Taylormade Qi10 Irons vs Stealth Irons: Which is more forgiven?
Welcome to my comparison review of the Taylormade Qi10 irons vs stealth irons. Both Irons are on top of the list as far as modern club engineering is concerned.
So, I have played both Irons, and in this review, I will be sharing my 50-cent experience of the two great clubs. If you are deciding which of the two irons to get, this review will hopefully help you make a better buying decision.
The TaylorMade Qi10 irons( Reviewed Here) are the newer of the two sets, released in 2024. With an RRP of Approximately $999.99 for the steel club option and $1099.99 per graphite, they are definitely on the pricey side. However, they offer some more forgiveness than the Stealth irons, making them a great option for mid-to-high handicappers.
On the other hand, the Stealth irons are more affordable, making them a better choice for those on a budget. They also have a more compact profile, making them a better option for low handicappers who prefer a more traditional look at address.
Design and Technology
Material and Construction
When it comes to material and construction, both the TaylorMade Qi10 and Stealth irons have a lot in common. They are both made of high-quality materials and have been constructed to maximize performance. The Qi10 irons are made using a high-strength, high-density steel, while the Stealth irons are made using a multi-material construction with a forged steel face and a cast body.
The Qi10 irons have a hollow-body construction with a thin, flexible face that is designed to increase ball speed and distance. The Stealth irons, on the other hand, have a deep undercut cavity design that provides a low center of gravity and increased forgiveness.
Technological Advancements
Both the Qi10 and Stealth irons feature advanced technologies that are designed to improve performance. The Qi10 irons feature a progressive center of gravity design that moves the CG lower and deeper in the long irons for increased launch and higher in the short irons for better control. The Stealth irons feature a Speed Bridge technology that connects the top line to the back bar, providing increased stability and improved sound and feel.
In addition, both the Qi10 and Stealth irons feature a Thru-Slot Speed Pocket that is designed to increase ball speed and distance on off-center hits. The Qi10 irons also feature a Fluted Hosel design that removes weight from the hosel and redistributes it to the head for increased stability and improved feel.
Overall, both the TaylorMade Qi10 and Stealth irons are packed with advanced technologies that are designed to improve performance and provide golfers with a better overall experience on the course.
Performance
Distance and Accuracy
When it comes to distance, the TaylorMade Qi10 irons offer a slight edge over the Stealth irons. The Qi10 irons have a hollow-body cavity-back design that allowed for a lower CG (center of gravity) and better launch control in the short irons, which resulted in an average of 6.1 yards more distance compared to the Stealth irons. However, this difference may not be significant for all golfers.
In terms of accuracy, both the Qi10 and Stealth irons have a similar profile, with the same sole and top line width. The Qi10 irons have a progressive CG that provides more distance in the long irons and better launch control in the short irons, which can contribute to better accuracy. However, the difference in accuracy between the two iron sets is not significant.
Forgiveness and Control
The TaylorMade Qi10 irons offer more forgiveness compared to the Stealth irons. The Qi10 irons have a larger sweet spot and a wider sole that helps to reduce turf interaction, resulting in more consistent shots. However, the larger sweet spot may sacrifice some control over the ball.
On the other hand, the Stealth irons provide better control over the ball due to their smaller sweet spot and narrower sole. This can be beneficial for golfers who prefer to shape their shots and have a higher skill level.
Overall, the choice between the TaylorMade Qi10 and Stealth irons will depend on the golfer’s individual preferences and skill level. Golfers who prioritize distance and forgiveness may prefer the Qi10 irons, while golfers who prioritize control and shot shaping may prefer the Stealth irons.
Aesthetics and Feel
Visual Appeal
When it comes to the visual appeal of the TaylorMade Qi10 and Stealth irons, both clubs have a sleek and modern look. The Qi10 irons have a slightly larger clubhead and thicker topline compared to the Stealth irons. The Qi10 irons also have a progressive offset, which is more pronounced in the longer irons, while the Stealth irons have a constant offset throughout the set.
In terms of color, both clubs have a similar dark finish, with the Qi10 irons having a slightly darker shade. The Qi10 irons also have a red accent on the back of the clubhead, which adds a pop of color.
Club Feel and Sound
The club feel and sound are important factors to consider when choosing between the TaylorMade Qi10 and Stealth irons. The Qi10 irons have a hollow body design, which gives them a more solid feel at impact. The cavity also helps to dampen vibration, resulting in a smoother feel.
The Stealth irons, on the other hand, have a traditional cavity back design, which gives them a softer feel at impact. The cavity also helps to increase forgiveness on off-center hits.
In terms of sound, both clubs have a crisp sound at impact, with the Qi10 irons having a slightly louder sound due to the hollow body design.
Overall, both the TaylorMade Qi10 and Stealth irons have their own unique aesthetics and feel. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and which club feels and looks better to the individual golfer.
Taylormade Qi10 Irons vs Stealth Irons Tabular Comparison.
Let’s compare the Taylormade Qi10 Irons and the Stealth Irons in a tabular form:
| Aspect | Taylormade Qi10 Irons | Stealth Irons |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Updated hollow cap-back design, progressive CG, and HYBRAR Echo dampers | Toe-wrap construction, cap-back design, and Speed Pocket |
| Profile | Almost identical to Stealth irons: same sole width and nearly identical top line width | More traditional GI look with less cavity filled by cap-back |
| Distance | Longer by 6.1 yards due to hollow-body cap-back design | Still forgiving GI irons, but slightly less distance |
| Dispersion | Tighter dispersion | Good dispersion, but not as tight as Qi10 |
| Forgiveness | More forgiving, excellent for a slice | Forgiving, but not as forgiving as Qi10 |
| Price | Around $1,100 or thereabout. | Currently retailing: About $800 or thereabout. |
Both sets have their strengths, so it depends on your preferences and playing style. The Qi10 offers better dispersion and distance, while the Stealth irons are more affordable and still forgiving, in my opinion.
Taylormade Qi10 Irons vs Stealth Irons: Which one is better for high handicappers?
Based on my experience, the Taylormade Qi10 Irons would be a better choice for high handicappers. Here’s why:
- Forgiveness: The Qi10 irons are very forgiving, making them ideal for players who struggle with consistency.
- Distance: The hollow cap-back design provides extra distance, which can benefit high handicappers.
- Dispersion: The tighter dispersion of the Qi10 irons helps improve accuracy.
Price and Value
When comparing the TaylorMade Qi10 irons to the Stealth irons, the first thing to consider is the price. The Qi10 irons are definitely on the pricey side with an RRP of about $999.99 for the steel club option and about $1099.99 per graphite.
While the Qi10 irons offer some more forgiveness than the Stealth irons, that is about it. In terms of value for money, I would honestly buy the Stealth Irons over these, just purely on price point.
It’s worth noting that the price difference between the two sets of irons is quite significant, and it’s up to you as a golfer to decide whether the extra forgiveness offered by the Qi10 irons is worth the extra cost.
Final Thoughts
Finally, the TaylorMade Qi10 irons are a solid choice for golfers prioritizing forgiveness and distance. While they are more expensive than the Stealth irons, they do offer some noticeable improvements, such as better launch control and a more forgiving design.
That being said, the Stealth irons are still a great option for golfers who are looking for a more budget-friendly set of irons. They provide a similar level of performance to the Qi10 irons, albeit with slightly less forgiveness.
At the end of the day, the choice between the two sets of irons will come down to your personal preference and budget. If you have the money to spend and are looking for the latest and greatest technology, the Qi10 irons are worth considering. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t want to sacrifice too much in terms of performance, the Stealth irons are a great alternative.
In summary, both sets of irons have their pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your game.
