We spend a lot of time talking about performance data. And that data matters. But here’s the thing about golfers: if they fall in love with a driver, they’re going to buy it. Sometimes that love lines up perfectly with the numbers, sometimes it doesn’t.
Every time a tester hit a driver in our 2026 driver testing, we asked them one simple question: How likely are you to purchase this club? We collected those responses across the entire test, tallied them and these are the results.
The drivers testers most wanted to buy
Here are the five drivers that scored highest on purchase intent across our entire 2026 test. We’ve included the performance scores alongside them so you can see how desire and data lined up.
| Driver | Accuracy | Distance | Forgiveness | Purchase Intent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max | 8.6 | 9.2 | 8.7 | ●●●●● |
| Callaway Quantum Max | 9.2 | 9.5 | 8.5 | ●●●●● |
| Ben Hogan PTx Max | 8.6 | 8.1 | 8.4 | ●●●●○ |
| TaylorMade Qi4D LS | 8.5 | 9.1 | 9.0 | ●●●●○ |
| PING G440 LST | 8.4 | 9.0 | 9.1 | ●●●●○ |
Callaway dominated this part of the list, taking two of the top three spots. In general, the Quantum line did really well in 2026 testing. The Quantum Triple Diamond Max ranked first overall in purchase intent across the entire field and the standard Quantum Max wasn’t far behind. Both also backed it up with strong performance numbers so, for Callaway buyers, the heart and the data are in full agreement.
The Ben Hogan PTx Max stood out as an interesting one. Part of it could be the lower price point, making it an easier purchase decision. However, you’ll see, when you look at the drivers golfers were least likely to buy, price is not everything.
The drivers testers least wanted to buy
Now for the other end of the list. These are the five drivers that finished at the bottom of purchase intent across our entire test.
| Driver | Accuracy | Distance | Forgiveness | Purchase Intent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vice Golf VGD01+ | 8.1 | 9.0 | 7.9 | ●○○○○ |
| Ben Hogan PTx LST | 9.0 | 8.4 | 8.2 | ●○○○○ |
| Vice Golf VGD01 | 8.2 | 8.0 | 8.4 | ●○○○○ |
| Wilson DYNAPWR Carbon | 7.9 | 9.0 | 7.9 | ●●○○○ |
| Takomo Ignis D1 | 8.4 | 8.8 | 8.1 | ●●○○○ |
A few things stand out here. The Vice Golf drivers taking two of the five spots suggests that however the VGD01 and VGD01+ perform in testing, testers simply aren’t ready to commit at the point of purchase. The VGD01+ had strong distance numbers but that wasn’t enough to compensate for its accuracy and forgiveness scores.
You’ll also notice the other Ben Hogan driver we tested ended up here. Having one driver from the same brand make the top five “most likely to purchase” and the bottom five “least wanted” is not something you see very often. It tells you a lot about how much product fit and audience targeting matter.
If you look across these five drivers as a group a pattern emerges. There’s very little to get excited about across the board. The only metrics that genuinely stand out are distance for the Wilson DYNAPWR Carbon and the VGD01+ and accuracy for the PTx LST. When a driver doesn’t give testers multiple reasons to feel good about it, purchase intent suffers and that’s what we’re seeing here.
Final thoughts
If you want to see more of the feedback golfers had about these drivers, you can do that here: What Testers Had to Say – Best and Worst Driver Feedback of 2026.
Mark
1 month ago
From early 2024 through early 2026, I went through several different brands, models of driver heads along with both stock and aftermarket shafts.
From my personal experience, the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond Max with the stock Tensei 1k Black Stiff Shaft was a keeper. Nice look at address, kind of a muted sound, easy to work and incredible distance compared to the others. … Until, I got my hands on the Quantum Triple Diamond Max. A little different look but with all the same results plus an extra 6-8 more yards. I liked using the Tensei shaft from the Elyte driver in the new Quantum but I also experimented with the Ventus (non-velocore) Black 6-S stock shaft and was pleasantly surprising.
When hitting with it, it doesn’t sound powerful but it jets off the face.
I will say, I’ve owned a couple of other Callaway models (Rogue and Maverick). They were nice and easy to use but the Elyte and now Quantum Triple Diamond Max Drivers are just truly impressive.
Opinions will vary I’m sure but you really should give the Quantum TD Max a try but make sure you get fitted with the correct shaft for your swing! A Beast!