Taylormade Stealth 2 Vs Callaway Big Bertha BB23 Hybrid Comparison Overview
Hybrid clubs seem to all get lumped in together.
Many golfers feel that so long as one club is a “hybrid” it’s going to do the same thing as another hybrid club. While that may have been true a decade ago, that certainly is not the case today.
Today, golfers have to practice a lot more discernment when choosing a hybrid club. And while this speaks to the increased variety in hybrids, it also means a little more research, effort and of course, fitting. But in the following review, we’re going to help you in the research and effort departments by comparing two wildly popular, modern hybrids…
Taylormade Stealth 2 Hybrid Review
“Taylormade refuses to adopt the hybrid moniker and is sticking with the Rescue classification.”
The Stealth 2 “Rescue” therefore better have really good turf interaction and perform well from the rough…which it does. Taylormade has again implemented the V-steel sole panel which helps cut through the thick stuff. We were achieving very clean contact from the rough in our test session.
Looking down at both the BB23 and Stealth 2 hybrids though, one difference stuck out like a sore thumb: the BB23 was significantly longer than the Stealth 2 from heel to toe. Still, the Stealth 2 has a long profile overall.
Our low-face shots were flying fast and there was a ton of sweet spot leeway from heel to toe. Very nice trajectory workability, high launch and great forgiveness.
Callaway Big Bertha BB23 Hybrid Overview
“The BB23 has a larger footprint than the Stealth 2 and launches even higher.”
If you struggle to get the ball airborne, you will love the BB23 hybrid. Launch was effortless and the pronounced offset really invites you to take your strongest swing. The BB23 does look bulkier and a bit clumsier than the Stealth 2 though. The Stealth 2 just had a sleeker look.
But there was almost nowhere on the face we could strike that would reduce ball speed. Divergence might widen a little on mis-hits; but you’re likely to play long no matter where you make contact on this club.
“The Callaway Big Bertha BB23 Hybrid is hands down the more forgiving hybrid – and that’s saying a lot considering that the Stealth 2 is very forgiving. The Stealth 2 hybrid looks better and is much more workable. But if shot-shaping and looks aren’t concerns for you yet, the Callaway Big Bertha BB23 Hybrid will likely suit your needs.”
Taylormade Stealth 2 Hybrid
In 20 Words Or Less
“The Taylormade Stealth 2 Hybrid is a winning tandem of versatility and workability. Great for all kinds of players.”
Callaway Big Bertha BB23 Hybrid
In 20 Words or Less
The BB23 hybrids get the ball up in the air in a hurry and are incredibly forgiving.
Taylormade Stealth 2 Hybrid – First Impressions
“At first, we believed that the Taylormade Stealth 2 hybrid was a pure GI club.”
But its workability and versatility quickly impressed us. It’s not the longest hybrid on the market; but it makes up for it with accuracy.
Taylormade Stealth 2 Hybrid Family
“The Stealth 2 Plus and Stealth 2 HD hybrids are also available for more specific needs.”
The HD version will help correct a slice while the Stealth 2 Plus is a better option for low handicap players seeking lower flight and spin.
Callaway Big Bertha BB23 Hybrid – First Impressions
“At a glance, it’s easy to tell that Callaway doubled down on the forgiveness factor of the Big Bertha line with the Callaway Big Bertha BB23 hybrids.”
The footprint is surely the first thing that any player will notice about these hybrids. They certainly live up to the Big Bertha name by being beefy and confidence-inspiring behind the ball.
When we first started our test session, we were very impressed with how easily these clubs got the ball up in the air.
Taylormade Stealth 2 Hybrid Selling Points
- Inverted cone technology
- V-Steel sole panel
- Great from the rough
- Viable from the tee
- Very forgiving
Callaway Big Bertha BB23 Hybrid Selling Points
- 455 steel face
- Internal “batwing” jailbreak bracing system
- Tungsten weighting in the sole
- Adjustable loft sleeve
- D1 swing weight
- AI-designed face
Who is the Taylormade Stealth 2 Hybrid for?
“The Taylormade Stealth 2 hybrid is sure to suit the needs of many kinds of players.”
We were a little disappointed with the spin rates and the high launch compared to the Stealth 2 Plus hybrid. But the standard Taylormade Stealth 2 hybrid definitely checks more boxes. While it isn’t as long as the “Plus” version, it is playable for more types of golfers.
It is truly a rescue club from the rough and it will allow skilled players to actually attack the pin from tight lies. It feels and sounds nice when you pure the ball and you don’t lose much ball speed when you mis-hit.