TaylorMade · Hybrid · 2023
Stealth 2 Plus Rescue
CaddyIndex™ breakdown — what the agentic research found across each of the six performance dimensions, with cited sources.
You're a 0-10 HCP at 95-125mph ball-striker who wants the fastest 2023 hybrid (146mph) + class-leading workability + restored adjustable hosel + refined compact tour aesthetic — willing to trade MOI for shape control.
You spray shots across the face (use the HD or standard sibling), you need maximum forgiveness on mis-hits, or you want a higher-launching trajectory for stopping power.
Pros
- Independent testing: 146mph ball speed — fastest hybrid tested (2mph faster than standard Stealth 2)
- One of the most workable and controllable hybrids available — class-leading 2023 workability
- 2023 Golf Digest Hot List Gold + 4.9/5 (99% recommended) consumer rating
- Only Stealth 2 Rescue with an adjustable loft sleeve — ±1.5° loft + lie + face angle (HD and standard have bonded hosels)
Cons
- Feel gets noticeably worse on mis-hits — thin strikes feel like a mishit blade iron
- Compact tour shape — not for golfers who spray shots across the face
- Narrow 3-loft ladder (17°/19.5°/22°) — limited fitting flexibility vs Max sibling's 5-loft ladder
- Lower launch + penetrating flight may not suit slow-swing players who need stopping power
By dimension
Forgiveness
Feel gets noticeably worse as you move away from the sweet spot — a firmer, harsher feel is most pronounced towards the heel and low on the face. Thin strikes feel significantly worse, quite firm, as though you mishit a blade iron. Combines control and workability with the added forgiveness of a Rescue + Twist Face for mis-hit correction. Average forgiveness — compact tour-shape head explicitly trades MOI for workability; Twist Face + Thru-Slot Speed Pocket help but mis-hits are punished.
Distance
Narrower body Stealth 2 Plus produced 2mph faster ball speeds — at 146mph it was the fastest hybrid tested. More penetrating ball flight with a slightly lower launch. Thru-Slot Speed Pocket increases sole flexibility for increased ball speed. Top-tier distance — fastest hybrid tested in 2023 at 146mph ball speed + penetrating low-launch flight.
Workability
The Stealth 2 Plus rescue's greatest strength is its versatility and workability — one of the most workable and controllable hybrids available. The club is built for shot-shaping, allowing golfers to hit both draws and fades, as well as stingers and towering shots that land softly. Tour-inspired, compact shape designed for control and workability. Heavily marketed as one that's built for shot-shaping, and reviewers confirmed it is very workable. Top-tier workability — class-leading 2023 'one of the most workable and controllable hybrids available' + confirmed draws/fades/stingers/towering capability.
Feel
Soft with a punchy feel. Feel gets noticeably worse as you move away from the sweet spot — a firmer, harsher feel is most pronounced towards the heel and low on the face. Thin strikes feel significantly worse, quite firm, as though you mishit a blade iron — iron-like punishment on poor strikes. Above-average feel — soft punchy on center, but harsh on mis-hits; iron-like ball-striker feel.
Sound
Slightly metallic, tight whack with a pitch that seemed slightly lower than the other Stealth 2 models. Thwock type sound that is higher-pitched to start, but then pleasantly lowered and doesn't linger. Above-average sound — controlled metallic whack with lower pitch than HD/standard siblings + non-lingering acoustic.
Looks at address
Compact and lethal-looking modern hybrid with a simple color scheme of black with only a touch of red accents on the sole — one of the thinner-looking hybrid clubheads. Refined, compact, Tour-like shape that resembles more of an iron than a wood. Straighter topline and shorter face length vs predecessor Stealth Plus. Top-tier address — beautiful compact tour-inspired iron-like profile with refined cosmetic execution.
Sources
Some of the reviews, lab tests and head-to-head comparisons the agentic research read while grading this club.
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Rescue Review - Plugged In Golf (compact lethal-looking modern hybrid, one of thinner-looking hybrid clubheads, greatest strength versatility and workability - one of the most workable and controllable hybrids available, soft punchy feel but harsh on mis-hits like a mishit blade iron, slightly metallic tight whack lower pitch than other Stealth 2, ONLY Stealth 2 Rescue with adjustable loft sleeve)
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 / Plus / HD Rescue Hybrids Review - Today's Golfer (Stealth 2 Plus narrower body 2mph faster ball speeds at 146mph fastest hybrid tested, refined Tour-like shape resembles iron more than wood, straighter topline + shorter face vs Stealth Plus, V Steel sole + Thru-Slot Speed Pocket + Twist Face)