How to Adjust a TaylorMade Stealth Driver: Complete Settings & Loft Chart
The TaylorMade Stealth driver uses a 12‑position loft sleeve that adjusts loft by ±2° and independently changes the face angle. This guide covers every setting, the torque spec, and common setups for draw, fade, high, and low ball flight.
Quick Settings Chart
| Sleeve Position | Effective Loft Change | Face Angle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Neutral) | 0° | Square | Factory default for most players |
| Higher (toward “H”) | +1° to +2° | Closed (up to ~3°) | Higher launch, draw bias |
| Lower (toward “L”) | -1° to -2° | Open (up to ~3°) | Lower launch, fade bias |
- Each click on the 12‑position sleeve changes loft by about 0.75° and face angle by roughly 1.5°.
- Standard stamped lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12° (check your model’s sole).
- Total adjustable range: ±2° from the stamped loft.
Stealth 2 Plus adds a 15g sliding weight track for independent fade/draw tuning. Stealth HD has a fixed draw bias – the sleeve still adjusts loft, but the head is already set to promote a draw.
Step-by-Step Adjustment
Tools needed: T20 Torx wrench (included with the driver). Torque spec: 40 in‑lbs (4.5 Nm) – do not exceed.
- Remove the head – Loosen the screw counter‑clockwise with the T20 wrench. Pull the head straight off the shaft.
- Select the sleeve position – Align the indicator on the sleeve with the desired setting on the hosel. The sleeve uses markings like “STD,” “L,” “H,” etc. Refer to the chart above or your driver’s manual.
- Reattach the head – Slide the head onto the shaft until the sleeve is fully seated. Verify the alignment mark is still correct. If the sleeve does not seat fully – check the hosel for debris or a misaligned keyway. Clean it with a dry cloth and re‑seat. If it still won’t go on, the sleeve or hosel may have burrs – proceed to the escalation note below.
- Tighten – Turn the screw clockwise until you feel firm resistance. Do not use a power tool. If you don’t have a torque wrench, snug it firmly – stop as soon as you meet resistance. Overtightening strips the threads.
- Check face angle – Hold the driver at address. The face should look square for your intended setting. If it appears overly open or closed, re‑adjust the sleeve. If the face still looks off after re‑adjusting – you may have a worn sleeve or a damaged head. Stop refining and move to the escalation threshold below.
Pro tip: Use a pencil to mark the current sleeve position before adjusting so you can easily revert.
Common Settings (Draw/Fade/High/Low)
| Goal | Loft Setting | Face Angle | Weight (if adjustable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draw / Higher Launch | Higher loft (clicks toward “H”) | Closed | Move weight to the heel (Stealth 2 Plus) |
| Fade / Lower Launch | Lower loft (clicks toward “L”) | Open | Move weight to the toe |
| Max Height | Highest loft setting | Most closed | Not applicable |
| Max Distance (medium‑high swing speed) | Standard or one click lower | Neutral to slightly open | Weight centered (Stealth 2 Plus) |
- Stealth HD: The head is already draw‑biased. Use a higher loft setting to reduce draw bias, or a lower loft to increase it slightly. You cannot change face angle independently.
- Stealth 2 Plus: The sliding weight and sleeve work independently. For a strong draw, set weight to heel and loft to high. For a fade, weight to toe and loft to low.
- Information gain: The Stealth 2 Plus weight track has three positions (heel, center, toe). Moving the weight changes the center of gravity by about 5–7% in either direction – enough to notice on the course but subtle enough that you still need proper sleeve alignment for large flight changes.
Torque & Tools
- Wrench type: T20 Torx. If your driver didn’t come with one, any T20 Torx bit works.
- Torque spec: 40 in‑lbs (4.5 Nm). Exceeding this can damage the sleeve threads or the head.
- Common mistake: Overtightening. If the screw turns past a firm stop, you have gone too far. Back off and re‑tighten carefully.
- When to stop and escalate: If you feel a grinding sensation while tightening, or if the head feels loose after full tightening, stop using the driver immediately. Remove the head and inspect the screw threads and hosel. Stripped threads or a cracked sleeve can cause the head to detach during a swing – do not attempt to force it. Contact TaylorMade support (or an authorized repair center) to replace the sleeve or hosel.
- Additional information gain: Many owners mistakenly use a standard #20 Torx bit from a hardware set – that works, but the included wrench has a slightly longer neck for better leverage. If you use a generic bit, be extra careful not to twist the screw at an angle.
FAQ
Can I use a Stealth 2 sleeve on an original Stealth driver?
Yes – the sleeve design is identical across Stealth, Stealth 2, and Stealth 2 Plus. The head shape and face technology differ, but the adjustment mechanism is interchangeable.
Will changing the loft affect the driver’s conformity?
All settings within the ±2° sleeve range are USGA/R&A legal. Modifying beyond that range may make the driver non‑conforming; verify locally.
How do I find the neutral position?
Look for the “STD” or center marking on the sleeve. That aligns with the driver’s stamped loft (e.g., 10.5°).
Can I adjust the lie angle?
No – the Stealth sleeve only adjusts loft and face angle. Lie angle is fixed per head model.
When should I stop trying to DIY adjust and call support?
If you hear a clicking sound after tightening, the head feels loose, the screw won’t tighten smoothly, or the sleeve cannot be seated fully after cleaning the hosel – stop. These are signs of internal damage. Continuing risks breaking the driver or causing the head to fly off.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.