Our Job Is Your Game
Here is the information from our 2023 Driver Test. To see the most recent test, check out the MyGolfSpy Best Drivers of 2024.
Most Wanted Scoring
Our scoring is based on three categories: distance, accuracy and forgiveness. Each category includes underlying metrics.
Distance
The distance category is based on a single metric.
Carry Yards – Average carry yards
Total Yards – Average total yards
Accuracy
Most Wanted Driver 2023: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus
Bottom Line
The best golf driver 2023. TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus provided distance and accuracy for our entire testing pool. It ranks second in each category, which propelled it to the top spot overall.
Pros
Across the entire testing pool, Stealth 2 Plus produces one of the highest ball speeds on average. This is one key attribute that leads to its distance performance. When you combine its distance attributes with accuracy, it’s a tremendous combination.
Cons
Average forgiveness is Stealth 2 Plus’s downfall. Carry yardage consistency and dispersion hurt it a bit in comparison to those that finish ahead of it.
Who is it for?
Generally, low-spin models are for better, high swing speed golfers who struggle with higher spin. Stealth 2 Plus achieves this, but from our perspective, even mid swing speed players can benefit using this club. It wasn’t the lowest-spinning club in this year’s test. Additionally, TaylorMade’s stock shaft options help balance out the low-spin nature of this driver.
Tester Feedback
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is among the leaders for sound and feel.
- For looks, Stealth 2 plus rates above average.
Top Picks Overall
TOP PICKS: TAYLORMADE STEALTH 2 PLUS, COBRA AEROJET LS, TITLEIST TSR3
Observations
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus tested well in 2023 and was the top pick overall.
- Backed by distance, COBRA AeroJet LS ranks 2nd overall.
- Titleist TSR3 finishes 3rd. It is arguably one of the more consistent clubs throughout testing. Top 7 ranking across all three scoring categories.
- Callaway Paradym X is another contender for your consideration. Not overly draw bias, exceptional forgiveness and accuracy are its benchmarks.
- Rounding out the top 5 is Srixon ZX5 LS Mk II. Srixon came to play this year and it was evident early on in testing. One of the best surprises of Most Wanted Driver 2023.
Drivers for Distance 2023
TOP PICKS: COBRA AEROJET LS, TAYLORMADE STEALTH 2 PLUS, SRIXON ZX5 LS Mk II
Observations
- COBRA AeroJet LS ranks the best for distance. Multiple testers experienced eye opening results with this driver from a distance perspective.
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus isn’t far behind. It offers a bit more reliability when it comes to accuracy as well.
- Srixon ZX5 LS Mk II rounds out the top 3 for distance. It is one of the lowest spinning drivers in all of testing.
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 produces one of the highest ball speeds throughout the test. This helps propel its distance ranking.
- Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond finished 5th for distance.
Drivers for Accuracy 2023
TOP PICKS: PING G425 MAX, TAYLORMADE STEALTH 2 PLUS, PING G430 MAX
Observations
- PING G425 MAX still performs. It claims best for accuracy.
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus narrowly misses out on first place. It excels in both are metrics – straight shot percentage and playable shot percentage.
- PING G430 Max wraps up the top 3. It possess reliable shot outcomes.
- Callaway Paradym X continues its impressive performance by ranking 4th for accuracy.
- Tour Edge Exotics E723 closes out the top 5 for accuracy. Couple this with its forgiveness performance and you have a potential fairway finder.
Drivers for Forgiveness 2023
TOP PICKS: TOUR EDGE EXOTICS E723, PING G430 SFT, CALLAWAY PARADYM X
Observations
- Tour Edge Exotics E723 ranks as the top driver for forgiveness. From a data perspective, it performs consistently – ball speed delta, carry delta, and shot area.
- PING G430 SFT ranks 2nd for forgiveness. Traditionally, it is the best for slice correction and still is. It is consistent with what it is designed to do.
- Callaway Paradym X is a dark horse. It ranks 3rd for forgiveness, but also scores well for accuracy.
- Titleist TSR3 is 4th for forgiveness, but also ranks inside the top 10 for distance and accuracy.
- TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD closes out the top 5 for forgiveness.
Best Golf Drivers 2023 Scores
Best Golf Drivers 2023 Scores
| PRODUCT | OVERALL SCORE | DISTANCE SCORE | ACCURACY SCORE | FORGIVENESS SCORE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Check Price | 97.5 | 94.1 | 96.7 | 84.1 |
 | COBRA AeroJet LS Check Price | 95.4 | 97.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 |
 | Titleist TSR3 Check Price | 95 | 91.2 | 91.1 | 90.4 |
 | Callaway Paradym X Check Price | 93.9 | 87.4 | 92.9 | 91.5 |
 | Srixon ZX5 LS MK II Check Price | 92.7 | 92.9 | 86.7 | 88.5 |
 | Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Check Price | 90.9 | 92.8 | 87.8 | 82.8 |
 | Tour Edge Exotics E723 Check Price | 90.8 | 79.9 | 91.7 | 97.5 |
 | PING G430 MAX Check Price | 90.7 | 85.4 | 93.1 | 86.8 |
 | PING G425 MAX Check Price | 90.2 | 79.3 | 97.4 | 89.4 |
 | Srixon ZX7 MK II Check Price | 90 | 88.4 | 88.8 | 86.3 |
 | Titleist TSR4 Check Price | 89.8 | 87.9 | 90.5 | 84.3 |
 | TaylorMade Stealth 2 Check Price | 88.1 | 92.8 | 84.8 | 80.2 |
 | PING G430 LST Check Price | 87.1 | 87.9 | 85.3 | 85 |
 | COBRA AeroJet Check Price | 86.7 | 91.3 | 83.8 | 80.7 |
 | PXG 0211 22′ Check Price | 86 | 80.4 | 89.3 | 88.9 |
 | TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Check Price | 85.5 | 80.2 | 87.8 | 90 |
 | PXG 0311 XF Gen5 Check Price | 85.4 | 81.7 | 89.2 | 85.5 |
 | Wilson Dynapower Carbon Check Price | 84.2 | 88.5 | 83.6 | 79.4 |
 | Mizuno ST-Z 230 Check Price | 83.1 | 82.3 | 84.8 | 85.1 |
 | Tour Edge Exotics C723 Check Price | 79.9 | 83.7 | 81.1 | 80.2 |
 | Titleist TSR2 Check Price | 79.8 | 86.8 | 80.4 | 76.3 |
 | Wilson Dynapower Titanium Check Price | 79.4 | 81.2 | 77.1 | 88.9 |
 | Titleist TSR1 Check Price | 79.3 | 77.8 | 82.8 | 86.1 |
 | PXG 0311 GEN5 Check Price | 78.7 | 77 | 84 | 84.1 |
 | Callaway Paradym Check Price | 77.7 | 84.3 | 77 | 79.8 |
 | Srixon ZX5 MK II Check Price | 76.6 | 82.8 | 74.6 | 82.8 |
 | COBRA AeroJet Max Check Price | 76 | 81.6 | 79.8 | 76.2 |
 | Mizuno ST-X 230 Check Price | 74.9 | 81.2 | 73.8 | 82.6 |
 | PING G430 SFT Check Price | 73.2 | 73.1 | 71.7 | 94.4 |
 | NexGen NS210 Check Price | 71.4 | 78.9 | 72.2 | 79.9 |
Buying Considerations for the Best Golf Drivers 2023
Performance should be your primary concern when looking for the best golf driver for your game but there are other components you should consider before buying a new driver.
Cost
In most cases, be prepared to shell out $500-plus for a new golf driver in 2023. These prices aren’t going down any time soon so your buying decision is based on whether the performance is worth the cost.
Having said that, for $300 or less, you can buy PXG’s 0211, 0311 Gen5 and 0311 XF Gen5. PING’s G425 MAX (last year’s Most Wanted driver) is currently $399.99 and that price may drop further as the year progresses.
Shaft Selection
Each golfer delivers the golf club to the ball differently. This is where shaft selection plays a vital role in achieving consistent outcomes.
The golf shaft can assist with better accuracy, tighter dispersion and encourage better contact. In an era where golf driver technology is becoming more consistent, combining the right driver head and golf shaft can help you. Once you get that perfect combination, put it in your golf bag.
Distance Versus Everything Else
All 35 testers hit each driver. The graphic above represents the total yard differential between the longest and shortest drivers in the test: COBRA AEROJET LS and PING G430 SFT. As you can see, you have the potential to lose up to 15.4 yards in total distance.
Rightly or wrongly, distance always piques golfers’ interest more than accuracy or forgiveness. However, finding the right driver for your swing can lead to the best performance in all three categories.
Bottom Line
Over the entire testing pool, COBRA’s AEROJET LS stands out on top as the best for distance. It is the longest driver for the largest percentage of our testing pool.
Pros
Low spin, efficient ball speed, and appealing feel make the AeroJet LS an enticing driver option.
Cons
The AeroJet LS is potentially too low spinning for some players. Throughout testing, it proved to be one of the lowest spinning drivers. If you already spin it low, be careful with it.
Additionally, it offers below average forgiveness. And when we say forgiveness, we are talking about consistency of performance across the face – ball speed retention, carry distance efficiency, and shot area.
Who is it for?
If you struggle with too much spin, this driver is worth your consideration. A forward, lower center of gravity helps to create low spin and potentially more ball speed. The mid to high swing speed golfer is most likely to benefit.
Tester Feedback
- Offers tremendous feel
- Testers are happy to see one consistent color option
Ultimately, you must decide if distance is your main priority. Or is the optimum combination of distance, accuracy and forgiveness a better goal?
Adjustability and Shot Shape Correction
Arguably a first in Most Wanted Testing history, every driver in this year’s test features adjustability. From a fitting perspective, this allows for more precision.
Adjustability is three-fold: loft and lie adjustment and/or movable perimeter weighting (depending on the driver). Through adjustability, ideal launch conditions are more obtainable (in most scenarios) versus using a bonded driver. A fitter can either add or take away loft to find optimal launch or spin for every golfer. The lie angle can be adjusted to help with initial shot-shape direction.
As for perimeter weighting, it can help with launch, spin, ball speed and shot shape correction. PING G430 SFT, Titleist TSR3 and TSR4, TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus and COBRA AEROJET LS are a few examples that showcase dual adjustability: adjustable hosels and movable perimeter weighting.
Best Golf Drivers 2023 Field Notes
During each test, we look for trends that provide insight about market direction as well as what noteworthy changes manufacturers have made to improve year-over-year performance.
We are taking a new approach to tester feedback. As always, it will not play a role in our overall rankings. However, subjective feedback from our testing pool allows us to provide more definitive answers regarding sound, feel, looks and likelihood of purchase. Our testing pool now gives a rating on a scale of 1 to 10 for sound, feel, looks and likelihood of purchase.
Testers' Choice Award - Titleist TSR3
Consumer feedback is important and this year we are revamping tester feedback. Titleist TSR3 comes out on top with a clean sweep.
- Titleist TSR2, TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus, PING G430 LST and PING G430 MAX were among the leaders for sound.
- Titleist TSR2, COBRA AEROJET LS, TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus and Titleist TSR4 offer excellent feel.
- PING G430 MAX, Titleist TSR2, PING G430 LST and Titleist TSR4 all rate highly for looks.
- Titleist, PING, TaylorMade and COBRA are at the top of the list for likelihood of purchase according to our testing pool.
Trends
- Most noticeably, the entire golf driver testing pool consists of adjustable drivers. Having adjustability in a driver is a game changer. We hope this continues the trend where most OEMs only offer drivers with adjustability.
- Callaway’s Paradym lineup is the hot-ticket item over the past several weeks. They’ve rolled out their new 360 Carbon Chassis and a bold new look.
- Carbon properties continue to be a trend, i.e,. Paradym and Stealth 2 lineups. Time will tell if other manufacturers enter the carbon generation.
Hitting Bay Basics
Here are some quick insights to help you better navigate your next hitting bay experience.
- Shaft Length – The equipment industry still can’t agree on the definition of an inch so one manufacturer’s 45.75 is often another’s 46. Pay attention to the actual shaft length of the clubs at your next hitting bay experience. A 46-inch shaft will almost always get you more yards but it typically leads to a loss of accuracy and increased dispersion. A shorter shaft typically won’t cost you many (if any) yards because you’ll hit the sweet spot more often.
- Adjustable Loft – When you adjust loft, you change the face angle. Adding loft ↑ closes the face while decreasing loft ↓ opens the face. By understanding the relationship between loft and face angle and the influence face angle has on where your ball starts, you can leverage the loft adjustability to improve accuracy.
- Adjustable Weights – Not all adjustable weighting systems are created equal. You can leverage movable weight to its fullest potential by looking for systems that allow you to move significant mass over a wider area of the clubhead while keeping the weight close to the perimeter of the golf club. Lighter weights moved over small distances or moved between central locations will have a minimal impact on ball flight.
- Speed Versus Forgiveness – Despite promises of breakthrough technologies, run-of-the-mill physics, namely center-of-gravity location, remains the greatest predictor of ball speed. Clubs with more forward centers of gravity like the COBRA AEROJET LS, Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond, and other low-spin designs will typically produce the fastest ball speeds but with that comes lower MOI and often diminished forgiveness.
- Good Looks Don’t Equal Good Performance – Don’t overvalue looks. Golfers tell us all the time they can’t hit a club well if they don’t like how it looks but we’ve found very little evidence to suggest this is true. Very often, golfers produce outstanding results with clubs they claim to despise. Keep an open mind about a club that you may not find visually appealing.
Best Golf Drivers 2023 Product Specifications
Best Golf Drivers 2023 Product Specs
| OEM | Stated Loft | Measured Loft | Swing Weight | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callaway Paradym Check Price | 9 | 8.7 | D 5.8 | 45.75″ |
| Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Check Price | 9 | 9 | D 3.0 | 45.75″ |
| Callaway Paradym X Check Price | 9 | 8.8 | D 3.8 | 45.75″ |
| COBRA AeroJet Check Price | 9 | 8.4 | D 4.7 | 45.625″ |
| COBRA AeroJet LS Check Price | 9 | 8.6 | D 4.7 | 45.75″ |
| COBRA AeroJet Max Check Price | 9 | 8.7 | D 3.9 | 45.625″ |
| Mizuno ST-X 230 Check Price | 9.5 | 9.4 | D 6.8 | 46″ |
| Mizuno ST-Z 230 Check Price | 9.5 | 9.5 | D 6.9 | 46″ |
| NexGen NS210 Check Price | 9.5 | 9 | D 3.9 | 46″ |
 | PING G425 MAX Check Price | 9 | 9.4 | D 3.1 | 45.625″ |
| PING G430 LST Check Price | 9 | 9 | D 5.1 | 45.75″ |
| PING G430 MAX Check Price | 9 | 8.9 | D 3.1 | 45.75″ |
| PING G430 SFT Check Price | 10.5 | 10.5 | C 8.1 | 45.75″ |
| PXG 0311 GEN5 Check Price | 9 | 9 | D 4.2 | 45.5″ |
| PXG 0311 XF Gen5 Check Price | 9 | 9 | D 4.5 | 45.5″ |
| PXG 0211 22′ Check Price | 9 | 9.1 | D 4.7 | 45.5″ |
| Srixon ZX5 LS MK II Check Price | 9.5 | 9.3 | D 3.2 | 46″ |
| Srixon ZX5 MK II Check Price | 9.5 | 9.4 | D 2.9 | 46″ |
 | Srixon ZX7 MK II Check Price | 9.5 | 9.4 | D 2.5 | 46″ |
| TaylorMade Stealth 2 Check Price | 9 | 8.8 | D 3.8 | 46″ |
| TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Check Price | 9 | 9 | D 5.5 | 46″ |
| TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Check Price | 9 | 8.8 | D 3.8 | 45.75″ |
| Titleist TSR1 Check Price | 9 | 9.1 | D 3.8 | 46″ |
| Titleist TSR2 Check Price | 9 | 9 | D 4.7 | 45.75″ |
| Titleist TSR3 Check Price | 9 | 9 | D 4.6 | 45.75″ |
| Titleist TSR4 Check Price | 9 | 9 | D 5.1 | 45.75″ |
| Tour Edge Exotics C723 Check Price | 9 | 8.9 | D 6.1 | 45.75″ |
| Tour Edge Exotics E723 Check Price | 9 | 8.9 | D 6.4 | 45.875″ |
| Wilson Dynapower Carbon Check Price | 9 | 8.8 | D 3.2 | 45.75″ |
| Wilson Dynapower Titanium Check Price | 9 | 9.2 | D 3.5 | 45.75″ |
Best Golf Drivers 2023 Data
If you’re like us, you love diving into data. You can check out data for each golf driver HERE.
How We Test
In total, with 35 testers and 30 driver models, it required 315 individual sessions to complete testing for the Most Wanted Driver 2023. This exhaustive process is just one reason we reach 17 million readers annually. You trust our research and results.
HOW WE TEST
The Official Golf Ball of Most Wanted - Titleist ProV1
The Official Ball Launch Monitor - Foresight GC Quad
The Official Hitting Screen - Indoor Golf Shop
FAQ
Buying a New Driver
Q: How often should I buy a new driver?
A: Typically, it takes three to five years for manufacturers to make any significant performance gains. Though we all want something new from time to time, our recommendation is to buy a new driver only when it appreciably outperforms what is already in your bag.
Q: With all the talk of new face technology, is there one driver that produces significantly more ball speed?
A: No. As has been the case in every year of testing, there was not one driver that produced more ball speed for everyone. We do find a handful of standouts every year but average ball speeds among our top performers tend to be very close. That doesn’t mean they’re all the same. As you move down the rankings, you will find drivers that can reasonably be described as slow.
Q: Does the shaft matter?
A: Absolutely. While changes to spin and launch and spin differences are rarely massive, shaft changes frequently lead to improved accuracy, tighter dispersion and greater overall consistency.
Q: What should I look for when testing drivers?
A: Don’t focus exclusively on distance. While we all want a few more yards, accuracy and forgiveness matter. Most launch monitors display standard deviations in small print under the averages. Smaller standard deviations correlate to greater consistency. That shouldn’t be overlooked.
Most Wanted – 2023 Driver Test
Q: Where is the rest of the data?
A: We don’t want to overwhelm the average reader with intimidating data tables. For the hardcore among you, more data is available here.
Q: What is your fitting process?
A: We use a fitting process that we call fit from stock. Drivers are fitted to each tester using available stock no up-charge options from each manufacturer. We test with stamped lofts between nine and 10.5 degrees and fully utilize the fitting capability within each manufacturer’s lineup. This includes leveraging, loft, lie, face angle adjustability (hosel), movable weights and available shafts.
Q: How is the “Most Wanted Driver” determined?
A: After eliminating outliers, we calculate scores for our distanced, accuracy and forgiveness metrics. Those values are weighted and then aggregated to determine the Most Wanted Driver.
Q: How is the “Longest Driver” determined?
A: The three metrics that determine the longest driver are total distance, carry distance and peak distance (see Most Wanted Scoring section above for more detail)
Q: How is the “Most Accurate Driver” determined?
A: The metrics that determine the Most Forgiving Driver are straight shot percentage, playable shot percentage and Strokes Gained (see Most Wanted Scoring section above for more detail).
Q: How is the “Most Forgiving Driver” determined?
A: The metrics that determine the Most Forgiving Driver are carry delta, ball speed delta and shot area (see Most Wanted Scoring section above for more detail).
Q: How much does subjective feedback such as looks, sound and feel factor into your rankings?
A: ZERO. Our rankings are based on launch monitor data and quantifiable performance metrics.
Q: Will you publish a breakdown of the results by swing speed as you have in the past?
A: Yes. Those results will be published in the coming weeks.
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