All golfers have the same goal, which is to increase their distance off the tee. One simple way to achieve this goal is to search for a new driver that can be stored in your bag. As a result of the current market, numerous brands are introducing new technology in order to maximise the performance of their drivers. In this guide, we have taken a look at which drivers will be suitable for your game in terms of distance.
To begin, what exactly is it in a driver that makes them perfect for road trips? The answer to this question can change based on the level of golfer, but one thing that is consistent is the need of optimising the launch as much as possible and ensuring that the spin characteristics are in the appropriate range. This is because if the spin rate of your driver is too high, it will cause it to inflate in the air.
For the purpose of providing you with a sense of how well the best golf drivers for distance could perform for you, we have conducted tests on them in this guide. An overview of the greatest all-around drivers now available on the market can be found in the video that can be found below.
We have indicated that lower spin is frequently the most important component for longer drivers, and as a result, we have highlighted some of the models that offer this feature through the characteristics of their head shape and weighting. This particular configuration, on the other hand, is not going to be suitable for every golfer, and the heads of the drivers that are described below are designed to have a lower spinning rate and a more compact shape most of the time. As such, they are much less forgiving than the most forgiving drivers or best drivers for beginners.
We have also included models that are suitable for individuals who are searching for distance, but have a slower swing speed. This is because of the fact that. When it comes to this particular aspect, the user will profit from spin because it will carry further in the air if the appropriate amount of spin is provided.
You should make sure to read the entire reviews if you want to have a more in-depth look at any of the models that we have selected because our knowledgeable club testers have personally tested each and every one of the models that we offer below. In order to assist you in selecting the driver that will be most suitable for your game, our reviews include comparisons to previous models as well as other models that are considered to be in the current range. Also be sure to check out our other guides – such as the best golf drivers for mid handicappers, or the best high handicap drivers.
BEST GOLF DRIVERS FOR DISTANCE
TOP PICK
COBRA DARKSPEED MAX DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 Options (Project X HZRDUS Red CB, UST LIN-Q M40X Red 5)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in 10.5° and 12°(Custom Only)
REASONS TO BUY
+ Seriously difficult to slice
+ Exceptional looks
+ Strong ball speed
REASONS TO AVOID
– Head shape not as refined as the other two models in the range
Let’s start with the appearance, as Cobra has decided to go with a “dark” theme for the year 2024. In addition to the word “MAX” and a couple of tiny accent dashes in red, the Darkspeed Max features a matte crown that is entirely black, which is something that we felt was quite appealing. In addition, the look at address is something that will appeal to a large number of people, and the fact that the driver is square behind the ball does not give the idea that it is a draw bias club.
When it came to performance, the Darkspeed Max gave excellent results across the board. The ball speed was impressive, and the launch and spin were slightly higher than those of the other two drivers in the Darkspeed line. It is important to note that the spin and launch are not extreme, and the carry distances are abundant.
In general, the draw bias is the characteristic that distinguishes this driver from others in its category. The right-to-left flight adds a few yards to what is already a powerful driver, but we were unable to get this club to go right at any point during the testing process.
BEST FOR ADJUSTABILITY
TITLEIST TSR1 DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 9°, 10° & 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: MCA MMT SpeedMesh
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts
REASONS TO BUY
+ Impressive carry and distance
+ Effortless to launch
+ Confidence-inspiring aesthetics
REASONS TO AVOID
– Fitting is key to maximize performance
Titleist’s TSR1 driver is a driver that has been built primarily for golfers who have slow swing speeds. The TSR1 driver features an ultra-lightweight construction that is approximately 40 grammes lighter than the TSR2 driver.
There is a quarter of an inch of additional length added to the TSR1 driver in comparison to the conventional TSR2, TSR3, and TSR4 models. This is an intriguing feature that not many people would notice. The combination of this plus the fact that it has a lightweight feel is intended to assist players with moderate swing speeds in delivering greater distance and spin, which will eventually assist in keeping the ball flying.
During the testing, we were able to get a good sense of how the aerodynamics were working, and in addition to that, we were able to observe the speed of the ball as it left the clubface after impact. With regard to carry and distance, we were able to achieve a considerable yardage gain of roughly 20 yards as compared to other drivers we encountered. The fact that the TSR1 has a lower centre of gravity is another factor that contributes to this phenomenon.
MOST ACCURATE
TAYLORMADE QI10 MAX DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 options (Fujikura Speeder NX TCS 50 & Mitsubishi Diamana T+ 60)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts
REASONS TO BUY
+ Massively stable at impact
+ Very easy to launch
+ New head shape is excellent
REASONS TO AVOID
– Not as draw biased as some in this category
As a result of the fact that the Qi10 Max driver is the most notable model in the new Qi10 range, the entire series was given the name of this club. For the benefit of those who are unaware, the aim of the TaylorMade engineers was to achieve a MOI of 10k, which is why the ‘Q’ stands for quest, the ‘i’ stands for inertia, and the ’10’ is for 10k, which resulted in the creation of the Qi10.
Therefore, despite the fact that it is one of the most forgiving drivers that money can buy, it is also one of the longest. The Qi10 Max exudes a robust and meaty sound at contact, but it does it at a pitch that is acceptable. One thing that particularly jumped out to us was the consistency. It is very remarkable that the face was able to resist bending, even when it was struck at the very edges of the face.
While the spin was slightly higher than that of earlier ‘Max’ versions of drivers, this was beneficial because it helped the ball get airborne and stay in the air for a longer period of time. Taking everything into consideration, it is quite remarkable how TaylorMade has managed to achieve tremendous levels of forgiveness and stability without sacrificing speed.
MOST FORGIVING
PING G430 MAX 10K DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Multiple options
Left Handed Option: Yes, in all available lofts
REASONS TO BUY
+ Exceptional stability and forgiveness
+ Very tight dispersion
+ Powerful feel and ball speed
REASONS TO AVOID
– The stretched out footprint may not appeal to all
There has been a great deal of discussion around the Ping G430 Max 10K, which is a driver that the firm has added to their already extensive G430 lineup. You might be wondering what the difference is between the 15K and the 10K. According to Ping, it is the most straight-lined and highest MOI (moment of inertia) driver that the company has ever produced to this point!
To go right to the point, we want to express how impressed we were with the performance. When it comes to striking the ball, the stability and forgiveness are exceptional; nevertheless, what makes this stand out in comparison to the greatest golf drivers is that Ping has managed to combine this forgiveness with a low degree of spin.
This is the most steady and forgiving driver head that our tester has ever used, and this is due to the fact that the performance that is available is so impressive. As far as dispersion is concerned, the tee strokes were all extremely close together, and the ball speed on mishits hardly reduced by two miles per hour. In addition to this, the 10K outperforms in virtually every aspect thanks to its wider footprint and stretched out appearance at the address.
BEST VALUE
WILSON DYNAPOWER CARBON DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: Carbon head – 9˚, 10.5˚ & 12˚ Titanium head – 9˚, 10.5˚ & 13˚
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Carbon head – Fujkura Ventus Blue – Titanium head – Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX
Left Handed Option: N/A
REASONS TO BUY
+ Premium looks
+ Dense, satisfying feel at impact
+ Stable and forgiving off-center
REASONS TO AVOID
– Initial ball speed fell short of 2023 marquee launches
– Hosel settings aren’t visible when secured
The new Dynapower driver is one of the most adjustable drivers that Wilson has ever developed, and it is offered with a Titanium head as well as a Carbon head option. One of the reasons that we have decided to include it in this guide is due to the fact that it is quite simple to attack with complete dedication.
As was noted earlier, it is very customisable, which is something that will be beneficial to individuals who have slow swing speeds because you are able to tweak the settings to suit the flight and shape of your ball for optimal performance.
There is a great deal to enjoy about the driver, and all things considered, it is without a doubt one of the greatest Wilson golf clubs that you can purchase. It is true that if you were to get fitted for it, it would be competitive and even come close to competing with the more luxury models that were stated above. This is true for any potential driver.
BEST FOR LOOKS
SRIXON ZX5 MK II DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 9° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 50 (Multiple options available)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts
REASONS TO BUY
+ Simple design belies tech in head
+ Sounds better than pervious model
REASONS TO AVOID
– Limited weight adjustability
Srixon has introduced three new models for the year 2023: the ZX5 MK II, the ZX5 MK II LS, and the ZX7 MK II. For this guide, we have decided to focus on the ZX5. Due to the fact that it was so simple to launch into the air, we came to the conclusion that it was one of the best high handicap drivers of 2023 due of our testing. The weight that is conserved as a result of the crown being relocated in order to optimise the launch is the primary consideration here.
Srixon claims that the ZX5 MK II gives an additional 2 miles per hour ball speed at impact due to the face bending on that more rigid construction, which brings the power. Additionally, there is a variable face thickness pattern behind the face, which has been upgraded for the year 2023. The trailing edge is also slightly elevated in order to correctly locate the centre of gravity (CG), and the head shape is slightly less toe heavy, which results in an appealing appearance when the player is addressing the ball.
MOST COMPACT
TITLEIST TSR4 DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts : 8°, 9°, 10°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shafts: HZRDUS RED CB, Tensei AV Blue With Xlink Tech, HZRDUS Black 4G, Tensei 1K Black, Premium Tour AD UB, Premium Tour AD DI, Premium Tour AD IZ
Left Handed Option: Only 9°
REASONS TO BUY
+ Stunning aesthetics
+ Ability to dial in the spin profile is ideal for higher spinning players
+ Impressive distance and consistency
REASONS TO AVOID
– Some people may find the compact design to be intimidating.
Furthermore, there are also models of drivers that are meant for distance, and these tend to be lower spinning models. The models that we selected above are designed for ball-strikers who are more inconsistent. However, there are also models of drivers that are designed for distance. As a result, the following five drivers are all suitable candidates for this category, beginning with Titleist.
When you take a look at the TSR lineup, you will see that there are three premium models that provide outstanding performance. On the other hand, the TSR4, which is presented by the manufacturer as the “ultimate low spin driver,” is the one that is intended for long distances. Those who are wanting to keep their spin rates under control and maximise their distance off the tee are the primary target audience for this product.
To begin, it has a head that is 430cc, which is far smaller than the conventional 460cc, and the driver also has a lot lower footprint at address compared to other products currently available on the market. Additionally, it occupies a much smaller space from the heel to the toe, and it does not reach as far from the front to the rear.
Golfers are able to adjust their spin rates and distances with the use of weights that are movable on the sole and back of the head of the club, which maintains the attractive and traditional design of the Titleist wedge. Despite the fact that it has a smaller head, the brand has done a lot of work on the new multi-plateau variable thickness face, which seems to help guard against any big loss in ball speed when you don’t strike it correctly. In testing, it delivered excellent results.
USED BY RAHM
CALLAWAY PARADYM AI SMOKE TRIPLE DIAMOND DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Project X Denali Black 60 Graphite
Left Handed Option: Yes – Only 9° and 10.5°
REASONS TO BUY
+ Super strong, low spin flight
+ The new grey colorway looks fantastic
+ Felt a touch more playable than the original Paradym TD
REASONS TO AVOID
– Face sits a fraction open which won’t appeal to slicers
There are a variety of heads available in the new Paradym Ai Smoke line, and in comparison to its predecessor, it has a contemporary appearance. Now sporting a grey colorway, the primary change is that the overall colour mixes so much better with the grey banner strip, which results in an appearance that is incredibly clean.
Some of the beneficial aspects that we discovered in the previous version of the Paradym Triple Diamond are still there in the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, which is packed with technology. One example of this is the Ai Smart Face technology, which takes into account the swing dynamics of thousands of real golfers. One illustration of this is the sensation, which is characterised by a soft thud that produces a pleasant feeling.
All of the data was comparable to the model from the previous year when it came to well-struck shots; however, the area in which Callaway has improved their performance is in the mishit part. In situations where we were unable to reach the centre of the ball, the Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond allowed us to have a little bit more peace of mind because it did not punish the ball’s speed or dispersion.
MOST FORGIVING SMALLER HEAD
PING G430 LST DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 9° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Ping Alta CB Black 55 (5 other options available at no upcharge)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts
REASONS TO BUY
+ Inviting, high tech look at address
+ Improved sound and feel
+ Impressive consistency
REASONS TO AVOID
– Some may feel there is too much going on at address
One of the most notable distinctions between the LST and the other two versions is that the low spin version of the new driver is the only one that comes with a carbon crown. In order to save weight, the designers have incorporated eight layers of carbon wrap across the entire crown as well as into the heel and toe of the driver. This allows the designers to use the weight saved elsewhere to improve the overall performance of the vehicle.
We determined that it was one of the quickest drivers in 2023, as a result of a rise in ball speed and a reduction in spin, which resulted in a sufficient amount of distance being achieved. In spite of its speed, its compact appearance, and its low spin, the G430 LST was discovered to be exceptionally user-friendly. This was one of the things that we observed.
The redesigned rib structure that is located within the head has resulted in an improvement in the sound, which is arguably the most significant modification from its predecessor. What we have experienced as a consequence of the change is a more potent sense brought about by impact. Although it is not as quiet through the ball as, for example, the new TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, it strikes a solid mix between having a strong feel and being easy to launch.
USED BY MCILROY
TAYLORMADE QI10 DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 options (Fujikura Ventus TR Blue & Mitsubishi Diamana T+)
Left Handed Option: Yes, only in 9° and 10.5°
REASONS TO BUY
+ New rounded head shape is excellent
+ Extremely forgiving at this spin level
+ Will appeal to a broad spectrum
REASONS TO AVOID
– Only loft adjustability – no moveable weights
In this segment, you get the attractive face in a blue colour, and the Qi10 has a new ultra-rounded shape that we really loved. This is similar to what you get with the Max. This will, of course, be a matter of personal preference; however, the rounder profile frames the ball in a really lovely way, and the proportions of the Qi10 are, in our opinion, almost perfect.
In spite of the fact that it is not clear why McIlroy has picked the ordinary Qi10 rather than the Qi10 LS, we do know that the Qi10 has delivered in terms of ball speed and distance production, with the stability being extremely visible once again. We get the impression that the dispersion statistics were quite close, and we believe that this will only become more obvious over the course of a longer period of time.
All things considered, the Qi10 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Stealth 2, with the appearance being the key point of differentiation. Not only has there been a substantial amount of progress in terms of the appearance, but there has also been an unquestionable leap ahead in terms of the overall performance and the user-friendliness of this.
BEST BUDGET
TOUR EDGE EXOTICS C722 DRIVER
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts : 9.5° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red, Fujikura Ventus Blue & Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue
Left Handed Option: Yes, only in 10.5°
REASONS TO BUY
+ Fantastic look and sound
+ Crown graphics are really nice
+ Distance is comparable to many competitors, but at a lower price
REASONS TO AVOID
– The shaft we tried felt a little whippy, causing the rare miss to draw strongly
The “C” in the Tour Edge Exotics C722 driver name refers to a tiny clubhead with a capacity of 445cc, which works wonderfully to compliment the deep face while requiring only a little amount of offset. The target audience for this product is more experienced players who are searching for superior performance without having to pay the premium price that is associated with certain other top brands.
This driver model, like its sibling, the Tour Edge Exotics E722 driver model, features a thin “Ridgeback” spine that functions as a brace. This spine extends from the centre of the clubface through the crown and connects with a new sole plate rail, which generates a loud impact sound.
In addition, a hosel that is adjustable enables you to adjust the basic lofts of 9.5 and 10.5 degrees by a range of +/- 2 degrees, and the lie angle may be adjusted by a range of 3 degrees. In addition to this, the shaft has been meticulously matched for each and every flex.
The ball flight was a favourite of ours during our testing. Hit the nail on the head, and your drive will go a long way. It seems to provide enough of forgiveness in two ways: it gets close to your desired trajectory, and it still seems to try to eke out some more distance. If you accidentally miss it a little high or low, it tends to provide plenty of forgiveness.
HOW TO CHOOSE A NEW DRIVER
It is likely that you have already pondered whether or not it is necessary to purchase a new driver; however, there are a few essential aspects to take into consideration before making the purchase of a new driver. It is my hope that providing answers to these questions will help you narrow down your search. Additionally, it will make it much simpler for you to compare different models.
What is your priority? -! When it comes to the driver, give some thought to what you consider to be the most crucial aspect of the situation. You should go for something that has a high MOI or weights that can be adjusted in order to let you change the spin and flight characteristics if precision is what you are looking for.
Consider using a low-spinning driver if you place a high priority on distance, which is probably the reason you are reading this tutorial. This will help to guarantee that your ball does not balloon to an excessive degree. On the other hand, if you do not want to be forgiven, then a larger head is definitely the greatest option for you. There are a lot of brands that produce multiple models for different levels of players, which is why Cobra has three distinct LTDx heads and Titleist offers the TSi1 to TSi4 range of heads.
Adjustability – Most models these days come with a degree of adjustability whether it be loft, weight movement, shaft and so on. Because of this, you should give some thought to how essential adjustability is to you because you have the potential to modify the qualities of a club if you so determine. You also have the option of keeping things straightforward with other models as well.
Looks – You have to like how a golf club looks especially when looking down on the golf ball. Consequently, you should make it a point to go and examine the various models by holding them in your hands and putting them down near the golf ball.
Budget – Finally be aware of your budget. While you have the option of purchasing more expensive models, like as the TaylorMade Stealth, you also have the option of purchasing more affordable designs from Cobra. Everyone can find something that suits their budget, regardless of where they lie on the pricing spectrum.
Custom fitting – This is probably the most essential part of the driver buying process, no matter the driver you’re after or how good you are at the game. A custom fit session will ensure that you get the correct flex and length of shaft, as well as the correct loft and head for your game. This means that you will end up with a driver that is as suitable as it can possibly be for you while you are out on the course.
FAQS
WHICH DRIVER GETS THE MOST DISTANCE?
Due to the fact that the answer will be different for each and every golfer, there is no straightforward response to this issue. On the other hand, during our testing, we discovered that there are some models that are capable of going further, and these models are included in our directory of the finest drivers for distance.
HOW DO I GET MORE DISTANCE FROM MY DRIVER?
As stated previously, it will be contingent upon a multitude of elements, including as the configuration of your driver and your swing. When it comes to the latter, it is best to check with your professional, but when it comes to the driver, the best way to find the perfect set-up for distance is to experiment with it so that you can achieve that balance between flight and length.