2025 Golf Driver Buying Guide

Since the new year there has been an influx of new driver releases from the likes of Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Wilson, Srixon … and the rest!

With so many options on offer it can be quite overwhelming deciding which driver is best for you. So to simplify it for you we have broken it down to help you make a smart choice depending on your budget.

Where To Start

A lot of golfers I’ve coached in the past have come and asked what kind of driver they should buy. To start us off it would be great to know what kind of skill level you are, and how confident you feel when using driver.

Before making a purchase, there are a few key things you’ll want to consider:

• Adjustability: look for a driver that allows you to adjust the loft, lie, and weighting. This ensures you can fine-tune your driver for optimal performance as your game develops.
• Shaft Options: different shafts can drastically change the way a driver performs. Make sure to choose one that complements your swing speed. If you’re uncertain what your swing speed is, I’d highly recommend getting custom fit.
• Forgiveness: if you struggle to hit the middle of the face, look for a driver that’s designed for forgiveness, key word – MAX!
• Grip and Comfort: a comfortable grip is essential for hitting the ball straight. Changing the grip after purchase can drastically change the swing weight, so make sure that the grip is considered as high priority before purchasing clubs.

How would you describe your driving? To make the purchase easier for you we have put together four categories to determine what’s the most suitable option for you.

Low On Confidence

Struggling with consistency? Does your ball flight often veer off into the rough? Do you find yourself missing fairways regularly? If you’re lacking confidence with your driver, you’ll want a club that can help you out in those moments. Here’s what to look for:

Forgiveness is Key:
A driver with a larger sweet spot and perimeter weighting can help you hit better shots, even on mis-hits. Look for models that have high Moment of Inertia (MOI). This increases the driver’s resistance to twisting upon impact, helping keep the ball on target for longer.

Lightweight:
When you’re struggling with strike consistency, a lighter driver can make a world of difference. It helps you generate more swing speed without sacrificing any control. A lightweight shaft and clubhead can really help build up your confidence and feel in control of your shots.
Let’s face it, if you was to swing a really heavy club around for 18 holes, it will be a lot more difficult to find the middle of the club face compared to something much lighter.

Top Picks for Beginners/High Handicap:

Ping G440 Max / G430 Max 10K: both known for their extreme forgiveness. Whether you are looking for the newest model or not, these two offer Ping’s high MOI technology. Try both drivers out and see what you prefer.
The 10K model is last year’s model but we found it was the superior model when it comes to forgiveness.

Any other ‘Max’ models: whether its Ping or any other brand on the market, make sure when buying a forgiving driver make sure you select their ‘Max’ models.

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Hunting for Distance

Sometimes, it’s all about that extra bit of yardage. If you’re seeking more distance off the tee and looking for something with a sleek, modern look, low spinning drivers are generally packed with extra technology to help you gain carry distance.

Low Spin for More Carry:
If you have a faster swing speed or find that your ball flights tend to balloon up in the air, a low spin driver could be your best friend. However low spin drivers are not totally necessary for everyone with a high swing speed, you must also have the ability to hit the ball relatively straight.

Top picks for distance & consistent strike pattern:

Titleist GT3: perfect for players with a consistent impact location, if you are still achieving spin rates above 3000rpm then opt for the GT4.

TaylorMade Qi35 LS: by far the most aesthetically pleasing driver of 2025 and another great option.

Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond: another fantastic looking driver. Be warned you will definitely need to find the middle of the face with this one.

If you have a swing speed of 100mph+ but can’t guarantee hitting the middle of the face, I would suggest going for a slightly bigger head size. This is where its really important to get properly custom fitted to play about with different head and shaft options.

Top picks for distance & forgiveness:

Titleist GT2: this is for players who don’t always find the centre of the face. A great option for golfers who may need the stability of a high-MOI driver without sacrificing any ball speed.

I’d also consider using any manufacturers standard head model with a custom fitted shaft. A lot of golfers will actually benefit from doing this and make the game a lot easier for themselves.

Mid-Handicap Golfers: A Balanced Approach

If you’re typically shooting 80-100, you’ll need a driver that strikes the balance between forgiveness, distance, and control. You’re likely to have the ability to strike the ball consistently, but still looking for some help on mis-hits.

Versatility is Key:
The beauty of modern drivers is that they can be adjusted specifically to your swing characteristics. Meaning that you don’t have to change your swing too much but within reason.

I’d recommend looking for a driver that offers plenty of adjustability, such as the loft, lie and weight distribution. Each play their own part in improving your consistency of strike.

This is really helpful once you have the driver and perhaps decide to work on your technique with a coach. Having the ability to adjust your driver settings will help optimise your ball flight whether that’s now or in the future.

Moderate Spin for Consistency:
If distance isn’t your only goal, adding spin to your driver can help keep the ball on line. Players in this category don’t need ultra-low spin; moderate spin helps keep the ball in the air longer.
For example if your swing speed is between 90-100mph you will be aiming for 2600-3000rpm to optimise your ball flight.

Top Picks for Mid-Handicap Players:

Callaway Elyte: offers impressive ball speed with an adjustable hosel / weighting system to fine-tune distance and control.

Taylormade Qi35: another great option that’s pleasing on the eye. If you’re able to try multiple brands at once I’d look at all the standard driver heads as possible options.

Top Picks for Slicers:

Some of you in this category may need extra help with your slice, so here are a few options.

Ping G440 SFT (Straight Flight Technology) is the most forgiving option for slicers. It sits very closed and offset, which may not be for everyone, but it will certainly help with your slice!

Callaway Elyte X: This driver looks more appealing, with a less drastic offset. However, its weighting is designed to promote a draw, which should help a lot.

Budget-Friendly Driver Options

Not every golfer needs to splash out on the latest and greatest, especially if you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade. There are plenty of quality drivers that offer great performance without breaking the bank.

Value for Money:
Look for drivers that still offer features like adjustable lofts, forgiveness, and lightweight construction without the hefty price tag. Even models that are a few years old can still deliver excellent performance at a more affordable price.

Top Budget Picks:

Wilson Dynapwr range: if you’re looking for the latest model, then the new Dynapower range is relatively cheaper than its peers (Ping, Titleist, TaylorMade, Callaway). This years offering is definitely a big step up in design and performs great too. We tested the carbon model out against the Titleist GT3 and the results will surprise you!

Older models: any model no more than five years old will definitely offer some great adjustability. If you’re looking for something that’s still new, I’d look at the Ping G430 drivers. Many pro shops will still have stock of these at a fraction of the price.

Second hand market: again looking for a cheaper upgrade, I’d look into sourcing a driver that’s 2-3 years old with a shaft flex you’re comfortable using. Bear in mind that you might find it difficult to try before you buy, so make sure that you do your research first.

Starter sets: if you’re completely new to the game, I would recommend buying a starter set to get you going as they’re brilliant value. Our equipment expert Georgina had a go with a MacGregor starter set a few months ago.

Good luck!

Choosing the right driver for your game in 2025 doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By having a good awareness of your own your skill level and swing speed, will really help you make a smart decision. If you’re still unsure, I’d highly recommend getting some advice from your local PGA professional or go for a custom fitting.