Best Drivers 2026: Our picks for every price point and playing level

The prospect of upgrading into a new driver is perhaps the most exciting purchasing decision any golfer can make.

The biggest, most expensive and flashiest category of club you can buy, the world's biggest golf brands spend millions each year promising that their drivers are the longest, fastest and most forgiving on the market, while their reputations can be made or broken year to year based on which models end up in the bags of the pros. 

While all of the best golf drivers offer performance-benefitting features, deciding which one is best for you can, at times, seem like a bit of a minefield. The great leaps forward made in golf technology in recent years now means drivers across different brands perform better, and more similarly, than ever before, making those incremental differences in speed, forgiveness and looks all the more important in figuring out the best driver for you.

As rounding up the pros and cons of every driver on the market in one article would be a mammoth task, here we've have picked out what we think are the very best drivers of 2025 in four key categories, selecting the absolute cream of the crop for every budget and playing level

If you're an everyday golfer who wants a blend of distance and forgiveness, we recommend you go start at the top and browse our picks of the best core drivers right now. Conversely, mid-to-high handicappers, beginners and those who struggle with the big stick should head down to our favourite forgiving drivers section, while better players who want more distance and control off the tee should head to our favourite low spin options.

We've also included some of the best budget drivers we've tested in 2025 as well, picking a couple of models that provide high-end results without the exorbitant price tag.

If none of these drivers quite fit the bill for your needs, you can check out our more specific buying guides for each driver category below:

• The most forgiving drivers of 2026
• The best drivers for beginners
• The best golf drivers for seniors
• The best low spin drivers for better players
• The best mini drivers

Let’s take a look at what we consider to be the very best drivers in 2025, starting with our favourite of the lot...

The best golf driver for 2026

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PING G440 K

RRP: £629

Key Features:

• TS9+ face provides high ball speed and the signature PING sound and feel with improved acoustics
• New adjustable 32g weight is heavier to aid MOI and provide an aid for a variety of players
• Dual CarbonFly Wrap crown saves 3.5g
• Free Hosel Technology saves 3g from the heel section and re-allocates it to help push the centre of gravity lower and deeper

Pros:

• Unbelievably forgiving
• Produces obscene ball speeds for a 10K driver
• Moveable weight adds even more adjustability
• Noise vastly improved on the former model

Cons:

• Expensive

The successor to PING's much-acclaimed G430 MAX 10K driver is here, armed with a shorter name, a bigger price tag, and even more forgiveness, speed and adjustability.

PING have upgraded the K's rearward tungsten weight to a whopping 32g: one of the largest single weights fitted to any driver, making it adjustable to suit a range of different swing types and desired ball flight. 

With the use of its new Dual Carbon Fly Wrap design, PING has shed weight from the face and crown to send the CG of the driver even further rearward and further towards the bottom of the club, optimising forgiveness and launch even further. The result is an astonishingly balanced, forgiving and long driver that maintains its 10K MOI properties without sacrificing ball speed (a common affliction of many ultra-forgiving drivers).

Put simply, the PING G440 K is perhaps the well-rounded 10K MOI driver we've tested since the category came into existence a couple of years ago. It's long, unflinchingly straight in the hands of pretty much every user, and is simply a club that's a joy to use.

Thanks to its new adjustability that somehow works without sacrificing speed or forgiveness, will deliver consistent results for just about any golfer. 

READ OUR FULL PING G440 K REVIEW

PING G440 K Driverfrom £629.00 at Scottsdale Golf

The best core drivers for all abilities

TaylorMade Qi4D

RRP: £549

Key Features:

• Reengineered roll radius produces more consistent spin on high and low impacts
• New manufacturing process negates inconsistencies of the Qi35
• Increased carbon content reduces weight and increases MOI
• New and improved cut-through Speed Pocket improves ball speeds towards the bottom of the face
• Range of Mitsubishi REAX shafts designed to fit a wide range of swing types

Pros:

• Fantastic levels of forgiveness
• Excellent ball speed and distance
• Looks are great
• Production inconsistencies much improved over the Qi35

Cons:

• Average players might have a hard time understanding the new stock shafts

TaylorMade needed to get things right with its new driver for 2026, and with the launch of the Qi4D, it seems the brand has made a major breakthrough, not only improving drastically on the Qi35, but creating a package that the world's three top-ranked players right now, have all immediately put it into play.

The Qi4D's face has a new curvature designed to reduce the impact of off-centre hits (particularly on the vertical axis). This, in combination with the Qi4D's improved MOI, new cut-through Speed Pocket and Carbon Twist Face design, means that TaylorMade have managed to unlock spin reductions of up to 50% on some parts of the face.

Perhaps most importantly, the brand has also introduced a new machine finishing process that guarantees the face of every Qi4D driver should, in practice, be identical.

The Qi4D is a club that performs as good as it looks, with astonishing levels of forgiveness for a core model driver and an expanded array of fitment options bolstered by its new custom suite of Mitsubishi shafts (although plenty of other stock shafts are available). While the 10K MOI Max driver is even more forgiving for inconsistent swingers, we we agree with TaylorMade's prediction that the Qi4D will suit a much wider range of drivers compared to other core models.

It's fast across the face, produced outstanding dispersion numbers when properly dialled in, and thanks to its return to the much-loved Qi10 head shape, offers an entirely different profile at address that we absolutely love.

READ OUR FULL TAYLORMADE QI4D DRIVER REVIEW

TaylorMade Qi4D Golf Driverfrom £549.00 at Scottsdale Golf

Callaway Quantum Max

RRP: £569

Key Features:

• Tri-Force face sandwiches titanium, poly mesh and carbon fibre for ultimate speed
• AI-engineered face flex optimises the new Tri-Force materials for the most consistent speeds on off-centre hits
• Adjustable weight offers the choice of a neutral or slight draw bias
• Slimmed-down 460cc head for a classic look

Pros:

• Loads of ball speed and carry
• Adjustability is a bonus for versatile players
• Provides a more compact profile
• Much more powerful, solid feel compared to the Elyte

Cons: 

• Not the best-looking driver Callaway has made
• Loses a little speed on off-centre strikes
• Pricier than its main competitors

While the Max moniker suggests a big clubhead and max forgiveness, this year's Callaway Quantum Max is more akin to a core-model driver, with a neutral bias, moveable rear weight (that can be set to either neutral or draw) and what Callaway calls a mid-to-low spin profile. These differences to approach become immediately clear when you have both drivers in hand. 

It's not exactly what we'd call Tour-shaped in the manner of models like the Triple Diamond, but it doesn't look as voluminous as the big as the larger 10K models we've seen become the norm over the years. 

Both of Callaway's new flagship drivers challenge the very upper echelons of distance and speed in the driver category for 2026, and we wouldn't be surprised if external testing revealed the Quantum range, whether in its Max or Triple Diamond form, sat at the very upper end of speed and distance tests once again in 2026.

There's definitely a clear distinction in forgiveness between the Quantum Max and Max-D, particularly if you're a player prone to missing fairways to the right. What you do get with the Quantum Max, however, is versatility, with the adjustable weight providing the option of promoting a slight but not unmanageable draw bias, or a neutral flight for slightly more controlled players.

All the same, Callaway have a very fast, very versatile driver for 2026 in the Quantum Max, with a good degree of adjustability and plenty of distance for players who want a little more assistance working the ball off the tee and a slightly more traditional profile.

READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY QUANTUM MAX DRIVER REVIEW

Callaway QUANTUM MAX Golf Driverfrom £529.00 at Scottsdale Golf

Cobra OPTM X

RRP: £479

Key Features: 

• AI-designed head and adaptive weight placements reduces POI (Point of Inertia), optimising accuracy and dispersion
• Adjustable weight system allows you to tune for forgiveness or higher-speed accuracy
• FUTUREFIT33 adjustable hosel system
• Machine learning-derived H.O.T face has strategically placed hot spots for fast ball speeds across the face

Pros: 

• Very impressive ball speed and distance
• Lots of adjustability
• Very forgiving for a core model driver
• Well priced

Cons:

• Spin rates can be touch inconsistent

READ OUR FULL COBRA DS-ADAPT X REVIEW

Cobra OPTM X Golf Driverfrom £479.00 at Scottsdale Golf

PXG Lightning Tour Mid

RRP: £569

Key Features:

• Frequency tuned face synchronises with ball compression to improve energy transfer, increasing ball speed and distance
• Spined sole design adds stiffness and speed
• Higher carbon fibre content adds weight and stiffens head for higher MOI

Pros:

• Incredibly forgiving for a core model driver
• Great blend of tight dispersion and distance
• Adds an extra choice for mid-handicappers
• Looks fantastic

Cons:

• Sound isn't super inspiring

While PXG's woods have always performed admirably against the very best drivers on the market, the most common criticism of previous models (including the previous model Black Ops) was that while they were ultra forgiving, they simply weren't as long as the major brands. This is the key mission of the new 2026 Lightning range, of which the Tour Mid is the core model.

The Tour Mid impressed straight off the bat during our testing. PXG have nailed the formula of fast forgiveness even in the Tour Mid, which ostensibly isn't even meant to be the brand's most easy-hitting model. The Tour Mid is incredibly forgiving for what will come to be seen as a core model driver, with super tight dispersion, straight ball flight and just the right amount of spin.

The PXG inspires the confidence to really swing at the ball without fear of bad shots getting out of control. In the hands of GolfMagic's Review Editor, and perhaps most importantly, the Lightning is significantly longer than its predecessor. PXG's efforts to up the speed factor with the Lightning have worked, and when compared to the Black Ops we were fitted into last year, we saw a significant jump in carry and total distance, along with more optimal spin rates, when using the new model.

PXG's Lightning driver is, quite comfortably, the best the brand has ever made, and a huge range of players will enjoy the combination of forgiveness, speed and slightly slimmer profile offered by the new Tour Mid Model.

READ OUR FULL PXG LIGHTNING DRIVERS REVIEW

PXG Lightning Tour Mid Driverfrom £569.00 at Hot Golf

The most forgiving golf drivers for higher-handicappers

Callaway Quantum Max D

RRP: £569

Key Features:

• New Tri-Force face sandwiches titanium, poly mesh and carbon fibre for ultimate speed
• AI-engineered face flex optimises the new Tri-Force materials for the most consistent speeds on off-centre hits
• Internal heel weighting for added draw bias
• Larger profile 460cc head for added MOI

Pros:

• Loads of ball speed and carry
• Adjustability is a bonus for versatile players
• Much more powerful, solid feel compared to the Elyte

Cons:

• Draw bias might not suit everyone
• Pricier than its main competitors

While they look pretty similar at first glance , there's actually more differentiating the Callaway Quantum Max and Max-D models than you'd think. And despite their names suggesting both are ultra-forgiving, high MOI models, they're actually not.

The Max D, with its larger head, fixed rear weight and internal heel weighting, provides maximum MOI, forgiveness, and a built-in draw bias.

These differences to approach become immediately clear when you have both drivers in hand. It fits the bill of what we've come to expect from a max forgiveness driver in recent years, providing plenty of clubhead behind the ball for players who want that added confidence at address.

The Max D delivered consistently fast speeds in our testing and impressive distances, with some of the best numbers we've seen testing a max MOI driver. The new Tri-Force face also provides a much meatier, powerful sensation compared to some of Callaway's softer previous models, which you'll no-doubt like if you prefer a firmer-feeling driver.

The Max D also produced much more consistently straight shots on off-centre hits, correcting heel strikes in particular nicely without risking the feeling of creating an out-of-control leftward bias.

That being said, if you struggle with hooks and pulls as your natural miss, the Max D won't do you any favours. The added options provided by the OptiFit hosel does provide some degree of adjustability, but we'd have liked an option to pull it towards a more neutral bias if you really wanted.

All the same, Callaway have created a super forgiving driver for 2026 in the Quantum Max D, upping the forgiveness by multiple factors without sacrificing all that much distance, providing an easy-to-hit option that should suit plenty of players.

READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY QUANTUM MAX D DRIVER REVIEW

Callaway QUANTUM MAX D Golf Driverfrom £529.00 at Scottsdale Golf

PXG Lightning Max 10K+

RRP: £569

Key Features:

• Frequency tuned face synchronises with ball compression to improve energy transfer, increasing ball speed and distance
• Spined sole design adds stiffness and speed
• Higher carbon fibre content adds weight and stiffens head for higher MOI

Pros:

• Incredibly forgiving
• Wonderfully straight ball flight
• Large, confidence-inspiring profile at address

Cons:

• Sound isn't super inspiring

The first truly 10K MOI driver in PXG history, the PXG Lightning Max 10K+ fulfils the brief of maintaining the forgiveness of the prior Black Ops Max model while adding even more forgiveness for less consistent swingers.

It does this by incorporating the most carbon fibre of any PXG Lightning model, with 84% more of the material than the prior model. This, in combination with the ridged sole, significantly increases the stiffness of the driver head while cutting down on weight. This means more MOI across the entire range, with the 10K the first PXG driver to crack the 10,000 MOI figure so many manufacturers now strive for.

Mid-high handicappers will find lots to love in the Lightning Max 10K+, with tons of forgiveness on offer and a big, confidence-inspiring profile at address. When properly fitted, the dispersion on the MAX 10K is incredibly impressive, and when dialled in you'll be hitting arrow-straight bombs with regularity.

All of this combines to make the Lightning Max 10K+ an incredibly impressive offering, and one that's well worth testing if you're on the hunt for a forgiving driver for the 2026 season.

PXG Lightning Max 10K+ Driverfrom £569.00 at Hot Golf

READ OUR FULL PXG LIGHTNING DRIVERS REVIEW

The best low spin drivers for better players

Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond

RRP: £649

Key Features:

Pros:

• Looks much-improved over the Quantum Max models
• Very fast and straight on good strikes
• Pure, solid feel from the new face
• Tour-inspired shape will suit the eye of better players

Cons:

• Will take a better player to get the most out of it
• Very expensive

Straight away you can tell one from the other, and we think the Triple Diamond presents a far more alluring visual package. The 360-degree carbon crown is rendered in clean carbon fibre that wraps around both the crown and the sole, while the Triple Diamond also forgoes the Max's light grey accents for a more streamlined, premium look. 

It's a lovely thing to behold, particularly with its slimmer 450cc tour-shaped profile, and helps explain why it'll set you back a full £50 more than its more forgiving stablemate.

The Quantum Triple Diamond delivered consistently fast speeds in our testing, impressive distances and a low, penetrating ball flight, with some of the best carry and distance numbers we've seen in any of the drivers we've tested so far this year. 

The main issue, as is perhaps to be expected with a lower-spin tour-shaped driver, is that of forgiveness. The Triple Diamond is forgiving by the standard of other smaller low-spin drivers, but will certainly punish mishits with a pretty big drop off in speed and distance if you're not on your game.

It's worth mentioning, however, that Callaway have bridged the gap between the Triple Diamond and Max models with the Triple Diamond Max for the first time as a mainline entry in its line-up, which has a more forgiving 460cc shape and the same low-spin properties. We're yet to test it out properly, but recommend you do so if you want that little extra forgiveness while achieving that lower launch.

READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY QUANTUM TRIPLE DIAMOND DRIVER REVIEW

Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Golf Driverfrom £569.00 at Scottsdale Golf

Titleist GT3

RRP: £579

Key Features:

• Seamless Thermoform Crown: Constructed from brand new Proprietary matrix polymer
• Titanium speed ring: reinforces and stabilises the perimeter of the clubface for improved ball speeds
• Adjustable CG track: fitters and golfers can select between five CG locations to achieve optimal ball flight and launch

Pros:

• Incredible ball speeds from across the face
• Compact head design will suit the eye of the better golfer
• Adjustable CG is an excellent feature
• Looks and sounds fantastic

Cons:

• One of the most expensive drivers on the market

One of three new models from Titleist's new GT range, the GT3 offers explosive ball speeds, classic Titleist aesthetics and five star sound and feel.

Titleist's latest innovation is a new Seamless Thermoform Crown which is constructed using a brand new Proprietary matrix polymer that allows weight to be saved in the head and repositioned to improve forgiveness and speed across the face.  

The GT3 also benefits from having an adjustable CH track, allowing golfers to fine tune the centre of gravity to their swing for optimal launch and ball flight. 

The GT3 performed incredibly during testing, delivering blistering ball speeds from across the face, while still managing to maintain accuracy and spin rates for optimal performance. 

Titleist's previous TSR range was arguably the best looking driver collection of all time, and although the GT line hasn't surpassed TSR in terms of overall visual appeal, it has certainly matched it.

The only slight negative we could find in the GT3 is the very high price point, which will understandably put some golfers off.

Other than that, the GT3 is an outstanding driver, ideally suited to low & mid handicap golfers looking for stand out aesthetics, and best in class performance and speed.

READ OUR FULL TITLEIST GT3 DRIVER REVIEW

Vice VGD01+

RRP: £399.99

Key Features:

• Balanced head designed to reduce drag, promoting increased swing speed
• High-speed face optimises ball speed and helps to eliminate excess spin
• Low spin and optimized aerodynamics create a fast, powerful trajectory

Pros:

• Great blend of speed, low spin and forgiveness
• Eye-catching looks
• Sounds premium at impact
• Well-priced

Cons:

• Middle of the road distance
• No fitting options (but it does have a 60 day guarantee)
• Design might be a bit busy for some

One of the only affordable low-spin drivers to hit the market, Vice's VGD01+ builds on the groundwork laid by original VGD01 by offering a genuine low spin model designed for power hitters on a budget.

The looks of the VGD01 are sleek, modern and well-presented, with the lightweight, aerodynamic head helping faster swingers generate effortless speed. And while it's not the fastest on this list, the VGD01+ still generated impressive numbers for us along with a nice, penetrating ball flight better players will definitely appreciate. It also turned out to be one of the most forgiving drivers on this list, making it a great choice for improving players looking to unlock more distance without sacrificing too much on off-centre hits.

The one let-down of the Vice, particularly for better players looking to really dial in their driver, is the lack of fitment options, with just two model-exclusive Aldila shafts available to choose from. It does come with a 60 day satisfaction guarantee however, so you can send it back if neither shaft suits you.

The best affordable drivers for golfers on a budget

Takomo Ignis D1

RRP: £299

Key Features:

• Larger face with variable thickness for consistent performance on off-centre strikes
• Three included weights (3g, 3g, and 13g) can be configured for draw bias, fade bias, or max MOI
• Tungsten weights and carbon crown give it a premium finish
• Choice of Fujikura Ventus shafts

Pros:

• Fantastically priced
• Components and finish look stylish and premium
• Great adjustability
• Super forgiving

Cons:

• Acoustics could do with some work
• Crown might be a bit plain for some
• Only available for right handers (for now)

Dubbed the Ignis D1, the maiden driver from rapidly-growing affordable club manufacturer Takomo is a development of the Ignis D1 Prototype that the brand floated in extremely limited numbers last year, and is moulded in the mindset that influenced the brand's very first irons.

Targeted towards the developing player who wants a premium experience at a reasonable price, the Ignis D1 sits firmly in the beginner-friendly driver category, aiming to give as many golfers as possible an experience off the tee that feels powerful, predictable and repeatable.

The Ignis D1 is by no means the longest driver out there, but you can make a strong argument that more golfers would benefit from control and consistency off the tee rather than raw distance anyway. The only bugbear we had with the Takomo was its sound, which felt a little lacking compared with the heavily-tuned acoustics big brands spend vast sums of money engineering into their driver heads.

The Ignis D1 is forgiving, premium looking and well made, equipped with a choice of shafts that, when bought alone, would retail by themselves for almost the entire cost of the club. That's a fantastic value proposition whichever way you look at it.

READ OUR FULL TAKOMO IGNIS D1 DRIVER REVIEW

Takomo Ignis D1 Driverfrom £299.00 at Takomo Golf

Ben Hogan PTx MAX

RRP: £279.99

Key Features:

• High MOI construction and weighting
• Carbon speed pocket enhances aerodynamics to aid club speed
• Variable thickness face provides extra distance and launch off the whole face

Pros:

• Traditional good looks
• Excellent forgiveness
• Good degree of adjustability
• Well-priced

Cons:

• Not super long
• Glossy crown might be a bit off-putting at address
• There are more exciting looking drivers out there

The PTx Max is Ben Hogan's largest, most stable and most forgiving driver yet, delivering high MOI and ball speeds for a huge range of players who struggle with off-centre hits. If you prefer a larger-profile driver that maximises MOI and helps straighten out off-centre hits at a reasonable price point, this will be up your alley.

The PTx Max is testament to just how far forgiveness technology has come in drivers over the last 10 years, with even more affordable drivers such as this now incredibly easy to hit. Ben Hogan have created a truly forgiving, high-performing driver here, rivalling many of the big-budget brands out there in terms of forgiveness and dispersion.

The Ben Hogan provides a nice, balanced feel at strike, and does a great job of cleaning up off-centre strikes while rewarding well-struck shots with a crisp sound and a distinctly solid sensation. It packs plenty of forgiveness, launch and MOI into the overall package, providing the stability and confidence that'll help beginners and developing players grip it and rip it with confidence.

The forgiveness, feel and overall performance the PTx Max provides is unrivalled at its price point, while the sleek looks will appeal to a wide range of golfers.

READ OUR FULL BEN HOGAN PTx MAX DRIVER REVIEW

Ben Hogan PTx MAX Driverfrom £279.99 at Benhogangolf

Tour Edge Exotics

RRP: £379

Key Features:

• Carbon fibre crown redistributes weight, optimising CG and MOI
• Pyramid face aids ball speed on off-centre strikes
• 360-degree ridgeback chassis enforces the club's perimeter to maximise ball speed
• Strategic tungsten weights optimise launch and spin according to model

Pros:

• Max is ultra-forgiving with adjustable weighting
• LS delivers low spin and extra distance for better players on a budget
• Clean, traditional look with glare-free carbon crown
• Excellent value for money

Cons:

• Sound and feel lag behind premium models
• Busy face design won’t suit everyone
• LS less forgiving on off-centre hits
• Max slightly shorter than rivals

Long a brand that has existed somewhat on the periphery of the biggest manufacturers on the market, Tour Edge has very big plans for 2026.

The relaunch of its Exotics range, which includes not just the suite of new drivers you see here but a new host of forged and bladed irons, is the biggest statement of intent from the company for some time, placing their offering firmly back into the premium sector without bumping up the costs too much for the budget-conscious golfer.

At £379, both drivers sit well below the big-name premium price tags, and there’s solid performance here for the money. The Max is the clear choice for most club golfers, delivering all the forgiveness you'd expect of a 10K MOI driver, a confidence-boosting profile, and easy adjustability to suit your swing. It’s not the longest driver on the market, but if hitting more fairways is your goal, it’s a winner.

For stronger players or those with naturally higher spin numbers, the LS offers genuine firepower. It’s longer, flatter-flying, and feels more workable off the tee – a smart, budget-friendly alternative to some of the tour-level big guns.

READ OUR FULL TOUR EDGE EXOTICS DRIVERS REVIEW

Tour Edge Exotics Max Driverfrom £379.00 at Tour Edge

What should I consider when looking for a new driver?

Finding the perfect driver is one of the most complex tasks any golfer can embark on when adding new equipment to their bag, and a number of variables can impact whether a driver is right for the swinger. 

While advancements in technology mean that the difference in forgiveness and distance between drivers is now incremental at best in the hands of most golfers, there are still plenty of factors that make all the difference when it comes down to tailoring the club to match the player. These include:

Materials and looks

While most golf drivers are fairly similar in 2025 in terms of the materials used to construct them, they can vary wildly in terms of shape, make-up and overall aesthetic. This can have huge ramifications in inspiring confidence at address.

With most companies now using a combination of titanium and composite materials like carbon fibre to construct their clubs, most if not all have been able to design 460cc drivers (the maximum driver size allowed by golf's governing bodies) without increasing weight. This means players can swing the club faster and hit the ball further and more accurately because of the larger sweet spot on the face of the driver.

When it comes to the look of a driver, you also want to not only find the right shape as you stand over the ball at address, but also the right design and colour that fits your eye. 

Some drivers are shiny, others have a matte finish on the crown that reduces glare. Some are modern and colourful, while others carry a more classic, minimal aesthetic. Figuring out what you like the most is purely a matter of personal preference.

Sound & Feel

While finding the right components for your driver is fundamental, the feel of a driver and sound it makes at impact is a huge factor in inspiring confidence is going to make you want to keep coming back for more.

If your driver doesn't sound and feel right to you at impact, then it's going to become pretty unattractive to you. Yes, there are no pictures or sounds on the scorecard, but this in all likelihood is an expensive purchase for you and you want to feel satisfied every time you pull the trigger.

While made of similar materials, drivers can vary wildly in terms of sound and feel. Callaway and TaylorMade drivers, for instance, produce a more muted 'thud' and a softer sensation off the face, while PING's drivers, as the name suggests, are renowned for their metallic 'ping' sound at contact and have a firmer, more metallic sensation.

Find yourself a driver that not only works for you off the tee peg, but also gives you a satisfying feeling at impact and makes you want to keep coming back for more.

Swing Weight

This one often goes overlooked, but it's an incredibly important feature of a golf club to note.

Knowing how much your driver weighs (total weight), and of that weight, how much of it is in the head (swing weight), is becoming a critical part of improving a player's driving.

The total weight and the head weight of your driver have to be matched to your physical strength, your swing tempo and your golfing athletic ability.

Play with too light of a total weight or swing weight for your strength, tempo and ability and your percentage of off-centre hits increases.

Can I benefit from a high MOI driver as a beginner?

MOI is a common phrase in golf, particularly when it comes to the driver. It refers to a club's forgiveness, specifically its resistance to twisting at impact.

A driver with a high MOI means it is less likely to twist or rotate when you strike the ball outside the centre of the face, making high MOI drivers far more suited to beginners less likely to find consistent contact with the middle of the driver.

Which driver loft is right for my swing speed?

Driver loft refers to the angle of the face in relation to the vertical, and each model is typically available between 8 and 13 degrees.

Lower lofted clubs (e.g. 8 degrees) have a slightly lower trajectory, but go a little further in the hands of players who can generate plenty of clubhead speed.

Higher lofted clubs (e.g. 13 degrees) are better for players with slower swing speeds or players that need extra help to get the ball airborne.

Lofts in between (e.g 10.5 degrees) are for the vast majority of players who have neither particularly fast nor slow swing speeds.

What are the differences between adjustable and fixed loft drivers?

The plethora of adjustable golf drivers now available means you can tinker all day and play about with your loft. To do this, you simply remove a screw in the heel of the club, connect the shaft to the clubhead and replace it with a predetermined setting.

However, be careful when adjusting the loft of your golf driver because that will sometimes also change the lie angle - the angle of the shaft to the ground at address. A change to the lie angle will affect your ball flight horizontally left or right.

Fixed loft drivers are now more common at the lower-priced end of the market, however even budget club manufacturers are beginning to roll out driver options with more adjustability. We strongly recommend you opt for one, especially if you are looking to maximise your performance with the driver. 

Which golf driver features are most beneficial for slicers?

Golf companies have made great strides in addressing the need for slicers in recent years, with many now implementing anti-slice measures as standard practice. They typically do this in two ways, which you should look out for if you're looking for a driver that'll help a slice back under your control.

Draw-biasing

Many manufacturers now offer driver models that are designed and built with a natural draw bias, meaning the head of the club sits more closed at address to promote a squarer face at impact. Some, like Cobra's DS-Adapt Max-D, signpost their draw bias in the name.

Weights

Using weights in the clubhead of a driver can have a significant impact on improving a player's ball flight as it changes the club's CG and MOI properties.

Of the drivers that feature weights, you can expect to see sliding weights or plugs from anything between one and 20 grams on the sole of the club.

Many draw-biased drivers now position more weight towards the heel of the club, this tweak promoting a more closed driver face at impact and encouraging a right-to-left ball flight.

How do I determine the right shaft stiffness and length for my new driver?

Shafts are important in all golf clubs, but especially drivers.

Using lighter, less stiff shafts will produce a higher, right-to-left biased ball flight, while heavier, stiff shafts will launch the ball lower with a higher tendency to shape the ball to the right.

The right shaft can help players hit the ball further, straighter and more consistently. Most manufacturers will offer drivers in regular (R), stiff (S) and extra stiff (XS) shaft flexes.

Other flexes include light or ladies flex (L), senior (A) and more extra stiff options (XXS, XXXS).

Although the legal limit for the length of a driver is 48 inches, most drivers have a shaft of around 45 or 46 inches to strike the best balance of distance and control.

A custom fitting session will help find the perfect shaft flex for your game. 

How often should I change my golf driver? 

A question that often warrants many different answers. 

Golf driver technology is now so advanced that all changes year to year are very small, so constantly changing your golf driver is not usually necessary. 

However, there are reasons why you should consider changing, as listed below:

Golf swing change - A dramatic change in your golf swing (such as a change in AOA, face angle, or swing speed) will mean your driver that was working for your old swing may not be optimal for your new swing. If this is the case then it’s best to see a local PGA Pro or a qualified golf custom fitter to determine what needs to be done. It could be an adjustment to your current driver or even a new shaft. 

Shot Data - We would always recommend using a launch monitor every year to ensure that your driver is still optimal for your swing. You may find some major or minor changes have occurred. The best golf pros on the PGA Tour do this every week in order to keep on top of things. If you are serious about your golf game then we strongly recommend you check out your shot data at least once a year. 

Time - Every three to five years is when we recommend you take a look at new golf driver models from the game’s biggest brands as that is how long it takes to notice significant changes in driver technology for consumers.

Check out our full range of golf equipment guides below:

• The Best Golf Mini Drivers
• The Best Golf Fairway Woods
• The Best Golf Irons
• The Best Golf Wedges
• The Best Golf Package Sets
• The Best Golf Balls
• The Best Golf Gloves
• The Best Golf Rangefinders
• The Best Golf GPS Watches
• The Best Golf Bags
• The Best Golf Travel Bags
• The Best Electric Golf Trolleys
• The Best Golf Training Aids