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The most comprehensive driver test of 2024 is backed by more than a decade of experience from MyGolfSpy, the industry leaders in independent golf club testing.
Our 2024 Driver Test is among the largest we’ve ever conducted. This year, we tested 37 models from the largest brands of golf alongside smaller brands vying for your attention and dollars.
In total, our team spent more than 240 hours collecting and analyzing data from a test pool of 35 avid golfers just like you. To identify the best drivers, we considered a variety of distance, accuracy and forgiveness metrics. We looked at averages while also seeking to identify which drivers were among the very best for each of our testers.
The results of this test serve as an indispensable guide for the off-the-rack buyer or for anyone looking for a bit of extra insight before your next fitting. Whatever you’re looking for from your next driver, you’ll it here.
This article is specific to mid swing speed golfers. We categorize mid swing speeds as 90 to 105 mph. If that is you, these results are for you.
These are the best drivers of 2024 for mid swing speed golfers.
You want to play the best driver. We want you to play the best driver for you.
It is that simple.
In this year’s test, there were drivers that consistently blew us away. Each of these drivers is the leader or among the leaders in our three scoring categories: distance, accuracy, forgiveness. Check out the best drivers overall for mid swing speeds.
We’ve included subjective feedback from our testers. However, it does not factor in the rankings. Performance should always trump opinion when it comes to purchasing a new golf club. Backed by more than a decade of golf club testing experience, we can confidently state that popular opinion doesn’t always match reality.
*Please note that category scores may differ in the products listed. Full results are found in the data section below.*
Review Score
Distance Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Price
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond offers golfers top-notch carry distance and total distance in a driver. It ties with the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus as the best driver for distance in our mid swing speed test results. If you want to maximize distance, Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is a driver you need to try.
As speed increases, spin is likely to increase. There are golfers who fall under our mid swing speed category who need help with reducing spin. Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is a proven driver to help with such a task.
Performance-wise, you can't knock the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver. It excels in distance, and produces high rankings for accuracy and forgiveness. It produces low-spinning drives so may be too low-spinning for some golfers in the mid swing speed category. Proceed with caution if you already spin it low.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is the best driver for mid swing speed golfers. It’s tied for first overall for distance, provides accuracy and is forgiving. Subjectively, our testing pool ranks it as the No. 1 driver they would likely buy. Golfers who struggle with too much spin definitely need to try this driver as well.
“Schematics are lovely with the head design and lack of an alignment aid. Really fits my eyes well.”
“One of the best drivers in the test. Really appeals to me since I spin it too much.”
“Great feel and truly surprised by how well it performs. I expected it to be erratic, but it checks a ton of boxes, both subjectively and performance wise.”
Year after year, Callaway’s Triple Diamond driver model is one of the best. This year is no different as it claims the title of best driver for mid swing speed golfers. Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is versatile. It tends to be low-spin and is designed as such but it has movable weights to increase spin, forgiveness and accuracy. The distance performance is already present and you can definitely dial this driver in for peak performance.
Review Score
Distance Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Price
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is one of the best drivers for distance for mid swing speed golfers. It excels with carry and total distance,. Many of our testers who were thrilled by TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus' performance.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is a helluva driver, and it can be yours at a discounted price. It is worth looking into purely based on cost.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is simply average for accuracy and forgiveness in our mid swing speed test results. Accuracy is obviously a performance characteristic that can be enhanced. However, low-spin drivers can be hit or miss with our forgiveness metric. Keep this in mind with the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus.
In 2023, TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus stole the show as the best driver. For 2024, it is one of the best drivers in our mid swing speed test results. One of the main reasons is because it offers superior distance. For about half of our testers, it was the best driver for carry and total distance when we analyze our top-fve percent metric. If you are looking for more distance, this is a driver worth your consideration. Furthermore, you can buy it for $399.99.
“Love the black and red color combination. Great driver with untapped potential, especially with a more suitable shaft option. Highly considering this driver.”
“The performance doesn’t surprise me one bit. It continues to be one of the best drivers.”
“One of my favorites in testing. Sits well to my eye, the performance is impressive, and this might be my next driver.”
For $399.99, you can buy the best driver from our 2023 Most Wanted Driver test. TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus only cements its reputation by being the the second-best driver for mid swing speeds. The distance it produces is lights out. It ties with Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond in our distance scoring category. Accuracy and forgiveness may need improvement but those can be enhanced with a professional fitting or using the right driver shaft to match your swing characteristics.
Review Score
Distance Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Price
COBRA DARKSPEED LS is a dark-horse driver pick for our mid swing speed results. Forgiveness is its best scoring metric, which showcases efficient dispersion, consistent carry distances and effective ball speed numbers. Low-spin drivers aren't noted for being forgiving, so this is a huge accomplishment for COBRA DARKSPEED LS.
We know COBRA DARKSPEED LS offers surprising forgiveness. Furthermore, it ranks eighth for accuracy and distance, respectively. This driver is one of the most well-rounded in our mid swing speed test results.
COBRA DARKSPEED LS is sexy, sleek and simplistic. The biggest complaint from our testing pool is they wish it wasn't an all matte black finish. They also noted that an alignment aid is lacking and/or too subtle.
COBRA DARKSPEED LS finishes third overall in our mid swing speed test results. If your swing speed is between 90 and 105 mph, this applies to you. The DARKSPEED LS is one of the more balanced drivers in this swing speed evaluation. It ranks second overall for forgiveness, eighth for accuracy and eighth for distance. Forgiveness is its best performance attribute as it produces efficient dispersion, consistent carry distances and relatively high ball speed numbers.
“Very solid and very attractive driver at address.”
“Wish it wasn’t matte black, but the performance is there and it intrigues me.”
“All black design is sleek.”
COBRA DARKSPEED LS is undeniably great for mid swing speed golfers. For this category, it is one of the more balanced drivers. It offers surprising forgiveness and consistency shot to shot. Additionally, it can be optimized for distance and accuracy through adjustability. To top it off, it is subjectively a beautiful driver aesthetically. Clean, muted, all black. What isn’t to like about that?
Distance is king. When you are looking for a new golf club, what’s the No. 1 thing you’re looking for?
Distance.
Being long off the tee is a huge advantage. Anyone who says distance doesn’t matter is delusional.
Distance is an advantage. However, consistent distance is more important. The best drivers for distance are consistently longer tester to tester. They excel in carry and total distance. Below are the best drivers for distance for mid swing speeds. And surprisingly, we have a tie for 1st place overall!
*Please note that category scores may differ in the products listed. Full results are found in the data section below.*
Review Score
Distance Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Price
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond offers golfers top-notch carry distance and total distance in a driver. It ties with the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus as the best driver for distance in our mid swing speed test results. If you want to maximize distance, Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is a driver you need to try.
As speed increases, spin is likely to increase. There are golfers who fall under our mid swing speed category who need help with reducing spin. Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is a proven driver to help with that.
Performance-wise, you can't knock the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver. It excels in distance and ranks high for accuracy and forgiveness. Since it produces low-spinning drives, it may be too low-spinning for some golfers in the mid swing speed category. Proceed with caution if you already spin it low.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is the best driver for mid swing speed golfers. It’s tied first overall for distance, provides accuracy and is forgiving. Furthermore, our testing pool ranks it as the No. 1 driver they would likely buy. Golfers who struggle with too much spin definitely need to try this driver.
“Schematics are lovely with the head design and lack of an alignment aid. Really fits my eyes well.”
“One of the best drivers in the test. Really appeals to me since I spin it too much.”
“Great feel and truly surprised by how well it performs. I expected it to be erratic, but it checks a ton of boxes, both subjectively and performance wise.”
Year after year, Callaway’s Triple Diamond driver model is one of the best. This year is no different as it claims the title of best driver for mid swing speed golfers. Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is versatile. It tends to be low-spin and is designed as such but it has movable weights to increase spin, forgiveness and accuracy. The distance performance is already present and you can definitely dial this driver in for peak performance.
Review Score
Distance Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Price
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is one of the best drivers for distance for mid swing speed golfers. It excels with carry and total distance. Many of our testers who were thrilled by TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus' performance.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is a helluva driver, and it can be yours at a discounted price. It is worth looking into purely based on cost.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is simply average for accuracy and forgiveness in our mid swing speed test results. Accuracy is obviously a performance characteristic that can be enhanced. However, low-spin drivers can be hit or miss with our forgiveness metric. Keep this in mind with the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus.
In 2023, TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus stole the show as the best driver. For 2024, it is one of the best drivers in our mid swing speed test results. One of the main reasons is because it offers superior distance. For about half of our testers, it was the best driver for carry and total distance when we analyze our top-five metric. If you are looking for more distance, this is a driver worth your consideration. Furthermore, you can buy it for $399.99.
“Love the black and red color combination. Great driver with untapped potential, especially with a more suitable shaft option. Highly considering this driver.”
“The performance doesn’t surprise me one bit. It continues to be one of the best drivers.”
“One of my favorites in testing. Sits well to my eye, the performance is impressive, and this might be my next driver.”
For $399.99, you can buy the best driver from our 2023 Most Wanted Driver test. TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is that good and cements its reputation by being the second-best driver for mid swing speeds. The distance it produces is lights out. It ties with Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond in our distance scoring category. Accuracy and forgiveness may need improvement but those can be enhanced with a professional fitting or using the right driver shaft to match your swing characteristics.
While we acknowledge distance is a priority, accuracy shouldn’t be discounted, especially with a driver. Keeping the golf ball in play off the tee is critical to lower scores. As golfers, we are always chasing after the perfect driver or searching for that magical unicorn. In reality, finding a driver that is accurate is the first step to bettering your golf game. A driver is both accurate and long is a recipe for success.
Below are the best drivers for accuracy for mid swing speeds.
*Please note that category scores may differ in the products listed. Full results are found in the data section below.*
Review Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Distance Score
Price
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max is the best driver for accuracy according to our mid swing speed evaluation. You want straight and playable shot outcomes and Paradym Ai Smoke Max is outstanding at producing these types of shots. If keeping the ball in play off the tee is your goal, give the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max a look.
Not only is Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max accurate, it is forgiving. With a fourth-place finish in our forgiveness scoring category, this Callaway driver showcases two strong performance traits. You cannot go wrong with a driver that produces reliable shot outcomes.
If there is one weakness of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max, it is distance performance relative to top performers in our mid swing speed evaluation. It is merely average in terms of distance. Of the flagship driver models, it doesn't beat out the likes of TaylorMade Qi10, PING G430 Max, Titleist TSR2 and Mizuno ST-Z 230.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max is the best driver for accuracy in our mid swing speed test results. This ranking propels it to fourth overall in our mid swing speed evaluation. From an accuracy analysis, Paradym Ai Smoke Max is efficient with straight and playable shot outcomes. It is a driver that offers versatility through adjustability. In addition to tremendous accuracy, it ranks fourth overall for forgiveness.
“Solid across the board and better than last year’s model. Very pleased with the improvements and the aesthetics.”
“I like it. It offers superb distance potential and it is consistent.”
“Favorite driver so far – love the feel of it and the performance is there too.”
“Hot off the face and handles mishits well.”
Callaway’s driver offerings for 2024 are outstanding from top to bottom. In testing, we’ve seen Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond and Paradym Ai Smoke Max D be among the best for certain scoring metrics. For our mid swing speed evaluation, Paradym Ai Smoke Max is the best driver for accuracy. It offers plenty of adjustability to dial in its performance. A noteworthy improvement based on our testing compared to the previous Paradym driver model.
Review Score
Accuracy
Forgiveness
Distance Score
Price
For mid swing speeds, Wilson Dynapower Carbon ranks second overall for accuracy. This means it scores well for our straight shot percentage and playable shot percentage. These metrics represent our version of a "fairways hit" percentage and shots that come to rest in or within 10 yards of the edge of the fairway.
Wilson Dynapower Carbon is a sleeper pick with high upside in the mid swing speed category. Based on our data, it excels in accuracy. Furthermore, it places sixth overall for forgiveness, which demonstrates its ability to produce consistent shot outcomes. To top it off, it ranks 13th for distance.
Wilson has a rich golf history. However, up until Wilson Dynapower Carbon, they've been missing the mark on driver performance. This is the best Wilson driver we've tested to date but they still have a way to go to challenge mainstream offerings such as Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway and PING.
Wilson Dynapower Carbon driver places sixth overall in our mid swing speed test results. Accuracy is Dynapower Carbon’s greatest strength. It ranks second overall for accuracy, which focuses on straight shot percentages and playable shot percentages. Dynapower Carbon is also among the leaders for forgiveness and offers slightly above average performance for distance. It is a great, non-mainstream driver option, especially for mid swing speed golfers.
“Really appealing and I would play it. They continue to be impressive.”
“Color scheme is attractive. Decent driver overall.”
“One of the best Wilson drivers to date.”
“Consistent with a ton of upside performance wise. Definitely a top driver outside of the power 5 OEMs.”
Wilson Dynapower Carbon won’t be among the first drivers mentioned in your day-to-day golf conversations. However, much like most of our testing pool, once you try it, you’ll be talking it up. Our data suggests it is one of the best drivers for accuracy for mid swing speed golfers. If you don’t prioritize accuracy, you are missing out. Furthermore, it offers above average performances for distance and forgiveness that make it a solid, well balanced driver.
“Forgiveness” is a nebulous term in the golf industry. It’s used often but rarely defined. As a golfer, do you want a driver that performs consistently? Your answer should be a definitive “yes.” You should desire a driver that produces similar results off the club face shot to shot. Are the ball speed deviations tight? Are the carry distance deviations minimal? Are the dispersion ellipses compact? These are metrics we analyze when it comes to forgiveness.
Below are the best drivers for forgiveness for mid swing speeds
*Please note that category scores may differ in the products listed. Full results are found in the data section below.*
Review Score
Forgiveness
Accuracy
Distance Score
Price
PXG 0311 GEN6 is the best driver for forgiveness in our mid swing speed test results. It is consistent and, by that, we mean it produces extremely efficient carry distances and ball speed numbers. In this category, it excels in our carry distance delta and ball speed delta scoring metrics. Shot to shot, you should expect reliable consistency with the PXG 0311 GEN6 driver.
The PXG 0311 GEN6 driver is arguably the best PXG driver we've tested to date. It is forgiving, consistent and accurate. This driver has plenty of untapped potential and it is affirmed by its performance in our mid swing speed evaluation.
The biggest knock against PXG 0311 GEN is distance. It finishes in a below-average position for distance in our mid swing speed category. We strongly recommend you go through a fitting to maximize distance performance.
If your swing speed is between 90 and 105 mph, PXG 0311 GEN6 is a driver you should try due to its forgiveness and accuracy results. Keeping the golf ball in play off the tee is critical to enhance your scoring. This driver produces consistent carry distances as well as efficient ball speed numbers. It offers straight and playable shot outcomes, too. PXG 0311 GEN6 also features plenty of adjustability options that can improve accuracy and distance potential.
“Great looks, feel and sound. It produces consistent numbers to top it off.“
“Personally, the ball flight appeals to me. Very pleasantly surprised by this driver.”
“It is a solid driver, but it did lack ball speed.”
PXG tends to be one of the most forgiving drivers year to year. With the GEN6 lineup, PXG solidifies their reputation for forgiveness within our testing. The 0311 GEN6 offers extreme consistency, especially carry distance numbers and ball speed numbers. With plenty of adjustability, it is a driver that has untapped potential.
With a comprehensive fitting, we believe the PXG 0311 GEN6 driver could go from a consistent driver to a bomber. It produces consistent numbers across the face and it’s $150 less than some of the newer drivers on the market.
Review Score
Forgiveness
Distance Score
Accuracy
Price
COBRA DARKSPEED LS is a dark-horse driver pick for our mid swing speed results. Forgiveness is its best scoring metric, which showcases efficient dispersion, consistent carry distances and effective ball speed numbers. Low-spin drivers aren't known for being forgiving, so this is a huge accomplishment for COBRA DARKSPEED LS.
We know COBRA DARKSPEED LS offers surprising forgiveness. Furthermore, it ranks eighth for accuracy and distance, respectively. This driver is one of the most well-rounded in our mid swing speed test results.
COBRA DARKSPEED LS is sexy, sleek and simplistic. The biggest complaint from our testing pool is they wish it wasn't an all matte black finish. They also noted that an alignment aid is lacking and/or too subtle.
COBRA DARKSPEED LS finishes third overall in our mid swing speed test results. If your swing speed is between 90 and 105 mph, this applies to you. The DARKSPEED LS is one of the more balanced drivers in this swing speed evaluation. It ranks second overall for forgiveness, eighth for accuracy and eighth for distance. Forgiveness is its best performance attribute as it produces efficient dispersion, consistent carry distances and relatively high ball speed numbers.
“Very solid and very attractive driver at address.”
“Wish it wasn’t matte black, but the performance is there and it intrigues me.”
“All black design is sleek.”
“Hottest face in the test in my opinion.”
COBRA DARKSPEED LS is undeniably great for mid swing speed golfers. For this category, it is one of the more balanced drivers. It offers surprising forgiveness and consistency shot to shot. Additionally, it can be optimized for distance and accuracy through adjustability. To top it off, it is subjectively a beautiful driver aesthetically. Clean, muted, all black. What isn’t to like about that?
Our mission is to cut through the subjective BS and encourage golfers to buy based on performance. Performance should be your top priority. However, there are other things you need to consider when purchasing a new driver.
If you’re new to golf, it can be useful to understand the parts of a driver. Golf drivers consist of several parts: the clubhead, the shaft and the grip. The clubhead is the portion that actually strikes the ball and is often made from materials such as titanium or composites.
The hosel connects the head to the shaft, which can vary in length and is commonly constructed from steel or graphite. The grip can be chosen separately and you can always regrip your golf clubs. And if you really want to go the custom route, you can add a unique ferrule, too.
Pricing from top manufacturers appears to be consistent with 2023. Is this a positive? Depends on your perspective. You will likely be dishing out $600 give or take for the newest drivers.
The price for brand new drivers is at an all-time high. Fortunately, the Kirkland Signature driver is our choice for best value. At $199.99, you can purchase a brand-new driver Kirkland Signature driver.
Selecting the right shaft for your golf game is critical for optimal performance. The proper shaft can positively impact launch conditions and overall accuracy.
Shafts typically are made from graphite or steel with the former being lighter and aiding in faster swing speeds. The shaft flex corresponds to swing speed and affects the trajectory.
Beginners often benefit from lighter graphite shafts that offer more flex, while seasoned players may prefer the precision of stiffer steel shafts suited for more powerful swings.
The USGA sets regulations for club design and performance. These rules are in place to maintain the integrity of the game and set limits on factors like head size, shaft length and “spring-like” effect.
This may seem obvious but a damaged driver isn’t going to perform as well. Just as we found in our scuffed golf ball test, a pristine driver performs best.
With that in mind, we recommend that you regularly clean your golf driver and inspect for damage. Store it in a golf bag with a protective cover to safeguard the head. Proper care extends the life of the driver and ensures consistent performance.
Testing drivers is not an easy task. Our 2024 Most Wanted test took 420 testing hours. For 2024, the testing pool includes 37 different driver models including the winner of our 2023 driver test – TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus.
MyGolfSpy’s test program is powered by three crucial components :
For driver testing, we have 35 testers. Since a driver is marketed to all golfers, our testing pool includes golfers of varying swing speeds and skill levels. Due to the scale of this test, each tester committed to 12 appointments to complete the driver test. All 35 testers hit each of the 37 drivers.
Providing you, the golfer and consumer, with insights into the best drivers on the market is our No. 1 goal with this test. We can’t do that without taking a diligent, in-depth approach to analyzing the data we collect throughout this process.
Our scoring categories remain the same and we will review those below. However, we are taking a new, more extensive approach to our scoring categories.
Overall scores will now be labeled as an MGS Score. The MGS Score is on a 10-point scale.
Driver testing is comprised of three scoring categories:
These three categories are weighted with distance taking a slight priority.
Maximizing driver distance is every golfer’s goal. For our distance category, we evaluate two specific metrics:
Being accurate off the tee can be a game changer. For our accuracy category, we analyze two specific metrics:
We label forgiveness as how consistent a driver is at producing consistent shot outcomes. For our forgiveness category, we asses three specific metrics:
Scores are derived from two sets of metrics. The specific metrics we use have been detailed above.
The highest percentage of the score is derived from the data displayed in the launch monitor data sheet (see data below). These are based on the data collected during the testing process and the related calculations for metrics such as dispersion, straight shot percentage, etc.
Any metric that falls within the average range is given a score of 8. As scores fall above or below the average range, scores increase to a maximum of 10 and a minimum value of 6.
Said another way, for each metric we score, every club will receive a score of 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, depending on how far from the test average the value is. 10s and 6s are rare.
New for 2024, a small percentage of the score comes from the top-five percentage. For this secondary view into the data, we look at the rate at which each club was among the top five best for every golfer in our test pool for each of our metrics.
These additional insights help us identify clubs that not only produce outstanding results on average but also are consistently among the top performers for the golfers in our test pool.
The launch monitor averages account for approximately 90 percent of the overall score while most of the remaining amount comes from the top five percentage.
In both cases, scores are weighted with 40 percent of the score coming from distance metrics, 35 percent from our accuracy metrics and the remaining 25 percent from our forgiveness metrics.
Finally, we reserve a very small percentage of the score to account for things like fitting considerations, excessive numbers of outliers and other details that fall outside the scope of the data.
Please note that while we leverage the same two-factor approach to our category scores, the calculations are slightly different because there is no weighting within the individual categories.
With that, overall scores will be higher than the average of the individual category scores.
Fundamentally, the purpose of the score is to keep it simple for those who want it that way. For the rest of you, we’ve provided data, including our key metrics, top-five percentages and the full scoring table below.
Our driver test is one of the longest, most extensive tests we do throughout the calendar year. Here are seven key takeaways after 420 hours of testing:
Of the 37 drivers, only one offered no adjustability. With custom fitting becoming increasingly relevant, consumers are unlikely to find the right driver for them if they opt for a bonded, non-adjustable hosel lodriver.
Nearly every golfer is familiar with, and to some degree, trusts, the big brands: PING, Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade, etc. That said, there are several outside-the-mainstream drivers you should consider based on our data-driven results. Among them, the Srixon ZX7 Mk II is a standout, especially for distance. Mizuno ST-G is our favorite Mizuno driver to date. The Wilson Dynapower Carbon is one of the best drivers for accuracy.
We noted that with low spin models like the COBRA DARKSPEED X and LS, the Titleist TSR4 and the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke, our test struggled to produce consistent results with the heavy weight in the forward position. Fortunately, few golfers benefit from the absolutely lowest achievable spin.
Conversely, the sliding weight of the Mizuno ST-G provided a more gradual approach to spin reduction. We were able to dial that in more efficiently.
2024 is the year of 10K (MOI) but that needs to be put in proper context. MOI is just a number. It’s an element of forgiveness, but it’s not the whole forgiveness story. It’s a static measurement that influences a dynamic result (the things that happens when you hit a golf ball).
At the most basic level, MOI serves to preserve ball speed on off-center hits. It doesn’t always mean a more consistent driver and it definitely doesn’t guarantee straighter drives.
The most forgiving driver will always be the one you hit closest to the sweet spot most often. With that, while it’s true that some higher MOI drivers ranked among our most forgiving, models like the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke, COBRA DARKSPEED LS and PXG 0311 GEN6 that aren’t typical talked about as forgiveness leaders performed well for some forgiveness metrics.
Looking strictly at the launch monitor data, the top three longest drivers (based on average Total Yards) are separated by less than a foot. However, there’s nearly a 16-yard difference between the longest and shortest drivers in the test.
At the individual level, the best drivers for distance were in the top five for 35-40 percent of the test pool, while the laggards weren’t in the top five for anyone.
A similar pattern emerges for every metric we consider.
It’s neither a surprise nor a secret that not all manufacturers put the same effort (money) into their stock shaft lineup. While having more options doesn’t guarantee better performance (the head still has to perform), even for the off-the-rack buyer a more robust shaft lineup is an advantage.
For some golfers, sometimes for many golfers, drivers don’t do what they’re supposed to. There’s design and there’s perception. What I mean is that if something in the design of a driver – things like face angle, lie angle, even the way the top line presents at address – causes a golfer to change something in his setup, the real-world result can differ from the design intent.
It’s the reason we sometimes see draw-biased drivers produce fade-biased results and why “better player” drivers with a small head shape and open faces can sometimes go left.
Here are some quick insights to help you better navigate your next hitting bay experience.
The table below contains the relevant data from the 2024 Most Wanted Driver Test that is specific to low swing speeds only. We’ve done our best to provide the data that serves as the foundation for our scores, while giving you the opportunity to focus on the metrics that matter most to you.
Using the dropdown menu, you can toggle between the Launch Monitor Metrics and related calculations, our top-five percentages (the rate at which a driver was among a tester’s top five for a given metric) and the full scoring table. Each of the tables is sortable.
While we’ve done everything we can to make the data viewable on mobile, table data isn’t particularly well-suited for the platform. If you really want to dig in, we’d suggest hopping in front of a desktop.
World-class testing requires world-class equipment. This is the gear we trust to help us fulfill our Most Wanted testing.
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Cancer Survivor. Amputee Golfer. Essentially, a OneLeggedBoss. When he isn't facilitating testing or analyzing data, Phillip enjoys his family time, practicing and playing golf, unwinding with video games, capturing photos of nature, or devouring pretzels.
| Driver Titleist TSR3 | 3 Wood Titleist TSR3 |
| Driving Iron Titleist U505 | Irons (5-6) Titleist T200 |
| Irons (7-PW) Titleist T150 | Wedges (50, 56, 60) Titleist Vokey SM10 |
| Putter L.A.B. Mezz.1 Max | Ball Titleist Pro V1x |
Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.
| Driver Titleist TSi3 | 3-Wood Titleist TSi2 13.5° |
| 5-Wood Titleist TSi2 18° | 7-Wood Titleist TSi2 21° |
| Irons (5-9) PXG 0311 GEN5 T | Wedges Vokey SM9 (46° F, 50° F, 54° D, 60° T) |
| Putter PXG Blackbird | Ball Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash |
5 months ago
I don’t understand the data. You say AI Smoke Max is not good for distance, but the data shows it’s total yardage is about the same as the Qi 10, which you say it beat out.
My SS of 97 falls smack in the middle of this category, yet I find the AI Smoke TD very difficult to hit without pushing it. (My buddy has a 85 SS, and he clobbers the Triple Diamond, and his misses are left!).
My experience with the Smoke Max is completely opposite of the test results because I’m around 6 or so yards longer on average with the Smoke Max. I do use aftermarket shafts, so there’s that.
I’m anecdotally interested in the Ping 10K driver, because Ping has always been the easiest driver for me to hit, but there was a huge trade off in distance in my experience. Supposedly that trade off has lessened.
5 months ago
*beat it out
5 months ago
Another good article from you guys. I always appreciate your honesty in giving clubs ratings and reviews. You tell it as you see it. Some of these clubs numbers came as a little suprise, especially the new Ping.
5 months ago
Cleveland launcher xl 2 driver is a money value choice, best choice in fitting for me
5 months ago
I can see how the Callaway is the best overall but how can it be the best distance driver when the Taylormade beats it in that category by almost a full point.
5 months ago
Doesn’t make sense to me that so many low spinning drivers are recommended in the overall rating. Per the manufacturer’s own descriptions, low spinning clubs are tuned for the narrower range of high-speed swings. The broader (not low spin) drivers are intended for the broadest spectrum of players which is mid-swing speed.
Is MGS saying manufacturers don’t understand their own products?
5 months ago
I am surprised that the PING G430 Max 10K didn’t have a better showing, especially this group. Any reason why?
5 months ago
I just dont get the focus on distance – no driver can hit further than another because they all have the maximum COR. if all factors are the same on a centre strike, then all drivers should go the same distance. I suspect some drivers are going further in tests because the shafts are not the same length, and varying lofts. I would like to see MGS do some tests with a Robot and same shaft – then lets see what is really true.
Also, the ball speed differences don’t correlate to distance differences. 17yards between the longest and shortest drives, but only 1mph of ball speed difference between those two clubs.
If its me looking for a new driver, i would be picking out the most accurate/forgiving drivers from these tests, and then try a select few myself, with the same shaft.
5 months ago
I am so glad you told us what you would do. Very interesting.
4 months ago
Thank you for the attention. Its a polite way of saying what I think, without telling others what to think – which is what most other people do online. Carry on.
5 months ago
Looking at the numbers is clear why manufacturers make different versions every year. Those small changes to the design affect the performance based on who uses it. Most of the low distance clubs are higher spin, higher MOI. They are made generally for lower speed players. They need more help getting the ball in the air.
Mid speed players (as in this group) have the speed to get the ball in the air and speed to move it forward.
The difference between first and last is almost 700rpms of spin. That is huge for driver. They are likely already best case numbers for the player. No shaft change above this fitting is going to make that higher spinning head perform like an LS head.
Those same clubs at the bottom might be exception for a lower swing speed, but not for this group.
5 months ago
Last time I saw a robot on the course, oh wait, that has never happened. These are mid swing speed golfers swinging the clubs, not a robot for a reason.
Lynyrd
5 months ago
How is this a 2024 test without 2024 drivers? TaylorMade Qi10s and Ping G430 Max 10K?