The best drivers 2024

Update 2024: We have updated this article on drivers for the 2024 golf season. Perhaps, like me, you are once again faced with the question of which new driver to buy this year? Which drivers are new, popular and well tested this year 2024? We have listed the top golf drivers for the new season. We have also created a short summary for you, which you may find interesting. The newly released drivers from 2023 and 2022 are listed below if you are interested in a cheaper discontinued model.

Golf equipment manufacturers try to make the clubs as suitable for the masses as possible. However, there is no driver that is equally suitable for all players. With the right choice, there is a lot of potential to exploit for your golf game.

The driver is always about more length, more forgiveness for even straighter and longer tee shots. In order to optimize this, various adjustment options have been available for several years to adjust the draw and fade with weight screws or weight rails. For the 2023 season, there are a number of innovations that make buying a driver very interesting. The greatest advances have been made in clubface technology and improved clubhead aerodynamics. But more and more lightweight materials are also being used.

Below we present a large overview of the 6 most important new driver series for 2024 and give you our feedback on each. At the end you will find a comparison table with the 18 different models from the 6 major manufacturers.

New 2024 drivers that you should take a look at

• Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke - Series
• TaylorMade Qi10 - Series
• PING G430 MAX - Series
• Cobra Darkspeed - Series

Driver Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke

Callaway introduces a breakthrough innovation in driver technology with the Paradym AI Smoke Driver. The new Ai Smart Face uses machine learning and golfer data to create multiple sweet spots across the entire clubface. This results in maximized speed and forgiveness on every shot.

Further highlights:

• Triaxial Carbon Crown: Light and stiff for maximum ball speed.
• Jailbreak technology: Improved energy transfer for even more power.
• Optional adjustable weights: Adaptation to individual swing preferences.
• Two models: Max for maximum forgiveness and Max Fast for high ball speed.

Conclusion: The Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Driver features a revolutionary face and innovative technologies that can help golfers of all abilities achieve new distances and improved accuracy.

Well-known players: Sam Burns, Xander Schauffele

The RRP is 599 euros.

Driver TaylorMade Qi10

The TaylorMade Qi10 driver features groundbreaking innovations that deliver maximum forgiveness and impressive distance for golfers of all abilities. At the heart of the driver is the unparalleled MOI value of 10,000, which provides exceptional stability and forgiveness even on off-center hits.

Further highlights:

• Lightweight Crown: The lightweight crown promotes higher ball speeds for more distance.
• Injected Twist Face: This technology optimizes the clubface and generates higher ball speeds over a wider area of the clubface.
• V Steel Sole: The improved sole ensures optimum ground contact and smooth gliding through the turf.

The TaylorMade Qi10 Driver is available in two models:

• Qi10 Driver: Offers maximum forgiveness and stability.
• Qi10 Max Driver: Focused on high ball speed and distance.

Conclusion: The TaylorMade Qi10 driver sets new standards in terms of forgiveness and distance. Golfers looking for a driver that will give them more confidence and longer shots should definitely consider the Qi10.

Well-known players: Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods

The RRP is 669 euros.

Driver Ping G430 MAX

The new Ping G430 MAX driver features innovative technologies and a design that offers maximum forgiveness and powerful distance for golfers of all abilities. At the heart of the driver is the new Face Forged MAX face, which is made from forged titanium and has a variable thickness. This ensures higher ball speeds over a wider area of the face, even on off-center hits.

Further highlights:

• Aerodynamic design: Optimized airflow around the driver head reduces air resistance and increases club head speed.
• Movable Weighting: An adjustable weight allows the swing weight and ball flight to be adapted to the player's individual needs.
• Loft sleeve: The loft can be adjusted by +1.5° or -1.5° to further optimize the ball flight.

The Ping G430 MAX Driver is available in two models:

• G430 MAX: Provides maximum forgiveness and stability.
• G430 LST: Focused on high ball speed and distance.

Conclusion: The Ping G430 MAX driver is an excellent choice for golfers looking for a driver that will give them more confidence and longer shots. The combination of innovative technologies and a forgiving design makes the G430 MAX an ideal option for golfers of all levels.

Well-known players: Viktor Hovland, Cameron Champ

The RRP is 625 euros.

Driver Cobra Darkspeed

The Cobra Darkspeed driver impresses with innovative technologies and a design that offers maximum forgiveness and powerful distance for golfers of all abilities. At the heart of the driver is the PWRSHELL HOT FACE technology, which is made from forged titanium and has a variable thickness. This ensures higher ball speeds over a wider area of the clubface, even on off-center hits.

Further highlights:

• Aerodynamic design: Optimized airflow around the driver head reduces air resistance and increases club head speed.
• Two weight settings: Two adjustable weights allow the swing weight and ball flight to be adjusted to the player's individual needs.

Conclusion: The Cobra Darkspeed driver is an excellent choice for golfers looking for a driver that will give them more confidence and longer shots. The combination of innovative technologies and a forgiving design makes the Darkspeed an ideal option for golfers of all abilities.

Well-known players: Rickie Fowler, Gary Woodland

The RRP is 579 euros.

New 2023 drivers you should take a look at

• Callaway Paradym - Series
• TaylorMade Stealth 2 - Series
• Titleist TSR - Series
• PING G430 - Series
• Cobra Aerojet - Series
• PXG Gen5 - Series

Driver Callaway Paradym

In Germany, Callaway clubs have a very good image and are the most played club brand with a market share of over 31 percent. Callaway has transformed itself from the well-behaved Big Bertha clubs to an unusual and extremely progressive brand. The names of the clubs are very unusual and do not follow a precise pattern. The drivers of recent years have been called XR, Epic, Mavrik, Rogue and now Paradym for 2023.

The new Callaway drivers are designed to represent a complete change in performance and construction - hence the name Paradym. The three models have been redesigned with a 360 carbon chassis and by eliminating titanium, over 44% weight has been saved. It sounds particularly interesting that for the first time a manufacturer is relying entirely on carbon for the chassis, as this allows weight to be placed where it leads to more forgiveness and therefore straighter and longer tee shots.

What Paradym models are available and who are they for?

• Paradym - The model for all levels and the best combination of length, forgiveness and adjustability. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°.
• Paradym X - For players who want exceptional forgiveness and struggle with a fade or slice. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°.
• Paradym Triple Diamont - The low-spin model: For players with a very good handicap who want to hit the ball consistently and control/shap the ball to the right and left. Available lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°.

The RRP for all three models is 649 euros.

Driver TaylorMade Stealth 2

Taylor Made already had great success in 2022 with the Stealth Driver series. The Stealth series was the first to use a carbon face instead of a conventional titanium face. The successor, the Stealth 2, was launched this year. The world's top players, such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa, also rely on TaylorMade Stealth woods.

The focus with the TaylorMade Stealth 2 was on making the new drivers even more forgiving, as the first Stealth series was already extremely long and fast. The new model now uses even more carbon, which has made it possible to save even more weight and place it in areas where it leads to more forgiveness. We see the main focus on more forgiveness as very positive, as all drivers are already very long when hit in the middle.

Which Stealth 2 models are available and who are they for?

• Stealth 2 - The model for most players and the best combination of length, forgiveness and adjustability. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
• Stealth 2 HD - HD stands for High Draw and is intended for players who struggle with a fade or slice. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
• Stealth 2 Plus - The low-spin model: For players with a very good handicap who want to hit the ball consistently and control/shap the ball to the right and left. Available lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°

RRP is 649 euros (Stealth 2, Stealth 2 HD) and 669 euros (Stealth 2 Plus)

Driver Titleist TSR

For years, Titleist had the image that its clubs were only for very good players. In 2018, Titleist wanted to break this prejudice once and for all and launched the TS series for the masses. The TS1 model was particularly noteworthy, especially for players with slower swing speeds. The TS series is now in its third generation and the TSR series was introduced for 2023.

Titleist stands for classic and straightforward design with its black club heads. Under the "hood", however, many technologies are hidden, such as new face technologies and extremely thin titanium, which is otherwise only used in the aerospace industry. The focus for 2023 was on improved aerodynamics so that you can swing with more club head speed. What we find particularly positive about the TSR line is that the range of 4 models means that every player can find the perfect driver. In addition, Titleist offers the largest selection of different shafts and grips.

Which TSR models are available and who are they for?

• TSR1 - The ultralight model for slower swing speeds (up to 90mph) maximizes length, take-off angle and forgiveness. Also has an anti-slice tendency. Available lofts: 9°, 10° , 12°
• TSR2 - The model that should suit most players. The best combination of length, accuracy and spin. Available lofts: 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°
• TSR3 - For better players who want a very classic shape and hit the ball consistently. Available lofts: 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°
• TSR4 - The low-spin version for a lower and drilling ball flight. A more compact shape and less forgiving for players near the 0 handicap mark. Available lofts: 8°, 9°, 10° 

The RRP for all three models is 649 euros.

Driver Ping G430

Ping stands for very good and classic golf clubs and is one of the most conservative, but also one of the most consistent companies on the market. The club series follow a strict pattern. Ping's G series was launched in 2004 and the new series for 2023 is called G430.

For years, the PING drivers stood for extreme forgiveness, but were somewhat shorter in comparison to the other well-known drivers. With the new series, the focus should clearly be on more speed and length. PING seems to have achieved this with the G430: "The combined distance gains across the entire G430 family are unlike anything we've seen from one generation of racquets to the next" said PING President John Solheim. We particularly like the fact that the sound, which was often described as very loud and tinny, has been significantly improved.

Which G430 models are available and who are they for?

• G430 MAX - The model that fits most players offers exceptional forgiveness. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
• G430 HL - The high-launch model for slower swing speeds with a lighter club head, shaft and grip. Available loft: 12°
• G430 SFT - Straight Flight Technology: The model designed for a straighter ball flight for players struggling with a fade or slice. Available lofts: 10.5°
• G430 LST - Low-Spin Technology - For better players who want to hit the ball very consistently and shape the ball. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°

RRP is 625 euros (SFT, MAX, HL) and 685 euros (LST)

Driver Cobra Aerojet

For a long time, Cobra clubs were primarily intended for seniors and ladies due to their extreme forgiveness and low weight. With the sponsorship of Rickie Fowler and Bryson DeChambeau, they wanted to make themselves significantly younger and hipper. The drivers of recent years have mostly been quite colorful and unusual. The new series for 2023 is called Aerojet.

As the name suggests, the focus of the Aerojet driver is clearly on improved aerodynamics. Thanks to the streamlined design, air resistance during the golf swing should be significantly reduced. With a higher swing speed, you automatically hit the ball further. In addition, the Aerojet drivers are equipped with many technologies such as an improved clubface and a new type of weight bridge. We find it particularly positive that the Cobra drivers are slightly cheaper compared to the other major manufacturers.

Which Aerojet models are available and who are they for?

• Aerojet - The model for most players and the best combination of length, forgiveness and adjustability. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
• Aerojet Max - Maximum forgiveness and more for players who struggle with a fade or slice. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
• Aerojet LS - The low-spin version - For more athletic players who want to hit the ball very consistently and shape the ball. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°

The RRP for all three models is 579 euros.

Driver PXG 0311 Gen5

The company PXG is not even 10 years old, yet it has already caused quite a stir in the golf market. With his company Parsons Xtreme Golf, American billionaire Bob Parsons has made it his mission to produce the best clubs in the world. Some of the series are somewhat difficult to categorize with numbers and number combinations. The driver for 2023 is the 0311 Gen5 driver.

PXG 0311 Gen5 - the 5th generation of PXG drivers and the successor to the well-known 0811 driver series, where the many small screws were a special feature. The new driver was developed for a lot of length, little dispersion and a special feel. Like many other manufacturers, PXG also relies on a carbon crown and titanium clubface. New for PXG are two large weight screws that can be used to fine-tune the driver for fade or draw

Which 0311 Gen5 models are available and who are they for?

• PXG 0311 GEN5 - The model for most players and the best combination of length, forgiveness and adjustability. Available lofts: 7.5°, 9°, 10.5°
• PXG 0311 XF GEN5 - For players who want exceptional forgiveness and struggle with a fade/slice. Available lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°

The RRP for both models is 569 euros.

New 2022 drivers you should take a look at

In 2022, there are again a number of brands with some innovations that make buying a driver interesting. The biggest advances have been made in clubface technology and in testing COR limits to maximize ball speed. As always, it's all about more length and more forgiveness. Below we present 5 new interesting drivers for 2022 and give you our feedback on each.

• Callaway Rouge - Series
• TaylorMade Stealth - Series
• King Cobra LTD - Series
• Titleist TSi - Series
• PING - Series

Driver Callaway Rogue ST Max

The popular Rogue series from Callaway will be relaunched in 2022 with the name ST. There are some technical innovations, for example the ST stands for "speed tuning", which basically means more length.

According to the manufacturer, the most important innovations are the so-called Tungsten Speed Cartridgethe customized Jailbreak Speed Frame and further perfected with the help of artificial intelligence Flash Face of the clubface. The aim is clear: to achieve maximum speed and length and the greatest possible forgiveness with the Rogue ST. Whether these are just marketing slogans or there has been a real technical development remains to be seen.

Driver TaylorMade Stealth (Plus)

TaylorMade is launching three new drivers on the market this season under the name Stealth. According to the manufacturer, this is a fundamentally new club. The age of titanium club faces is to be a thing of the past with immediate effect.

The new clubface is made of carbon and is 60X Carbon Twist Face called. This is intended to optimize energy transfer and therefore provide more length. It sounds interesting that a manufacturer is venturing into a new material here. This is definitely a major innovation and we see it as positive. However, it remains to be seen whether this will really have a positive effect on the distance or is just a marketing slogan.

Driver Cobra LTDx

The LTDx driver from Cobra is designed for players who want maximum speed and distance, but also value forgiveness and a straight ball flight. This is to be achieved with the new technology called Zero-CG in combination with a high moment of inertia.

The large-looking 460 cc club head is perfectly balanced with the weight distribution so that it generates the highest possible ball speed with low spin and thus achieves maximum length. All models in the new Driver LTDx range feature the innovative H.O.T. FACE technology.

5 drivers 2021 that you should take a look at

Driver Callaway Epic Speed

The new Callaway family of Epic drivers is designed to deliver exceptional ball speeds. Through the application of artificial intelligence, the structure of the head has been improved in terms of stability. The result is higher ball speeds across the entire clubface, even outside the sweet spot.

Developed with artificial intelligence, the Speed-Frame face has been specifically designed to optimize distance. The face and head geometry have been improved in the Epic Speed and the strong titanium alloy promotes maximum speed, forgiveness and spin robustness.

Driver King Cobra Radspeed XB

The new drivers from Cobra are called Radspeed. The drivers are based on the technological principle of weight distribution. The engineers at Cobra discovered that by increasing the radius of gyration and the distance between the front and rear weights, they could achieve the perfect combination of high ball speed, low spin and forgiveness in one driver.

Cobra has long been regarded as an innovation leader when it comes to golf woods. Unfortunately, we have not yet had the drivers in our hands, so we will have to wait and see whether this really is a major innovation.

Driver TaylorMade SIM2 Max

TaylorMade continues the successful SIM division with the brand new SIM2, SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max-D drivers. With the first SIM, TaylorMade concentrated on the design of the driver to achieve maximum speed and aerodynamics at impact. Now the focus is on increased forgiveness with more speed.

"Fault tolerance is synonymous with confidence. [...] By increasing forgiveness with SIM2, SIM2 Max and SIM2 Max-D, we have truly created a driver that doesn't compromise. Golfers can step up to the tee box and have the confidence to swing with confidence every time. They know they have a driver that ticks all the boxes: Fault tolerance, speed and distance [...]." - Tomo Bystedt, Product Development TaylorMade

Driver Titleist TSi2 and TSi3

Titleist stands for no-frills design and continuity in golf. But with the new TSi line, Titleist could also trigger a revolution in woods. The new TSi drivers are faster on the ball, accelerate better and are more forgiving than ever. The focus is on a new aerodynamic head design and a new titanium alloy from the aerospace industry.

The result is the longest, straightest, best-looking and best-sounding drivers of all time. What a provocative statement! We are excited to hold the woods in our hands.

Driver Ping G425 Max

Ping is known for good and classic golf clubs. The new line is called G425 and has been developed for golfers of all levels.

"Our engineers have made significant performance improvements in the G425 family that we are confident will appeal to both longtime, loyal PING players and other golfers who want to play better and have more fun with the game, including those who are brand new to the game. It is our development philosophy that we do not introduce a new product unless it is measurably better than its predecessor. The G425 family exceeds that standard in both performance and appearance," said PING President John Solheim.

5 drivers from 2020 that you should take a look at

King Cobra SpeedZone/Xtreme

Mid-Handicapper: I love the soft, calm feeling. It almost gave the impression that the ball wasn't hit particularly hard, but the measurement data says otherwise. My drives have a controlled trajectory.

Low-handicapper: Really soft but powerful sound/feel combination. The sound and feel match the ball flight, which is characterized by controlled aggression.

High-HandicapperGreat milling pattern on the racket face. Nice head shape, a really nice design. The impact is loud without being annoying. It sounded and felt powerful when I hit it.

Mizuno ST200/G/X

Mid-Handicapper: It feels technical, but not over the top. I was able to swing aggressively without losing control. My drives had a flat trajectory with a bit more rollout.

Low-handicapper: Drives were predictable and confident, which is the best combination. Beautiful club with intricate details on the top.

High-Handicapper: Classy look without fuss, and the technology slot is appealing, really makes you want to drive. It felt great. Even with the bugs, it felt really good.

TaylorMade SIM/Max

High-Handicapper: The weight provides a certain amount of substance behind the shot, with a fast take-off. You can really step on the gas and the spin rate remains low.

Mid-Handicapper: Quiet but explosive start. You could feel the head throughout the swing and it always seemed to return easily to neutral.

Low-handicapper: It's almost like you're punching someone and you can hear the life being sucked out of them. The trajectory was a bit high.

Titleist TS1/TS2/TS3/TS4

Mid-Handicapper: Confidence inspiring in response and the purity of sound and feel are second to none. I like how they blend all the elements on the bottom, but on top of that it's all classic.

Low-handicapper: The shape is classic style you would expect from Titleist. The sound and feel are powerful without being flashy. And every shot, every impact felt consistently good.

High-Handicapper: I love how they blend all the finishes together, even on the sole it's aggressive, but on the upper it's just all classic. It's a great combination of good looks and technology. I felt like a pro watching the ball fly through that perfect window every time.

Callaway Mavrik/Sub Zero

Mid-Handicapper: It has a strong impact moment. The best part was the ball dispersion. My drives were consistently straight.

Low-handicapper: Compact. I feel like I could hit a ball off the grass with it, just like I could off the tee.

High-Handicapper: Beautiful look made of carbon fiber. The Max has an explosive impact. But I could still feel the club head.

Which is the right driver for me?

All the major manufacturers try to make the clubs as suitable for the masses as possible. However, there is no driver that is equally suitable for every player.
With the right choice or a professional fitting, there is great potential for a better game. Above all, the right shaft plays an important role. In combination with the right club head and loft, it should match your swing. Talk to your pro or book a professional fitting with a dealer or special fitting provider.

What different drivers are there?

In general, the drivers can be divided into three categories:

Standard model: Lots of forgiveness with medium spin. The driver model which is designed for the widest range of players (from high to low handicap) and offers the best combination of length, forgiveness, spin and adjustability.

Anti-slice modelMaximum forgiveness mostly with draw weighting. This model offers maximum forgiveness and is intended for higher handicaps. The ball usually flies a little higher and makes it easier to hit the ball straight (anti-slice).

Low spin model: Less forgiveness in combination with less spin. This model is designed for low handicappers with a high club head speed (more than 105 mph) who want to hit the ball consistently and maximize distance with less spin.

Why should you buy a new driver every few years?

Technology is advancing. The innovations are often small from year to year, but with a 5-year-old driver, you can still feel significant differences to the new models. New head shapes, new face structures and new processes are combined with new materials - some of which were only reserved for tour professionals, others come from automotive and aviation research. The aim is always more length and forgiveness.

What you should consider when buying a new driver

The perfect drive is probably the best feeling you can have on the golf course. For this reason, equipment manufacturers spend billions of dollars every year on research and development and bring new drivers onto the market. However, you should take care to find the right model for your swing. It is best to discuss this with your pro, who should recommend a few drivers to you. The right shaft is also important, even more important than the brand of driver. This is because the differences in driver heads are no longer great these days. This has nothing to do with improving your own handicap, there are simpler ways, such as using a Rangefinder. You can also test different drivers and shafts yourself, preferably with a Launch Monitorwhich shows you the values.

New driver or rangefinder - which helps more?

There is one clear answer: the rangefinder. If you are not yet using one, you are leaving yourself 2.7 strokes per round. This is what a study from England found out: Using a rangefinder saves an average of 2.7 strokes per round. We have explained why this is the case in this article described. So if you have a driver that is not too old and no rangefinder, then you should think about buying, for example, a Golflasers think about it. A new golf driver would just be a gimmick and will not improve your handicap.

Do you have a question or suggestion about the best golf drivers of this seasonthen we look forward to your comment below.

Source: https://www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/drivers