Most Forgiving Drivers 2024

Looking for a driver that will offer forgiveness on off-centre strikes? Here, we take a look at the best currently on the market

A selection of the most forgiving golf drivers in a grid-like system
(Image credit: Future)

A driver is arguably the most important golf club in the bag, as it's crucial that you get the ball in play off the tee to secure the best score possible. Put it this way, you don't want to be hacking out from the rough or bunker, do you? However, not even the professionals find the centre of the clubface every single time so, in the case of the amateur, weekend golfer, it's imperative that you find a driver that will offer forgiveness. This means finding a driver which will still provide distance and accuracy, even when the centre of the face hasn't been struck. Thankfully, in this day and age, the best golf drivers are much more user friendly than those of five years ago. But, there's a slight issue that arises here due to amount of drivers available from different manufacturers. 

Obviously, a custom fitting will help greatly, because it can provide a greater insight into how each driver works and which one is better suited for you. However, in this guide, we are interested in what models are the most forgiving and, after testing each and every one of them, we have picked out our favorites below for you to check over.

However, if it's not forgiveness you are after, and you want a driver which will help in other ways, then why not check out our guides on the best golf drivers for distance, best golf drivers for slicers, or even the best golf drivers for slow swing speeds.

The Quick List

Most Forgiving Drivers

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Most forgiving

The sole of the Ping G430 Max 10K Driver on a green background


(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Multiple options
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional stability and forgiveness
+
Very tight dispersion
+
Powerful feel and ball speed

Reasons to avoid

-
The stretched out footprint may not appeal to all

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!

Best for draws

Photo of the Cobra Darkspeed Max Driver


(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shafts: 2 Options (Project X HZRDUS Red CB, UST LIN-Q M40X Red 5)
Left Handed Option: Yes, in 10.5° and 12°(Custom Only)

Reasons to buy

+
Seriously difficult to slice
+
Exceptional looks
+
Strong ball speed

Reasons to avoid

-
Head shape not as refined as the other two models in the range

Undoubtedly one of the best drivers for slicers money can buy, the Darkspeed stands out for its ability to draw the ball with ease. The real standout was how we found it impossible to miss to the right, with the back and heel weighting making the draw bias flight easy to manipulate. 

In the forgiving aspect, the Max is the most user-friendly driver in the Darkspeed range and a great performer all-round. When not struck out the middle, the feedback was noticeable but, as is the case with the most forgiving drivers, the drop in ball speed was minimal with dispersion remaining tight.

Aesthetically, you wouldn't know that this is a draw bias driver, with the club square at address. Along with the set-up, the all-black matte look is very classy and the tiny accent dashes in red only heighten the shelf appeal. Overall, the simple looks with forgiveness make it an appealing option to all.

Best wide appeal

Photo of Taylormade Qi10 Max Driver


(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shafts: 2 options (Fujikura Speeder NX TCS 50 & Mitsubishi Diamana T+ 60)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Massively stable at impact
+
Very easy to launch
+
New head shape is excellent

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as draw biased as some in this category

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.

Has it worked? Well, the Qi10 is unbelievably forgiving on off-centre strikes, with the ball speed not dropping and the flight remaining consistent. All in all, we felt it flattered the poor shots, as the 10k MOI worked its magic and kept dispersion tight when the strike wasn't there.

Where the Max, and the Qi10 range, also stand out is in the looks department. TaylorMade have moved away from the red we saw in the Stealth and Stealth 2, with the brand opting for a more modest clean, dark navy face. What's more, the Qi10 has been stretched out by 8mm which, although may not sound like much, creates a very confidence-inspiring look which, when combined with the forgiveness on offer, gives it a very wide appeal.

Best adjustable

Photo of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D Driver


(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: 2 options (MCA Tensei Blue, Project X Cypher)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
New color looks great
+
Incredibly easy to launch
+
Sound and feel is superb

Reasons to avoid

-
Mainly only aesthetic improvements from predecessor

The new Paradym Ai Smoke range features numerous different heads, with the most forgiving model being the Max D. Like the Paradym X in 2023, the Max D is designed to be the easiest to launch, thanks to high MOI, as well as the draw bias option of the choices available.

Everything about this club screams confidence-inspiring. For example, Callaway have introduced a new light grey body that works superbly with the dark grey top edge. Like other models on this list, Callaway's engineers have stretched out the head so that it sits and looks really good at address.

Performance-wise, the tag line of the range is ‘Sweeter From Every Spot', so you would assume that the forgiveness is noticeable. Well, we are happy to report exactly that, as the new Ai face, which essentially creates more sweet spots across the face, has produced a driver that easily gets the ball off the ground. What's more, the forgiveness is off the charts, with our tester's ball speed dropping by only 3mph on some extremely questionable strikes.

Best traditional style

The Titleist TSR2 Driver


(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts : 8°, 9°, 10° & 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shafts: HZRDUS RED CB, Tensei AV Blue With Xlink Tech, HZRDUS Black 4G, Tensei 1K Black, Premium Tour AD UB, Premium Tour AD DI, Premium Tour AD IZ
Left Handed Options: Yes, available in 9°, 10° & 11°

Reasons to buy

+
Impressively long
+
Consistent flight and distance
+
Aspirational aesthetics are classic and confidence-inspiring

Reasons to avoid

-
Not a huge upgrade over the previous generation

The Titleist TSR2 performs superbly in a number of key areas, but it's the consistency and forgiveness where you will see the big difference, with it ranked as one of the best Titleist drivers out there. 

Many golfers will see a jump in speed but, with the TSR2 in particular, it was the all- round playability of the head that impressed us most. During our testing, off-centre strikes were more-or-less keeping up with clean impacts, as the aerodynamic design and forgiveness shone through.

It's the combination of user-friendly playability and classic, aspirational looks that really makes this one of the most forgiving drivers out there. The TSR2 might come with a promise of extra distance, but it is the overall benefit of greater consistency that make the biggest difference.

Best for feel

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver Review


(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Aldila Ascent Red 50
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in 9°

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful feel at impact
+
Impressive consistent playability
+
Classic head shape

Reasons to avoid

-
May not suit low spin players after a more compact shape

Mizuno are perhaps known more for producing some of the best golf irons on the market, but their offering of woods are certainly up there with some of the best manufacturers. This new ST-Z 230 is a case in point as it offers an excellent all round performance, especially forgiveness.

In our testing, it produced more distance than its other model, the ST-X 230, but also produced more spin. What really stood out though, was the playability of the new ST-Z model. When we didn’t quite catch it, the spin rates went up slightly - but not by much. What’s the significance of this? To us, low spin miss-hits are more troublesome and we were pleased to see this driver maintain its flight even when struck poorly.

Best for looks

Srixon ZX5 Driver MK II


(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9° & 10.5°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX 50 (Multiple options available)
Left Handed Option: Yes, available in all lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Simple design belies tech in head
+
Sounds better than pervious model

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited weight adjustability

For 2023, Srixon has released the the ZX5 MK II, ZX5 MK II LS and the ZX7 MK II, with the ZX5 Mk II our choice for this guide. Compared to its predecessor, the Srixon ZX5, the Mk II version has an all-titanium head construction instead of a carbon crown. This thin titanium crown is placed above a Star Frame structure and features three ribs criss-crossing on the inside to provide greater rigidity between the face, sides and rear of the head.

In our testing, we felt it was one of the easiest drivers to launch in the air and, this is thanks, in part, to the weight that is saved by the crown being repositioned to improve the launch. Also, we thought that the slight draw bias in the head shape was subtle enough to keep shots pretty straight.

Aesthetically, it features a more stripped-back look, with a dark grey color being used on the crown, something which is far more restrained than other drivers on this list. What's also more restrained is the feel off the face, which we felt was very good during our extensive testing.

Best budget

Cleveland Launcher XL Driver outdoors, Cleveland Launcher XL Driver lying on ground


(Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Lofts: 9°, 10.5° & 12°
Adjustable Hosel: Yes
Stock Shaft : Project X Cypher 50
Left Handed Option: Yes, in all available lofts

Reasons to buy

+
Very generous head size inspires confidence 
+
Modern, premium finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite high pitched through impact

The Cleveland Launcher XL successfully replaces the popular Launcher HB model that was released in 2020. Aimed at mid to higher handicap golfers, the Launcher XL benefits from a larger driver head and an incredibly confidence-inspiring look at address. 

Performance-wise, the Launcher XL gave solid carry distance on an easy swing. For the wide range of players this driver is aimed at, the spin rates created with this driver will help keep the ball in the air and provide good carry distance, something which all the forgiving drivers listed have in common.

The last thing to note is how inviting the Launcher XL looks at address. From front to back, it looks enormous and, paired with the matte black crown, it really shows off the loft when at address. We thought that it was very confidence-inspiring, which will help players commit to various tee shots.

Why A Forgiving Driver?

So what exactly are the benefits of a forgiving driver? Well, the main thing is forgiving drivers usually have larger heads and have been specifically designed to help players maintain a degree of distance and accuracy despite being inaccurate and possibly inconsistent when it comes to strike. 

They allow players to optimize as much distance as possible which then allows players to hit shorter clubs on their next shots which often leads to better scores. All the above models have been designed to do this by limiting the effect of mishits on ball speed, and reducing curvature through the air so the ball can stay within the confines of the fairway for longer. 

How we test the most forgiving drivers

The first thing we should mention is our overall testing ethos at Golf Monthly which is to put all products through a rigorous testing procedure to give you crucial insights into how they perform, how they compare to their predecessors and where they stack up in relation to the competition.

As such, we regularly attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology. Then, the first port of call to test golf clubs is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor.

We then do outdoor testing mainly at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with excellent practice facilities. Getting more specific, our equipment specialists have hit most drivers out on the market, in testing, practice and competition play, and deduced the above models are the most forgiving models out right now.

How to choose a 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. 

When purchasing a new big stick, it is crucial to ask yourself just what you need from it. 

Size

Forgiving drivers tend to be slightly larger than other models for the basic reason of giving them a larger clubface and larger footprint.

When hitting, try and take note of where you are striking the golf ball with the face of the club and see if there is any performance drops. Many forgiving drivers these days are designed to perform regardless of where you strike them off the face and you being able to see and understand that in person will help you be more confident with one model over another.

The other thing to acknowledge when looking at the size is also the looks. It is important you get a driver that suits your eye especially when it is down behind the golf ball. If it is too big, that may put you off, but if it is too small this may dampen confidence. Finding the right balance is key. You also need to make sure you like the shape too because some drivers have a more rounded look, or more pear-shaped. Some also have a draw-bias too.

Draw-biased?

Speaking of draw bias, if you are a slicer of the golf ball then a forgiving, draw-biased driver could be the way to go to eradicate the big slices.

Weight

Weight has become a big factor when it comes to forgiving drivers, with most brands making models that have a weight towards the back of the head to aid forgiveness and launch. When it comes to whether you want a forgiving driver, it is worth acknowledging whether this is important to you because if not then manufacturers usually make a model without a weight there.

Adjustability

Often this weight is moveable too and adjustability has become a huge part of modern golf. Being able to tinker and change loft, lie, and many other factors, has become all the rage and if you like to try new things then plenty of the models above, like the Titleist TSi2, will cater to that. However if that doesn't interest you one bit, there are also models which keep things more simple, like the Ping G425 Max.

Shaft

Some shafts have been designed to help players get as much distance as possible so it is worth thinking about which models will help you achieve those extra yards. Also check out our guide on the best driver shafts too.

Price

Price is obviously an important factor and thankfully there are lots of drivers coming in at different price points. This means you can go down the premium route if you want, but there is good value to be had too.

Therefore it is about working out what you want to pay, what you can afford, and to some extent, which brand you want. Some people remain loyal to the same brand for a long time because they have had performance gains in the past, and as such this could mean paying slightly more, or slightly less on a certain model.

FAQs

What driver is the most forgiving?

This is a tricky question to answer definitively because there are many brands that make models that offer premium forgiveness. For example the Ping G430 Max 10K, TaylorMade Qi10 Max, Cobra Darkspeed Max and Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D are just four models that deliver forgiveness but then there are drivers from brands like Titleist, Wilson, Mizuno and Cleveland that compete too. Our specific guide on the most forgiving drivers gives a significant list of the best models. 

What does most forgiving driver mean?

When we talk about forgiveness in golf we are talking about clubs that, through technology and design features, help players hit the ball further and straighter, despite the contact not being good or consistent. A forgiving driver is designed to help players maintain a degree of distance and accuracy despite being inaccurate and possibly inconsistent when it comes to strike. 

What is MOI?

MOI stands for Moment Of Inertia. It is a measurement to show how much resistance a clubhead has to twisting. The higher the MOI, the more resistance it has to twisting on the strike. Higher handicap golfers, or golfers who struggle to strike their driver consistency, should opt for a driver with more MOI and therefore more forgiveness. 

What is the best driver for high handicappers?

All of the drivers in this guide will suit high handicap golfer as they have high MOI, large heads and perimeter weighting that will make it easy to launch. Check out our full guide on best high handicap drivers for a more in-depth look. 

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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: Ping G430 Max 10K 9 degree - Fujikura Ventus Red 6X 45.75"

Fairway wood: TaylorMade M2 Tour 2017, 13.5° - Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro White shaft 70TX

Irons: Callaway Apex CB 24'  3-11 - Project X LS 6.5 shafts

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 54 and 60 degree - Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts

Putter: Odyssey Toe Up #9

Ball: TaylorMade 2024 TP5x 

With contributions from