Increase Your Distance with the Best Golf Driver
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Ping Golf G400 Men's Hybrid Driver -
Cobra Golf 2021 Men's Radspeed Golf Driver -
Callaway Golf 2021 Epic Max Golf Driver -
Tour Edge Golf Hot Launch 4 Golf Driver -
Buyer's Guide
Drivers have come a very long way in the last decade, even as their size hasn’t changed at all. However, some things remain constant throughout the golf space whether you’re playing with a driver fit for a high handicap or just looking for the overall best driver on the market. For the vast majority of players out there, the things they want out of a driver are simple and straightforward such as distance, forgiveness, and control. We've assembled the following best golf driver in 2022 lists which cover a variety of clubs suitable for all levels of skill and experience. You can also consult our golf driver buyer's guide below for some important basics everyone should know.
Detailing the Best Golf Driver of 2022
Ping Golf G400 Men's Hybrid Driver - Best Golf Driver Overall
In my estimation, one of the most underrated names in popular drivers, PING does a great job with this club by creating a driver that launches incredibly high. The PING G20 driver may not offer the most in customization such as club head adjustments or adjustable weights but it does go far, straight, and it limits mishits.
Even if you’re playing with the lowest lofted driver the G20 is offered in, the launch angle will continue to be significantly higher than if you were using any other driver from this list. Additionally, this club feels like a feather when you’re swinging it. PING designed this club with a tour pro in mind, who’s focused on increasing swing speed, but the technology translates flawlessly to the average golfer.
Cobra Golf 2021 Men's Radspeed Golf Driver - Runner Up
The Cobra BiO CELL driver is one that can really be played with very well by a golfer of any skill level. Cobra has long been producing drivers with exceptionally large sweet spots, and lightweight designs that make playing (even for those struggling to break 50), a breeze. While this driver isn't going to instantly lower your handicap, it will give you a definitive advantage off the tee by mitigating misses and making shots hit at the heel, or toe of the club feel more like a solid shot. This makes the BiO CELL a driver tailored for those who struggle with a consistent swing.
Callaway Golf 2021 Epic Max Golf Driver - Honorable Mention
The Callaway Men's X Hot N14 driver is one that is unique for a lot of reasons. First, it's unique because it's a part of a long-standing X-series drivers, and fairway woods that have been working for Callaway for the last several years. Callaway uses Ultra Thin Wall Casting Technology, which creates a significantly lighter club than most competitors. The greater the loft on this club, and the more natural compensating the club will do to ensure a positive result.
If you’re playing with a high-loft version of this club, you can expect to see a little bit of a natural draw. Vice versa, if you’re playing with a low-loft version of this club, it will provide the opportunity to shape shots, and realign the center of gravity in a place that allowing said shot shaping to occur.
Tour Edge Golf Hot Launch 4 Golf Driver - Consider
The Tour Edge Hot Launch adjustable driver is one that is both unique and drastically underrated for how well it performs on the golf course. It has an incredibly large sweet spot, and allows for a lot of customization and shot shaping. While it may not carry the mainstream name golfers are used to hearing every day, Tour Edge is quickly becoming a major player in the golf world.
The Hot Launch will give players the opportunity to switch in single degree increments from 8.5 degrees of loft, up to 12.5 degrees. It has a very large sweet spot, and is another driver that is very light. Players who use this driver regularly suggest that on average they added 10 yards of distance to their drives, and saw a high ball flight while using this driver.
Buyer's Guide
The quality of your golfing hinges on the golf driver you use. A mis-hit off the tea can affect your game while a fairway splitting shot puts you in pole position for victory. It suffices to say that choosing the perfect driver is vital. In this guide, we will explore all you need to know about drivers before getting one for yourself.
What is a driver?
The driver is a club (formerly wooden and now metal) known as l-wood. This club is the longest one in the bag with a big head. These drives help hit the ball to go towards the green far down the fairway.
Drivers are often used for the first stroke and their lofts usually vary from 9 to 13 degrees. Note that clubs with high loft have high trajectory while the ones with low loft have a low trajectory.
Factors to consider before buying driver
Here are a few things you should consider before you buy your first or next golf driver.
Loft
The loft refers to the amount to which the clubface slopes back. This loft ranges between 8.5 and 15 degrees. Note that the slower the swing speed, the more loft you will need. In a case where the average swing speed ranges between 80 and 90mph, a driver ranging between 10.5 and 12 degrees should suffice.
Driver length
There is no defined length for drivers. Each maker comes with models that have different lengths but the drivers are becoming longer with some of them being as long as 48". Note that a longer shaft will mean the head will travel quicker. The choice of the driver is not for show but to score.
Size and material
Drivers can be made using alloy, stainless steel, and forged titanium. If you are a person who only hits the golf course from time to time, you can get an allowed driver at a fair price. A multi-material or titanium driver is often more expensive and ideal for golfers who play often.
Driver design
Design is one of the most crucial factors to consider because it gives the golfer confidence and a good sense of direction when playing the golf ball while controlling the speed. The design dictates the style and spirit of the driver. You should consider the feel, adjustable features, and response.
Driver balance
The driver's balance is vital because in a case where the clubhead has too much weight being pushed towards the hosel or toe, it can cause an imbalance. This imbalance may cause the golfer to hit brutal duck hooks or slices.
Size of the club head
The clubhead driver gets measured using its volume. The standard one comes with a space of 460 cubic centimeters in the head. Generally, a driver will be more forgiving on mishits with a higher cc of the head. This reason is why the 460cc head is the more popular size.
Weight of club head
The shot's shape and drive height can get affected by the clubhead weight. The majority of drivers come with stationary or adjustable weighting on the clubhead. The adjustable weighting is often more sophisticated than the stationary ones and it allows the user to craft it to taste.
If you are a beginner or high handicapper, stationary weighting means you will have more reliability and consistency in your game. Because such golfers may not always produce the best swings, modern equipment can help bridge the gap. Using a stationary weighted driver can help give you a higher launch while cutting down the slices to give you more distance.
Cost
Before you buy a driver, you should have a budget in place. Usually, the most expensive clubs may not be the ideal one for you. Beyond buying premium clubs, you should look for one that enables you to perform with the best feeling.
Driver shaft
Drivers come equipped with graphite shafts which come in diverse flexes. For most golfers, the shaft that comes with the driver usually suffices. What you should be more concerned about is the weight as you do not want a shaft that is too heavy.
Maintenance tips for your driver
Here are a few tips that should help you prolong the life of your golf driver.
Store your golf club
If you want your golf clubs to last longer, you should always store them indoors. When you leave your golf club in the trunk of your car, the glue holding the clubhead and grip together becomes loosened.
Do not put the golf clubs away when they are wet
Be careful about storing the golf clubs when they are wet. Using wet clubs may cause the growth of rust on the club's shaft. To avert this, ensure you dry them off before you store them for safekeeping.
Always use a golf towel
Whenever you are playing, ensure you carry around a golf towel. This towel will help wipe down your club heads and grips all through the round. This practice ensures that when it is raining or debris has accumulated on the club head's face, you can clean it.
Always use head covers
Headcovers are useful in protecting delicate drivers, irons, and woods. The clubs could get damaged by something as simple as returning the club to the golf bag.
FAQs
Q: What should you consider a driver as a beginner?
A: Your choice boils down to what works best for you and gives you the most confidence. Club heads with round shapes are the best for beginners because they are easier to play with and come with aerodynamics that has better clubhead speeds.
Q: Can I test a new driver before purchasing?
A: You may not be allowed to try out a new driver before buying. You may ask for a used demo model which you can try out before you decide.
Q: Should I buy a used or new driver?
A: If you find a used model that is inexpensive, you should consider buying it. Before you make your decision in this regard, you should check online for reviews.
Final thoughts
Getting the ideal golf driver shouldn't be too difficult especially if you follow the right guide. The tips outlined in this piece are designed to help simplify the search process and help you make a perfect choice.
