Best Drivers 2026: Our picks for every price point and playing level
Your guide to the best golf drivers and all the things you need to know ahead of splashing the cash on your new big stick.
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 the ball speed that many ultra-forgiving drivers tend to.
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
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
Callaway Elyte
RRP: £569
Key Features:
- Enhanced swing speed via new aerodynamics of the head
- All new Thermoforged Carbon crown
- Ai10x face delivers superior ball speeds and launch conditions across the face
- 13g perimeter weighting
Pros:
- Fantastic blend of speed and forgiveness
- Confidence-inspiring look at address
- Explosive feel off the face
Cons:
- Sole design is a bit Marmite
Callaway’s new Elyte driver range for 2025 honours founder Ely Callaway, combining advanced technology with refined adjustability for golfers of all levels. Designed to boost ball speed and enhance forgiveness, the Elyte driver caters to handicaps ranging from +5 to 25, offering versatility through Movable Weight Tech and hosel adjustments.
The design of the Elyte driver is polarising. While Callaway’s signature green returns, some elements, like the large “E” on the sole, may divide opinion. However, at address, the elongated matte crown inspires confidence, marking a subtle improvement over the 2024 Ai Smoke model. Feel-wise, the Elyte delivers a soft yet explosive impact, rivalled only by Titleist in this category.
Performance is where the Elyte driver truly shines. Tested extensively in various conditions, it maintained high ball speeds on mishits and kept drives straight. The Ai10x face significantly improved forgiveness, while adjustable weighting helped reduce slices. On-course testing in Spain and a wet, windy day in England highlighted the driver’s versatility, with excellent accuracy and impressive ball speeds of up to 187 mph.
For golfers with older equipment, like the Mavrik, the Elyte driver offers noticeable advancements in speed and forgiveness. While current Ai Smoke users won’t see drastic differences, the Elyte is a top-tier contender for 2025.
READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY ELYTE DRIVER REVIEW
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
Cobra's mandate with its 2026 OPTM range was the pursuit of one very particular tenet of driver performance: accuracy. Note that accuracy doesn't mean forgiveness, it's more a case of reducing dispersion to get your bad shots on a straighter path and make your good shots even more consistent.
To deliver more accuracy and tighter dispersion, Cobra focused on improving a metric known as Product of Inertia, or POI, which is effectively taken to multiple new dimensions. This meant reducing the amount the driver moves diagonally across all axises at impact, delivering more stability and consistency on off centre strikes while optimising speed and spin on true hits.
The core OPTM X model is designed to be something of an all-rounder for the company, and delivers a really strong, healthy mix of forgiveness, speed and adjustability. The X is fast, producing some of the highest speed and carry numbers we've seen from a driver in the last few years, while the option to adjust the forward and rear weights to gear either for forgiveness or high-speed accuracy really helps you dial in those characteristics even further.
Once again offered at a very competitive price point compared to the other major OEMs, the Cobra OPTM X is a better choice than ever for players seeking a blend of forgiveness, speed and adjustability. However, for those prioritising forgiveness above all, the MAX-K or MAX-D models may be a better fit. As always, a professional fitting is highly recommended.
READ OUR FULL COBRA DS-ADAPT X REVIEW
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
The most forgiving golf drivers for higher-handicappers
Callaway Elyte X
RRP: £499
Key Features:
- Neutral and draw settings with an adjustable 13g weight
- Thermoforged Carbon crown enables fast head speeds while optimising launch and spin
- Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face
Pros:
- Draw bias setting will really help those who struggle with a slice
- Lovely, robust feel from across the face
- Better adjustability than the Paradym Ai Smoke Max D
Cons:
- Higher launch and spin not ideal for faster swing speed players
The Callaway Elyte X is the most forgiving driver in the 2025 Elyte range, tailored for players seeking maximum launch and forgiveness. With a 460cc head and Thermoforged carbon crown, it retains ball speed across the face while optimising spin and launch. Its adjustability includes a moveable weight for neutral or draw bias settings, complemented by the new Ai10x smart face, which features 10x more control points for enhanced performance.
Aimed primarily at beginners and slicers, the Elyte X offers a versatile option for golfers looking to boost forgiveness and launch. Its bulbous yet aerodynamic head inspires confidence, framing the ball beautifully. The matte black crown and silver-green accents add a premium aesthetic, making it one of Callaway’s most attractive designs to date.
In testing, the Elyte X impressed with consistent ball speed and remarkable forgiveness. While not the fastest in the lineup, it’s one of the quickest forgiving drivers available in 2025. Even off-centre hits retained distance and accuracy, and its draw-bias adjustability helps combat slicing effectively.
For golfers prioritising forgiveness and particularly those looking to negate a slice, the Elyte X delivers excellent performance, striking aesthetics, and improved adjustability, making it a standout choice for 2025 despite its premium price.
READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY ELYTE X DRIVER REVIEW
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.
READ OUR FULL PXG LIGHTNING DRIVERS REVIEW
The best low spin drivers for better players
Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond
RRP: £529
Key Features:
- Enhanced swing speed via new aerodynamics of the head
- All new Thermoforged Carbon crown
- Ai10x face delivers superior ball speeds and launch conditions across the face.
- 450cc head for the better player
- Interchange front-back weights
Pros:
- One of the fastest drivers of 2025
- Sleek profile looks fantastic behind the ball
- Delivers low spin rates for fast swing speed players
Cons:
- Will only be suitable for a very small selection of golfers
The Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond is the standout low-spin driver of 2025, designed for skilled players seeking precision and speed. With a compact 450cc head and gloss crown, it offers a premium aesthetic and confidence-inspiring profile at address, making it a top choice for better players.
This model isn’t about forgiveness—high handicappers should look elsewhere. Instead, it’s built for speed and control, aided by enhanced aerodynamics and the new Ai10x face. Testing revealed the driver feels fast through the swing, with improved aerodynamics noticeable in transition. While its feel off the face is slightly muted compared to other Elyte models, its performance stands out, offering impressive ball speeds and the potential for shot-shaping.
Adjustability options, including hosel settings and weight placement, allow players to fine-tune for their desired ball flight. Surprisingly, this year’s Triple Diamond felt less fade-biased than past iterations, making it more versatile while maintaining its low-spin profile.
While it’s not the most forgiving or user-friendly option, the Elyte Triple Diamond excels in speed and precision, cementing its place as perhaps the elite choice for advanced players in 2025. If you’re seeking a fast, low-spin driver, this is worth a serious look.
READ OUR FULL CALLAWAY ELYTE TRIPLE DIAMOND DRIVER REVIEW
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+
- 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
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
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
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.
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Brad Nash is Reviews Editor at GolfMagic, having joined the team in June 2025 to look after all things reviews, soft goods testing and equipment alongside Equipment Editor Georgina. Primarily a writer, you may see him pop up in videos or on the GolfMagic socials from time to time.