Best Drivers of 2024: Longest Drivers

Introduction

For golfers of all skill levels, the driver is the club that can make or break the round. A well-struck drive sets the tone for the hole, potentially leading to a birdie or a comfortable approach shot. However, mishits with the driver can result in penalty strokes and leave you scrambling for par. That’s why forgiveness is such a crucial quality in a driver, and the 2024 market offers a fantastic selection for golfers seeking both distance and accuracy. Let’s delve into six drivers that have earned their reputation as the best and most forgiving of 2024.

Table of Contents

The Applicants Include:

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D, Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, Srixon ZX7 MKII, and Titleist TSR3.

First Place: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D

Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke Max takes center stage with its innovative Ai technology. The driver boasts the Ai Smart Face, the most technologically advanced face Callaway has ever produced. This AI-designed face optimizes ball speed across the entire hitting surface, ensuring impressive distance even on off-center strikes. Additionally, the Smoke Max features a large, confidence-inspiring clubhead profile with a generous sweet spot, maximizing forgiveness on mishits. Testers have lauded the Smoke Max for its impressive forgiveness, with many reviewers noting a significant increase in forgiveness compared to previous Callaway models. The Smoke Max also delivers a pleasing sound at impact and offers a pleasing visual address behind the ball. While some golfers may prefer a more traditional look, the Smoke Max’s performance is undeniable, making it a top contender for the title of most forgiving driver in 2024.

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Read our full review of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D here.

Second Place: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond

For golfers who prioritize distance without sacrificing control, the Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond from Callaway offers the best of both worlds. The Triple Diamond utilizes the same Ai Smart Face technology as the Smoke Max, ensuring exceptional ball speed and forgiveness. However, the Triple Diamond features a smaller, more compact head design compared to the Smoke Max. This design allows for lower spin rates, resulting in a more penetrating ball flight and tighter shot dispersion. While the Triple Diamond may not be quite as forgiving on off-center hits as the Smoke Max, it offers more control for golfers with higher swing speeds who tend to generate excessive spin. Testers have consistently praised the Triple Diamond’s ability to produce long, penetrating drives, making it a great option for golfers who want to maximize distance while maintaining control off the tee.

Read our full review of the Callaway Paradym Ai Triple Diamond Driver here.

Third Place: Srixon ZX7 MKII

The Srixon ZX7 MKII strikes a perfect balance between forgiveness and workability. The ZX7 MKII features a forged and maraging steel face that delivers exceptional ball speed and responsiveness. The larger sweet spot of the MKII version compared to the previous ZX7 model provides confidence on off-center hits, while the slightly smaller head design allows for some shot shape manipulation for skilled golfers. Testers have consistently praised the ZX7 MKII for its pleasing sound and feel at impact, characteristics often missing in drivers designed for maximum forgiveness. The ZX7 MKII is a great option for mid-handicap golfers who want a driver that offers forgiveness without sacrificing the ability to shape shots.

Read our full review of the Srixon ZX7 MKII Driver here.

Fourth Place: Titleist TSR3

For golfers who struggle with excessive spin, the Titleist TSR3 offers a solution. The TSR3 is designed to reduce spin rates, resulting in a more penetrating ball flight and maximizing distance potential. Titleist’s Titleist Speed Chassis and a lightweight crown allow for more weight to be positioned low and deep in the clubhead, promoting a lower center of gravity (CG). A lower CG helps to launch the ball lower on the face, reducing spin and producing a more penetrating trajectory. While the TSR3 may not be quite as forgiving on off-center hits as some competitors, testers have been impressed by its ability to find fairways even on mishits. The TSR3 also features Titleist’s SureFit+ Technology, allowing golfers to adjust loft and lie angle to optimize launch conditions and ball flight. While the TSR3 may be a better fit for golfers with a more consistent swing, it is a fantastic option for those seeking maximum distance through lower spin.

Read our full review of the Titleist TSR3 Driver here.

Fifth Place: PING G430 LST

PING doesn’t disappoint with the G430 LST driver. The G430 LST utilizes a pear-shaped, 440cc head design that inspires confidence at address. While the LST may not be the largest head on the market, it features a strategic weight distribution that produces a high Moment of Inertia (MOI) for impressive forgiveness. Additionally, the G430 LST features PING’s signature titanium face technology, known for its durability and responsiveness. While some golfers may find the sound of the G430 LST a bit on the muted side, testers have consistently praised its feel and control at impact. The G430 LST is a great option for golfers who prefer a more traditional look and feel while still seeking the benefits of modern driver technology.

Read our full review of the PING G430 LST Driver here.

Honorable Mention: TaylorMade Qi10 Max

TaylorMade enters the ring with the Qi10 Max, a driver boasting an unmatched level of forgiveness. The Qi10 Max features TaylorMade’s highest Moment of Inertia (MOI) ever at a staggering 10,000 g/cm^2. MOI is a measurement of a club’s resistance to twisting on off-center hits. A higher MOI translates to straighter ball flight, even on mishits. Testers have been particularly impressed by the Qi10 Max’s ability to minimize slice and hook, keeping drives in play even on less than perfect swings. The Qi10 Max also features a large, confidence-inspiring clubhead with a generous sweet spot. While some reviewers have noted that the consistency and dispersion of the Qi10 Max may not be quite as strong as some competitors, its unmatched forgiveness makes it a compelling option for golfers who prioritize keeping the ball in play off the tee.

Read our full review of the TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver here.

Choosing the Right Driver for You

With so many fantastic options on the market, selecting the right driver can feel overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

Swing Speed: If you have a slower swing speed, prioritize a driver with a larger head and a generous sweet spot for maximum forgiveness. The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max and TaylorMade Qi10 Max are great options for golfers with slower swing speeds.
Spin Rate: If you struggle with excessive spin, a driver designed to lower spin like the Titleist TSR3 or PING G430 LST might be a better choice.
Workability: Highly skilled golfers who want some ability to shape shots may prefer a driver like the Srixon ZX7 MKII that offers a balance between forgiveness and workability.
Sound and Feel: While performance is paramount, some golfers prioritize a pleasing sound and feel at impact. Try out different drivers to see which one feels best for you.

Conclusion

The 2024 driver market offers a wealth of options for golfers seeking both distance and forgiveness. The six drivers highlighted above represent some of the best and most forgiving on the market. By considering your swing speed, spin rate, desired level of workability, and personal preferences, you can find the perfect driver to help you bomb drives down the fairway and lower your scores. Remember, getting fitted by a professional club fitter is the best way to ensure you find the driver that perfectly complements your swing and helps you achieve your golfing goals.

Additional Considerations

Shaft Flex: Choosing the right shaft flex is crucial for maximizing performance. A shaft that is too stiff can lead to loss of distance and accuracy, while a shaft that is too weak can cause excessive clubhead lag and loss of control.
Loft: Loft can significantly impact your launch conditions and ball flight. A higher loft will result in a higher launch and shorter distance, while a lower loft will produce a lower launch and potentially more distance. Getting fitted by a professional can help you determine the optimal loft for your swing.

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