In the fascinating world of golf, equipment choices can significantly affect your game, and choosing the right shaft for your driver is no exception. The TaylorMade Stealth Driver, released in early 2022, brings a new era of carbon wood technology and a plethora of custom Taylormade Stealth shaft options.
Here is the breakdown of the 5 best Stealth driver shafts in 2023:
- Fujikura Ventus Red Shaft – Best Overall
- Project X HZRDUS Smoke Shaft – Best for Durability
- Mitsubishi Diamana Driver Shaft – Best for Fast Swing Speeds
- Aldila Ascent Red Shaft – Best for Higher Launch
- UST Recoil Shaft – Best for Feel
But which of these shafts will maximize your game? In this article, I delve into my personal experience testing some of the best shafts for Stealth drivers to guide you in finding the one that aligns best with your swing characteristics.
Read more: The Full Stealth Driver Review
Featured Shafts for Stealth Drivers
| Best Overall | Best for Durability | Best for Fast Swing Speeds | |
| Shaft Name | Fujikura Ventus Red Shaft | Project X HZRDUS Smoke Shaft | Mitsubishi Diamana Driver Shaft |
| Pros | – Increases ball speed, particularly on off-center shots | – Exceptional rigidity | – Offers an incredible feel during swings |
| – Tightens shot dispersion | – Provides low spin and launch | – Ensures accuracy, consistency, and solid feel | |
| – Offers mid-high ball flight | – Consistently performs across different driver heads | – Enables consistent mid to highball flights | |
| Cons | – Might not be ideal for those preferring lower-ball flight | – May be too stiff for some players | – Those used to tip-stiff shafts may need some adaptation time |
| Ball Speed | 90 | 85 | 88 |
| Dispersion | 87 | 92 | 90 |
| Launch Angle | 92 | 88 | 85 |
| Rating | 4.5 | 4 | 4 |
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I’m a PGA-certified golfer and instructor, and I thoroughly researched and evaluated the Mevo+. Then an editor reviewed and fact-checked the review. Finally, we conduct regular content audits to update and revise our reviews to ensure you receive the latest information.
When researching this review, we considered these criteria:
- Cost
- Ball Speed
- Dispersion
- Launch Angle
- Spin
- Feel
Read more: The Best Driver Shafts
The 5 Best Taylormade Stealth Driver Shafts In 2023
1. Fujikura Ventus Red Shaft – Best Overall
Pros
- Increases ball speed, particularly on off-center shots
- Tightens shot dispersion
- Offers mid-high ball flight
Cons
- Might not be ideal for those preferring lower-ball flight
Key Features
- Engineered with VeloCore Technology for ultimate stability
- Built with premium materials for strength and durability
- Offers about 25+ grip options
When I tried the Fujikura Ventus Red shaft with my TaylorMade Stealth driver, I found that it massively tightened my shot dispersion and increased ball speed, particularly on off-center shots.
This shaft features VeloCore Technology with an accelerated taper design, enhancing feel and load, improving velocity and smash factor. It provides a mid-high ball flight and ultimate stability, improving control, tighter dispersion, and strength.
However, the Aldila Ascent Red shaft might be a more suitable choice for golfers preferring a lower ball flight.
Who’s it best for?
Taylormade Stealth shaft for golfers looking to increase ball speed and reduce shot dispersion for more consistent, controlled shots.
Rating: 4.5/5
2. Project X HZRDUS Smoke Shaft – Best for Durability
Pros
- Exceptional rigidity
- Provides low spin and launch
- Consistently performs across different driver heads
- Converts good swings into straight drives
- Highly durable
Cons
- May be too stiff for some players
Key Features
- Designed for less spin and more distance
- Tip section engineered for higher launch angle
- Among the lightest driver shafts available
- Excellent stability and control
As an experienced golfer, I found the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Shaft to be an exciting proposition with the TaylorMade Stealth driver. The stiffness was immediately apparent, lending a reassuring feel of durability and stability. The low spin and low launches it offered gave my shots an appreciable consistency, regardless of the driver head I used.
It was almost as if every good swing I made was rewarded with an arrow-straight hit. However, its extreme stiffness could overwhelm some golfers who prefer a more flexible feel. As an alternative, the Aldila NVS 55 Shaft offers a bit more flexibility without compromising on performance.
Who’s it best for?
Golfers preferring low spin, consistent performance, and high durability
Rating: 3.5/5
3. Mitsubishi Diamana Driver Shaft – Best for Fast Swing Speeds
Pros
- Stiff flex
- High-quality performance
- Ideal for golfers with a fast swing speed
Cons
- One of the more expensive shafts on the market
Key Features
- Heavyweight for stability
- Low kick point for higher spin
- Offers game improvement due to its high-quality nature
Upon testing the Mitsubishi Diamana Driver Shaft with my TaylorMade Stealth, I was impressed by its balance of stiffness and quality. The weight felt right, giving the driver a solid heft without hindering my swing speed.
In fact, it felt like it was made for fast-swing speed players like me. Its low kick point resulted in a higher spin, which took some getting used to, but I appreciated the added control it offered once I did. The main drawback is its price.
It is more expensive than most other shafts on the market, but the high-quality nature and performance improvements it brings to the game make it worth the investment. An affordable alternative would be the Fujikura Vista Pro 60 Driver Shaft.
Who’s it best for?
Golfers with a fast swing speed are willing to invest a little more for top-quality performance.
Rating: 4/5
4. Aldila Ascent Red Shaft – Best for Higher Launch
Pros
- Provides higher launch without sacrificing performance
- Increases launch angle while maintaining spin and face deflection
- Offers more than 25 grips
Cons
- May not be suitable for golfers seeking a lower launch
Key Features
- Features the integrated Impact Stabilization Zone for stability and enhanced energy transfer
- Available in 40, 50, 60, 80, and 80 grams with various flex options
- Stiffer shaft section infused with tungsten
During my testing with the Aldila Ascent Red shaft paired with the TaylorMade Stealth driver, I noted a noticeable increase in the launch angle without compromising spin and face deflection. This made the flight of my shots reach an increased apex while maintaining accuracy.
The integrated Impact Stabilization Zone, which is a stiffer section infused with tungsten, provided stability and enhanced energy transfer. Despite these advantages, golfers seeking a lower launch might prefer the Fujikura Ventus Red.
But if you’re looking for a higher launching shaft that does not compromise on performance, the Aldila Ascent Red might be perfect for you.
Who’s it best for?
Taylormade Stealth driver shaft for golfers looking for a high launching shaft without compromising performance and accuracy.
Rating: 4/5
5. UST Recoil Shaft – Best for Feel
Pros
- Offers an incredible feel during swings
- Ensures accuracy, consistency, and solid feel
- Enables consistent mid to high ball flights
Cons
- Those used to tip-stiff shafts may need some adaptation time
Key Features
- Comes in two variants, Recoil 95 and Recoil 110
- Facilitates smooth transition for players used to high-launching or lightweight steel shafts
- Delivers a smooth swing experience
I tested the UST Recoil Shaft with my TaylorMade Stealth driver and was instantly taken with the feel it provided during swings. It ensured accuracy and consistency with a solid feel, promoting consistent mid to high ball flights.
The transition was smooth, particularly if you’re used to high-launching or lightweight steel shafts. One thing to note, though, is that if you’re accustomed to tip-stiff shafts, this one might require a slight adaptation period.
The UST Proforce V2 HL Golf Shaft could be a more suitable choice in such cases.
Who’s it best for?
Golfers who prioritize feel, consistency, and smooth transitions in their swings.
Rating: 3/5
What to Consider When Buying Shaft for TaylorMade Stealth Driver — Stealth Driver Shaft Options
Flexibility
The flexibility of the shaft impacts the distance and direction of your shot. Assess your swing speed to determine the right flexibility. Faster swings require stiffer shafts, while slower ones benefit from more flexible ones. Check out this article on stiff vs regular stiff for a better understanding.
Weight
Shaft weight can influence swing speed, control, and feel. Lighter shafts may increase swing speed but at the cost of control. Heavier shafts offer more control but might reduce swing speed.
Length
The length of the shaft impacts clubhead speed and control over the swing. Longer shafts may produce more speed but could be harder to control, while shorter ones offer better control but might limit speed.
Material
Shafts are typically made from steel or graphite. Steel shafts are heavier, more durable, and provide more control. Graphite shafts are lighter and increase swing speed but may offer less control.
Torque
Torque is the shaft’s resistance to twisting. Lower torque shafts offer more control and are ideal for players with high swing speeds. Higher torque shafts are softer, providing a better feel, suitable for slower swing speeds.
If you’re looking for a driver with slow swing speeds, we’ve got a list for that as well!
Kick Point
Kick point or bend point affects the trajectory of the ball. A high kick point results in a lower trajectory, and a low kick point leads to a higher trajectory. Choose the kick point that best fits your preferred ball flight.
FAQs
What Shaft Does The Stealth Have?
The TaylorMade Stealth Driver comes with a range of custom shafts, including Aldila’s Ascent Red and Fujikura’s Ventus Red. Additionally, golfers can fit the Stealth driver with two more shafts: Mitsubishi Diamana ZF60 and Graphite Design Tour AD 12. Each shaft provides varying attributes to optimize performance based on the player's swing speed.
How Do I Know What Driver Shaft I Need?
Selecting a driver shaft depends on your swing speed, desired control, and ball flight. A flexible, lighter shaft like the Ventus Red 5 might be suitable if you swing slower. A stiffer, heavier shaft like the Mitsubishi Diamana ZF60 or Graphite Design Tour AD 12 could be ideal for faster swingers who need more control.
Final Thoughts
Having tested various shaft options with the TaylorMade Stealth Driver, my top pick is the Fujikura Ventus Red. This shaft stood out for its ability to tighten shot dispersion and increase ball speed, thanks to its VeloCore Technology. It provides impressive stability and control, making it an excellent choice for various players.
However, it’s important to note that every golfer is different, and the most suitable shaft for you will largely depend on your unique swing characteristics. Therefore, I strongly recommend trying a few options before deciding on the best shaft for Stealth driver.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni.
He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
- Best score: 68
- Favorite club: Odyssey White Hot Two-Ball Center-Shafted Putter
- Favorite ball: Titleist Pro V1x
- Favorite food at the turn: Hot dog
