Drivers have always been the most popular piece of equipment, as they are the most glamorous and often polarising piece of kit in our bags. Some weeks you love it, some weeks you hate it.
Of course with the unbelievable transformation of Bryson DeChambeau this year, we've also seen the matter of driver technology and driving distance thrown into the spotlight once again - although I doubt you'll find many amateurs complaining that they hit it 'too far'...
As you probably know, 2020 has been another bumper year for new drivers with brands promising more speed, distance and forgiveness with every new release.
Let's dive in and see which of the drivers we tested in 2020 came out on top. As usual, in no particular order:
Released: 06/01/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £479
Quick Hit: Shape in motion marks excellent change in direction for TaylorMade after successful 'M' range.
The Tech: A new 'Inertia Generator' sole shape is said to reduce drag at the most important part of the swing for added speed, whilst adding weight at the bottom of the head promised to lead to easy launch and maximum forgiveness.
Golfalot Says: "Its gorgeous looks are matched with forgiveness and distance and this is all backed up by the numbers."
The SIM Max driver was even Sophie's pick in the Golfalot What's In The Bag for 2020 she liked it that much. Check out our feature from the summer via the Golfalot YouTube channel here:
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 23/01/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £469
Quick Hit: Next generation of Flash Face adds even more speed thanks to AI Technology.
The Tech: Callaway's Flash Face SS20 Technology now combines with a lightweight FS2S titanium face for faster ball speeds from a more robust material. The advancement of the AI technology now also means that Callaway can generate a different Flash Face for every single driver model (Sub Zero, standard and Max) and loft in the range.
Golfalot Says: "Callaway have once again come out with an exceptional driver, it's as simple as that."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 02/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £399
Quick Hit: Mizuno Drivers take another step towards competing with the 'Big Four' thanks to impressive ST200 range.
The Tech: The ST200G has ultra-adjustability thanks to the Fast Track system which consists of two 7g sliding weights on the sole which can be used to increase or lower spin rate, as well as introduce draw and fade bias. Designed for higher swing speeds, the ST200G provides faster ball speeds than last year's ST190G and is also more reliable on mishits too.
Golfalot Says: "Mizuno have certainly stepped up their driver performance over the past few years and the ST200 series is their best ever in terms of looks and performance, representing further improvement over the ST190."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 24/01/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £349
Quick Hit: Speedzone Drivers provide serious value for money along with plenty of adjustability options.
The Tech: The Cobra King Speedzone Xtreme is designed for 'extreme speed', distance and forgiveness. It therefore features a larger shape head and a 6g interchangeable weight on the sole, along with a fixed 17g tungsten weight in the back to achieve Cobra's highest ever MOI.
Golfalot Says: "I enjoyed hitting both Speedzone models when I tested them but in the end favoured the Xtreme due to its forgiveness and the huge amount of stability through the strike."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 15/10/2020
RRP As Reviewed: £519
Quick Hit: New Titleist drivers taking the tour by storm live up to some pretty big claims.
The Tech: A new aerodynamic head shape is said to decrease drag by 15%, whilst an new ATI 425 face insert helps with increased ball speed. The TSi3 features a rounded shape with a SureFit weight track in order to help with shot shaping.
Golfalot Says: "The flight, height and strike were exactly what I was looking for in a driver. I felt the driver performed great but also looked great. Plus, it’s used by Tommy Fleetwood, Padraig Harrington and Patrick Reed among other non-Titleist staff players which shows how good this driver is for me. Genuine improvement in ball speed and yardage"
Read the FULL REVIEW here
Released: 20/09/2019
RRP As Reviewed: £309
Quick Hit: Premium looking driver designed to increase speed and consistency for higher handicappers.
The Tech: A new Turbocharged Cup Face increases consistency on off-centre hits, whilst a HiBore Crown improves aerodynamics to increase club head speed. An ultralight hosel, without adjustability, means that the weight stays low and deep to promote higher launch and greater forgiveness levels.
Golfalot Says: "If you've got a slightly tighter budget and are looking for a driver that still looks good and performs well then you can't go wrong, especially if you need a little bit of help with launch and forgiveness."
Read the FULL REVIEW here
So there we have it, Golfalot's picks for the best drivers of the year. We'd love to hear your thoughts if you've tested or purchased any of the drivers on this list - or if you think there's anything we've missed out. Let us know in the comments below.
We look forward to seeing what 2021 brings in the wonderful and ever-evolving world of drivers!
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Best Wedges of 2020
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