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When golfers think about a set of clubs, the one they usually get the most excited about is the driver. This is the longest golf club in a set and it features the largest clubhead of them all, factors that make the ball go farther than any other club can. Every golfer loves a great drive, and they love gaining distance off the tee even more. The best golf drivers match the skillset and playing experience of a golfer while providing forgiveness to tee shots that aren't struck perfectly.
There are a lot of factors that go into customizing the ideal driver for each person, so we recommend always going to an instructor to get properly fitted. However, a lot of research can be done upfront to decide what type of driver would be best for you. Finding the perfect golfing driver is one of the best golf gifts someone could give to a lover of the game. Our ACTIVE Reviews Team has narrowed it down to the best golf drivers in each category to help your search.
The Best Golf Drivers - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Golf Driver: TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Driver
- Best Golf Driver for Seniors: Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver
- Best Golf Driver for Distance: Cobra LTDx LS Black Driver
- Best Budget Golf Driver: Cobra RADSpeed Driver
- Best Golf Driver for Beginners: TaylorMade Stealth HD Driver
- Best Men's Golf Driver: Mizuno ST-G Driver
- Best Women's Golf Driver: TaylorMade Women's KALEA PREMIER Driver
- Best Design Golf Driver: Callaway Epic Speed Driver
- Best Consistent Golf Driver: Callaway Rogue ST MAX Driver
- Best Performance Golf Driver: PXG 0811 Driver
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Best Overall - TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45.75".
- Flex: Senior, regular, stiff, and extra stiff
- Material: Carbon fiber and tungsten
- Loft: 9, 10.5, or 12 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Fujikura Ventus Blue and Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver
When golfers compare driver models like the TaylorMade SIM 2 and SIM 2 Max, everyone wants to know what the difference is between the two. It's an easy answer in this case: forgiveness. The SIM 2 Max is built specifically with a lower swing speed player in mind. There is a 24-gram tungsten weight on the back of the clubhead that helps launch the ball higher than in its SIM 2 model which is meant for better players with faster swing speeds. This club comes with Twist Face technology so that off-center hits are directed back online. There is also a loft sleeve, meaning that the loft of the club can be adjusted on the fly if you want to hit the ball lower or higher.
The ultimate takeaway about the SIM 2 Max is that it's the best driver on the market for the average golfer who wants to maximize their ball speed while still being able to find their golf ball.
What We Like
- High forgiveness for average swing speed players
- Tungsten weight encourages optimal launch
- Carbon sole shaped for better aerodynamics
- Twist Face technology helps with off-center hits
- Comes with loft sleeve for adjustments
What We Don't Like
- Won't benefit better players with faster swing speeds
- Can create too much spin for those who hit down on the ball
BUY: TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Driver
Best Golf Driver for Seniors - Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45.75"
- Flex: Senior, regular, and stiff
- Material: Carbon fiber and titanium
- Loft: 9, 10.5, and 12.5 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Callaway RCH 45, 55, and 65
This draw-biased club is built to eliminate the slice shot, something that a lot of seniors struggle with over time. The Big Bertha B21 has a low spin profile with a higher launch, so the ball is more likely to stay on target—and the high launch can help slower swing speed players get over obstacles. With an adjustable loft sleeve, you can also easily change the height of the launch. This is a phenomenal club for seniors who struggle to get the ball in play off the tee.
One nice part is the club comes with the option of three different shaft weights, including as low as a 45-gram shaft with a light flex. This could be a great solution for older players who don't have as much strength.
What We Like
- Built to combat slice
- Low spin and excellent forgiveness
- Loft sleeve for fine-tuning
- Jailbreak bars promote higher ball speed
- 3 available shaft weights
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for faster swing speed players
- Those who hook the ball won't get much benefit
BUY: Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver
Best Golf Driver for Distance - Cobra LTDx LS Black Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45.5"
- Flex: Lite, regular, stiff, and extra stiff
- Material: Titanium and carbon fiber
- Loft: 9, 10.5, and 12.5 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Project X HZRDUS RDX Blue, Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10, and UST Helium Nanocore
Speed, speed, and more speed. The Cobra LTDx LS is the driver of choice for players who are looking to maximize their distance by hitting low, penetrating drives at high speeds. The clubhead has weight positioned low and close to the clubface which allows for faster ball speeds. It is also among the lightest clubheads on the market. The clubface itself has H.O.T. (Highly Optimized Topology) where thousands of simulations have determined the proper amount of thickness for each area. This all adds up to a driver with a lot of firepower. If you are looking for something that will promote accuracy and a higher, friendlier launch with more forgiveness, this will be a more difficult driver to hit.
One of the nice parts about a Cobra driver is that it comes with the ability to implement the Arccos shot tracking system. This means that small sensors can be installed into your grips and each one of your shots can be tracked through the Arccos app. This requires a separate purchase, but it's a nice option to have for those who are interested in analytics about their game.
What We Like
- Low spin and low launch for more distance
- Clubhead weight positioned low and forward for faster ball speed
- Light, aerodynamic design
- Ability to add Arccos shot tracking system
- Clubface has Highly Optimized Topology for faster speed upon impact
What We Don't Like
- Among the more expensive drivers
- Lower launch will be tougher for lower swing speed players to hit
BUY: Cobra LTDx LS Black Driver
Best Budget Golf Driver - Cobra RADSpeed Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45.25"
- Flex: Regular, stiff, and extra stiff
- Material: Titanium and carbon fiber
- Loft: 9 and 10.5 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Fujikura Motore X F1, Fujikura Motore X F3, and Project X HZRDUS RDX Blue
The Cobra RADSpeed driver first came out in early 2021, so the price has naturally gone down because a variety of new technology has been introduced since that time. This makes for a tremendous value because the RADSpeed is still one of the most efficient drivers available on the market. With an incredibly low spin and low launch approach, a loft sleeve, and interchangeable weights that affect the spin and launch of the ball, there is a lot of versatility at your disposal. An infinity-edge clubface design leads to faster ball speeds.
There is no 12-degree standard loft setting, partly because this is a club for players with handicaps around 5-15 who have average to above-average swing speeds. If you are looking for great technology at a more reasonable price point, the RADSpeed is a great place to start.
What We Like
- Ultra-low spin with low launch
- Reasonable price point
- Arccos compatibility
- Interchangeable weights to influence launch point
- Infinity edge face design increases area for fast ball speed
What We Don't Like
- Would be difficult to hit for a very low swing speed player
- Only 2 standard loft settings
Best Golf Driver for Beginners - TaylorMade Stealth HD Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45.75"
- Flex: Senior, regular, and stiff
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Loft: 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Fujikura Air Speeder 45
The TaylorMade Stealth family of drivers is as respected a model as there is in golf. One of those offerings simply makes the game easier to play for those who are new to playing. The Stealth HD has a high draw bias, meaning that those who slice the ball—which beginners often do—get a reprieve because of how this clubhead is designed. It's meant to launch high with a mid-spin profile and the highest amount of forgiveness that TaylorMade offers in its drivers. This does limit the total ball speed you can have, which is why more experienced players with faster swing speeds will align more with the Stealth or Stealth Plus models.
This is a big investment to make because all of the Stealth drivers are at the high end of the price point for drivers. But if you are committed to playing and struggle with a slice, this is a great club to put in the bag.
What We Like
- Carbonwood face leads to better energy transfer
- Polyurethane cover on face optimizes spin and launch
- A distinct, powerful sound off the clubface
- Inertia generator creates advanced aerodynamics
- High-draw bias design helps slicers of the ball
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
- No sliding weight track like in the Stealth Plus
BUY: TaylorMade Stealth HD Driver
Best Men's Golf Driver - Mizuno ST-G Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45"
- Flex: Regular, stiff, and extra stiff
- Material: Titanium and carbon fiber
- Loft: 9 and 10.5 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: 37 different options available
A brand recognized more for its outstanding irons, Mizuno also makes a highly underrated driver in the ST-G. With three lateral weight tracks, two movable weights, and space for a back weight port if desired, this driver can transform from an ultra-low spinning club that maximizes distance to a mid-spinning option that launches the ball higher. It can also help combat certain shot shapes to get rid of a bad slice or hook.
Mizuno isn't the first brand that comes to mind for drivers, but the brand has stepped their game up with a complex carbon construction clubface that provides a dense sensation at impact. This is especially helpful for men with faster swing speeds.
What We Like
- Complex carbon construction face for dense sensation at impact
- 3 weight tracks for deeper center of gravity
- Fade and draw adjustability
- Optimized wave sole for faster clubhead speed
- Sleek, all-black look
What We Don't Like
- 3 weight tracks could be confusing
- Driver shaft length is lower than others, so some speed is sacrificed
Best Women's Golf Driver - TaylorMade Women's KALEA PREMIER Driver
SPECS
- Length: 44.25"
- Flex: Ladies
- Material: Titanium and carbon fiber
- Loft: 12.5 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Kalea Premier 40
Women golfers need a different type of driver to be successful, and TaylorMade has created the best option on the market with the Kalea Premier. With a lightweight 47g shaft and a light clubhead that can create a lot of speed, this driver can reach impact with authority. The 22g rear weight in the clubhead allows for a higher launch, while an inertia generator positioned near the heel creates optimal spin conditions. The face curvature also helps with off-center strikes so it's easier to be accurate off the tee. It's a sharp-looking driver with one of the more unique blue and white colorways you will find.
The only loft available is 12.5 degrees, which is suitable for most but not all women. Overall, the Kalea Premier helps women launch the ball higher while producing the most speed possible.
What We Like
- Very lightweight clubhead for faster speed
- Inertia generator positioned towards heel for optimal launch and spin
- 22g rear weight pushes center of gravity low and deep into club
- Face curvature delivers corrective face angle on off-center strikes
- Unique blue and white colorways
What We Don't Like
- Only comes in 12.5 degrees of loft
- Often not available as a left-handed club
BUY: TaylorMade Women's KALEA PREMIER Driver
Best Design Golf Driver - Callaway Epic Speed Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45.75"
- Flex: Light, regular, and stiff
- Material: Titanium and carbon fiber
- Loft: 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Project X Cypher 40, Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 50, and Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM60
Few drivers have made more noise in recent times than the Callaway Epic Speed driver. Using patented Jailbreak technology that supports higher ball speeds and a more responsive clubface, the Epic Speed is an efficiently designed driver that can be played by a variety of skill sets. The triaxial carbon toe patch creates a semi-draw bias, so it's a helpful club for those who slice the ball. With a mid-spin profile and mid-launch, the Epic Speed is middle of the road in terms of balancing excellent distance with accuracy.
The Epic Speed produces a quieter, restrained sound off the clubface, which not everyone will enjoy. However, this is a first-class driver that has a loyal and deserved following.
What We Like
- Triaxial carbon toe patch creates semi-draw bias
- Adjustable loft sleeve
- Advanced aerodynamic head construction
- A.I.-designed clubface promotes faster ball speeds
- Jailbreak speed frame for more accuracy
What We Don't Like
- Restrained sound at impact will split opinion
- No standard extra stiff flex
BUY: Callaway Epic Speed Driver
Best Consistent Golf Driver - Callaway Rogue ST MAX Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45.75"
- Flex: Regular and stiff
- Material: Titanium and carbon fiber
- Loft: 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Fujikura Ventus Blue 5 and 6; Mitsubishi TENSEI AV Blue 55 and 65; Mitsubishi TENSEI AV White 65
The Callaway Rogue ST Max driver features a 26 gram tungsten speed cartridge in the clubhead so the driver's center of gravity is pushed low and deep in the clubhead. This creates a high level of forgiveness and promotes a slight draw bias. The Rogue ST Max is known for its high launch and low spin off the clubface, a product of the A.I.-designed Jailbreak speed frame that boasts stability so off-center strikes still find the fairway. It all adds up to an incredibly consistent driver.
There are a lot of shaft options available in the standard offering, so you can pair this clubhead with a lighter or heavier shaft if you are interested. It's definitely one of the top drivers in the game.
What We Like
- Tungsten speed cartridge places up to 26g in driver head
- High MOI produces more forgiveness
- A.I.-designed Jailbreak speed frame for added stability
- Low spin-off of clubface
- High launch and slight draw bias
What We Don't Like
- On the expensive side
- Increased weight on clubhead sacrifices some speed
BUY: Callaway Rogue ST MAX Driver
Best Performance Golf Driver - PXG 0811 Driver
SPECS
- Length: 45.5"
- Flex: Lite, senior, regular, stiff, and extra stiff
- Material: Titanium and carbon fiber
- Loft: 7.5, 9, 10.5, and 12 degrees
- Stock graphite shafts: Fujikura Air Speeder 35, Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Black 45, Project X Riptide CB 40, and Project X Cypher 40
The PXG 0811 driver is the top performer on our list, and for good reason. With a variety of interchangeable weights of different sizes available, the 0811 is a driver you can tinker with over the long haul in your pursuit of finding the ideal launch and spin for your game. The clubface is designed with a high MOI, which leads to a higher ball flight that still has low spin. The accuracy of the 0811 is among the best in the game. Another helpful element is that this driver, unlike most others, offers a 7.5-degree loft option, so very fast swing speeds could benefit from that.
Some golfers will be overwhelmed by the amount of weight port options and how to utilize those, but golf junkies will love getting to experiment.
What We Like
- Tight dispersion off the tee
- High MOI for optimal spin and trajectory
- Very low spin
- 1 heavy and 2 light sole weights that are interchangeable
- Lower loft option if necessary
What We Don't Like
- Not a relied-upon driver among professionals
- Weight port options can be overwhelming
What to Look for in Golf Drivers
The first thing to consider when buying a driver is what level of player you are and what type of investment you are looking to make. A driver is the most expensive club, often by a wide margin, because of the special materials and technology used to construct it. If you are new to the game, it's recommended to start with a budget-friendly golf driver until you are ready to graduate to something more substantial. Usually, it's best to wait until you are committed to playing the game before you buy a more expensive driver.
The next factor to keep in mind is the technology involved. Most drivers have a 460cc head made from titanium, but materials like carbon fiber can offer a different sensation when hitting a golf ball. Drivers often have different missions. For instance, a senior golfer or a women's player will likely want a driver that launches the ball higher in the air with more spin, a variable that adds height to a shot, in order to compensate for lower swing speeds. Someone who is more of a casual player may want a driver that is particularly forgiving to off-center hits. An experienced player with faster swing speeds might want something with a lower launch and lower spin that can be hit farther.
Ultimately, the feel and look of a driver play a huge role in selecting one. Some players can stand over a driver and just know that it doesn't look right to them. There are countless numbers of styles and shapes available; it's perfectly normal to rule out a driver because it doesn't feel right when you stand over the ball. Even the sound of a driver—there are certainly noise differences between each driver—is a legitimate factor to consider.
FAQs About Golf Drivers
What is the number 1 driver in golf?
Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway, and Ping are generally considered the top driver brands. Each company has highly popular models that are used at all levels of the game.
What driver do most pros use?
The most commonly played driver brand among PGA Tour players during the 2021-2022 season was Titleist. TaylorMade, Callaway, and Ping are close competitors.
How often should you replace your driver?
If you play frequently, you should replace your driver about every five years. The wear and tear of the clubface limit the driver's effectiveness around this time. Also, driver technology improves quickly so it's beneficial to get a new driver after five years of use. If you only play on occasion, you may be able to stretch a driver's life out longer.
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