Edited by: Jordan Fuller
Reviewed by: John MarshallLast Update:
There is nothing like crushing a golf ball down the center of a fairway with a driver. Yes, the entire hole can go wrong after that jaw-dropping drive.
For mid and low handicappers, playing with the right driver can be the difference between attempting five birdies putts per round to upwards of a dozen with an additional ten to fifteen yards of distance.
The best drivers to buy in 2020 all share a similarity in innovative design and raw strength. Many on the list carry adjustable features that allow you to dial-in the perfect combination of loft and shot shape for drives.
Featured Recommendations
Last updated on 2020-09-24. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Table of Contents
- Featured Recommendations
- 8 Best Golf Drivers In 2020
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
- What should beginning golfers look for in a 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?
- What should beginning golfers look for in a driver?
8 Best Golf Drivers In 2020
Callaway Epic Flash Driver
Best Overall: Exceptional Distance, Accuracy and Forgiveness
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PROS
- Flash Face Technology increases swing 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 that will have you sitting with the checkered flag at the end of your next round.
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Outlined in black and neon green, the Epic Flash boasts a crown that is aerodynamic and cuts a profile that increases swing speed. The well-balanced clubhead 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 clubface, stiffening the head for more stability and strength.
Beginning drivers should stay away from the Epic Flash as the quality and price of the club is far too great for their skill level. This driver is definitely one to aspire to play one day if you find yourself in this group, but early in your golfing journey is just not the right time.
With a slew of dazzling features, the Callaway Epic Flash Driver is a one of a kind club that produces jaw dropping distance, pinpoint accuracy and the forgiveness of a nine-iron. It is a driver that is very reliable and should serve you well for several years.
Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver
Most Versatile: Outstanding Distance with Maximum Control
PROS
- Low center of gravity in the streamlined clubhead makes F9 one of the fastest drivers 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 clubs on the best drivers to buy list is the very underrated Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver.
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For the past several years, Cobra has upped their driver creations, joining the likes of TaylorMade and Callaway, as one of the best equipment manufacturers in the game. And 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 club features an adjustable hosel that gives the golfer the opportunity to alter their loft by one degree in either direction plus either raise or lower the RPM of their drives for more or less height off the tee box.
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. With the simple twist of the included wrench the weights can change position and create a workable draw or fade in seconds.
A driver that should not be overlooked by golfers that want more distance and control from their #1 wood, the Cobra King F9 Speedback Driver is an exceptional club to improve your overall game.
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 making it primarily a great driver for beginning golfers
The TaylorMade RBZ Driver boasts a thunderously powerful 460cc Titanium clubhead, 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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Tailored for golfers who need dependability on the course more than fancy features, the RBZ utilizes the adjustable loft sleeve to help increase launch angle for more distance for the beginning golfer.
Another feature worth noting is the ultralight core that is positioned in the rear of the clubhead to lower the center of gravity for golfers who need more help in getting the ball off the ground. A big reason why this driver is ideal for inexperienced golfers is because it performs incredibly well at lifting the golf ball off the tee.
The 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 certainly lacks flashy features and while that may knock low handicappers from the list of potential buyers, for beginning golfers and mid handicappers that find themselves far from posting scores in the 70s, the TaylorMade RBZ is a well-built driver that will perform admirably on the links.
TaylorMade M6 Driver
Runner up: Outstanding Distance Driver for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- The clubhead has been injected with a resin that 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 and maximum forgiveness
CONS
- The driver does not have adjustable weighting to help the golfer craft more delicate shots
From the good folks at TaylorMade, the M6 is a powerhouse, generating magnificent performance through a combination of dazzling distance and amazing forgiveness. This driver has been designed to force every piece of material that creates the clubhead to work in unison to put the golf ball down the fairway with spirit and enthusiasm.
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Features worth noting on the M6 include the Twist Face Technology and the Hammerhead slot. Both features work to improve forgiveness on off-center strikes while increasing distance and reducing that ugly side spin that leads to slices.
The Speed Injected clubface works with the Twist Face Technology to enhance clubhead speed while centering the club through the impact zone for crisper contact and better accuracy. You can rest assured that this club will give you the best chance at increasing your distance off the tee.
The adjustable loft sleeve works well when you need to decrease loft to fight the wind, but the lack of moveable weighting along the sole of the club was disappointing.
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 but keeps the weighting centered, 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. With Pinemeadow, the golfer can expect an affordable price point with the understanding that they may not be getting top of the line manufacturing.
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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. We can’t really suggest this driver for any golfers, other than those who need considerable help with their slice.
But those warnings aside, for around the price of a green fee, you can have a driver that will definitely help correct those errant shots to the right side of the golf course. The feel of the club is a little hollow, something that our testers noted with a bit of disappointment, but the performance of the club received solid praise from our group of beginning golfers.
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 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 the swing speed 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 as 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 that lowers the center of gravity and increases the launch trajectory while boosting forgiveness.
Even though the weights are interchangable, we did miss the ability to play around with the club’s weight distribution for differing shot shape. If you are an experienced golfer, the F8 may fall a bit short in your estimation if you are looking for total control of the shotmaking capability of the club, but that does not mean the driver is a disappointment.
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 where it should be and that’s in the fairway. Great for the mid handicapper who wants an upgrade at driver with several worthwhile adjustable features, the Cobra King F8 Driver is well worth the look.
TaylorMade M5 Driver
Outstanding Adjustable Features Driver for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Does incredible job at maximizing 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
On occasion, a club comes across our view that provides our testers with a truly transcendent experience and the TaylorMade M5 created that kind of excitement among our group with a host of features that make this club 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. The weighting track system takes two weights and allows the golfer to move them to adjust forgiveness as well as shot shape.
Powering the 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. With the newly designed face, the M5 produces more clubhead speed for outrageously long distance.
Perhaps the M5 isn’t as fast as some of the latest drivers, but the adjustability of the club continues to be unmatched and one of the big reasons why professional golfers still reach for the playability of this driver.
Great for low handicappers, the M5 does not discriminate, providing unbelievable performance 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 balanced driver 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. The driver has been redesigned to reduce weight in the clubhead for faster swing speed and more distance.
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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. Our testers were knocked out by the distance and solid feel that the M2 produces on drive after drive. At impact, the M2 produces a magnificent response, immediately assuring the golfer if their swing created magic down the fairway.
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 clubface for better control of the shot height. The loft sleeve does give the golfer 12 different settings to choose from to help the weekend warrior find the right combination for their weekend round.
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 from this club, the M2 is a dynamically well-made piece of golfing equipment.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria #1: 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 play around on the range and work hard at learning how to shape their drives, the adjustable features of a first-class driver can give the golfer enormous power.
Although golfers can adjust a driver to the layout of each hole, it is best to find out what a driver can do on the range before you unleash it on the course. During our testing, we put each driver through a variety of combinations utilizing the adjustable features to see the vast potential of the club.
Criteria #2: 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. Design is not just the color and shape of the clubhead but also embodies the spirit and style of the driver.
What golfers need to achieve with the design of the driver is clean colors, a contrast to the golf ball, and an appearance that gives them the resolution to hit the golf ball exceptionally far off the tee box.
The design of a driver also encompasses essential details such as adjustable features, feel, and response, all important factors in helping the golfer get the golf ball as far down the fairway as possible.
Criteria #3: Forgiveness
The forgiveness of the driver is typically measured by the performance of the perimeter weighting of the clubhead. 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 clubface, 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 due to the exceptional design and the architecture of the club.
Criteria #4: 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. A golfer rarely talks about how the driver feels in their backswing and downswing, but it is vital to note golfers need to feel connected to their driver to gain a sense of confidence.
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.
Criteria #5: Balance
The balance of the driver is significant because if the club 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. While most manufacturers have done admirably at creating drivers that certainly appear even at first glance, it is wise to test the club for the ultimate judgment of how the club performs in relation to balance.
Questions & Answers
What should beginning golfers look for in a driver?
Beginning golfers should look for several specific elements in a driver. Since most beginners will have trouble hitting a driver cleanly, they need all the help they can get from their equipment. So, it is important 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 saw professional golfers using 9.5 degrees of loft, when in actuality, they need around 12 degrees 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.
Why are adjustable features so important in a driver for mid and low handicappers?
Adjustable features in a driver are so important for mid and low handicappers because it allows them to take the next step in their game. With adjustable features, the golfer can alter such things as the loft at the hosel, the weight distribution of the club head, and the shape of their drives.
For advanced golfers, having the ability to hit shots that will gently fade or draw provides them better control and accuracy. Since every golfer comes to the course with a different swing, it is such an advantage to have a driver that can adjust to the golfer. Having the ability to correct slight swing flaws on the course in real time is one of the biggest reasons why advanced golfers should play with a driver that has adjustable features.
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. Most golfers do not know that they can get their driver altered after the point-of-purchase, but they can easily bring the club to a professional fitter either at a local country club or a superstore.
Once they turn the driver over, the pro can adjust features of the club such as loft or alter the length of the shaft to help the golfer find the perfect settings for their driver. Another great aspect of being fitted after the purchase 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?
Yes, with the help of a professional fitter, all golfers should pay attention to the length of the driver shaft. It is a common misnomer that longer shafts in drivers equate to more distance or better accuracy.
With the standard driver shaft measuring around 45 inches in length, golfers with poor fundamentals can find themselves creating more problems with their swing due to a longer driver.
Professional golfers that play with shorter shafts in their drivers that measure around 43 to 43.5 inches because it allows them to get to the ball faster and with less movement of the body. Shorter shafts generate more swing speed for the professional golfer while increasing their ability to get the driver back to square at impact. This reasoning is why the amateur should pay attention to the length of their driver’s shaft because it could potentially help improve the quality of their contact and accuracy of their drives.
Is getting a 460cc Driver important for a golfer?
Although it is not absolutely necessary to have a driver with a 460cc volume clubhead, for advanced golfers it is vital to play with the maximum sized driver to boost distance and accuracy. So while it is highly recommended for this level of golfer, the same is not true for inexperienced golfers
For these beginning golfers, playing with a smaller 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 clubface, so they will have more forgiveness and have a larger sweet spot, but that doesn’t mean all golfers should immediately jump to that level if they are not ready.