SMUGamer

This just simply is not true. Would you like me to take a picture of my TSi3 that Ive been playing since they came out and share it? It still looks mint. I am not stopping anyone from LOVING Stealth nor could I care less what name is stamped on anyones driver. I have no skin in the game regarding OEM sales. This is a forum to share information, opinions, thoughts, etc. Yet it seems like the MODS here only want one view. Its extremely ODD and kinda cult feeling........

Well, as long as its your driver and NOT mine, then we can agree on that.

Here is a post from one of the very popular and well known industry guys on the other well known forum. I would post the link but not certain if that is allowed here (posted this after testing hundreds of drives): "Stealth Plus brought back the ball speeds of the OG SIM. Only concern I have is the face durability after hitting hundreds of balls with sandy soil. Pitting might be an issue." If this is true for most or all Stealth owners, I cannot think of a bigger debacle for TM. Just my 2 cents.

If there is a problem, I don't suspect the carbon face being the problem. I'm pretty sure Callaway proved that carbon face tech could withstand the beatings 20 years ago, as I haven't heard those heads were caving-in. I may stand corrected but I have not heard of it. IF there is a problem for TM's new faces, I speculate it will be with the substances/materials applied to their carbon faces, not the carbon itself. Based on what I've seen to date, therein lies the potential vulnerability. As others have said, time will tell...........

I am a huge advocate that common sense prevails most of the time, but not all the time. To take the position that just because an OEM is a market leader, they cannot take steps backwards is misguided, at best. Case in point of a massive OEM blunder after extensive product testing before releasing to the public (which there are thousands more examples such as Callaway introducing carbon face over 20 years ago then abandoning it): "New Coke was the informal name given by the Coca-Cola Company to a new formula for its most popular drink, Coca-Cola, released in 1985. It was renamed Coke II in 1990[1] and discontinued in July 2002. By 1985, Coca-Cola had been losing market share to diet soft drinks and non-cola beverages for several years. Blind taste tests suggested that consumers preferred the sweeter taste of rival Pepsi, and so the Coca-Cola recipe was reformulated. The American public reacted negatively, and New Coke was considered a major failure. The company reintroduced the original Coke formula within three months, rebranded "Coca-Cola Classic", resulting in a significant sales boost; this led to speculation that the New Coke formula had been a marketing ploy to stimulate sales of the original Coca-Cola, which the company has denied.[2] The story of New Coke remains influential as a cautionary tale against tampering with a well-established and successful brand." This is of particular concern when a Korean Private Equity firm recently purchased TM and is under stress to produce immediate ROI. Not conclusive but of concern until proven otherwise. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Coke

Based on what I was told from the horse's mouth and what I saw, its not mere discoloration. The issues go beyond that, such as structural/material. IF carbon face continues (big IF), then your strategy to pass on this generation is very wise as it appears they still have work to do. As far as warranties: I don't want to be in a position to change drivers mid-season from a warranty issue. Its much more about getting the best driver at the get-go, so I don't lose my momentum with my boys, which could cost me much more than a Stealth if Im not playing my best from the tee box's.

Yes, he did. He also said a few more things about the Stealth that I will not repeat until it becomes more widely known and much less controversial. I buy a lot from this store every year so I have a really good relationship with them and want to keep it that way.

I went to our local golf shop here in San Diego Friday evening and was just looking around. I walked up to the Stealths as I was mostly checking out the 3 woods which was the only one I would consider. The sales guy came up and said something like, wow, the Stealths........I said nah, not looking at the drivers just the 3 woods.......he said something like, good, our test heads faces are already turning orangish/white with all the hits....I said, I've heard about face issues and seen that the face can scar or indent......he then said yeah, I would not buy one, have you checked out the new Cobra's and Rogues.......... 100% honest to GOD story fellas............ There may be some truth to this new Korean firm that bought Taylormade in May of 2021.......

Well said!

I agree, very evident it made an indention or mark. N0T confidence inspiring in the least. @Manavs

Come on now, Bobby Sue! Do others NOT find it very odd that many folks that already have their Stealths have NOT jumped into this discussion telling us how they tried to scratch the face of the Stealths yet they were impenetrable? With their nails, fingernail clippers, etc, but still clean as a whistle?!?!? Hmmmmmm...... Matter of fact, if I had one now, I'd purposely see if I could scratch the face with my nail so that I could immediately take it back within my 90 day free return/trade period versus being left holding the bag after my 90 days expired. Just like mentioned above, I'll just sit back and watch how this unfolds with others.

Face durability was one of my BIG concerns AFTER determining that the carbon face did NOT produce higher ball speeds and increased distance. Looking very sketchy at this point, for TM. Maybe "Stealth Titanium" will be here before we know it!

Because I'm right/right, I am moving into a Center Shafted putter to give that a go. Consistent with the other straight/straight strokes or face balanced putters......

Good Lord, everyone on this thread is right handed and left eye dominate......guess im the only outlier.....right/right......

I would say Ping G425 all day long. My father, about your age, plays it and its the best overall driver he's ever owned, per him. And it seems like he's owned them all. I love it that a 77 year old is still chasing the dream!!! Keep at it!

You aren't missing anything, quite the opposite. If the eBay seller has hundreds or thousands of feedbacks at 100%, then they sourced them at a much better price and are selling at the current market. You can also easily check the serial #'s with the manufacturer when you get it or prior to, if you can make out the serial from the pictures on eBay. Like I said, if the eBayer has hundreds or thousands of feedbacks at 100%, you can be assured they are legit and so is the shaft. Club Champion's clientele are the folks that no nothing about fitting themselves and are happy to pay triple the price for clubs after a "fitting". It's fine to go rent their launch monitors to get your numbers and test shaft/head combos but never smart to purchase clubs from them unless they're wiling to match prices, which I don't think they do. They work on multiples of around 3.