As new golfers, you’re definitively surrounded by a variety of golf products and accessories. Amongst, the first purchase of the best drivers for beginners is always a daunting task.
But, do you have any idea of what is called golf driver?
It’s seen as the largest head of all the clubs. And it’s the most important tool that you need to use first in a game.
These top gear drivers are often the biggest and longest clubs in the set. Moreover, they are quite expensive.
That’s why learning how to avail and choose a good driver is the hardest thing for beginners or amatuer golfers.
Don’t worry too much. Since you’re here, I will help you pick the easiest driver to hit or the best one for the money or the one that is fit for your demand.
And before penetrating detailed reviews, please learn some necessary information first.
| Product | Loft | Flex | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik | 9/10/12 | Regular | Ladies | Stiff | Extra Stiff | Light | |
| TaylorMade SiM 2 Max | 9/10.5/12 | Regular | Ladies | Senior | Stiff | |
| TaylorMade SIM MAX | 9.5/10.5/12 | Regular | Senior | Stiff | Extra Stiff | |
| Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo | 9.0/10.5/12.0 | Regular | Stiff | Senior | |
| Cobra Golf 2020 Men's Speedzone Extreme | 9.0/10.5/12.0 | Regular | Senior | Stiff | Extra Stiff | |
| PGX Offset Golf | 10.5 | Regular |
Things to consider when selecting the best driver for beginners
Spending over decades, the golf drivers have changed as well as equipped with new features in technology. This makes the current one bigger but lighter and easier to swing and hit.
Head
What is head size right for new and average players? According to the US Golf Association (USGA), 460 cubic centimeters (cc) is the maximum allowable clubhead size. So, selecting the drivers with the volume between 440 and 460cc will be okay.
The big clubhead size offers the greatest range of impact that can help to enhance the power of the shot. Meanwhile, the small head chiefly gives a secure and solid swing. So, if you need more control and not involve twisting, the small size is the best.
Except for the size, the head shape is also critical. The drivers have four shapes including square, round, pear, and extended. As the beginners, the round will be your best choice because it isn’t as bulky as the square ones. Besides, they’re less likely to get caught on the turf before hitting.
How about head color? It depends on your own taste. While some prefer one color as black or white, the others need a variety of colors to choose. Therefore, manufacturers have created the drivers with colors that bring a greater contrast to a green area background.
Loft
The next factor to pick a good driver is to determine a proper loft. It’s the angle of the club head face and has an important impact on the distance, backspin, and trajectory of the ball.
The loft angles can change between 4 and 20 degrees on the drivers; however, the more commonly recognized lofts range between 8 and 14 degrees. As a new golfer, you should rely on your average swing speed to get the ideal loft angle. Remember that the lower your swing speed is, the higher loft of the driver you need.
For instance, the swing speed of an average male player is between 85 and 105. So, the best loft is between 10 and 12 degrees.
Shafts
How will shaft flex impact the driver? As a beginner, you should opt for the flexible shaft so that you can maximize the drive distance. The best thing is to start with the regular shaft flex (R). Or choose other levels such as for seniors (A), for woman (A), etc.
In case that your swing speed is above 95mph, you should consider the stiffer shafts because they will give more accuracy and control while hitting.
How about the shaft’s length? Does it affect the driver? Yes, of course. The length of the shaft depends on your height. If you’re short, don’t choose anything with a long shaft or you will find troubles while swinging. So, what will you do?
Please measure your arm’s length and examine your swinging style in order to determine the proper size. Normally, the length of the shaft is kept about 45 inches for the best result. But, in some cases, you can find out the shaft up to 48 inches.
As the newbies in this game, you should understand that most the modern drivers are lighter and longer because they will help you attain more torque and create an excellent arc. Relying on that, it’s easy to hit the ball further.
Weight
Make sure the total weight and the weight of the head of your driver is suitable for your physical strength, your golfing athletic capability, and your swinging tempo. Playing with the lightweight driver increases your percentage of off-center hits.
Materials
In terms of the material, you need to pay attention to both the head and shaft materials because they affect your driver’s performance.
When it comes to the head, there are varied materials to choose including titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, and other alloys. Although the titanium is the most expensive material, it brings the best performance for beginners. But, in case you have a tight budget and just need something to practice, it’s okay to opt for the stainless steel.
For the shaft, you should select between steel and graphite. As the beginners, the graphite is preferred since it provides a variety of flex. Meanwhile, the steel is for low handicappers because it helps them control and increases precision better.
Adjustability
Having the adjustable drivers permits you to make endless slight changes to the loft, lie, etc. But remember that the adjustable clubs often make small adjustments. Hence, you should be fitted for the clubs that are suitable for your unique swinging style before purchasing the adjustable drivers.
Budget
You must go for a more affordable driver since you are still not able to swing it. But it doesn’t mean that you choose the one with the low quality. Keep in mind to choose the high-quality and comfortable driver that helps you better the game.
So, the best way is to shop around and then compare the price in sports stores or shop online to get trustworthy reviews from the previous customers. And to help you make a right decision, allow me to introduce the top six best drivers available on the market.
Top-rated drivers for beginners on the market 2021
1. Most forgiving driver
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Driver
The Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Driver is a low-to-mid-drivers that delivers the distance and forgiveness to compete with any club in your bag. It has a sleek, modern appearance with a deep, penetrating sound that is a delight to both player and listener.
The 2020 Mavrik Driver features an ultra-thin face that is made of a revolutionary new material called FS2S (face structural steel). This material is 6 grams lighter than regular titanium yet more than 50% stronger, resulting in a thinner, faster, more forgiving clubhead.
A thin, strong crown connects the face and the sole, and is made of lightweight carbon for a higher moment of inertia (MOI), which translates to higher ball speeds and more distance.
Pros
- It feels great in your hands
- It has a very low center of gravity
- Softer feel
- Very easy to swing
Cons
- Grip came way off centered
2. Best drivers for high handicappers
The SiM 2 Max driver was engineered by TaylorMade’s R&D team with input from top professional golfers including Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, and Justin Leonard.
This driver has been completely redesigned to give you both forgiveness and distance. Go ahead, the tee box is yours. Swing away.
Forged Ring Construction is the key to unlocking consistently long distance and optimal forgiveness with SIM2 Max. Crafted from a lightweight and high strength aluminum that’s precision milled, it unites the critical components of the driver head into a singular force.
Forming a driver built for forgiveness and power, designed to give you the confidence to take on any tee shot. We’ve journeyed beyond tradition to bring you power, speed and forgiveness in a single driver.
The reconstructed SIM2 Max delivers high MOI with a heavy 24g tungsten weight positioned on the Inertia Generator. The TPS Front Weight is strategically located on the sole of the club to encourage optimal launch and spin properties, delivering complete performance and max forgiveness.
Building on the breakthrough performance of Shape In Motion, SIM2 Max features an all-new Inertia Generator formed by its 9-layer carbon sole.
Pros
- It’s easier to hit longer drives with more spin
- The club is easy to swing and feels great in your hands
- The shaft is made of graphite and the grip has a textured surface for excellent control
Cons
- You can adjust the weighting of the sole so the heel is heavier or the toe lighter.
3. Best drivers for slicers
The TaylorMade SIM MAX Driver was engineered with Speed Injected Technology for a lower center of gravity and higher MOI than any other driver made by TaylorMade.
This combination results in faster clubhead speed which produces more distance. The aerodynamic shape of the sole and inertia generator work together to create a more forward, higher launch angle which allows the golf ball to fly higher and farther.
The 2-degree loft sleeve offers golfers the ability to fine-tune the performance of their clubs by allowing them to easily dial-in their personal golf game.
Pros
- It is easier to hit longer drives with a stiff shaft
- It has lower dispersion
- It has lower terminal drift
Cons
- None
4. Best drivers for distance
Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver
The Cleveland Golf Launcher Turbo Driver is a great choice for the serious golfers who enjoy long driving distances.
This club features a new, faster head that makes it ideal for use with all types of golf balls. It also has an oversized sweet spot that makes it easy to get the ball on the fairway and into the air where it can go any which way you choose!
The deep weighting in the heel and toe of this club allows you to get on the green early and stay there late. The counter-balanced shaft lets you achieve maximum distance while maintaining excellent forgiveness.
Pros
- Great for power hitters
- Straight and long
- Very low spin rate for a driver
- Head and neck fuse for maximum distance
- Forged from high-carbon steel for durability
Cons
- The club felt too light
5. Best drivers for slow swing speed
Cobra Golf 2020 Men's Speedzone Extreme Driver
Cobra Golf’s Speedzone Extreme Driver features a revolutionary new T-bar chassis design that provides a perfect platform for a lightweight, high-performance head with maximum forgiveness.
A T-bar chassis not only increases the strength of the club but also allows the club to be extremely thin, extremely light and exceptionally stiff. The result is an incredibly powerful club that inspires confidence from the first hit to the last.
With the ultra-thin face and strategically placed carbon fiber, the Cobra Speedzone Extreme Driver delivers higher ball speeds, increased distance and more forgiveness than any other driver ever produced by Cobra.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced golfer, the Cobra Speedzone Extreme Driver will dramatically enhance your game.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- It is easy to use
- Has an amazing look
- Lots of forgiveness
Cons
- Head cover is difficult to get on
6. Best cheap driver under 100
The offset golf driver from PGX is a great choice for anyone who wants to play better golf. Offset golf clubs have been around for a long time but, they are gaining in popularity once again.
The main reason people choose an offset club is for the added forgiveness they provide. By moving the center of gravity (CG) back away from the face of the club, you give yourself more “forgiveness” when you hit the ball off-center.
In other words, if your shot misses to the right by a long way, the club will still go left and hit the ball. The offset club also makes it easier for you to get the ball on the “sweet spot” of the club. This means that you can hit the ball with more accuracy and power.
When you use an offset club, you actually square your clubface at impact which in turn helps you achieve maximum distance.
Pros
- The lower CG made my shots feel more solid
- Has a nice design
- It feels good in your hands
Cons
- Scratches easily
Some FAQs about drivers for beginners
What is Center of Gravity?
In a golf club head, the Center of Gravity (CG) is the intersection inside of the head of all the different balance points. It can be determined via balancing the head on its sole, face, or any position on the head.
Since the CG is a single point inside the clubhead, its position must be explained in 3-dimensions.
- A vertical CG (how high up in the clubhead from the sole)
- A horizontal CG (how far from the middle of the shaft)
- A center CG (how far back from the clubface is placed)
How to swing a driver for beginners?
- Set up the shot by starting with a large stance with the ball placed in line with your front heel.
- Make sure your weight is put slightly more on the back leg. And remember to tilt your back so that your right shoulder is lower than the left one (if you’re a right-handed player).
- Start pushing the clubhead at a low angle and then change your weight to the backfoot.
- Next, swing the driver downward again in a smooth stroke. Remember to keep your feet flat and change your weight instantly to the front foot.
- When swinging, you need to keep your arms extended as much as better.
- Just raise and turn the backfoot after hitting the ball, not before.
- Finally, try to follow via folding the front elbow and crossing the rear forearm over your front forearm. This enhances the speed of the driver’s clubhead.
Conclusion
After reading top 6 best drivers for beginners above, can you choose the one to better your drive? As a newbie in the golf game, make sure that you understand key factors before deciding. Relying on that, everything will be easy. And the result is that you will have a good driver for improving the game.
In case you need the name of the winner, I will suggest the Callaway Golf 2017 Men's Great Big Bertha Epic Driver. This product comes with a breakthrough innovation, called the Jailbreak Technology that sets it apart from other competitors. Moreover, it offers a maximum forgiveness as well as a precision shot-shape control.
If you agree with me, ORDER it now and you instantly recognize why I’m suggesting this product.
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Once again, thanks for reading!