Every golfer wants more distance off the tee and one easy way to do that is by looking for a new driver that can go in your bag. In today's market, many brands are introducing new technology to maximize the performance from their drivers and, in this guide, we have taken a look through what drivers will suit your game in the distance department.
Firstly, what exactly makes a driver ideal for distance? Well, this can vary depending on the level of golfer, but a common theme is getting the best optimization of launch possible and making sure the spin characteristics are where they should be because, if your driver spin rate is too high, it will balloon in the air.
In this guide we've tested the best golf drivers for distance to give you an idea of how they could perform for you. The video below provides an overview of the best all-round drivers on the market this year.
WATCH: We run through the performance of the best drivers in 2024
As we've mentioned, lower spin is often the key ingredient for longer drivers, so we've highlighted some of the models that offer this through head shape and weighting. However, this sort of set-up won't suit every golfer, and the lower spinning, more compact heads in the drivers listed below are mostly aimed at better ball-strikers. As such, they are much less forgiving than the most forgiving drivers or best drivers for beginners.
Because of this, we have also added models that will suit those looking for distance, but have a slower swing speed. In this department, it is spin that will benefit the user, as it will carry further in the air if the optimal amount of spin is available.
Our expert club testers have personally tested every model we list below, so be sure to read the full reviews if you want to take a deeper dive into any of the models we've chosen. Our reviews include comparisons to older models as well as other models in the current ranges to help you decide which driver will best suit your game. Also, be sure to check out our other guides - such as the best golf drivers for mid handicappers, or the best high handicap drivers.
The Quick List
The Cobra Darkspeed Max is not just one of the best draw-bias drivers we have ever tested, but also one of the most forgiving, with it proving to be an excellent all-rounder.
There's so much to like about the TSR1 driver. It's visually appealing, super lightweight making it effortless to swing, and definitely helps players with a moderate swing speed to generate power for high-launching drives and noticeable distance gains.
The Max model really is the headline product of the new Qi10 range. Incredibly easy to launch and with impressive stability, this driver will hold a lot of appeal to many golfers.
The stability and forgiveness of the head would be remarkable in isolation, but combined with the relatively low spin levels and high ball speed, it’s pretty exceptional.
The Black Ops 0311 is a really enjoyable driver to use, with the acoustic and feel, in particular, right out of the top drawer, as is the new aesthetic with its multi-material glossy crown.
The Dynapower Carbon is a tech-advanced, visually appealing driver that, well-fitted, should perform admirably against what’s in your bag. Didn’t quite match the big four’s recent launches for ball speed but we certainly enjoyed the dull, dense sound and feel at impact.
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The Srixon ZX5 Mk II driver combines a lot of forgiveness in a no-nonsense design that offers very good performance in a good-looking head. Ideal for mid to slower swing speed players, the ZX5 Mk II also sounds better with the all titanium head.
A truly stunning driver that contrasts the other heads in the family with its more compact shape. Aimed at confident ball-strikers with higher spin rates, we were impressed by how much forgiveness was on offer.
The Mizuno ST-G is an extremely high-performing driver aimed at the better player. The aesthetics are outstanding and the exceptional feel at impact make this a standout offering.
An exceptional driver in the low spin market. The looks, sound, feel and ball data are exactly what we look for in this category. Although not much has changed over its predecessor, it now has a sleeker look with incredible performance
A hugely impressive driver that does a great job of balancing distance with consistency. This is a low spin driver with a truly broad appeal that has the high tech looks and powerful feel to match the all-round performance.
Combining the best bits of both the Max and LS to create an exceptional all-round performer, the Qi10 is extremely forgiving at this spin level and will appeal to a broad spectrum of players.
The PXG Black Ops 0311 Tour-1 driver is a low spinning, distance machine. The acoustics and feel are exceptional as is the new aesthetic with its multi-material glossy crown.
Best Golf Drivers For Distance
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Top pick
We begin with the looks, with Cobra opting for a 'dark' theme for 2024. Aside from the word ‘MAX’ and a couple of tiny accent dashes in red, the Darkspeed Max has an all black matte crown that we really liked. What's more, the look at address is something which will appeal to many, with the squareness of the driver behind the ball not giving it the impression of being a draw bias club.
Performance-wise, the Darkspeed Max delivered strong results across the board, with the ball speed strong and the launch and spin a little higher than the other two drivers in the Darkspeed family. The spin and launch is not excessive though, with the carry distances plentiful.
Overall, the aspect that sets this driver apart from others is the draw bias. In testing, we couldn't get this club to go right, with the right-to-left flight adding an extra few yards to what is an already powerful driver.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver Review
Best for adjustability
When it comes to the best golf drivers on the market, you can be sure that Titleist will feature and, in this guide, we have selected the TSR1, a model which is designed for players who have slow swing speeds, with the TSR1 featuring an ultra-lightweight design that is roughly 40 grams lighter than the TSR2.
In testing, we could really feel the aerodynamics at work and, what's more, we also noticed the speed of the ball off the clubface through impact. As for carry and distance, compared with other drivers, we achieved a significant yardage gain of approximately 20 yards, which we also put down to the deep center of gravity that the TSR1 possesses.
One interesting aspect, which not many would notice, is that the TSR1 driver is quarter of an inch longer than the standard TSR2, TSR3 and TSR4 models. This, combined with its lightweight feel, is designed to help moderate swing speed players deliver greater distance and spin, which will help keep the ball airborne.
- Read our full Titleist TSR1 Driver Review
Most accurate
The Qi10 Max driver is the highlight model in the new Qi10 range and, as such, the whole series was named after this club. For those who don't know, the quest for 10k MOI was what the TaylorMade engineers set out on hence the ‘Q’ for quest, the ‘i’ for inertia and the ‘10’ for 10k, giving us the Qi10.
So, although it's one of the most forgiving drivers money can buy, it is also one of the longest, with the Qi10 Max unleashing a powerful and meaty sound at impact but at a decent pitch. What really stood out for us was the stability. The resistance to twisting, even when struck at the very extremities of the face, was genuinely impressive.
Like other 'Max' versions of drivers, the spin was a little higher, but this helps get the ball airborne and keeps it in the air longer. Overall, the way TaylorMade has delivered incredible levels of forgiveness and stability without compromising speed is truly astonishing.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Review
Most forgiving
A lot of talk has been made about the Ping G430 Max 10K, with the company adding the driver to their expansive G430 range. How does the 10K differ, you may ask? Well, Ping claim it is the straightest and highest MOI (moment of inertia) driver it has made to-date!
Cutting straight to the chase, we were amazed by the performance. Striking the ball, the stability and forgiveness are outstanding but, where this stands out against the best golf drivers, is that Ping have managed to combine this forgiveness with a low level of spin.
Our tester felt that this is 'the most stable and forgiving driver head he has ever used,' such is the performance available. Ball speed on mis-hits barely dropped 2mph and, in terms of dispersion, the tee shots were all extremely tight. What's more, with the larger footprint and stretched-out look at address, the 10K excels in pretty much every department!
- Read our full Ping G430 Max 10K Driver Review
Best sounding
When it comes to improving its product, PXG have done a lot of work to the Black Ops 0311 range, with new technology coming in the form of a titanium alloy face that it is called AMF Technology. PXG claim that the higher strength and flexibility increases face deflection and produces a higher launch and lower spin, which translates to more distance.
In regards to performance, the acoustics of the Black Ops were some of the best we have heard from various models this year, as a lively feel wasn't harsh whatsoever. What's more, the flight was extremely strong and penetrating, whilst there is a lot of maneuverability for adjustability.
Away from performance, the aesthetics are fairly basic, which isn't a bad thing in the slightest, with the clean and simple looks including a gloss finish, carbon crown and subtle, light grey accent graphics. The shape is pleasingly rounded and the head also sits extremely square in the neutral setting.
- Read our full PXG Black Ops 0311 Driver Review
Best value
The new Dynapower driver is one of the most adjustable drivers ever created by Wilson and is available in both Carbon and Titanium head options. The reason why we have included it in this guide is because of how easy it is to hit with full commitment.
There really is a lot to like about the driver and it's comfortably among the best Wilson golf clubs you can buy. What particularly stood out was how it delivered on its promise of a neutral to slight fade shot shape bias. If you tend to hook, or severely draw the ball, the technology within the head helps square up the ball flight nicely and allows for full commitment off the tee.
As is the case with any driver, if you were to get fitted for it, it would be competitive and even come close to the more premium models listed above, with the Dynapower providing lots of adjustability to really hone in your numbers. Importantly, it will benefit those with both slow and fast swing speeds.
- Read our full Wilson Dynapower Carbon Driver Review
Best for slow swing speeds
Introducing the ZX5 MK II, ZX5 MK II LS and the ZX7 MK II to the market, the ZX5 is our choice for this guide. In our testing, we felt it was one of the best high handicap drivers because of how easy it was to launch in the air. This comes down to the weight that is saved by the crown being repositioned to improve the launch.
Along with the repositioned weight, there is also a variable face thickness pattern which has been improved over its predecessor, with Srixon claiming that the ZX5 MK II provides an extra 2mph ball speed at impact as the face flexing on that more rigid structure brings the power. The trailing edge is also a little higher to get the CG in the right position and the head shape is a little less toe heavy and gives a pleasing look at address.
- Read our full Srixon ZX5 Mk II Driver Review
Most compact
The models we selected above are designed for more inconsistent ball-strikers but, along with the more forgiving models, there are also drivers at the other end of the spectrum which are designed for distance that tend to be lower spinning. Because of this, the remaining drivers fit into this category, starting with Titleist.
If you look at the TSR range, you will find three premium models that provide superb performance. However, the one designed for distance is the TSR4, which is billed by the brand as the ‘ultimate low spin driver’. Primarily, it's aimed at those who are looking to keep their spin rates under control and maximise their distance off the tee.
First and foremost, it features a 430cc head, not the traditional 460cc, with the driver also having a much smaller footprint at address than others on the market. It is also far more compact from heel to toe and it doesn’t extend as far from front to back. What's more, it still has the beautiful, classic Titleist shape, with moveable weights on the sole and back of the head allowing golfers to dial in their spin rates and distances. In testing, it produced superb numbers and, despite the smaller head, the work the brand has done on the new multi-plateau variable thickness face seems to help guard against any major drop off in ball speed when you don’t strike it perfectly.
- Read our full Titleist TSR4 Driver Review
Best for looks
Like the Titleist TSR4, the Mizuno ST-G has a compact 440cc head and is aimed at the lower handicap player, with plenty of adjustability available meaning that the ST-G can be anything from "a low-spin bomber, fade or draw biased or simply a more stable compact driver."
We have selected this as the best-looking driver due to the shaping of the head and the gloss black finish of the crown. Down behind the ball, the dimensions of the head make it seem even deeper than it actually is, whilst the top edge of the club blends into a sleek carbon effect as it moves back. Finally, the Mizuno logo is useful as a marker to center the ball, with the ST-G one of the most premium-looking drivers money can buy.
Performance-wise, the distance is solid but not outstanding. It's certainly shorter than other drivers in this guide, but the adjustable weights on the back of the clubhead mean you can adjust the spin rate levels by up to 400rpm. In testing, we must admit that the forgiveness was affected, especially in the forward position, but the overall performance was still very impressive.
- Read our full Mizuno ST-G Driver Review
Used by Rahm
The new Paradym Ai Smoke range features numerous different heads and, compared to its predecessor, a new look. Now sporting a grey colorway, the main difference is that the overall color blends so much better with the grey banner strip, creating a really clean aesthetic.
Crammed with technology, such as Ai Smart Face that uses swing dynamics from thousands of real golfers, the Ai Smoke Triple Diamond still possesses a lot of the positives that we found in the old Paradym Triple Diamond. One example of this is the feel, with a muted thud creating an excellent sensation.
On well-struck shots, all the data was similar to last year's model, but where Callaway have improved the performance is in the mis-hit section. The Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond gave us a bit more peace of mind when we didn't find the centre, with the ball speed and dispersion not punished.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver Review
Most forgiving smaller head
The primary difference between the LST and the other two models is that the low spin version of the new driver is the only one that features a carbon crown. Eight layers of carbon wrap across the entire crown and into the heel and toe of the driver, saving weight that, the designers say, can then be used elsewhere to boost the overall performance on offer.
In testing, we found it to be one of the fastest drivers in 2023, as an increase in ball speed and a reduction in spin delivered ample distance. One thing we noticed was that despite the speed, the compact look and low spin, the G430 LST was still extremely user-friendly.
Arguably the biggest change from its predecessor is the new rib structure within the head which has improved the sound. To us, the change has resulted in a more powerful sensation through impact. It isn’t as muted through the ball as, for instance the new TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, but it strikes a good balance of feeling powerful yet easy to launch.
- Read our full Ping G430 LST Driver Review
Used by McIlroy
Like the Max in this section, you get the appealing navy colored face, with the Qi10 featuring a new ultra-rounded shape that we really liked. This will, of course, be personal preference, but the rounder profile frames the ball really nicely and the Qi10’s proportions are just about perfect to our eye.
Although it's unclear as to why McIlroy has chosen the standard Qi10 over the Qi10 LS, what we do know is that the Qi10 delivered in terms of ball speed and distance output, with the stability yet again very evident. Dispersion numbers were tight and we feel that this would only become more apparent over a longer time period.
Overall, the Qi10 represents a big jump over its predecessor, the Stealth 2, with the looks the primary standout. Not only have there been significant cosmetic improvements, there has also, undoubtedly, been a jump forward in the overall performance and user-friendliness here.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Review
Best Low Spin
Like the standard Black Ops in this list, the Tour version has AMF Technology as well as three adjustable weight ports. So, how does it differ? Well, the Tour has a slightly larger sole pop out feature, as a result of the taller, deeper face, and also comes in different lofts.
Providing similar aesthetics to the standard model, such as the gloss finish, carbon crown and subtle, light grey accent graphics, the Tour is slightly more pear shaped and, as a result, it will be a personal choice as to whether you prefer that or the more rounder look of the standard model.
Performance-wise, the sound is identical to the standard, thankfully! And the performance is up there once again. In testing, our user barely achieved a single spin number over 2000 rpm throughout and, when coupled with a relatively low launch angle, this produced an extremely low, penetrating ball flight.
- Read our full PXG Black Ops 0311 Tour-1 Driver Review
How we test drivers
When it comes to product testing, our reviews and buyers' guides are built upon a rigorous testing procedure as well as the knowledge and experience of the test team. Headed up by Neil Tappin, and assisted by Joel Tadman, both have been testing golf clubs for years and both play to a handicap of 5. Both are also able to efficiently test the vast majority of the biggest product releases and convey the pros and cons eloquently.
Getting into specifics for drivers, we first attend product launches and speak to manufacturer's to understand the technology. We then hit the golf clubs indoors, usually at Foresight Sports and test the products with premium golf balls on a launch monitor.
Outdoor testing is the next port of call and this usually takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with top-notch practice facilities. Ultimately, we aim to be as insightful and honest as possible in our reviews so it is important to acknowledge that no manufacturer can buy a good review. This is because our team tells it how it is.
How to choose a new driver
You've probably already asked yourself whether you need to buy a new driver, but there's a few key things to consider when investing in a new driver. Hopefully answering these questions will narrow your search down slightly and make comparing between various models much easier.
What is your priority? - Have a think about what is the most important thing for you when it comes to the driver. If accuracy is what you're after, go for something with a high MOI or adjustable weights to help alter spin and flight characteristics.
If distance is key to you, which is probably why you are on this guide, look at a low-spinning driver to help ensure your ball doesn't balloon too much. Or if you want forgiveness, then a larger head will probably suit you the best. Many brands make different models for different levels of player, this explains why Cobra has three different LTDx heads, and Titleist has the TSi1 to TSi4 range.
Adjustability - Most models these days come with a degree of adjustability whether it be loft, weight movement, shaft and so on. Therefore have a think about how important adjustability is to you because you can change the characteristics of a club if you want to. Alternatively you can just keep things simple with other models as well.
Looks - You have to like how a golf club looks especially when looking down on the golf ball. So make sure you go and take a look at how different models look in your hands and down by the golf ball.
Budget - Finally be aware of your budget. You can go for more premium models, such as the TaylorMade Stealth, or you can go for cheaper designs from Cobra instead. Wherever you fall in terms of price point, there is something for everyone.
Custom fitting - This is probably the most essential part of the driver buying process, no matter the driver you're after or how good you are at the game. A custom fit session will make sure you get the right flex and length of shaft, correct loft and correct head for your game, meaning you'll finish with a driver that will be as suitable as possible for you out on course.
FAQs
Which driver gets the most distance?
There is no one simple answer to this question because it will vary for every single golfer. But we have found there are specific models that do go further in our testing and they are included in our specific best drivers for distance guide.
How do I get more distance from my driver?
Again, it will depend on many factors including set-up of your driver, as well as your swing. When it comes to the latter, it's best to check with your pro but, when it comes to the driver, the optimal set-up for distance is best experimented with so you can find that balance of flight and length.
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