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245
Hours
Researched
25
Products
Considered
10,071
Shots
Hit
20.4m
Readers
What makes one driver better for one golfer over another? What key metrics in a golfer’s swing influence the way equipment performs?
The desire to capture more data is why we expanded our test pool to 35 golfers and collected more than 10,000 shots. The more we know about the performance of each of the 25 drivers in our test, the better we can help narrow your choices. Whether you’re an off-the-rack buyer, a guy who’s constantly tweaking your gear, or someone who is going to take the time to get fitted by a knowledgeable professional, we’re here to help you.
As we’ve done in the past, for 2018, we’re again segmenting our data to provide more meaningful information to the individual golfer. We’ve broken down our driver test results into three different swing speed categories. In the final segment of our three-part series, we’re showing data specific to low swing speeds (75 – 90 mph).
ADVANCED GOLF ANALYTICS
Data matters. And when it comes to finding the right equipment, it’s critical. We help solve this by applying the largest connected set of head-to-head data to tackle one of golf’s biggest challenges.
All testing was conducted inside our fully independent test facility located in Virginia. All testers used Bridgestone Tour B-RX golf balls for consistency and to reduce test variables. All ball and head data were collected using Foresight Sports GCQuad Launch Monitors. This comprehensive dataset was then run through our proprietary Most Wanted Rankings methodology. What we have developed is the most comprehensive test to determine the leaders in the driver category.
For more information, check out our How We Test page.
HOW WE CONSIDER PERFORMANCE
Each year we work hard to improve our testing methodologies from the previous test. In 2018, we’ve added yet another building block – statistical significance. Our Most Wanted winner is the club that finished in the statistically significant top group (based on Strokes Gained Driving) for the highest percentage of our testers. To simplify things a bit, we call the final order TRUERank; a metric that includes the order of finish (rank), along with the percentage of golfers for whom each club was shown to be in the top group.
For those interested in breaking out the individual components that make up total performance, we still provide you with club speed, distance (total yards and carry), and accuracy (offline/yards from center).
Be sure to check out the sortable tables to find the best driver that fits YOU.
RESULTS:
TRUERank: Swing Speeds (<89 mph)
Club | Ball Speed | Launch | Spin | Carry | Total | Offline | Shot Area | TRUERank |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PING G400 LST | 119.15 | 14.13 | 2,048 | 181.18 | 197.64 | 14.46 | 4,268 | 1 (73%) |
Wilson Staff D300 | 116.32 | 15.29 | 1,652 | 174.19 | 191.79 | 14.44 | 4,228 | 2 (64%) |
PING G400 SFT | 116.69 | 14.88 | 2,269 | 177.31 | 191.99 | 14.73 | 3,343 | 3 (55%) |
VEGA RAD-04 | 115.73 | 14.53 | 2,240 | 173.11 | 189.5 | 15.1 | 3,528 | 4 (45%) |
Cleveland Launcher HB | 119.11 | 14.31 | 2,258 | 182.4 | 197.37 | 16.01 | 4,329 | 4 (45%) |
Callaway Rogue | 115.85 | 15.24 | 2,067 | 174.3 | 189.95 | 14.41 | 3,942 | 4 (45%) |
PING G400 Max | 117.42 | 14.56 | 2,242 | 178.67 | 193.39 | 17.17 | 3,465 | 4 (45%) |
Titleist 917 D3 | 117.06 | 14.24 | 2,097 | 175.07 | 191.33 | 15.57 | 3,730 | 8 (36%) |
PING G400 | 117.23 | 14.66 | 2,222 | 176.48 | 190.51 | 16.6 | 3,962 | 8 (36%) |
Titleist 917 D2 | 116.63 | 15 | 2,149 | 177.91 | 192.65 | 16.32 | 4,150 | 8 (36%) |
Cobra KING F8 | 118.43 | 14.32 | 2,111 | 177.87 | 192.83 | 17.91 | 3,904 | 8 (36%) |
Bridgeston Tour B XD-5 | 116.63 | 14.69 | 2,249 | 175.65 | 191.38 | 14.75 | 5,047 | 8 (36%) |
Wilson Staff C300 | 116.17 | 13.55 | 1,949 | 169.84 | 187.37 | 15.1 | 3,886 | 8 (36%) |
Tommy Armour TA1 | 116.17 | 14.18 | 2,163 | 174.65 | 189.68 | 14.52 | 3,854 | 14 (27%) |
Cobra KING F8+ | 117.62 | 14.35 | 2,220 | 176.58 | 193.43 | 14.66 | 3,954 | 14 (27%) |
Mizuno ST180 | 117.13 | 15.29 | 2,150 | 179.13 | 193.95 | 15.91 | 4,568 | 14 (27%) |
TaylorMade M3 440 | 115.3 | 15.05 | 2,090 | 171.66 | 187.75 | 15.7 | 3,204 | 14 (27%) |
TaylorMade M4 | 116.85 | 14.76 | 2,383 | 174.45 | 189.82 | 14.58 | 3,180 | 14 (27%) |
Mizuno GT180 | 117.67 | 13.81 | 2,113 | 176.16 | 190.83 | 17.3 | 3,546 | 14 (27%) |
XXIO X | 117.07 | 15.29 | 2,314 | 178.69 | 191.7 | 17.73 | 4,344 | 14 (27%) |
TaylorMade M3 | 116.59 | 15 | 2,407 | 175.6 | 189.68 | 15.92 | 3,076 | 21 (18%) |
Cobra F Max | 117.91 | 15.44 | 2,575 | 181.39 | 192.94 | 16.89 | 4,004 | 21 (18%) |
Vertical Groove Driver | 116.02 | 16.07 | 2,325 | 177.62 | 190.04 | 20.28 | 4,727 | 21 (18%) |
Tour Edge HL3 | 115.12 | 14.41 | 2,005 | 169.2 | 184.59 | 19.58 | 3,006 | 24 (9%) |
Callaway Rogue Sub Zero | 116.17 | 14.37 | 2,024 | 172.5 | 189.13 | 15.41 | 4,062 | 25 (0%) |
Doug Fisher
5 years ago
I have not always been a “Booster” for your website, however, I just turned 75 and my driver has become a most important club because it sets the yardages for the rest of the clubs in my bag. Based on your test results, I ordered and just received a Wilson D300. Cost $175 Cdn from Golftown. Because it is hard to assess distance with a foot of snow and I am not close to modern test equipment, I will have to wait a month or so. However, the club has a very light head weight, and a bit longer shaft than any of my other drivers. The most flexible shaft available was “Regular”. I have Callaway irons and hybrids and I am happy with these clubs. I am looking forward to field testing. Thank you. ps the fitter at Callaway assessed my clubs for about 7 years after my purchase. I am still using their FT iq driver. The fitter suggested that any change would not give me very much joy. This Callaway fitting centre is now closed. The fitter there was an honest man, Richard Sweeting. When he could have sold me clubs with only marginal improvement to my game, he said “Stick with what you have.”
There are good guys everywhere.
Doug Fisher