So today I grabbed my bag and headed to the driving range to settle the Diablo vs. Taylormade debate once and for all. Figured I’d put both through the wringer like I always do – no fancy launch monitors, just real grass and my own two eyes.
First Impressions Setup
Pulled the Callaway Diablo outta my trunk first. That red finish still looks mean as hell after all these years. Then unpacked my buddy’s Taylormade Stealth – you know, the all-black one with the weird carbon face. Set up two piles of balls in the grass tee area, 15 for each club exactly. Warmed up with some short irons first because my back’s been acting up again.
The Testing Grind
Started with the Diablo. Took my usual choppy swing – WHACK – and damn that thing’s loud. Like slapping a garbage can lid. First few shots ballooned high but carried decent. When I caught one clean? Felt like the clubhead was dragging through wet concrete. Heavy old beast. Then switched to the Stealth. Immediate difference – that whooshy sound Taylormade loves. Even my mishits (and there were plenty) somehow stayed in the air. But when I absolutely nutted one? That carbon face makes this weird dead “thud” – no feedback at all. Felt like hitting balls with a pillow.
Midway through I realized:
- Diablo hates fat shots – digs trenches like a backhoe
- Stealth saves my ass on toe strikes – balls still kinda float forward
- Diablo goes left. Always left. Every. Damn. Time.
- Stealth lets me cut it when I really crank my hips open
Showdown Moment
Saved last three balls for pressure testing. Imagined needing 180 yards over water. Diablo first: skyball that landed soft but 15 yards short. Stealth? Low missile that ran forever through the fake fairway. Next two shots same story – Diablo for height, Stealth for ground coverage.
Packed up sweating like a pig in July. Both clubs left muddy as hell – good sign means I actually put ’em through hell.
Who Won My Bag Today?
Look, if you want that old-school heavy hitter feeling, the Diablo’s your zombie club – won’t die. But the Stealth? It’s like cheating. Makes my crap swings look semi-competent. Neither’s perfect but today’s round goes to Taylormade. That forgiveness thing ain’t marketing bullshit – it saved my bacon six ways from Sunday out there.