Nicolas Drozdoski-Richardson

Jul 15, 2024

10 minutes

The driver is regarded by most golfers as the second most crucial club in their bag, after the putter. This is why finding the right driver is essential for any golfer, and even more critical when it comes to beginners as it can often be difficult to find what you really need in your bag.

To help you get your hands on the best driver for you, our in-house expert Nick came up with a list of the 10 drivers that are suited for the needs and skillset of beginner golfers, and less-experienced ones alike. Included, you’ll find options for all budgets, perfect for anyone who could be looking to upgrade from their current driver.

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1. TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver

The TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver is a significant departure from previous generations but still offers that unmistakable TaylorMade feel. The first thing that caught my eye was the toned-down blue face, replacing the outlandish red of the Stealth family. The monochromatic black crown, made of 97% carbon fiber, gives the club a sleek, modern look. It’s so good, in fact, it made it on our list of the best drivers of the summer.

The clubhead has a massive footprint, which makes other drivers look noticeably smaller in comparison. This might be a bit intimidating for some, but I found it to be a sign of its forgiving nature. The shape at address is stretched back and rounded, giving it a stripped-down, more traditional look. It reminded me of some of the company's iconic older models, like the R7.

When I took my first swing, the distinctive sound of forged carbon echoed in my ears. There were times when I thought I had really ripped one, only to find it was not that great of a strike. This can be a bit confusing or even misleading as the club doesn't provide a ton of precise feedback about your strike location.

Performance-wise, the Qi10 Max driver is all about forgiveness. It's the only version of this driver that breaks the 10K MOI barrier. While the shape of the clubhead sacrifices some of its aerodynamic qualities to add stability, I found that I was able to swing this just as fast as most other drivers I've tested. However, I did notice that it produced spin levels that I would consider elevated with the driver. If you're looking for lower spin rates, you might want to check out the TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver.

On the course, the Qi10 Max was a reliable performer, consistently doing what I asked and limiting mistakes. But remember, just like your putter on the green, the driver is your most influential club off the tee.

In conclusion, the TaylorMade Qi10 Max driver is a game-changer with its high MOI and low spin. However, its large footprint and lack of precise feedback might not appeal to everyone. As always, I recommend trying it out for yourself to see if it fits your style and improves your game.

2. Callaway Epic Max Driver

The first thing that struck me about the Callaway Epic Max driver was its size. It has one of the larger footprints I've seen from recent models. The distance from front to back is substantial, and it's a little heel-heavy in terms of shape with a slightly shallower face. This might take a bit of getting used to, especially if you're accustomed to a smaller driver. The LS variation even made it on our list of the best drivers under $300.

One of the standout features of the Epic Max is its forgiveness. Powered by Callaway’s AI-designed Flash Face, the Jailbreak Speed Frame, and a deep center of gravity, it does an excellent job maintaining ball speed on off-centered strikes. In my experience, it typically kept those mishits on the golf course, which is a significant advantage for any golfer.

However, I must admit, the shape and size of the Epic Max didn't quite fit my eye. Despite its performance on paper, I found it challenging to get comfortable with it. This just goes to show the importance of personal preference when choosing a club.

The sound and feel of the Epic Max are also worth noting. Centered shots produce a solid, low-pitched "crack," while off-center hits create a weaker, more hollow sound. The feel of impact mirrors the sound, providing excellent feedback on the quality of your strike.

The Epic Max also offers great adjustability with a sliding weight and adjustable hosel. Its default setting is draw-biased, which I found accurate as I had an easier time swinging it when the weight was moved away from the heel.

In conclusion, the Callaway Epic Max driver is a high-performing, forgiving, and adjustable club. However, its size and shape may not suit everyone's taste. As always, I recommend trying it out for yourself to see if it's the right fit for your game.

3. Cobra LTDx Max Driver

Firstly, the Cobra LTDx Max is a sight to behold. The crown is primarily carbon fiber with a thin frame on the leading edge. The gold weights and bold graphics on the sole are eye-catching. It's available in two colorways: Matte Black/Gold Fusion and Gloss Peacot/Red. The LTDx Max was even featured in our test of the best Cobra drivers of the last 10 years.

When it comes to performance, the LTDx Max is designed for forgiveness and helps in producing a proper draw-biased ball flight. The club is equipped with a new generation of the CNC-milled "infinity face" as well as H.O.T. (highly optimized topology) variable-face thickness. This design helps produce high ball speed across the club face. The PWR-CORE weight cartridge optimizes the distribution of mass. The 10-gram weight in the heel position should offer a decent level of anti-slice shot-shape correction.

Now, let's talk about the feel of the club. When you strike the ball in or near that cool circle on the face, you get a solid feel with a little pop. It's like the satisfying sound of a snare drum. However, when you get into the outer reaches of the face, the sound and feel get very dull. The feedback is almost persimmon-like, and the feel loses its explosiveness.

In terms of drawbacks, while the LTDx Max is positioned as the most forgiving in the LTDx lineup, it's not challenging the USGA limit. Also, the feedback can be a bit all-or-nothing. If you're a high-level player who desires pinpoint feedback, you might be left wanting.

Overall, the Cobra LTDx Max driver is a well-rounded club that offers a balance of forgiveness and distance. It's one of the most stable, consistent drivers I've tried. However, like any club, it may not be for everyone. It's always best to try it out for yourself to see if it fits your game.

4. Ping G430 10K Max Driver

The first thing you'll notice about the Ping G430 10K Max Driver is its size. It has the biggest footprint of any Ping driver. While some golfers might prefer a more compact design, I found the larger size to be quite reassuring. The shape is rounded and nearly symmetrical, which is a refreshing change from the long, triangular or bullet-shaped drivers from other makers.

One of the standout features of the G430 10K is the Carbonfly Wrap crown. This was previously seen only on the LST model, and it's a welcome addition here. The Turbulators on the leading edge are still present, which I find helpful for alignment.

When it comes to performance, the G430 10K is a standout. It's undeniably the most forgiving driver I've ever tested. The ball speed, launch, spin, distance, and direction are all remarkably consistent, even on mishits. This driver is a joy to hit because you know virtually every shot is going to be long and straight.

However, there's a trade-off for this level of forgiveness. The impact location isn't as precise as with some other drivers. Unless you're using the edges of the face, every shot feels pretty good. So, if you're a golfer who likes to feel exactly where the ball struck the face, this might be a slight drawback.

The sound of the G430 10K Max is also worth mentioning. It's described as "less muted and slightly louder" than the G430 MAX, but in my experience, it's not that loud. The sound of impact is unobtrusive and medium quiet. The sound of mishits is a little weaker.

Overall, the Ping G430 10K Max Driver is a fantastic club that offers exceptional stability and forgiveness. It's a performance package that will suit a very broad spectrum of golfers. However, its size and the lack of precise feel on impact might not be for everyone. As always, I recommend trying it out for yourself to see if it fits your game. You can also consult our list of the most forgiving drivers of year.

5. TaylorMade Stealth 2 Driver

First off, the TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver offers immense forgiveness and strong ball speeds. The moment you hold it, you can feel the quality and the premium look is quite eye-catching. The distinctive satin finish of the red framework, the asymmetrical angles of the Inertia Generator, the gloss black finish, and red pinstriping give it a modern and classy look.

At address, the Stealth 2 driver maintains that classy look with a clean field of black. The red framework, now visible on the trailing edge of the crown, provides definition to the shape. What truly makes the Stealth 2 driver unique in the looks department is the red carbon fiber face.

Now, let's talk about the sound and feel. The impact sound is a crisp "snap", similar to what you'd hear cracking a tree branch the size of a drumstick across your knee. It's very satisfying. Through the impact zone, the feel was also consistent – solid and stable with every reasonable strike.

In terms of performance, the highlight of my TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver testing was the forgiveness. Even during my "get to know you" phase, the driver delivered strong ball speeds. And as I became more comfortable with the shaft and head, the Stealth 2 really delivered solid, and repetitive, distances.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. While the Stealth 2 driver is billed as mid-low spin, I found it on the low side. This might not be ideal for everyone. Also, while the Stealth 2 is an upgrade over the original Stealth, the distance gains over the previous generation are minimal. So, if you're already using the original Stealth, the upgrade might not be worth it.

In conclusion, the TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver is a well-rounded club that offers a consistent blend of distance and forgiveness. It's a great choice for any golfer looking to upgrade their club but do keep in mind the points I mentioned.

6. Titleist TSi2 Driver

The first thing that will strike you about the Titleist TSi2 driver is its visual appeal. It retains the elongated round shape of its predecessor, the TS2. The gloss black crown's only accent is a simple "TSi" that serves as the alignment aid. The TSi2 was such a good club right upon release that it was featured in our list of the best drivers of 2021.

The face of the TSi2 driver is unique and intriguing. The stretched diamonds on the heel and toe sections give continuity from the previous generation. The fascinating aspect of the face is the texture of the center section. Rubbing my fingernail across it left a mark, but it was easily wiped right off with my thumb.

Now, let's talk about the sound and feel. Titleist states that the TSi2 is "tuned to feel fast in your hands". The deep swoosh at the bottom of my swing made the club head feel like it had muscle car acceleration. When I added a ball into the equation, the TSi2 driver produced a staccato, somewhat metallic pop that was mid-level in both tone and pitch. Powerful and satisfying, the sound is consistent with contact anywhere in the middle section of the face. The sound is duller on the toe or heel sections, which matched the feedback in my hands.

In terms of performance, the TSi2 is incredibly consistent. It offers strong performance even without precise contact. Most of the credit for the horsepower lies in the ATI 425 titanium face.

However, there are some aspects to consider. The TSi2 lacks shot shape adjustability, which could be a downside for golfers who like to shape their shots. Also, its simple, understated look might not be for everyone.

Overall, the Titleist TSi2 driver was consistent, satisfying, and fun. Its versatility makes it a winner at the top of any golfer’s bag. But as with any golf club, I'd recommend trying it out for yourself to see if it suits your game.

7. Cobra King Radspeed XB Driver

Firstly, the aesthetics of the Cobra King Radspeed XB driver are bold and distinctive, as you'd expect from Cobra. The black, white, and neon yellow color scheme is striking, and the infinity symbol and mill lines on the face are visible even at address. It's a club that will certainly turn heads on the course.

When it comes to performance, the Radspeed XB is a standout. The radial weighting system, which moves weight to different parts of the club to optimize launch, spin, and forgiveness, is a game-changer. During my time with it, I found the Radspeed XB to be incredibly forgiving. Even when I didn't hit the ball dead center, the club still delivered consistent ball speed and distance. It's a club that can make a mediocre driver look much better than they are.

The sound and feel of the Radspeed XB are also noteworthy. The impact creates a staccato, mid-pitch sound with slightly above-average volume. The feedback is so good that unless you hit a ball on the outer edges of the face, you can barely feel it. It's a club that feels solid and satisfying to hit.

However, no club is perfect, and the Radspeed XB is no exception. While its bold looks are a plus for some, others might find the design a bit distracting. The club is also very long from front to back, which might not suit everyone's taste. Additionally, while the Radspeed XB is forgiving, it might not be the best choice for skilled drivers who prefer a club that offers more control.

In conclusion, the Cobra King Radspeed XB driver is a high-performing, forgiving, and bold-looking club that can help golfers hit longer and straighter drives. It's a club that's worth considering if you're looking to upgrade your driver.

8. Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 driver is designed with the latest technologies like the Flash Face, Jailbreak, and T2C Carbon Crown. These features, combined with an ultra-low forward center of gravity, provide high launch, low spin, and impressive distance. The club's design is focused on helping golfers hit better drives and keeping the driver straight off the tee. It’s actually one of our preferred Callaway drivers as it was featured in our list of the best drivers under $325 from that brand,

One of the first things you'll notice about this driver is its distinctive look. The exposed carbon fiber weave isn't anything new, but Callaway hit it out of the park with the blue of the Big Bertha B21. The triangular-shaped head is reminiscent of the Big Bertha Fusion but with better balance and overall visual appeal. The chevron aim point and red pinstriping really pop and complete a powerful look at address.

When you swing this club, you'll notice the sound it produces - a staccato metallic crack that's a medium plus in volume. The sound is markedly consistent across the face and although distinctive, doesn't draw attention. The club felt very balanced throughout the swing and at impact, the head felt stable.

Now, let's talk about performance. The Big Bertha B21 driver is built to combat the all-too-common slice. It has a strong draw bias to help slicers create a stronger ball flight. However, it's worth noting that this driver may not suit all golfers. If your bad shot is a hook, or if you naturally draw the ball, this driver might not be the best fit for you as it has even more draw bias built in.

Another point to consider is the spin. In my experience, the spin was a bit higher than I usually prefer. While the launch angle is high but not excessive, the spin was a bit higher than the averages I’d be looking for from a driver, on the other hand, this should help generate longer strikes for golfers with a slower swing speed, which is quite common amongst beginners.

In conclusion, the Callaway Big Bertha B21 is a fantastic driver for those struggling with a slice and looking for more forgiveness and distance. However, golfers who draw the ball or prefer a lower spin might want to test it out thoroughly before making a decision.

9. Titleist TSr2 Driver

Firstly, the TSR2 is a sight to behold. The gloss black crown, the sleek design, and the mesmerizing face made up of dozens of tiny diamonds. It's almost as if you're holding a piece of art rather than a golf club. The aesthetics alone could make any golfer's heart skip a beat.

When it comes to performance, the TSR2 truly shines. The forgiveness is tremendous, and the consistency is something that left me impressed. Even on days when my swing wasn't at its best, the TSR2 delivered good ball speed along with consistent launch and spin. When my swing was in better form, the results were nothing short of stunning.

The sound and feel of the TSR2 are unique. It has one of the quietest impact sounds of any current driver. The ball feels incredibly light off the club face, almost as if it's tiptoeing off the tee. Yet, the way it launches the golf ball is something that had me laughing in disbelief.

Now, let's talk about the areas where the TSR2 could improve. Some reviews suggest that despite its strengths, the overall performance of the TSR2 can be underwhelming for some golfers. The accuracy and forgiveness, while good, might not meet the mark for everyone.

Another aspect to consider is the spin. The TSR2 is one of the lower spinning drivers, which leads to distance being its greatest strength. However, if you're a golfer who struggles with low spin, this might be a point of contention.

In conclusion, the Titleist TSR2 driver is a well-rounded club that offers a balance of aesthetics, performance, and forgiveness. It's a club that can be played by anyone, regardless of their handicap. However, like any golf club, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. I'd recommend giving it a swing yourself to see if it suits your game.

10. TaylorMade M4 2021 Driver

The first thing you'll notice when you pick up the M4 is its solid, explosive sound. It's like a warning to your golfing partners that a bomb is about to fly down the fairway. The large footprint and prominent face angle inspire confidence, making you feel like a long, accurate drive is forthcoming. The M4 has always been regarded as one of TaylorMade’s best, as it was featured in our list of the Top 5 TaylorMade drivers under $325.

One of the standout features of the M4 is the Twist Face technology. This innovative face curvature was designed to combat off-center strikes, producing a corrective face angle that helps keep your shots on target. It's a feature that I found particularly useful during my time with the club.

The M4 also boasts Speed Pocket technology, which helps maintain ball speed even on off-center hits. This feature ensures consistent ball flight and distance, regardless of where you strike the ball off the face.

Now, let's talk about the M4's forgiveness. It's one of the club's key selling points. The M4 is highly forgiving, reducing spin and generating rapid ball speed. This makes it a great choice for golfers who are looking to improve their consistency off the tee.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. While the M4 is an impressive performer for its modest price tag, offering a high launch and low spin combination with ample forgiveness, the performance improvements over its predecessor, the M2, seemed to be fairly minimal based on my testing. If you're already swinging an M2 2017 driver, you might not see a significant upgrade with the M4.

Overall, the TaylorMade M4 is a solid driver that offers a good balance of distance, forgiveness, and adjustability. It's a club that I've enjoyed using and would recommend to golfers looking for a reliable driver that won't break the bank. But as with any golf club, I'd recommend trying it out for yourself to see if it suits your swing and playing style.

We hope one of these selections from Nick is a match for what you were looking for. If you need more help to find the right club, you can always book a call with Nick, or any other of our in-house experts. They’ll be able to provide you with insight on what selection would be the best for you, at your budget!

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If you’re in luck and you already have a driver that you’re looking to move on from, remember that you can always sell or trade your old golf clubs with Golf Avenue. On top of getting to benefit from the low prices of used clubs, you’ll also knock off a good portion of the price from your next club when you sell or trade your old ones.

Until next time,

The Golf Avenue team