Group Review: Mid-Priced golf drivers

The Mizuno MX-700 driver and headcover - priced under £200

Got a few quid to play with but don’t want to break the bank for a new driver? Try these mid-priced options.

As with our earlier round-up of budget drivers, you can visit your local pro shop or any of the high street or discount stores to find a wide range of drivers you can pick from 'off the shelf' at prices to suit your pocket.

Regular or stiff shaft options are generally available and sold as standard, though don't be content to merely hit a demo club in the net or even on an adjoining range. Pick out a couple of options that fit your eye and get yourself fitted by a professional with a head and shaft that matches your swing and your ability.

If the brand you like has the facilities, you can often get fitted on line but if you're paying these sort of prices we suggested you experience the personal touch.

Here's a handful we've tried and recommend with prices suggested by the manufacturers:

Callaway Big Bertha Diablo

Lofts: 8, 9, 10, 11, 13

Contact: www.callawaygolf.com

The latest driver to bear the famous Big Bertha stamp is possibly the most forgiving yet. Designed clearly with the struggling slicer in mind, the Diablo is available in two different head shapes (one for neutral, one for draw bias) but to the untrained eye both appear slightly closed. If you cut across the ball with a closed face, this can generate the accuracy you demand. It’s powerful, too, launching the ball on a high arc, while a variable thickness face helps ensure that even those not hit out of the middle are still out there. The funky graphics might not appeal to everyone, but there can be few complaints about the performance.

Cobra S9-1

Cobra S9-1 (£249)

Lofts: 9.5, 10.5, 11.5

Contact: www.cobragolf.com

Distinctive sleek, streamlined, confidence-inspiring looks with a toned-down sound producing a solid feel through the fingers rather than the ear drums. As well as options for fast and moderate swing speeds, the 460cc S9-1 has Moderate Offset, Senior, Women's and Offset Women's models with longer, lightweight shaft and subtle dimples on the crown. Centre of gravity changes to a progressively more draw-bias and higher launch - from the F model (square face) to the M and M Offset, ensuring a clubhead/shaft combination to suit every ability.

Wilson Smooth driver

Wilson Staff Smooth (£229)

Lofts: 9, 10.5, 12

Contact: www.wilsonstaff.com

This Wilson staff driver has already made its way into Padraig Harrington’s bag – hardly surprising really, given its gorgeous curvy looks and powerful performance. Wilson has clearly worked hard on the development of the club, with a number of clever touches optimising each model. Weight in the head is moved progressively further back on different lofts (to improve launch conditions) while the two shaft flexes have also been engineered (high launch in regular, more penetrating in stiff). It’s an impressive package.

Cleveland Launcher 2009 driver

Cleveland Launcher (£219)

Lofts: 9, 10.5, 12

Contact: www.clevelandgolf.com

There's a definite feeling that it is going to be a powerful weapon the moment you pick it up and meatier other drivers. Once hit, suspicions are confirmed – a long club with a lower ball flight that those in search of distance will appreciate. The face that is 21% larger than the previous model and an ultra-thin crown makes it forgiving, too.

Yonex Nanospeed i driver

Yonex Nanospeed i (£229)

Lofts: 9, 10.5, 12, 14

Contact: www.yonex.com

Radical geometric designs are all the rage at the moment, and after square and even hexagonal heads, Yonex has come up with a variation on the theme: a pentagon. Surprisingly attractive to look at, with a sleek aerodynamic appearance and stylish design. Quite lively off the face despite feeling very light in the hand. Nanotube technology in the tip is designed to increase impact speed and it seems to work. It's just so easy to hit well.

MX-700 driver from Mizuno

Mizuno MX700 (£199)

Lofts:9.5, 10.5, 12

Contact: www.mizuno.eu

Famed for its forged irons, Mizuno's woods can tend to be overlooked but with the MX-700 range it appears to have cracked it with this driver as well as with its fairway metals and hybrids. With its ultra-thin titanium alloy face, it produces the long, arcing, powerful drives for which the average player spends a lifetime searching. Graphics on the crown seem to make the head look bigger than it is, adding to the overall sense of confidence that is felt at address. Another great club.

Srixon WR driver

Srixon WR £199

Lofts: 9.5, 10.5, 11.5

Contact: www.srixon.com

Sleek, yet with a traditional look. Not as explosive as some drivers unerring accurate. Two tungsten weights on the heel and toe certainly help keep the club stable through impact, while thinner walls enlarge the ‘Impact Power Face’ to create an even larger sweetspot and more forgiveness. An excellent driver.

John Letters T2

John Letters T2 (£249)

Lofts: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5, 11.5

Contact: www.johnletters.com

Still going strong after 90 years in the business, John Letters of Scotland has updated its T-Series driver by giving it a square head-shape for 2009. With weight moved to the perimeter of the club to increase the MOI (resistance to twisting), the forgiveness of miss-hits is extremely high. For the player who struggles to hit fairways, that could be priceless. With a high-quality Aldila shaft and a responsive titanium head, distance is not a problem. A decent driver that will inspire confidence.

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