A golf driver, also known as the "1-wood," is the longest club in your bag and the one designed to hit the ball the furthest distance. Their large, rounded heads and lofted faces are meant to launch the ball high and far off the tee box.
Drivers often have larger sweet spots compared to other clubs, which helps transfer more energy from your swing to the ball, translating to greater distance.
Most drivers have the maximum allowed head size of 460cc, offering forgiveness on off-center hits.
The loft angle determines the initial trajectory of the ball. Higher lofts (12°+) will launch the ball higher and are recommended for beginners, while lower lofts (9°-) produce flatter trajectories for more experienced golfers.
Ping G430 SFT Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 10.5°
- Adjustable Hosel: Yes
- Left-Handed Option: Yes
Reasons To Buy
- Extensive appeal
- The head sits fairly square at the address
- Surprisingly long
Price: $549.99 in the Pgatoursuperstore.com
For golfers looking for forgiveness and accuracy, the Ping G430 SFT Driver is a game changer. It gives one of the game's best slice-busters additional adaptability.
The improved adjustability of the PING G430 SFT driver is a gain, whether you utilize it to increase or decrease the draw bias. Get in shape to dial in a G430 SFT driver if you want to hit it high, long, and right-to-left.
Callaway Paradym X Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
- Stock shafts: MCA Aldila Ascent PL Blue (40g – Women’s, Light, Regular);
Project X Hzrdus Silver (50g – Regular, Stiff, 60g – Stiff) - Adjustable hosel: Yes
- Stock grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 (50g); Lamkin ST Soft Undersized (44g)
Pros
- High launching to help carry distance
- Extremely forgiving
- Good choice of stock shaft alternatives
Cons
- At the top end of the driver price scale
Rating: 5
Price: $499.99 in The callawaygolf.com
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
- Adjustable Hosel: Yes
- Stock Shaft: Fujikura Speeder NX Red
- Left Handed Option: Yes
- Stock grips: Golf Pride Z-Grip Plus2 Black/Red
Pros
- Increased sweet spot size
- Easy to launch
- Excellent distance and forgiveness performance
- Amazing looking, confidence-inspiring
- Rounded head best looking of Stealth 2 models
Cons
- Very slow swing speeds might opt for a longer shaft
- Not for those who already hit a draw
Cleveland Launcher XL Lite Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 10.5°, 12°
- Stock shafts: Men’s Project X Cypher 40 (48g A, 48g R, 50g S);
Women’s Project X Cypher 40 (L) - Adjustable hosel: No
- Stock grips: Men's Golf Pride Tour Velvet (360 52g, 58 round);
Women's Winn Dri Tac Ladies (35g, 59 round)
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to generate swing speed
- Large head size to inspire bold and confidence
- A great alternative for swing speeds under 90mph
- Easy swinging forgiveness with solid carry distances
- One of the Fantastic drivers and best value for money
Cons
- Some might prefer more weight to boost acceleration
Price: $188.72 on Amazon.com
Golfers with a consistent and rhythmical swing, under 90mph, and great consistency at impact will most likely enjoy the Cleveland XL Lite.
Cobra Aerojet Max Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 9° / 10.5° / 12°
- Stock shafts: UST Helium Nanocore, Mitsubishi Kai’li Blue, Mitsubishi Kai’li White, Project X HZRDUS Black 4G
- Adjustable hosel: Yes
- Stock grips: Lamkin Crossline
- Left Handed Option: Yes
Pros
- Aerodynamic head shape to boost club speed
- Adjustable weight lets you prioritize forgiveness or draw
- The best price point for a premium driver
Cons
- Front weighting to chase ball speed will forgo forgiveness
Price: $399 on Cobragolf.com
Rating: 4.9
Wilson Launch Pad Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 13°
- Stock shafts: Project X
- Adjustable hosel: No
- Stock grips: Wilson Staff Midsize (men's), Wilson Staff Performance (women's)
Pros
- Very easy to launch
- Face geometry particularly targeted at high handicappers
- Much improved aesthetics
Cons
- Suitable alternatives for non-slicers
Price: $149.99
The Wilson Launch Pad driver is well-shaped and attractive at the address. While there is some hosel offset, it is not excessive.
Mizuno ST-X 230 Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 9.5º, 10.5º, 12.5º
- Stock shafts: Aldlia Ascent Red 50
- Adjustable hosel: Yes
- Stock grips: Lamkin ST Hybrid 360
Pros
- Shorter stock shaft to aid with accuracy
- Built-in draw bias to suit many high-handicappers
- Performance data matching other premium models
Cons
- Will not correct a heavy slice as well as some
Price: $799.99 on Golfbox.com
The Mizuno ST-X 230 driver is one of the few clubs that may be used on Tour and by players with higher handicaps. This may be a highly usable Tour-style driver or a major slice buster with the appropriate shaft and loft.
Cobra Air-X Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°
- Stock shafts: ULTRALITE 40 shaft (S, R, Lite); ULTRALITE 40 shaft in ladies flex
- Adjustable hosel: No
- Stock grips: vLamkin REL Standard (58R) – Black (41g)
Pros
- Ultra-light driver to assist slower swing speeds
- The weight rests lower to give forgiveness
- An attractive price point for starters to the game
Cons
- Quick improvers may need additional weight
Price: $349.00 on Justsaygolf.com
The Cobra Air-X Driver is the best driver for beginners and high-handicapper due to its focus on lightweight design, forgiveness as well as draw bias.
PXG 0311 Gen5 Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 7.5°, 9°, 10.5°
- Stock shafts: Project X Evenflow Riptide CB 50g / 60g, Aldila NV Orange NXT 55g / 65g, Mitsubishi Diamana S+ 60g (R)
Aldila NV Green NXT 65G / 75G, Project X Evenflow Riptide 50g / 60g, HZRDUS Smoke Yellow 60g / 70g, Mitsubishi Diamana S+ 60g / 70g (S) - Adjustable hosel: +/- 1.5°
- Stock grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Standard
Pros
- PXG's highest MOI, draw-biased
- Customizable weight ports
- Sensible price point
Cons
- Weight ports may intimidate starters
Price: $319.99 on Amazon.com
Rating: 4.3
Titleist TS1 Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, 12.5°
- Stock shafts: Fujikura Air Speeder 40/35R3
- Adjustable hosel: Yes – Titleist SureFit hosel
- Stock grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Lite
Pros
- Very easy to swing faster and not harder
- Deep center of gravity to launch
- Added yards for slower-swinging players
Cons
- The high spin rate is not ideal for moderate to faster swing speeds
Price: $349.98 on Pgatoursuperstore.com and $238.99 n 2ndswing.com
It is the quickest way for players with medium swing speeds to enjoy the pleasure of effortless distance.
PXG 0211 2022 Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 9°, 10.5° & 12°
- Adjustable Hosel: Yes
- Stock Shaft: Multiple
- Left Handed Option: Yes
Pros
- Simple but attractive aesthetics
- Improved acoustics and distance
- Excellent value
Cons
- Limited adjustability
Price: $199.99 on Pxg.com
It is a good all-around performer. Amazing value and no-frills looks, also it is no confusing adjustability.
Inesis 900 Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 10°
- Adjustable Hosel: No
- Stock Shaft: UST Mamiya LIN-Q 6F3, 6F4, 6F5
- Left Handed Option: Yes
Pros
- Simple, as well as smart aesthetics
- Strong ball flight
- Amazingly forgiving
Cons
- The feel is not as powerful as other top-level drivers
Price: $109.86 on Amazon.com
At the address, the clubface is a little closed, which may appeal to those who struggle with a slice, but this part of the aesthetic may not be for everyone.
Tour Edge C522 Driver
Specifications
- Lofts: 10.5°, 12° & 15°
- Adjustable Hosel: No
- Stock Shaft: Mitsubishi Fubuki 45-55
- Left Handed Option: No
Pros
- Long and forgiving
- Exceptional value at its price point
Cons
- Limited stock shaft options
Price: $254.99 on Amazon.com
One of the best values and best drivers for beginners in golf is the Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 driver. Forgiveness is excellent, with a somewhat lower launch and spin than the E522.
TaylorMade SIM Max 2
Specifications
- Material: Forged Aluminum + Carbon Composite Crown and Sole
- Loft: Adjustable (9°, 10.5°, 12°)
- Face: V Steel™ Technology with Progressive Inverted Cone Technology (ICT)
- Volume: 460cc
- MOI: High (exact number not publicly available)
- Options: Mitsubishi Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX (stock), Other custom options available
Pros
- The SIM Max 2 is built for speed
- The driver's design and loft options promote a high launch angle
- Adjustable Loft
Cons
- Too expensive as the SIM Max 2 falls on the premium end of the driver market
- Lacks lie and face angle adjustments
Price: $249.05 on Amazon.com
Ping G425 Max
Specifications
- Material: Ti 811 forged face, T9S+ variable thickness face technology, titanium body
- Loft: Adjustable (9°, 10.5°, 12°)
- Face: T9S+ forged variable thickness face with Facewrap™ technology for increased ball speed and forgiveness
- Volume: 460cc
- MOI: 10,000 g cm² (highest MOI ever in a PING driver)
Pros
- Outstanding Forgiveness
- Explosive Distance
- Adjustable Performance
- High launch
Cons
- Premium Price
- It might not be the best choice for skilled golfers seeking a neutral or fade-biased performance
Price: $397 on Golfdiscount.com and $379.99 on Amazon.com
It features an excellent balance of accuracy and forgiveness, giving it an excellent choice for high handicappers.
Cobra F-max Driver
Specifications
- Head: 460cc, Forged L-Carbon Face, Back/Heel CG Weighting, Offset Hosel (Straight Neck option available)
- Loft: Adjustable (9°, 10.5°, 12°)
- Face: Large sweet spot, Crown Alignment Feature
- Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Red 5 (stock), Numerous custom options available
- Grip: Lamkin Grips ST Soft (52g) + Standard
- Weight: 287g (Overall)
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight
- High Forgiveness
- High launch
Cons
- Limited Workability
- Not for Everyone
Price: $279.99 on Rockbottomgolf.com
The Cobra F-MAX is a game-changer and one of the best golf drivers for beginners seeking a lightweight, forgiving, and high-launching club.
Callaway Golf Mavrik Max Driver
Specifications
- Head: 460cc, Jailbreak technology, Triaxial Carbon Crown, Exo-Skull, Speed Frame, Adjustable Hosel
- Loft: Adjustable (9°, 10.5°, 12°)
- Face: Callaway OptiFit Custom Adjustability System with two 14g weights for fine-tuning launch and ball flight
- Shaft: Mitsubishi Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX (stock), Numerous custom options available
- Grip: Lamkin Golf ST + Soft (52g)
- Weight: 298g (Overall)
Pros
- Distance Powerhouse
- Adjustable Performance
- Lightweight Design
Cons
- Less Workability
- Stock Shaft Might Not Be Ideal
Price: $244.99 on ebay.com
The Callaway Mavrik Max Driver is a fantastic choice for advanced players seeking distance, forgiveness, and adjustable performance.
Tour Edge Hot Launch 4 Driver
Specifications
- Head: 460cc, Forged 6-4 titanium, Cup Face with Variable Face Thickness (VFT) technology, Power Channel sole, Adjustable hosel
- Loft: Adjustable (9°, 10.5°, 12°, 13.5°)
- Face: Deep crown design for higher MOI, Offset and Straight Neck options available
- Shaft: Mitsubishi Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX (stock), Numerous custom options available
- Grip: Lamkin Z5 Rubber Grip
- Weight: 295g (Overall)
Pros
- High Launch
- Distance Potential
- Adjustable Performance
Cons
- Limited Workability
- Not the Most Premium Feel
- Stock Shaft Might Not Be Ideal
Price: $199
The smash factor is incredible, and the ball flight is overall high and straight.
TaylorMade M2 Men’s D-Type Driver
Specifications
- Head: 460cc, Forged Aluminum, Twist Face technology, Speed Pocket technology, Sole weight positioned towards the heel for draw bias
- Loft: Adjustable (9°, 10.5°, 12°)
- Face: Large sweet spot with Twist Face to correct mishits
- Shaft: Fujikura Atmos Blue 6 (stock), Various custom options available
- Grip: Lamkin Performance Plus Standard Grip
Pros
- Forgiveness
- Adjustable Loft
Cons
- Not the Latest Technology
- Potentially Difficult to Find
Price: Not available as it is discontinued
Ping G410 Plus Driver
Specifications:
- Head: 455cc, Ti 811 forged face, Dragonfly Technology, Turbulators, Adjustable hosel
- Loft: Adjustable (9°, 10.5°, 12°)
- Face: Fast Forge Face with Facewrap™ technology for increased ball speed and forgiveness
- Weight: 206g (Overall)
- Shaft: Numerous custom options are available
Pros
- Workability
- Customization
Cons
- Not for Everyone
Price: $329.99
Honma TR20 Drivers
Specifications
- Head: 460cc, Multilayer carbon crown, L-555 titanium face, Variable Face Thickness (VFT) technology, Adjustable hosel
- Loft: Adjustable (9°, 10.5°, 12°)
- Face: Large sweet spot with VFT for optimized ball speed across the face
- Shaft: Vizard World (stock), Numerous custom options available
- Grip: Golf Pride Z Grip Plus Black
Pros
- Stunning Aesthetics
- Adjustable Performance
Cons
- Limited Workability
- Not as Widely Available
Price: Around $600
The Honma TR20 driver is a masterpiece for golfers seeking unparalleled feel, distance, and premium aesthetics.