TL;DR: When buying TaylorMade drivers, consider your skill level, size preference, swing speed, and budget. Look for unique features like Twist Face and Speed Injected Twist Face for accuracy, SIM design for speed, and adjustable loft sleeves for customization. Keep in mind that each series offers different performance advantages.

Hi readers, my name is David Miller, and I’ve been a Curated Golf Expert for over 5 years. The intricacies of golf have long fascinated me, and when I became a Curated Golf Expert in college, I took a deep dive. From there, I started learning more about the technical side of golf, including technology, specialty shafts, and more. This has hurt my bank account, but has led to major improvements in my love and knowledge of the game. Since then, I’ve been fit for clubs, started custom building golf clubs in my basement, and written numerous club reviews here on Curated.

Throughout my almost 6 years of competitive golf in high school and college, I’ve played over four different drivers, and I have a TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver in my bag right now (which I will talk about thoroughly in this review). It has been the best driver I have ever hit, knocking out a driver I thought would never leave my bag. Through my love of drivers, testing clubs, and writing, I will guide you through this article and help you choose a TaylorMade driver that fits your game!

Why TaylorMade?

TaylorMade, an American golf company founded in 1979, revolutionized the golf industry with its innovative metal drivers. Hailing from California, they're renowned for their advanced golf equipment technology—notably drivers—and are endorsed by top professionals worldwide such as Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, and more. Golf enthusiasts choose TaylorMade for their reputation for creating high-performance, durable, and precise golf drivers that enhance distance and accuracy, ensuring an improved golfing experience. Their commitment to quality and innovation makes them a reliable choice for any golfer seeking to elevate their game.

What to Consider When Buying TaylorMade Drivers

1. What is Your Skill Level?

Understanding your proficiency level is crucial as TaylorMade manufactures drivers suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros. Advanced drivers might offer more adjustability and fine-tuning options, or could just be less forgiving, which you would not want as a beginner player. Similarly, beginner-friendly drivers may lack certain features that a seasoned player may desire in order to get a certain ball flight or spin rate.

2. What is Your Preferred Driver Size?

Driver size affects control and distance. Typically, larger clubheads offer more forgiveness on mishits, while smaller ones provide better maneuverability: understanding the trade-off can help you pick the right size. Traditionally, more experienced players will play with smaller fade bias heads, while newer players will play with bigger draw bias heads.

3. What is Your Swing Speed?

Swing speed greatly influences the driver's loft and shaft flexibility. Faster swings generally require stiffer shafts and lower lofts, while slower swings benefit from more flexible shafts and higher lofts. A driver with an incorrect loft or shaft flex for you can limit your distance or accuracy, which will wildly hinder your game's effectiveness.

4. What is Your Preferred Feel and Sound?

Driver acoustics and feel at impact vary among models. Some golfers find certain drivers more satisfying to hit due to the sound produced and the feel transmitted through the club. Trying out different TaylorMade drivers will help you find one that resonates with your preferences.

5. What is Your Budget? How Much do TaylorMade Drivers Cost?

TaylorMade prices range from around $200 for older models to over $550 for the newest, cutting-edge drivers. Cheaper models offer reliable performance and durability, making them great for beginners or casual players. At higher price points, you're paying for the latest technology and customization options, which can enhance performance, especially for seasoned golfers.

What Are the Different Types of TaylorMade Drivers?

While there is no "best” TaylorMade driver, TaylorMade thankfully offers several different lines of drivers to accommodate a variety of player preferences and skill levels. Here's a brief overview:

1. M Series

The TaylorMade M Series, including the M3 and M4 models, features Twist Face technology, which corrects off-center hits. The M3 allows for more customization with adjustable weights, while the M4 offers more forgiveness with a larger sweet spot.

Benefits

• Twist Face technology helps correct mishits for more accurate shots, an advantage for golfers at all skill levels.
• The M3 offers customization options, allowing advanced players to adjust the club's performance to their preferences.
• The M4 offers greater forgiveness, a helpful feature for beginners or high-handicappers.
• Beginner and advanced players alike usually really like the way these drivers look at address.

Keep in Mind

• While the M3 offers great customization, it may require some trial and error to find the optimal settings, which could be time-consuming.
• The M4, although forgiving, might not provide the same level of fine-tuning as other models, which might limit its appeal for advanced players.

2. SIM Series

The TaylorMade Shape In Motion (SIM) series includes the SIM2, SIM2 Max (also available for women), and SIM2 Max D/Draw drivers. These models emphasize aerodynamics for increased clubhead speed, have multi-material construction for optimal weight distribution, and utilize face technology for enhanced forgiveness and distance.

Benefits

• Improved aerodynamics in the SIM series can provide increased clubhead speed, allowing for greater distance on your drives.
• Multi-material construction allows for high MOI (moment of inertia), leading to more stability and less clubhead twisting on off-center hits.
• Advanced face technology, like the Speed Injected Twist Face, can increase ball speed and improve the consistency of shots.

Keep in Mind

• The sophisticated technology and features make these drivers one of the more expensive options from TaylorMade.
• Some golfers might find the various adjustable settings a bit complex to dial in, especially for those new to the game.

3. Stealth

The TaylorMade Stealth series—which is the newest driver line in the series—includes the Stealth (2022) and the Stealth 2 (2023). Both of these lines include the standard model, the Plus model (which is more adjustable and lower spinning), and the high-draw (HD) model, which is more forgiving. This model includes a draw bias and is fit for a higher handicap player or one who struggles with a slice.

Benefits

• This driver contains a lighter face made of 60x carbon (carbon is 44% lighter than titanium), which gave the club designers the ability to move weight around to provide a faster and more forgiving club.
• This club is extremely good looking, and the sound it makes is very solid and not too tinny.

Keep in Mind

• This is the newest line offered by TaylorMade, and it is what the TaylorMade Team is playing on the PGA tour right now. However, that means it will have the biggest hit on your wallet.
• If you are new to the game, it might not be worth it to get the newest products. They may not help you that much more, and sometimes a model a couple of years old will be just as good a fit for your game, at a lower cost.

Features to Look for When Buying TaylorMade Drivers

When selecting a driver, consider the following general features to find the best match for your playing style and needs:

1. Head Shape
2. Adjustability
3. Loft and Lie Angles
4. Draw or Fade Bias

For more information on these general features to consider when buying a driver, check out this article.

When choosing a TaylorMade driver specifically, understanding the company’s unique features and technologies is key. This section will help you decode some TaylorMade-specific features and technologies, enabling you to appreciate the engineering behind each driver and make an informed choice.

• Twist Face Technology: Traditional drivers have a consistent curve from heel to toe, but TaylorMade's Twist Face varies the curvature. The idea is to correct off-center hits and minimize the effects of mishits, making your drives more accurate and consistent. I've seen the difference it can make in my game, especially when the pressure is on!
• SIM (Shape In Motion) Design: This refers to the aerodynamic shaping of the club head to reduce drag and increase clubhead speed during the swing's downswing—it's all about the physics of motion. I've definitely felt my swing speed increase when using SIM drivers.
• Inertia Generator: TaylorMade drivers have a unique design where the weight is strategically positioned at the rear of the club to increase the MOI, which adds forgiveness and stability on off-center hits. I've noticed less twisting on mishits and more consistent distance, which can be a game-changer.
• Multi-Material Construction: This feature uses carbon, titanium, and steel strategically to optimize weight distribution and improve performance. This results in higher launch, lower spin, and increased distance. I've found the flight of my drives to be more predictable and longer with these drivers.
• Adjustable Loft Sleeve: Many of TaylorMade’s drivers come with a loft sleeve that allows you to adjust the loft, lie, and face angle of your driver. This is perfect for customizing the club to your swing and the conditions you're playing in. I've used it to dial in my driver to specific courses and weather conditions.

By understanding and evaluating these elements, you can find a driver that best suits your game and helps improve your performance on the golf course.

How to Choose the Right TaylorMade Drivers for You

While all the information so far may have been helpful, you are probably ultimately here because you are looking to purchase a driver. Thankfully, this next section will outline some potential driver options that fit what you’re looking for!

Derek

Needs: Derek is a player who gets out and plays a couple of times a month in the summer, so he isn’t necessarily new to the game. He likes the looks of TaylorMade drivers and is looking to purchase a new one.

Features to look for: He is hoping that this new driver will help him hit a little bit straighter, and also gain some distance that he is currently lacking.

TaylorMade drivers to consider:

• TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver: If money is no object, this is the newest and best option. With all new carbon design and black and white colorway, this is a great option. TaylorMade coined “Fargiveness” with this driver, as it hits bombs and keeps them right down the fairway! This is top of the line driver and is used by golfers such as Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods when they play in competition.
• TaylorMade M4 Driver (also available for women): This is a great budget option that could help Derek try out a new driver line. It is the cheapest of the three picks mentioned here, and while it is not adjustable, it has many patented features that TaylorMade still uses today. The carbon composite crown was the first of its kind and started the trend of lightening the driver head weight for higher swing speeds. This also allows the weight to be moved to more useful positions for greater forgiveness.
• TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver: This is a great in-between club. In fact, this driver is so good for its year (2021), that many people on tour still play this club! It looks incredible at address, and with its Twist Face technology, it is an extremely forgiving club. This club is also one of my favorite sounding drivers of all time: beautiful when you hit it right off the center of the face.

Matt

Needs: Matt has trouble slicing the ball. He is looking for a new driver that may have some draw bias. He is spending a lot of time on the right side of the golf course and is looking to add some carry distance by hitting a high draw.

Features to look for: Other than fixing his slice, Matt is looking for something that looks very confidence-inspiring behind the ball and won’t break the bank, as he is fairly new to the game.

TaylorMade drivers to consider:

• TaylorMade SIM2 Max Draw Driver: While this is not the newest club on the market, it truly took the golf world by storm. Between the carbon fiber crown, the Twist Face technology, and the sound it makes at impact, this driver is still regarded as one of the best of all time. The built-in draw bias particularly makes this club a perfect choice for Matt.
• TaylorMade Stealth HD Driver: Don’t be fooled: this is not the Stealth 2. However, for a newer player, I don’t believe that the advantages the Stealth 2 brings to the table are worth the extra price tag. Due to that, I believe the HD model is a perfect match for Matt and his budget. It has a beautiful colorway and decently new tech from TaylorMade.
• TaylorMade M4 Driver: Though this club is mentioned above, it is also a good budget option, even though it does not have a draw biased setting on it. It is the cheapest of these three picks, and for those looking to get into the game, a standard driver like this might be worth it!

Caleb

Needs: Caleb is a low single-digit handicapper. He has a relatively high swing speed (>100 mph) and needs something to keep him in play off the tee.

Features to look for: Caleb knows a lot about the game and also thinks it is wildly important to have some adjustability in his clubs.

TaylorMade drivers to consider:

• TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Driver: The best of the best. The cream of the crop. This is exactly what the tour players are using at this exact moment. This club offers an extreme amount of adjustability and is a lower spin model for those faster-speed players. The low-spin head will keep ball flight and spin numbers down for added workability, especially on those windy days out on the course. Note: This driver can be hard to hit—I would stay away unless you have a higher swing speed or a low handicap.
• TaylorMade Stealth Plus Driver: This is another incredible option, and what I have in my bag right now. While it has many similarities to the Stealth 2, there are some differences. Some players, including me, like the matte carbon fiber finish: it doesn’t glare in the sun as much and is easier to keep clean. This, and the fact that it is slightly cheaper, keeps it at the number two spot for a low handicap player.
• TaylorMade SIM 2 Driver: If Caleb is looking to save some money, this would be my pick. In fact, even though this driver isn’t the newest, many people on tour still play this club! It looks incredible at address, and with its Twist Face technology, it is an extremely forgiving club. This club is also one of my favorite sounding drivers of all time, when you hit it right off the center of the face.

Next Steps for Choosing the Right TaylorMade Driver

Thanks for reading about TaylorMade drivers! They make excellent clubs, and I’ve had something TaylorMade in my bag for the last 8 years. Many players and I love the look, feel, and everything else about these clubs. Many of the world's best players use them every weekend at tournaments, and this goes to show how breakthrough their technology is. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to me or any of the other Golf Experts here on Curated!