Edited by: Jordan Fuller
Reviewed by: John MarshallLast Update:
The Rundown:
Best Overall: Callaway Epic Flash Driver
“With Flash Face Technology, Jailbreak Technology, and adjustable weights, the Callaway Epic Flash Driver has dazzling features that make it worthy of being the best golf driver on the market.”
Most Versatile: Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver
“The Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver allows mid and low handicappers to alter the center of gravity and adjust the loft of the driver making it one of the most underrated drivers today.”
Runner-Up Choice: TaylorMade M6 Driver
“Featuring the Twist Face Technology and the Hammerhead slot, the TaylorMade M6 Driver has more improved forgiveness on off-center strikes. Not only that but its adjustable loft sleeve should be enough for you to add it to the top of your list.“
For mid and low handicappers, playing with one of the best drivers can be the difference between attempting five birdies putts per round to upwards of a dozen. All golf coaches agree that more distance means lower scores.
The best drivers to buy in 2021 all share a similarity in innovative design and raw strength and are well worth your time and consideration if you want to get better off the tee box.
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2021-01-18. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown:
- Featured Recommendations
- 11 Best Golf Drivers In 2021
- Best Golf Drivers Buying Guide
- Questions & Answers
- What should beginning golfers look for in the best driver?
- Why are adjustable features so important in a driver for mid and low handicappers?
- Can I get my driver fitted after I have purchased the club?
- Should I pay attention to the length of the driver’s shaft?
- Is getting a 460cc Driver important for a golfer?
- How much more distance can I expect from a ten-year-old driver?
- I play a new driver, how much forgiveness should I expect?
- Between standard and low-spin model drivers, which one is better?
- For my swing, how do I choose the right driver shaft?
- Is it harder to hit new smaller head drivers?
- What should beginning golfers look for in the best driver?
11 Best Golf Drivers In 2021
Callaway Epic Flash Driver
Best Overall: Exceptional Distance, Accuracy and Forgiveness
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PROS
- Flash Face Technology increases ball speed for more distance
- Jailbreak Technology gives golfer two solid internal bars to help with stability and increased distance
- Weighting is adjustable and allows golfers to easily create subtleties in their swing
CONS
- This is an expensive driver that is not ideal for beginning or inexperienced golfers
Our pick for the best all-around driver for low and mid handicappers is the Callaway Epic Flash Driver. With an tri-level adjustable loft sleeve, a sliding rear weight in the sole and the patented Jailbreak Technology, the Epic Flash is a racecar off the tee box.
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The Epic Flash boasts a crown that is aerodynamic and cuts a profile that increases ball speed. The well-balanced club head promotes improved forgiveness and additional distance.
The best feature of the driver is the Jailbreak Technology feature. Two internal bars sit directly behind the sweet spot of the club face, stiffening the club head for more stability and strength.
With a slew of dazzling features, the Callaway Epic Flash Driver is worthy of the best driver distinction.
Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver
Most Versatile: Outstanding Distance with Maximum Control
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PROS
- Low center of gravity in the club head makes F9 one of the fastest & best ones on the market
- Low profile of the driver helps with higher shots off the tee box
- The precision milled face creates a fast surface for more distance
CONS
- Although the rear weight is welcome, would much prefer sliding weights
One of the more sleek and sharp club head on our best drivers to buy list is on the very underrated Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver.
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With the F9 Speedback, the company has made a versatile club that allows mid and low handicappers the ability to adjust the loft and alter the center of gravity for maximum control over the height of their drives.
The adjustable weighting provides the golfer with several options that can help create the ideal shot height and shape they are looking for from their game.
A driver that should not be overlooked by golfers that want more distance and control from the best driver in their bag, the Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver is an exceptional club to improve your overall game.
TaylorMade M6 Driver
Best Golf Driver Runner up: Outstanding Distance Driver for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- The club head produces more speed across the entire body of the club
- Twist Face Technology reduces side spin and delivers straighter shots
- Patented Hammerhead Slot creates a larger sweet spot with maximum forgiveness
CONS
- The driver lacks adjustable weighting to help the golfer craft more delicate shots
The TaylorMade M6, ranking historically high among the golf drivers we tested, is designed to extend ball flight with power.
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Features worth noting on the M6 include the Twist Face Technology and the Hammerhead slot. Both features improve forgiveness on off-center strikes while reducing that ugly side spin that leads to slices.
The Speed Injected club face works with the Twist Face Technology to enhance club speed while centering the club through the impact zone for crisper contact and better accuracy.
Although it’s a real shame that the M6 doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the M5, if you are in the market for a stationary driver that has an adjustable loft sleeve, then this driver should definitely be at the top of your list.
PGX Offset Driver
Most Affordable: Solid Budget Driver for Beginning Golfers With a Slice
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PROS
- Affordable budget that helps inexperience and beginning golfers with the slices
- Offset helps with clear view of golf ball for better alignment
- Matte black finish promotes a clean and sharp look to instill confidence in beginning golfer
CONS
- Explicitly made for beginning golfer suffering from too many slices off tee box
The PGX Offset Driver isn’t for every golfer. The club is geared toward a narrow, yet large, population of golfers who are having considerable trouble keeping the ball in the fairway.
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As a result of this cheaper process, the results a golfer can expect from the PGX Offset are limited. Golfers needing help with their slice will get it here, but don’t expect a bump in distance with this heavy club head.
But those warnings aside, for around the price of a green fee, you can have a driver honoree that will definitely help correct those errant shots.
Made to help inexperienced golfers get the ball into the fairway so they can enjoy the great game of golf with more enthusiasm, the PGX Offset Driver is a very solid club.
Cobra King F8 Driver
Innovative Driver With Exceptional Distance for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Precision milled face creates one of the longer & best drivers that we’ve tested in recent memory
- Two interchangeable weights provide a lower center of gravity and exceptional shot shaping ability
- Adjustable loft sleeve helps with increasing launch angle and maximizing distance
CONS
- The weights cannot slide, so advanced golfers are unable to dial-in their ideal shot shape
Featuring an easy-to-use adjustable loft sleeve and interchangeable weights, the Cobra King F8 Driver is a versatile racehorse that dials up swing speeds and creates staggering distance.
The all-black driver cuts an imposing figure on the tee box and it has the muscle to back it up. The club features a razor-thin milled face that is very hot and generates dazzling ball speed.
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Another feature worth noting include a carbon fiber crown club head that lowers the center of gravity and increases the launch trajectory while boosting forgiveness.
With one of the best milled faces we’ve ever seen on a driver, the F8 reduces side spin, enhances accuracy, and keeps the ball in the fairway.
TaylorMade M5 Driver
Outstanding Adjustable Features Driver for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Does incredible job at maximizing ball speed and distance
- The adjustable weighting system helps reduce side spin and increase launch angle
- The Hammerhead Slot works with Twist Face Technology to make larger sweet spot and assist with forgiveness
CONS
- Not much to hate with this driver, although it isn’t as fast as newer models
The TaylorMade M5 created excitement among our group of testers with a host of features that make it one of the most capable drivers we’ve ever seen.
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Starting with the Inverse T-Track, the M5 comes to play with a unique and wildly innovative collection of bells and whistles that certainly impress, but also create unbelievable performance.
Powering this driver is the speed injected Twist Face Technology that the company has created to give the M5 one of the hottest faces in recent memory.
Great for low handicappers, the M5’s club head does not discriminate, providing unbelievable ball speed and wonderfully long distance.
TaylorMade M2 Driver
Best Balanced Driver for Mid and Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Excellent balance with a strong titanium body that helps provide higher launch
- Speed Pocket increases forgiveness and reduces spin for longer, straighter drives
- Increased distance makes this driver ideal for mid-handicapper hoping to improve off tee
CONS
- Does not have adjustable sliding weights, so it cannot create different shot shapes
Easily the winner for the best driver when it comes to balance on this list, the TaylorMade M2 is a timeless classic that works for any level of golfer, providing a clean look with top-notch performance.
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A lower center of gravity is anchored by the rear weight that acts as a hammer to the golf ball at impact and help maintain its ball speed. Our testers were knocked out by the distance and solid feel the M2 produces.
Even though the weight is not able to slide to provide more customization, the M2 does feature an adjustable loft sleeve that increases or reduces the loft of the club face for better control of the shot height.
A solid worker that is so well balanced that the club works for any skill level. Although mid and low handicappers are poised to benefit the most, the M2 is a dynamically well-made piece of golfing equipment.
TaylorMade RBZ Driver
Best Budget Option: Durable with Excellent Distance and Strength
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PROS
- Solidly build with adjustable loft sleeve that gives more height for beginning golfers
- Speed Pocket technology provides exceptional distance and more strength for weaker golfers
- Satin black finish provides excellent contrast for better look at golf ball and improved alignment
CONS
- Does not have adjustable weighting
The TaylorMade RBZ Driver boasts a thunderously powerful 460cc Titanium club head, a low center of gravity for high, long drives, and a sleek satin black finish that certainly gives the club a sense of style.
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The RBZ utilizes the adjustable loft sleeve to help increase launch angle for more distance for the beginning golfer.
This best golf driver is powered by the company’s patented Speed Pocket technology that boosts launch angle and reduces spin for better forgiveness and accuracy when you are facing a tight fairway.
The club head certainly lacks flashy features but for beginning golfers and mid handicappers, the TaylorMade RBZ is a well-built driver that will perform admirably on the links.
TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver
Best Distance Option for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Revolutionary shape with Aerodynamic Asymmetric Sole for higher MOI and ball speed
- Two-degree loft sleeve provides customization to shot height for higher or lower flight
- Twist Face Technology with large sweet spot with maximum forgiveness
CONS
- Does not have adjustable weighting
The TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver is easily one of the best drivers of 2021. The driver offers golfers a wide array of inviting features including the company’s patented Twist Face Technology for boosted forgiveness, a new revolutionary aerodynamic head shape for greater club speed, and the Speed Injected face for high MOI and ball speed.
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The club also features a two-degree loft sleeve that helps raise or lower the height of drives. For golfers looking for more carry, a slight adjustment will add several yards of length to your drives through the air.
What also stands out when you hold the SIM MAX is how well-built and sturdy it feels at address. At impact, this driver delivers premium feel and a smooth, pleasing sound with dramatic distance that is sure to impress you and your playing partners.
A wonderfully capable driver that is sure to increase your ball speed and accuracy, the TaylorMade SIM MAX is a real winner for golfers of all skill levels.
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Driver
Best Fixed Hosel Option
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PROS
- Turbocharged Cup Face technology with variable face and larger impact area
- Ultralight hosel offers weight reduction that is redistributed around the head for more power
- HiBore Crown lowers the center of gravity for taller shot height for more carry
CONS
- Does not have adjustable weighting
The Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo Driver is an absolute stunner, offering a wide sole that glides through the golf ball for outstanding performance and jaw-dropping distance.
The driver features the company’s patented HiBore Crown that lowers the center of gravity to a deeper position for additional height and carry with each drive. Another highlight of this club is the Turbocharged Cup Face that increases MOI over the entire face for more ball speed and yardage.
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At address, the driver feels incredibly solid and you can actually feel the craftsmanship that goes into each Launcher HB Turbo. The company revamped the hosel to be lighter, moving more weight to the head for better balance.
One of the worst mistakes that beginning golfers can make when starting their golfing journey is adding adjustable equipment to their bag and constantly tinkering with the settings. These golfers need consistency above all else in their game. And drivers, like the Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo provide terrific quality and results with each drive.
Callaway Mavrik Driver
Best Luxury Option for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Titanium face offers incredibly strong material that increases speed and forgiveness
- Cyclone Aero shape with decreased drag for longer distance
- Internal Jailbreak bars stiffen the head for more directed power to golf ball
CONS
- Does not have adjustable weighting
If you are in the market for a luxury driver that will add yards to your drive, then the Callaway Mavrik is easily one of the best drivers to buy in 2021.
The driver features an incredibly strong titanium face with a wide, inviting sweet spot that keeps drives on target with maximum speed. The head utilizes the Jailbreak Technology, which is two stiff bars behind the center of the face, for increased power directed straight to the golf ball.
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The Cyclone Aero head also reduces drag on the downswing for maximum speed that arrives at the ball uninterrupted for incredible clubhead velocity.
Another outstanding feature of the Mavrik is the adjustable hosel that adds offset, shot height and bias to the face of the club. For golfers that like customization, the Mavrik provides it with premium quality.
A wonderfully made driver at a luxury price point, the Callaway Mavrik will not disappoint golfers looking for more distance, accuracy, and carry in their game off the tee box.
Best Golf Drivers Buying Guide
Adjustable Features
The adjustable features of the driver allow the golfer to find the right loft, hosel setting, and proper weight distribution to create the ideal drive. For golfers who love to shape their drives, the adjustable features of a first-class driver can give the golfer enormous power.
Design
The design of the driver is crucial because it instills confidence and gives the golfer a sense of direction when they’re addressing the golf ball and help to control ball speed. Design embodies the spirit and style of the driver.
The design of a driver also encompasses essential details such as adjustable features, feel, and response.
Forgiveness
When you hear golfers talk about forgiveness, this is a specific discussion about how the club corrects off-center strikes.
For example, a ball that finds the middle of the club face, commonly referred to as the sweet spot, regularly flies straight. If the ball is hit either towards the toe or the hosel, that strike is called off-center. If the driver excels with forgiveness, the ball will continue to go toward the target line despite the off-center strike.
Feel
When a golfer talks about the feel of a club, they are referring to how the driver feels from the moment it touches their hands through the moment of impact.
With a solid understanding of how the club will respond, the golfer knows what the club can and cannot do on the tee box. To trust that the ball will go in the direction they intend is a direct result of having reliance on how the club feels at all times.
Balance
The balance of the driver is significant because if the club head has too much weight pushed toward the toe or hosel, then it can become imbalanced causing the golfer to hit wicked slices or brutal duck hooks. Too much tilting in either direction increases the chances the golfer will hit a poor drive.
But a balanced driver is adept at keeping the club even through the impact zone for crisper contact and more distance.
Club head size
The typical size of a driver’s club head is measured by its volume. A standard driver has roughly 460 cubic centimeters of space in the head, and this is why most manufacturers will list this measurement as a feature of their club.
Professional golfers and low handicappers do prefer a driver with a slightly smaller size, somewhere around 450cc. The size reduction allows the golfer more control over their drives.
The oversized driver head is excellent for golfers needing more forgiveness coupled with better swing speed. Since professionals swing at incredible speeds already, they need better accuracy and control.
Club head weight
The club head weight of a driver can affect the drive’s height and the shot’s shape.
Most modern drivers offer either adjustable or stationary weighting in the club head. Adjustable weighting is more sophisticated than stationary and allows the golfer to customize their club to their specifications. Since advanced golfers want more control over the shape of their shotmaking, they prefer an adjustable weighting system in their driver.
For high handicappers and beginners, the stationary weighing provides more consistency and reliability to their game. Since these golfers struggle to recreate their best swing regularly, modern equipment can fill in the gaps. A stationary weighted driver can also reduce slices and give higher launch for better carry and more distance.
Shaft length
The standard shaft length of a driver is 45.5 inches. Equipment manufacturers typically utilize a longer driver for amateurs. They do this because there is a common belief that a longer driver equals a longer swing for more generated club speed.
A shorter driver shaft, around 43.5 inches, has gained popularity with professionals who enjoy adding swing speed with a better ability to return the clubface to square. Since professionals want to shape their shots with every club, a shorter shaft in the driver helps produce their preferred swing with maximum club head speed and outstanding control.
Club loft
The club loft of a driver provides the degree of loft the club’s face has at address. Most amateur golfers play with a loft degree that ranges from 9-12 degrees. Better stated; the lower the loft, the lower the shot height. For beginners and high handicappers, drivers starting at around 12 degrees of loft will help lift the ball in the air for more carry that equates to more distance.
If you are struggling with finding consistent ball flight on your drives, a driver with a deeper CG can dramatically improve this problem. And by the same token, if you find your game has stalled, chances are a driver with a forward, higher CG will add distance and create shorter second shots to help lower your scores.
Center of gravity
The center of gravity, also known as CG, is responsible for the launch angle of the resulting shot in a driver.
A lower, deeper center of gravity helps lift the ball quickly for better distance and carry for beginners and high handicappers. In contrast, most advanced players prefer a CG located closer to the face and higher for a lower, more piercing ball flight that reduces sidespin for improved forward roll that produces maximum distance.
Golfers having problems finding a shot shape that works best for them will find help with a new driver that offers a deeper, lower CG. This rule is especially true for high handicappers and beginners.
Questions & Answers
What should beginning golfers look for in the best driver?
It is important for beginning golfers to find a driver that is well-balanced, offers exceptional forgiveness, and has plenty of loft.
Most amateurs make the mistake of buying an ill fitting driver because they typically need around 12 degrees of loft as a starting point. The more loft the better for beginners because this feature allows them to get the ball into the air quicker for long distance and control ball speed.
Why are adjustable features so important in a driver for mid and low handicappers?
With adjustable features, the mid and low handicapper can alter such things as the loft at the hosel, the weight distribution of the club head, and the shape of their drives – all while controlling ball speed.
For advanced golfers, having the ability to hit shots that will gently fade or draw provides them better control and accuracy. Having the ability to correct slight swing flaws is one of the biggest reasons why advanced golfers should play with an adjustable features driver.
Can I get my driver fitted after I have purchased the club?
Yes, golfers can get their drivers fitted by a professional after they purchase the club. They can bring the club to a professional fitter either at a local country club or a superstore for adjustments.
Another great aspect of being fitted is that the pro can also find the right launch angle, increase the speed of your swing and examine the carry distance to get the maximum drive out for your game.
Should I pay attention to the length of the driver’s shaft?
With the standard driver shaft measuring around 45 inches in length, golfers with poor fundamentals can find themselves creating larger swing problems due to a longer driver.
Professional golfers often play with shorter shafts that measure around 43 to 43.5 inches because it allows them to get to the ball faster. Shorter shafts generate more swing speed for the professional golfer while increasing their ability to get the driver back to square at impact.
Is getting a 460cc Driver important for a golfer?
For beginning golfers, playing with a sub 460cc driver has its advantages as it allows them to play with a club with a lower profile to help the weekend warrior get under the golf ball easier and with more shot height
Bigger 460cc drivers are going to be taller and wider on the club face, so they will have more forgiveness and have a larger sweet spot and higher ball speed but that doesn’t mean all golfers should immediately jump to that level if they are not ready as these clubs are primarily for advanced golfers.
How much more distance can I expect from a ten-year-old driver?
Although it is dependent upon your swing speed, the average golfer can expect anywhere from 5-20 extra yards of distance with a new driver compared to a decade-old driver.
What new drivers provide golfers is the latest technology and innovations. When comparing these advancements compared to what manufacturers were discovering 10 years ago, players will find that new drivers offer premium performance with better feel, sound, and results.
Such features as aerodynamic head shapes, adjustable features for maximum customization, and larger sweet spots along the face for better flight and forgiveness.
The most popular drivers on the market, typically at a price point around $500, offer the biggest difference but more moderately priced new drivers offer more benefits than drivers made over 10 years ago.
I play a new driver, how much forgiveness should I expect?
You should expect a high level of forgiveness in your new driver. Most drivers created in the last year offer maximum forgiveness as a part of their selling approach to golfers. These drivers utilize the latest technological advancements to minimize shot-killing sidespin.
For new drivers, such as the TaylorMade SIM MAX series, the company’s Twist Face Technology works to redirect wayward strikes that fall off-center. Rather than send drives with loads of sidespin, the technology reduces the sidespin for straighter flight without sacrificing ball speed.
If you are a golfer struggling with accuracy, a low-spin, high forgiving driver can work wonders for your game.
Between standard and low-spin model drivers, which one is better?
Standard drivers offer the best neutral setting for golfers. For advanced players, a standard driver provides a blank canvas for crafting the shot shape and height that works best for their game.
A low-spin driver is great for golfers that are hoping to reach more fairways with their drives. Since accuracy is so important for amateur golfers, a low spin driver reduces the sidespin that plagues golfers who struggle with slicing the golf ball.
For all golfers, finding a driver that offers the most accuracy is paramount, but without reducing distance. A standard and low-spin driver provides different types of ball flight, and knowing what type of shot shape works best for your game is a must before shopping for a new driver.
For my swing, how do I choose the right driver shaft?
To find the best shaft for your new driver, you need to do a little research and homework. The first thing you need to know is your swing speed. If you have a local golf superstore or know someone with a TrackMan or golf simulator, you need to book some time to see if you can get an idea of your swing speed.
After you know your swing speed, you can now look for the correct shaft flex. A regular shaft flex is common for golfers with driver swing speed of 84-96 mph. This speed results in a drive that registers around 200-225 yards of distance.
For faster swing speeds, say 97-105+ mph, a stiff or extra stiff shaft is ideal for a golfer’s game.
After finding the right flex, it is important to research the quality of the brand of shafts that come pre-installed on your driver. Once you find the right brand and flex, then you should feel comfortable purchasing your driver.
Is it harder to hit new smaller head drivers?
Smaller head drivers are made for advanced golfers. Similar to forged irons, a smaller head driver offers more control and customization when compared to the large drivers built for golfers that need game-improvement equipment.
The smaller head drivers are definitely harder to hit for golfers that struggle with consistency. Since the drivers offer a smaller hitting area along the face, off-center strikes are highly penalized, resulting in shots with reduced distance and less accuracy.
Bigger drivers offer more launch, shot height, and carry, but less control. The goals of these drivers is to provide the most forgiveness and distance. Since advanced golfers want to place the ball in certain positions along the fairway, a driver with more control, works best for their ultimate strategy.