A $399 Driver Isn’t Supposed To Compete — But This One Did
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A $399 Driver Isn’t Supposed To Compete — But This One Did

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A $399 Driver Isn’t Supposed To Compete — But This One Did

When a $599 or $650 driver ends up at the top of a high swing speed test, no one bats an eye. That’s just how this usually goes. The biggest brands, the most marketing, and the most premium tech typically dominate the top spots, especially for players with speed.

But sometimes, something unexpected slips into the conversation.

The Sub 70 859 didn’t just show up in the 2025 Most Wanted Driver test; it earned its spot. Let’s take a closer look and see if the Sub 70 859 could be for you.

Sub 70 859

Among the 37 drivers tested at 105-plus mph swing speeds, the Sub 70 859 finished second overall for accuracy. Only the PING G440 SFT was more accurate. It also posted balanced forgiveness numbers and finished in the top third of the entire test for higher swing speeds.

CategoryScore
Accuracy9.57
Forgiveness8.39
Distance8.41
Overall Score9.23 (12th overall)

Accuracy that beats out the premium drivers

The 859 is not only accurate, it’s consistent. For high swing speed players, the extra speed can turn a small miss into a big problem and the Sub 70 859 helps to combat that issue.

With a top-three finish in straight shot percentage and playable shot percentage, the Sub 70 859 driver helps fast swingers keep the ball in play.

One reason behind this accuracy and consistency could be the spin control at these higher speeds. One tester said, “Excellent spin control. Solid all-around performance at a price less than leading OEMs.”

Where the 859 falls short — Speed and distance

If you look at trends in driver testing over the last few years, you’ll quickly notice that the more accurate and forgiving drivers are usually those which struggle with distance potential. We won’t say the Sub 70 859 struggles but it didn’t lead the field, either.

The longest driver in the test (COBRA DS-Adapt Max X) carried 291 yards on average; the Sub 70 859 was 284. You’ll give up a few yards but if your priority is to hit more fairways, it could be worth it.

One other thing to keep in mind is that for slower swing speeds, the Sub 70 859 did not perform well. This is truly a club for high swing speed players.

Value without compromise

Golfers have become accustomed to making sacrifices when they want to save money. The Sub 70 859 shows that if you are the right player (higher swing speed prioritizing accuracy) there really isn’t too much of a sacrifice to make.

You’ll give up a few yards but with the right shaft and golf ball in play you may be able to narrow that gap. There’s no question this is the best value driver for high swing speed players in 2025.

Buy This If:

  • You want elite-level accuracy on a budget.
  • You’re tired of missing fairways with longer, wilder drivers.
  • You’re looking for a great off-the-rack performer under $400.

Don’t Buy This If:

  • You’re chasing every last yard of distance.
  • You rely on top-end ball speed for carry distance.
  • You dislike smaller direct-to-consumer brands.

Final thoughts

The Sub 70 859 shouldn’t be able to hang with the biggest names in the industry at this price but it does. If you’re a high swing speed player looking for a reliable, accurate and cost-effective option, the 859 belongs on your shortlist.

Here are the rest of the results from our High Swing Speed Test: Best Golf Drivers for High Swing Speed.

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Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt Olizarowicz is a scratch golfer, former teaching professional and one of MyGolfSpy’s leading voices on equipment testing and golf performance. She has spent more than 15 years working at private clubs in New York and Florida and now specializes in translating test data and swing mechanics into practical advice for everyday golfers. Britt began playing at age 7 and has never left the game. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her on the course, playing pickleball, cooking, running or out on the boat with her family.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz

Brittany Olizarowicz





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      Scott

      1 year ago

      I refuse to pay $550-650 for a driver just to get an additional 5-10 yards and the satisfaction that I’m playing the same club as the guys on TV or YouTube. I don’t use that logic when I buy a car, so why a club? I needed a new driver and one that will improve my accuracy rather than give me one or two 280-300 yard bombs and a bunch all over the place. I tested the Tour Edge 725 series (great drivers) but was intrigued by the Sub 70 because my irons are Sub 70. For $20 they sent me a demo, which I loved, so I pulled the trigger.

      My distance isn’t as long as its been in years past, but its more consistent along with more consistent accuracy. I also love the acoustics. The Denali shaft is a great match. I played in a scramble over the weekend and a few guys asked to hit it based on my drives.

      I always warn the curious though – they custom build every single club, so its a good 2-3 week wait after ordering. That tells me they care about my club and aren’t just cranking some out to sit on a shelf for orders.

      Reply

      Larry

      1 year ago

      Using Sub 70 wedges and driving iron so far, 100% satisfied. Driver will be next.

      Reply

      Daryl

      1 year ago

      What about the $300 Mizuno driver. It competes pretty well in testing I’ve seen.

      Reply

      Richard Hyman

      1 year ago

      Is there a women’s version of 859? Have you recently published a rating of women’s drivers?

      Reply

      Krauter

      7 months ago

      I’m so happy I went with the Sub 70 859, over the Callaway Elyte. For me, performance is #1 at whatever price. Sub 70 offers many shaft options, most with no upcharge. The 859 also has an adjustable hosel, along with 2 weight ports to dial in the 859 to match my swing. Plus, weights from 2g-16g and a tool are included, again, with no upcharge. Great look, feel, fit, and obviously, a great value.

      Reply

      Yankee

      1 year ago

      I’d love to see you review the golfworks KE4 TC max and pro

      Reply

      Eric

      1 year ago

      I think we’re legitimately past the point where price plays any factor in performance. The question should never be “can a $400 driver compete with a $650 driver?” The question should be “is a $650 driver really $250 better than a $400 driver?” The answer, as we’re seen pretty consistently with your testing is generally always “no”.

      Reply

      Mike Wolff

      1 year ago

      Call you quantify what “keep in mind is that for slower swing speeds, the Sub 70 859 did not perform well,” means exactly? Thanks!

      Reply

      Drew

      1 year ago

      Wouldn’t a lot of this drivers performance depend on shaft? The shaft is the engine!

      Reply

      Jesse Land

      1 year ago

      I did a demo of the Pro version of this, and can confirm its accuracy claims. It is VERY accurate. It looks great, the matte black and carbon are very attractive. Give it a try if you’re in the market for something new. They let me keep it as long as I wanted to put it through its paces.

      Reply

      Fake

      1 year ago

      Thanks for highlighting the brands out of the Top 5. Always nice to see a more affordable and competitive brand.

      Reply

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