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Best TaylorMade Drivers 2026

TaylorMade make some of the best drivers on the market and, in this guide, we have taken a look at their range

Best TaylorMade Drivers
(Image credit: Future)

TaylorMade has been at the forefront of developing driver technology for over four decades and it continues to produce equipment that delivers market-leading performance. Rarely does a TaylorMade driver launch pass quietly, such is its presence on Tour among the world's best players.

Be it the JetSpeed, AeroBurner or Rocketballz - to name but a few models - TaylorMade can never be accused of bringing products to the market that lack innovation. In 2022 and 2023, TaylorMade introduced us to the Carbonwood age, as it launched the Stealth and then the Stealth 2 range of drivers, one of the first ever drivers to have an all carbon face and chassis. For 2024 and 2025, TaylorMade introduced the Qi10, and Qi35 ranges, and now we have the Qi4D range, which are undoubtedly some of the best golf drivers in the game.

Below, we examine TaylorMade's driver offerings and offer our advice on which model will suit your game and skill level. Importantly, be sure to follow the links to our full reviews where you can read more about the latest technology and find out how each driver performed during testing. Alternatively, if TaylorMade is not for you, we have also created guides for other brands too – such as the best Ping drivers, the best Titleist drivers, and the best Callaway drivers.

The Quick List

Best TaylorMade Drivers 2026

Qi4D Models

Photo of the TaylorMade Qi4D Driver

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 3 - (Mitsubishi Reax Red, White, Blue)
Left Handed Option: Yes - 9°, 10.5°, 12°

Reasons to buy

+
Tangible clubhead speed gains
+
Exceptional feel
+
Stunningly good address profile

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may not deem this a visual upgrade

Following on from the Qi35 franchise, the latest Qi4D is basically designed around one primary goal: delivering speed off the tee, which I will get to later. Now though I will start with the looks of the new range and the Core model. Visually these new drivers give a more understated, darker finish which many golfers will like.

As mentioned though true innovation here is the pursuit of speed, with a focus on aerodynamics. The idea is there is no limit on swing speed so if a driver can help you swing faster this will lead to more results off the tee and more distance. I am pleased to report that this focus was unequivocally successful in my personal testing. I picked up around 1.5 mph of clubhead speed over and above any other driver I have tested this launch season, which I genuinely was not expecting. The head may not be specifically 'hotter' but the ability to just move it quicker resulted in a 2-3 mph ball speed gain for me and between 5-8 yards of additional carry.

Despite all this though, my favorite aspect was feel, which is spot on. It was beautifully balanced between lively and soft, whilst the acoustics were excellent as well, sitting perfectly in that middle ground, neither high-pitched and ‘clangy’ nor dull and muted.

Overall, the TaylorMade Qi4D is a genuine upgrade that delivers on its promise of increased clubhead speed through aerodynamic efficiency. The overall package of this driver is outstanding because of the possible speed gains for many golfers, the sublime feel and sound, and the overall look. This will be hard to beat in 2026.

TaylorMade Qi4D Max Driver

Photo of the TaylorMade Qi4D Max Driver

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 3 - (Mitsubishi Reax Red, White, Blue)
Left Handed Option: Yes - 9°, 10.5°, 12°

Reasons to buy

+
Large, confidence-inspiring footprint
+
Exceptional feel
+
Very consistent, tight spin readings

Reasons to avoid

-
I preferred the previous colorway
-
No tangible gains over prior model

Next up we have the MQi4D Max version which is built for stability, forgiveness and to give maximum MOI (Moment of Inertia), whilst also offering adjustability too. Looks-wise we see a noticeable jump in size compared to the Core and LS models, as you would expect. It maintains a large, round footprint that inspires enormous confidence at address. Something about that expansive, circular profile really does frame the ball beautifully to my eye at least, suggesting a large, welcoming sweet spot.

Additionally I was pleased to see the feel of the Core model continues in the Max. Again it balances a lively feel with softness at the same time, whilst the acoustics are a clear improvement from the previous Qi35 Max model.

However, strangely, I didn't see the speed gains as much (if at all) in this model as I did with both the Qi4D and Qi4D LS versions, recording very similar clubhead speeds to both the Qi35 Max and other high MOI drivers that I have tested over this period.

That being said, the Max did deliver when it came to changeable flight preferences with the moveable weights. The Max has two moveable weights (13g and 4g) - placing the 13g weight closer to the face provides faster ball speeds and lower spin, while placing it in the back enhances stability and forgiveness. I tested both settings out, and can report that for me they performed as claimed.

Overall the Qi4D is a clear addition to the maximum forgiveness driver category. The speed gains weren't as great as the other models in the Qi4D range but it still delivers highly reliable, high-MOI performance that matches the best in the market.

TaylorMade Qi4D LS Driver

Photo of the TaylorMade Qi4D LS Driver

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 3 - (Mitsubishi Reax Red, White, Blue)
Left Handed Option: Yes - 9°, 10.5°

Reasons to buy

+
The familiar pear-shaped head will appeal to TaylorMade enthusiasts
+
Genuine clubhead speed gains
+
Improved feel from Qi35 LS

Reasons to avoid

-
Those looking for maximum confidence at address may not find it here

Finally in the Qi4D range we have the LS model, aimed at players seeking maximum ball speed, minimal spin, and a piercing ball flight. As the model realistically aimed at the fastest swingers, the LS version seems to encapsulate TaylorMade’s aggressive aerodynamic advances.

Once again the aesthetic and colorway continues here and arguably the LS is the best looking of the bunch with that traditional pear-shaped profile. Additionally, the sublime feel continues as well which is a clear improvement from the rather harsh feeling Qi35 model from 2025. The acoustic feedback hits a brilliant sweet spot to: it is neither high-pitched and metallic nor dull and heavy.

Much like the Core model, the aerodynamic focus delivered around 1.5 mph of clubhead speed over not only the previous generation but also this year's competitive set, which was completely unexpected. Crucially for a low-spin head, I found the Qi4D LS to be less volatile than the Qi35 LS in terms of its left-to-right dispersion which was a pleasing development.

Overall the LS is a strong offering in the low spin market. The speed gains became clear in my testing whilst I loved the feel and acoustics as well. You can also dial in your launch and spin with the two Trajectory Adjustment System (TAS) weights at 15g and 4g respectively.

Mini Drivers

Photo of the TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini Driver sole

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 11.5°, 13.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Fujikura Speeder MD
Left Handed Option: Yes - 11.5°

Reasons to buy

+
Very clean looks in the playing position
+
Extremely versatile
+
Varied and effective adjustability

Reasons to avoid

-
Disappointing headcover

TaylorMade has certainly been a pioneer of the mini driver. It’s often dipped into the archives for inspiration, such as the SLDR, The Original One, and last year's BRNR Copper mini driver. And it’s done it again with the R7 Quad mini.

Take off the head cover, and you’re presented with a superb looking club that will especially appeal to those who were fans of the original R7 Quad driver. TaylorMade has paid homage to that design, especially from the underside of the club. From above, the infinity crown, borrowed from the Qi35 drivers, is, in our opinion, an upgrade from the spirit crown used on the BRNR mini. From a playing position it results in a clean, minimalist look that we loved.

As for the features, the R7 Quad mini uses TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket and Twist Face technology but the real headline is the same adjustable weighting system on the sole that we saw with the R7 Quad driver. It’s a four-way system that makes the club extremely versatile; you can move the CG forward and back to adjust spin and launch as well as adding bias to the heel or toe to help you dial in your desired shot shape.

Compared to the BRNR Copper mini, the R7 Quad sits a tad closed at address; this can be rectified by adjusting the loft sleeve, however. With the face now the same color as the crown, the loft is less visible; we love this look but it might not suit some.

It’s likely that many golfers are toying with adding a mini driver to the bag because of the greater accuracy it promises. During our testing the R7 Quad delivered similar numbers and flight windows to the BRNR Copper mini, along with a compatible sound and feel.

But while it delivers the same tight dispersion and accuracy of that club, the greater adjustability makes it a significant upgrade; we found that it was easier to draw the R7 Quad than with our driver thanks to the ability to shift the weights over the heel. And of course, if you're struggling with the hooks then you can do the same but instead place the weights over the toe. The club's versatility is further enhanced by its performance off the deck.

Qi35 Models

Photo of the TaylorMade Qi35 Driver

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Two (Fujikura Ventus Blue or Mitsubishi Diamana T+)
Left Handed Option: Yes - 9°, 10.5°

Reasons to buy

+
Sensational looks
+
Great versatility and adjustability
+
A genuine step forward

Reasons to avoid

-
The rounder profile may not suit everyone's eye

The standard model in the new Qi35 range from TaylorMade features two adjustable weights in the sole that can be switched to fine-tune launch and spin, a high-tech matte finish that looks like the inside of a supercar and brand new CG technology to enhance performance.

Without getting into the nitty gritty of golf technology physics, TaylorMade have made the CG in the face as low as possible, to increase what TaylorMade is referring to as ‘the area of opportunity’. TaylorMade believe that the lower the CG, the more chance of the user achieving optimal flight conditions.

The feel off the face is slightly livelier than the previous Qi10 and there is a more high-pitched acoustic that creates a touch more of a firmer feel to impact - a feature we enjoyed in testing.

I also loved the adjustability during my testing session as well. In a neutral setting this is an incredibly stable, forgiving driver that will help you find the fairway. If you're feeling you can set it into what I would call 'beast mode', adjusting the weights to drop rpm and increase overall distance output. Your dispersion will suffer a little but nowhere as much as I imagined. Overall then there’s genuinely not much I don’t like about this driver.

TaylorMade Qi35 Max Driver

Photo of the TaylorMade Qi35 Max Driver sole

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable hosel: Yes
Stock shaft: Two (Fujikura AirSpeeder or Mitsubishi Diamana T+)
Left Handed Option: Yes - 9°, 10.5°, 12°

Reasons to buy

+
Improved lower spin profile
+
Outstanding aesthetics
+
Will suit a broader range golfers this time around

Reasons to avoid

-
Slicers may have wanted to see more draw bias

The 'Max' is yet another upgrade on the older model from the Qi10 family. All the stability and forgiveness remain, but with an improved lower spin profile and a seriously upgraded look. The Max is a driver designed to suit the widest range of players, from single figure handicappers all the way to higher handicaps and those less experienced in the sport.

The technology story from TaylorMade this year carries over to the Max and delivers the same smashing results as the standard Qi35 model. Unlike the standard model, however, is a massive 34g weight at the rear of the club head or ‘inertia generator’. This combines with a multi-material construction that includes chromium carbon, steel, aluminum, tungsten, and titanium, and a fourth-generation carbon twist face.

The faults of the Qi10, most notably the sky-high spin levels, have been fixed thanks to the lower CG. I was blown away with how tight our dispersion was with it during testing as well. Don't be afraid if you're a player with a slower swing speed either because what you lose in spin you'll gain back in launch through my experience with the club. Like the rest of the Qi35 range, feel and acoustics have been taken up a level and are now a little livelier than the Qi10 range.

TaylorMade have taken an already very successful product and fine-tuned a couple of areas that have genuinely yielded more impressive results.

TaylorMade Qi35 LS Driver

Photo of the TaylorMade Qi35 LS Driver

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 8°, 9°, 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Two (Mitsubishi Kai'li Blue CB DarkWave or Mitsubishi Kai'li White DarkWave)
Left-handed Option: Yes - Yes - 9°, 10.5°

Reasons to buy

+
Extremely low spin profile
+
Exceptional looks
+
Quick ball speeds

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a very forgiving driver
-
Made somewhat redundant by the low spin setting of the Qi35 standard driver

The LS driver is designed for the elite golfer - one who doesn't need much help finding the center of the clubface, fairway or green. In contrast to the standard model in the Qi35 family, the LS model waves goodbye to the moveable weight track which has been replaced by three ‘pinpoint’ adjustable weights. The driver looks slightly different from the sole as a result but still looks fabulous both in the bag and at address.

Ball speed and overall distance output proved to be exceptional during our testing but we did find the LS to be a little volatile in terms of dispersion, with little help being offered to the user from strikes that miss the center of the face.

However, I know myself because I am sometimes tempted to follow them, but there are always golfers out there who want the very lowest-spinning product available. One of the first numbers PGA pros look at on their launch monitors after nailing a drive is the spin - when you adjust the weights and set the LS into 'beast mode', that's exactly what you'll get. When I moved the heavier weight into the forward toe slot it led to seriously low spin numbers even on fairly low impact locations.

The problem I have with the LS is how close the performance is to the standard Qi35 model, but without the forgiveness. This, of course, doesn't mean this is a bad driver, far from it. Rather, it speaks to how impressed we were by the standard Qi35 instead. Notable TaylorMade players on tour including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy used the standard Qi10 model as opposed to the LS driver last season and I'll be interested to see if they do the same in 2025.

Qi10 Models

Photo of Taylormade Qi10 Driver

(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 12.0°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 options (Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 5 & Mitsubishi Diamana T+ 60)
Left Handed Option: Yes - 9.0° & 10.5°

Reasons to buy

+
Rounded head shape is excellent
+
Extremely forgiving at this spin level
+
Will appeal to a broad spectrum

Reasons to avoid

-
Only loft adjustability - no moveable weights

Sitting in the middle of the Qi10 range in terms of its spin and forgiveness levels, in theory the Qi10 will appeal to the broadest range of players. One thing that is for certain is that the tech story is pretty simple; TaylorMade has aimed to maximize the MOI without compromising ball speed.

How have they achieved this you may ask? Well, the company have re-engineered their 60X Carbon Twist Face and provided a supporting structure to promote faster ball speeds and improve the durability of the face. Coupled with a larger address footprint and a lower CG projection, we felt the Qi10 hit the mark in all the important aspects, with our testing showing an improvement over the Stealth 2.

Visually, TaylorMade has also come away from the red face that we saw in the Stealth range of clubs, with the color being replaced by a more subtle and less garish navy color. Furthermore, the ultra rounded shape of the Qi10 is a real delight and we felt it should inspire confidence when at address.

Women's Models

TaylorMade Kalea Gold Driver

(Image credit: Alison Root)

Specifications

Lofts: 12.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Kalea Premier 40 (lite)
Left Handed Option: No

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive forgiveness and accuracy
+
Feels very compact and solid at impact
+
Luxurious looking design

Reasons to avoid

-
Overall swing weight might take some getting used to

Sometimes, when it comes to women's drivers it can feel like the females sometimes get the short end of the stick. The men are given the flashy new technology in their explosive drivers whilst the women's drivers sometimes feel a bit... meh. We're happy to report that there is no such feeling with the TaylorMade Kalea Gold Driver, which we loved during testing.

It delivers impressive distance numbers whilst coupling in pleasing levels of forgiveness. Importantly, this feels like a premium driver thanks to the premium-feeling feedback from the strike. It also looks the part thanks to the carbon-fibre style top and a tiny gold TaylorMade logo is a nice touch to help correctly line yourself and clubhead up before unleashing a drive down the middle.

The overall swing weight might take some getting used to as it's a little different to other drivers, but you'll feel at home with this driver in your hands within a few rounds at worst.

How We Test

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. In 2026 this entire process has been revitalized with our new Performance Lab and Golf Monthly Review YouTube channel. This testing area is powered by Foresight Sports and equipped with one of the best launch monitors in the game in the GC3 as well as the impressive Sim-In-A-Box simulator and FSX Pro software, will leave no stone unturned. This area allows us to analyze new clubs in a controlled environment, enhancing the accuracy of our findings. Of course this is especially important for drivers in which data plays a key role.

Golf Monthly Unveils New Performance Lab And Reviews YouTube Channel

(Image credit: Future)

This Lab also includes numerous golf club measuring equipment devices to ensure fair testing and monitoring of the specs that come through to us. All of the elements in this new Performance Lab will allow us to give you better buying advice through accuracy and honesty.

Specifically in driver testing, it is overseen by PGA Professional Joe Ferguson, a writer with years of experience testing golf equipment. The women's models above were also tested by Women's Golf Editor Alison Root, someone who has tested golf equipment for many years as well.

Photo of Joe Ferguson testing the Qi10 standard model

(Image credit: Future)

Outdoor testing is the next port of call, as conditions outside will be a lot different to the perfect set up you can produce indoors. 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, especially one that can help with your slice. Hopefully answering these questions will narrow your search down slightly and make comparing between various models much easier.

When purchasing a new big stick, it is crucial to ask yourself just what you need from it. Is distance your main priority or are you looking for something to help you find more fairways? We'd always recommend a custom fitting with a PGA Pro but if you know what you're looking for you can make an informed decision.

You also need to think about factors like feel, sound and looks as well because if a driver falls down for you in any of those facets, you are compromising when you don't have to. For more driver buying advice, check out our best drivers for beginners, and best drivers for mid handicappers.

FAQs

Which TaylorMade driver is most forgiving?

In the current range the TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD is the most forgiving driver. In the previous Stealth range either the standard Stealth or HD secured this title.

Is a 10.5 degree driver more forgiving?

It depends what loft you're comparing it to. Normally, the more loft on the driver the more forgiving it is. Most of the best TaylorMade drivers are available in a 12 degree head if you want maximum forgiveness. They are all also full adjustable for loft, so you can tweak the loft if you need.

What TaylorMade driver does Rory McIlroy use?

McIlroy currently uses a TaylorMade Qi10 driver having previously dabbled with the Qi35 LS model. It appears he switches reasonably regularly at the moment.

Joe Ferguson
Staff Writer

Joe has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles. After a successful amateur career being involved in England squads at every age group, Joe completed his PGA degree qualification in 2014 as one of the top ten graduates in his training year and subsequently went on to become Head PGA Professional at Ryder Cup venue The Celtic Manor Resort. Equipment has always been a huge passion of Joe’s, and during his time at Celtic Manor, he headed up the National Fitting Centres for both Titleist and Taylormade. He’s excited to bring his knowledge of hardware to Golf Monthly in the form of equipment reviews and buying advice.

Joe lives in North Devon and still plays sporadically on the PGA West region circuit. His best round in recent years came earlier in 2023 where he managed a 9 under par 63 at Trevose GC in a Devon & Cornwall PGA Tournament.

Joe's current What's In The Bag?

Driver: Switch between TaylorMade Qi35 and Callaway Elyte TD - both with Fujikura Ventus Black 6-X

Fairway wood 1: TaylorMade BRNR Copper Mini Driver - Fujikura Ventus Black 7-X

Fairway wood 2: Callaway Apex UW 17˚- Fujikura Ventus Black 9-X

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB 3-PW with Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts

Wedges: Callaway Opus 50, 54, and 60 degrees - Project X LS 6.0 shafts

Putter: LAB Golf Oz.1 (zero shaft lean)

Ball: TaylorMade 2024 TP5x

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 60R

Bag: Vessel Player IV Pro DXR Stand

With contributions from