The Big Bopper. The Whip Stick. The Big Dog.
Whatever you refer to it as, a golfer is only as good as the driver in their bag.
However, if you’re somebody like me who regularly experiences option paralysis, the hundreds of options on the market today can make it incredibly hard to choose the right driver for you.
If you happen to be in the market for a new driver, I may have just the comparison piece here for you to inform your decision.
I’ve spent the past couple of days testing out the PXG Gen5 Driver and the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver to see how they stack up.
What follows is a detailed rundown of the two drivers, including general overviews, tech specs, performance analysis, and a price point discussion. If that sounds like something that could be helpful for you, read on!
Overview of PXG Gen5 Driver
PXG’s new Gen5 Driver is a marked improvement to its predecessors, and in our opinion is a statement of intent from PXG – they have well and truly entered the driver conversation.
The XF variant of the Gen5 line (and the one we tested for this comparison) is the more forgiving of the two, but that’s not to say it is lacking in other departments. Compared to its Gen4 equivalent, the Gen5 XF boasts a faster ball speed, better distance, and less revs.
The Gen5 XF’s forgiving nature means it is well suited to more intermediate-level players, but advanced golfers could see the benefits of using this driver as well.
Overview of TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver
The Stealth 2 Driver is a welcome entry to TaylorMade’s roster, staying true to the best elements of the first Stealth driver while offering some subtle differences that make for a driver with all the hallmarks of a TaylorMade classic.
TaylorMade has coined the term ‘fargiveness’ in recent years, and this remains true for their latest offering in the Stealth line.
Ball speed is up thanks to a lighter carbon face, and the remaining club weight is pushed to the edges of the face for faster off-center hits.
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver is a great option for golfers with lower handicaps looking to minimize spin and maximize distance.
Head-to-Head Technical Comparison
| Category | PXG Gen5 Driver | TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver |
| Loft Options | 9°, 10.5°, 12° | 8°, 9°, 10.5° |
| Shaft Materials | Graphite | Graphite |
| Weight | Head Mass: 203g | 2.3Lbs |
| Hand Orientation | Right | Right, Left |
| Spin | 2850 | 2890 |
| Distance | 240 | 260 |
| Ball Speed | 147 Mph | 158 Mph |
Performance Analysis on the Course
PXG Gen5 Driver
Distance
PXG’s Gen5 driver outperforms its predecessor in this aspect of the game, gaining an average of 5 more yards with every swing than the Gen4.
Coming in with a maximum carry distance of around 240 yards, we believe this is a respectable distance (I’m a 5-handicapper, for your information).
Forgiveness
The XF model we tested is touted as providing ‘maximum forgiveness’ compared to the stock model, which is designed specifically for distance.
This forgiveness is present in abundance. If you are not a particularly accurate player, you will find consistency in your swings and therefore good accuracy overall.
Playability
As well as this driver’s respectable tech specs, it is a stylish, good-sounding, and great-feeling club.
PXG used a method called Modal Analysis to optimize the sound the Gen5 emits, resulting in a slightly higher pitched and fully satisfying ‘thwack’ sound.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver
Distance
This driver offers impressive distance, mainly owing to its increased use of carbon in the head.
If this is something you value in a driver, the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver pips PXG’s Gen 5 driver to the post in this regard.
Forgiveness
I found the Stealth 2 Driver to provide remarkable forgiveness. All across the face, my shots were consistent, with my distances remaining the same for the most part throughout the day – even when the weather conditions changed mid-way through.
Playability
TaylorMade has crafted a supremely playable driver in the Stealth 2. Its distance and forgiveness, combined with sleek design and attractive sound, make it a winner in our eyes.
Price and Value for Money
The PXG Gen5’s retail value is $599 USD, but you may be able to find a sweet deal for far less than that online.
The Taylormade Stealth 2 retails at $629.99 USD but is often available on Amazon for less.
At similar price points, it really comes down to preference when deciding between these two options.
It is worth noting however that possibly due to PXG’s relative newness to the driver conversation, it comes at a slightly lower price with comparable specifications.
User Experience and Reviews
The PXG Gen5 has excellent reviews from customers. Users highlight the driver’s accuracy and aesthetics in their reviews, with the overall sentiment being that it is a very solid driver.
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 has higher than average ratings from customers. Reviewers mentioned increased distance and more precision when using the Stealth 2.
However, there were also reviewers stating they had had issues with the club, and difficulties getting in touch with TaylorMade to honor the warranty.
Choosing the Right Driver for Your Game
Although these are two very comparable, top-of-the-line drivers, there are some key differences between them that should be taken into consideration when weighing up the best club for you.
First of all, the range of loft options varies between the two drivers – whereas the PXG Gen5 offers 9°, 10.5° and 12° loft options, the Taylormade Stealth 2 offers 8°, 9° and 10.5° options.
This knowledge may give you an idea of which driver you go for.
If you’re a sucker for stats like me and looking to improve your long game, you may have noticed I was able to get a couple of extra yards out of the Stealth 2.
Although 20 yards isn’t a huge difference, it’s not a negligible one either;
something to keep in mind.
The PXG Gen5 also only offers a right-hand orientation, whereas the Stealth 2 offers both left and right orientations.
Final Verdict
Both of the drivers reviewed today are quality additions to any mid-low handicapper’s golf bag.
PXG’s Gen5 Driver is a real statement of intent from the brand most well-known for their irons. This is a great all-round club with all the looks, distance, and forgiveness of the best of the best.
The Stealth 2 from TaylorMade marks more of the same high-quality gear from the American powerhouse, with impressive ball distance and speed alongside a beautiful aesthetic profile.
