fitExcellentVery good
TaylorMade rated the SIM2 Max as its highest-forgiveness SIM2 model, with a 24g tungsten weight positioned toward the rear. The Stealth also uses rear weighting and was designed to put more mass low and deep for forgiveness. Both are 460cc heads. (TaylorMade Golf)
1. Forgiveness — slight edge to SIM2 Max
This is the biggest reason I would be reluctant to replace your SIM2 Max.
The SIM2 Max was specifically engineered around high MOI and maximum forgiveness. TaylorMade describes it as the highest-forgiveness head in the SIM2 family. (TaylorMade Golf)
The Stealth is also very forgiving. Its carbon face allowed TaylorMade to redistribute weight lower and farther back, and independent testing found the Stealth particularly good at maintaining ball speed on imperfect strikes. (Plugged In Golf)
For your game, though, I’d give the SIM2 Max approximately:
SIM2 Max: 9/10
Stealth: 8.5/10
That’s not a huge difference. You aren’t giving up a dramatically less forgiving driver by moving to Stealth.
2. Distance — Stealth may have a small advantage
This is where the Stealth gets interesting.
The big change was TaylorMade’s 60X Carbon Twist Face. TaylorMade’s testing claimed increased ball speed, although its comparison was conducted at a relatively high 106-mph swing speed, so I wouldn’t assume you’ll see the same gain. (TaylorMade Golf)
Independent testing comparing the Stealth directly with the SIM2 Max found the Stealth produced more distance, although the tester also produced about 3 mph more clubhead speed with the Stealth. (Golf Monthly)
So I wouldn’t tell you:
“Stealth = automatically 10 yards longer.”
That’s not realistic.
For your swing, I’d expect the difference to be more like:
Center strikes: potentially a few yards to Stealth
Slight mishits: potentially very close
Poor strikes: SIM2 Max may actually give you the better result because of its stability
And that last point matters more to you than maximum ball speed.
3. Launch and spin
This is an interesting difference.
TaylorMade lists the SIM2 Max as mid launch with mid-to-low spin characteristics. The Stealth is listed as mid-high launch and mid-low spin. (TaylorMade Golf)
For you, I actually like the Stealth’s characteristics.
You’ve told me your driver has become one of the better parts of your game. You’re not looking for a driver that dramatically changes your swing. You want something that gives you easy launch and usable distance without making your misses worse.
The Stealth could give you a slightly higher launch while maintaining relatively low spin.
That can be a nice combination for a mid-handicap golfer.
4. Your swing makes this especially interesting
This is where I’d put more emphasis on your individual situation than on the marketing specifications.
From your lessons with Chris, you’ve described:
- an in-to-out path
- some early casting
- working on forward shaft lean
- working on better hip rotation
- occasional shanks
- inconsistent contact
- but increasingly good driving
Your goal shouldn’t be to find the driver that produces the absolute longest perfect shot.
I’d want the head that gives you:
good launch + adequate spin + high ball speed + stability on your normal miss.
That’s why I’m still very comfortable with your SIM2 Max.
SIM2 Max’s biggest advantage for you
It is a “boring” driver—and that’s a compliment.
Your SIM2 Max isn’t trying to do something exotic.
You put a reasonable swing on it and it tends to give you a reasonable result.
That’s exactly what a mid-handicap golfer needs.
And because you’re currently taking lessons, I’d be particularly hesitant to change equipment based on a small theoretical performance improvement.
Your swing is changing.
A driver that works well with your current swing and gives you plenty of forgiveness is valuable while you’re making those changes.
Stealth’s biggest advantage for you
Potentially more speed and a slightly different launch profile.
The carbon face was the major technological change with Stealth. TaylorMade also designed the head so that weight saved from the carbon face could be positioned deeper in the head. (TaylorMade Golf)
So if you hit a Stealth and immediately see something like:
SIM2 Max
- 145 ball speed
- 14° launch
- 2,500 rpm
versus
Stealth
- 148 ball speed
- 15° launch
- 2,450 rpm
then the Stealth becomes very interesting.
But if you get:
SIM2 Max
- 146 ball speed
- 14.5° launch
- 2,500 rpm
Stealth
- 146 ball speed
- 15° launch
- 2,450 rpm
I’d stick with the SIM2 Max.
One thing I would NOT do
I wouldn’t automatically move to a Stealth Plus.
That’s a different conversation.
The standard Stealth is the high-forgiveness version. TaylorMade lists the Stealth as “highest” forgiveness, while the Stealth Plus is lower-spin and less forgiving. (TaylorMade Golf)
For your game, the standard Stealth is the one I’d test.
My recommendation for you
If you already own the SIM2 Max:
SIM2 Max
Keep it unless the Stealth demonstrably performs better for you.
I’d put your current situation roughly like this:
CategoryAdvantageForgivenessSIM2 MaxMishit stabilitySIM2 MaxEasy distanceVery closePotential max distanceStealthLaunchStealthSpin controlSlight StealthConfidence for mid-handicap golferSIM2 MaxFits your current gameSIM2 MaxWorth testingStealth — yes
The important part:
I don’t think the Stealth is enough of an upgrade over your SIM2 Max to buy one simply because it’s newer.
But if you’re getting a Stealth cheaply and it has the same regular shaft you’re comfortable with, I’d absolutely hit it.
If the Stealth gives you 3–5+ mph more ball speed without increasing your dispersion, that’s meaningful.
If the numbers are basically the same, keep the SIM2 Max.
And given what you’ve told me about your game, I’d actually be more interested in comparing your SIM2 Max vs. Stealth vs. Stealth 2 vs. Qi10 Max. That would show whether you’re actually gaining anything by moving away from your current driver rather than simply moving sideways between generations.